Medicines for Malaria Venture appoints Martin Fitchet as CEO

SWITZERLAND—Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), a leading not-for-profit partnership dedicated to combating malaria, has announced the appointment of Martin Fitchet, MD, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding David Reddy, who served MMV for 13 years.

In his new capacity, Martin will oversee the development and delivery of new antimalarial medicines to advance towards a malaria-free future.

This vision serves as the cornerstone of MMV’s new 2024-2030 strategy, set to debut at the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria Society Conference in Rwanda from April 21st to 27th.

The strategy delineates four pillars and cross-cutting priorities that will guide the organization’s endeavors in the coming years.

With over 25 years of experience spanning pharmaceuticals, MedTech, and Global Public Health, Martin joins from Johnson & Johnson, where he most recently held the position of Global Head of Global Public Health.

During his tenure, he played pivotal roles in spearheading the development and global access to innovative pharmaceuticals for various diseases, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, HIV, tuberculosis, Ebola, and COVID-19.

Martin assumes the role of CEO as MMV celebrates its 25th anniversary, succeeding David Reddy, who led the organization for 13 years.

Under Reddy’s stewardship, MMV brought forth 15 new medicines, estimated to have saved the lives of 15.4 million people.

However, malaria persists as a pressing global health concern, claiming over 600,000 lives annually, exacerbated by challenges such as drug resistance, climate change, and fragile health systems hindering access to medicines, particularly for vulnerable demographics like children and pregnant women.

During the announcement, Alan Court, MMV Board Chair, expressed the board’s delight in Martin’s acceptance of the CEO role.

He underscored Martin’s expertise and track record in fostering innovation and access to medicines, aligning seamlessly with MMV’s strategic objectives.

Court expressed confidence that Martin, as a doctor and global health leader, would lead the organization in delivering cutting-edge innovation to the most affected populations.

In his speech, Martin Fitchet, MD, expressed his honor and excitement to join MMV at such a pivotal juncture.

He commended the organization’s unwavering focus on leveraging innovation to safeguard vulnerable and underserved populations at risk of malaria, further committing to continuing this essential work.

Martin finished by expressing his anticipated collaborating with the dedicated MMV team and partners to expedite efforts in aiding those most affected and ultimately eradicating the disease.

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