EUCOPE welcomes Diego Ardigò as new Chair of the Board

Brussels, 17 June 2026

EUCOPE welcomes Diego Ardigò as new Chair of the EUCOPE Board.

Diego brings deep scientific and clinical development expertise and a strong commitment to advancing an innovation ecosystem that works for patients, healthcare systems and health technology companies across Europe.

As we welcome Diego into this role, we would also like to express our deepest gratitude to Jan G. Smith, who has served as Chair since the founding of EUCOPE and has been one of the Association’s founding members. Through his vision, dedication and unwavering commitment, Jan has played a defining role in establishing and shaping EUCOPE as the leading voice for health technology companies committed to delivering innovation for patients across Europe. His leadership, strategic guidance and tireless advocacy have left a lasting legacy for our Association and its members. We thank Jan sincerely for his exceptional contribution and many years of service as our Chairman. At the same time, we are delighted that Jan stays on the Board for the years to come as a Board Member.

We also extend our appreciation to all current and past Board members for their expertise, engagement and commitment to advancing EUCOPE’s mission. The strength of our Association is built on the active contribution of its members and leadership, whose collective efforts continue to shape the future of healthcare innovation in Europe.

Alexander Natz, Secretary General of EUCOPE:

“On behalf of the entire EUCOPE community, I would like to thank Jan G. Smith for his extraordinary leadership and dedication since the Association’s inception. His vision helped build a strong and influential organisation that has championed healthcare innovation across Europe. At the same time, I am delighted to welcome Diego Ardigò as our new Chair. His experience, insight and commitment to innovation will be invaluable as we work together with our members, partners and policymakers to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and ensure patients can benefit from the next generation of medical innovation.”

At a pivotal moment for the European life sciences sector, we warmly welcome Diego to this new role and look forward to working together with our members, partners and EU stakeholders to help shape a future-ready healthcare ecosystem for Europe.