Claudia Korf Appointed as Deputy Chief Executive at ABDA

Claudia Korf, who has served as Director of Economics at the German Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists (ABDA) since 2014, will assume the newly established position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer effective January 1. This appointment completes the executive leadership team for ABDA, the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists (BAK), and the German Pharmacists' Association (DAV).

The organizational changes follow the retirement of long-standing ABDA Chief Executive Sebastian Schmitz at the end of the year. Franziska Erdle is set to succeed Schmitz as Chief Executive Officer, with Korf supporting her in the new deputy role. Korf's extensive experience in economic management within the association is expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing development of the organization and the pharmacy profession in Germany.

The creation of the Deputy Chief Executive position is part of a broader restructuring process at ABDA. In addition to the leadership transition, the four existing business divisions--Legal, Economics, Pharmacy, and Pharmaceuticals--will undergo a reorganization to better address future challenges and streamline operations. This move aims to strengthen the coordination among the three organizations and enhance their ability to respond to industry developments and regulatory changes.

Further personnel changes are anticipated in the coming year. Martin Schulz, Director of Pharmaceuticals, is scheduled to retire at the end of March 2026, and Lutz Tisch, Director of Legal Affairs, will conclude his tenure at the end of June. Christiane Eckert-Lill, former Director of Pharmacy, already stepped down at the end of 2023. These transitions signal a period of significant renewal in ABDA's leadership structure.

The ABDA, along with its affiliated organizations BAK and DAV, represents the interests of pharmacists in Germany and plays a critical role in shaping healthcare policy and pharmacy practice nationwide. The new leadership team is expected to focus on strengthening the organization's strategic direction and supporting the evolving needs of pharmacists, particularly in light of ongoing digital transformation and regulatory reforms in the healthcare sector.

The restructured leadership framework and the appointment of experienced professionals like Claudia Korf reflect ABDA's commitment to fostering innovation and stability within the German pharmacy landscape. The organization aims to enhance its influence on policy discussions and support member pharmacists through periods of industry change, ensuring the continued provision of high-quality pharmaceutical care across the country.