Ian Wakefield – Proudly representing the medtech voice

Ian Wakefield is a Medical Scientist by training and has completed his undergraduate and post graduate studies in Medical Biochemistry at the University of Cape Town Medical School. He has extensive experience working in the healthcare sector in Africa and has built a rich career within the pharmaceutical and medical research fields. He has held positions at Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town Medical School, Servier and Novartis.

Ian joined BD 12 years ago and has been the General Manager for BD Africa for the past 7 years. In his current position, Ian is responsible for spearheading the planning, development, and implementation of results-oriented strategies to advance the company’s business goals for the region. Ian is passionate about advancing healthcare in Africa and believes that through public private partnerships a more efficient healthcare system can be developed to deliver better quality care to African patients.

Ian strives to create a culture of transparency and trust within the organisations and teams that he is part of. He finds value in diversity of people and has actively advocated for greater diversity whilst as a member of the Diversity and Inclusion team for the Middle East and Africa region and continues to do so today. He is committed to the development of others, serving as a mentor to a number of BD associates from various countries within the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) Region.

Ian is currently a Board Member of the South African Medical Device Industry Association (SAMED) and has previously served on the boards of the South African Laboratory Diagnostics Association and the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa.