Vaccine institute names new chief

The International Vaccine Institute on Tuesday announced that it has appointed Dr. Christian Loucq as the organization’s new director general. His term begins in November.

The institute is a Seoul-based international organization devoted to research in vaccine development and introduction for the developing world.

It said Loucq’s accumulated know-how in the management and leadership of private- and public-sector organizations in the vaccine arena has been recognized in his appointment.

“Loucq has extensive experience in working with public-private partnerships and private collaborations,” said Ragnar Norrby, chairman of the IVI’s board of trustees.

“His distinguished track record and background in global public health and business makes him an ideal leader to effectively set the course for the IVI’s continued success and further growth and development as an institute,” he added.

Loucq has been acknowledged for his 30 years of professional life in medicine, vaccines, pharmaceuticals and global public health in many countries that include Algeria, Belgium, Chad, China, India, the Netherlands, Niger, Switzerland, Thailand, the United States and the U.K. He also has managed vaccine businesses in China, India and Thailand, and worked with vaccine companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi Pasteur, and biotechnology companies such as Rhein Biotech and Acambis.

Loucq was the director of the Malaria Vaccine Initiative, a U.S.-based product development partnership.

“I am honored and very enthusiastic to be joining the IVI team as Director General. From research and development to epidemiology, from local manufacturing to access, the IVI has been a pioneering organization in many aspects of vaccinology when applied to preventing infectious diseases among the world’s poorest children,” said Loucq.

“I look forward to working with the IVI team, its board and advisors, the many generous donors, and the IVI’s collaborators throughout the world to help the IVI have an even greater impact.”

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)