The Team
The GIRP Secretariat is responsible for the coordination of GIRP’s activities and provides advice and consultancy services. Based in Brussels, the Secretariat synergizes the needs and actions of the organisation and is proactively involved in the European legislative process ensuring the optimum result for our members. The team is composed of highly motivated and experienced professionals who take care of every need of GIRP members and keep them up-to-date on current policy developments.
Kasper Ernest is the Director General of GIRP, the European Healthcare Distribution Association, a role he assumed in October 2024. Prior to this, he served as Secretary-General of Affordable Medicines Europe from 2018 to 2024. With over 15 years of experience in European affairs in Brussels, Kasper has held leadership positions such as President of the European Medicines Verification Organisation (EMVO) and Director of the EU & International Department at the Confederation of Danish Enterprise from 2015 to 2018. He has also served as a Board Member of several EU-level business organizations, Healthcare Denmark, and as a member of the Danish Government’s Implementation Council, overseeing the adoption of EU laws in Denmark.
Kasper holds a master's degree in International Business and Politics from Copenhagen Business School and Singapore Management University, and he is a guest lecturer at Copenhagen Business School.
Contact: k.ernest@girp.eu
Pauline is the executive director of external affairs at GIRP where she is responsible for executing public affairs strategies. Pauline joined GIRP in 2017 where she held different positions working to increase awareness on the critical role and expertise of pharmaceutical full-line wholesalers towards European institutions and supply chain stakeholders. Pauline is particularly focused on medicines shortages and the strengthening of the pharmaceutical supply chain. Prior to working in Brussels, Pauline held the position of press attaché at the French Embassy in New Zealand and worked on the European Project Linked:In.
Pauline is a French citizen and holds a degree in corporate communication.
Contact: p.foucher@girp.eu
Hugo Lecuyer is a Policy Advisor with a strong academic background in political science and international relations. He holds a Master’s degree in Political Sciences from Sciences Po Rennes and a Master’s in International Relations with a specialization in Public Policies from the Université Libre de Bruxelles. As a Policy Advisor, Hugo monitors and analyzes European policy developments impacting the healthcare distribution sector, with a focus on public health, supply chain resilience, and regulatory frameworks. He supports strategic advocacy efforts by drafting policy content, coordinating with key stakeholders, and organizing high-level events and conferences.
Hugo is fluent in English and French.
Contact: h.lecuyer@girp.eu
Maria is the Events & Administration Manager at GIRP. Her daily tasks involve administrative, accounting, and financial responsibilities to carry out GIRP’s activities. Through the year, she works on the planning of different events organised by GIRP – Autumn Meeting, Annual Meeting & Conference, and Supply Chain Conference.
Maria graduated from University of Silesia in Spanish Philology. After that she moved to Brussels and completed Political Science Master at Université Libre de Bruxelles. Following the Master, she did two traineeships, one of which was at the European Parliament. Maria speaks Polish, Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
Contact: m.zazula@girp.eu
Orla is the Regulatory Affairs Executive for the European Healthcare Distribution Association (GIRP). Orla is responsible for various Committee meetings of the association including legal affairs, technical affairs, and the European Green Deal. She also works on several projects of GIRP, organises the Supply Chain Conference, and provides general assistance to the industry members.
After having graduated from University College Cork, Ireland with a joint Bachelors degree in Law and French, Orla did a Master of Laws degree in International Economic Law in Edinburgh, Scotland. Following her Masters, she completed a traineeship in DG TRADE in the European Commission. Orla speaks English, Irish and French.
Contact: o.finnerty@girp.eu