PhRMA picks medical device lobbyist as next head

Medical device lobbyist Steve Ubl was confirmed Friday as the next head of the pharmaceutical industry’s largest trade group.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) announced the move Friday, which had been reported by The Hill on Wednesday.

“Steve’s extensive experience, depth of knowledge and patient-centered approach to advocacy will serve him well in leading the association at a time when our industry is bringing tremendous medical innovation to patients, the health care system and society,” said Kenneth C. Frazier, chairman of the PhRMA Board of Directors.

Ubl, who is credited with lifting the profile of the medical device industry in Washington, has spent 17 years in top positions at AdvaMed. His last 10 years have been as president and CEO.

Since the passage of ObamaCare, Ubl has concentrated on repealing the law’s medical device tax.

The leadership at PhRMA, the pharmaceutical sector’s leading lobby, has been in question since its current president and CEO, John Castellani, announced plans to step down in April. Castellani has been at the helm for 10 years.

AdvaMed will be launching a national search to replace Ubl as president and CEO.