Chairman’s resignation provokes major change at EU supplements group
The Council for Responsible Nutrition UK (CRN UK) severed its membership with EHPM in December, sources say, as the UK group wanted to, “move in other directions”.
That meant Legge, who is vice chairman of CRN UK and was only elected EHPM chair in May last year, vacated that role, provoking further moves with the European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers (EHPM) taking control of its day-to-day running.
Previously much of this work was completed by European Advisory Services (EAS), the Brussels-based consultancy it has shared an office with, along with other trade groups like the international supplements association, IADSA. EAS resigned last year.
Martin Last, chairman of EHPM member, the UK Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA), told us EHPM had been planning to establish a secretariat and appoint a director general for some time.
“It was in our plans anyway,” Last said.
“Business as usual”
EHPM, in a statement, said the restructuring would deliver, “better service, transparency and value for money for its members with a move to self-governance.”
Until a new chair is appointed, EHPM has established an executive team consisting of Last and Alban Maggiar (Synadiet, - France), Alan Ruth (IHTA - Ireland), Robert Sanahuja (Afepadi - Spain), Mischa Strijder (NPN – the Netherlands) and Marjan Willaert (Naredi - Belgium).
A spokesperson for the executive team said: “We have welcomed this opportunity to re-invigorate the organisation to enable us to meet the challenges of today’s environment – it is business as usual.”
