Speakers
Meet the #1VoiceSummit speakers
Charl van Zyl
CEO, Lundbeck
Charl van Zyl joined Lundbeck as CEO in 2023 and brings more than 23 years of experience from commercial international management roles within the pharmaceutical industry.
On June 18th, Charl will take part in the Fireside chat One Voice for Neuroscience.
Tarek Samad
Senior Vice President and Global Head of Research, Lundbeck
Dr. Tarek Samad joined Lundbeck in 2021 and brings more than two decades of experience in academia and industry. He has filed several patents, published in leading scientific journals, is a member of several science foundations and societies.
On June 17th, Tarek will take part in the session The State of Neuroscience 2026 – Shared Challenges Across Diseases.
Maria Kristiansen
Professor of Participatory Health Services Research, University of Copenhagen
Professor Maria Kristiansen is Professor of Participatory Health Services Research at the University of Copenhagen, Research Collaborator at Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, and Honorary Fellow at the University of Edinburgh. She leads interdisciplinary research focused on person-centered healthcare, aging, equity and diversity, with patient and public involvement central to her work.
On June 17th, Maria will take part in the sessions Addressing Health System Challenges in Brain Health and System Friction and Leverage.
Donna Walsh
Chief Executive Officer, International Bureau of Epilepsy
Donna Walsh joined the International Bureau for Epilepsy as Chief Executive Officer in January 2022 and brings extensive experience from the non-profit sector, serving people living with neurological disorders. She previously served as Executive Director of the European Federation of Neurological Associations and is Co-Chair of the OneNeurology Partnership.
On June 17th, Donna will take part in the session System Friction and Leverage.
Joe Lindahl
Chief Executive Officer, Mission MSA
Joe joined Mission MSA as Chief Executive Officer in 2022 and leads the organization’s strategy, partnerships and operations to advance support for the MSA community. He is an active advocate and spokesperson for people living with multiple system atrophy, championing the needs of patients, care partners, healthcare professionals and aligned organizations.
On June 18th, Joe will take part in the session Community Building and Enlargement.
Eamon McPartlin
Board Member, Neurological Alliance of Ireland
Eamon McPartlin is the lived experience representative nominee to the Board of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland and founder and chair of FND Ireland. He has a passion for patient advocacy, education and research and he says his 'lived experience' is the key to advancing this passion. Eamon is an active HSE patient partner and is a member of a number of HSE Steering and Working Groups.
On June 18th, Eamon will take part in the session Community Building and Enlargement.
Deepak Jain
Vice President, Global Medical Affairs
Deepak Jain joined Lundbeck in 2025 and brings extensive experience from previous roles at AstraZeneca and Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
On June 18th, Deepak will take part in the session One Voice Forward.
Rita Paizinho
Project Manager, MiGRA Portugal
Rita Paizinho is a Project Manager at MiGRA Portugal. She is an Occupational Therapist, with experience in paediatrics and mental health. Her work combines patient advocacy, health promotion and education, to improve the lives of people affected by headache disorders.
On June 17th, Rita will take part in the session System Friction and Leverage.
Naomi Fukuda
Director of International Affairs, Dravet Syndrome Japan
Naomi Fukuda joined Dravet Syndrome Japan in 2015 and currently serves as Director of International Affairs. Over the past two years, she has participated in the European Dravet Syndrome Conference, serving as a panelist in 2025, and has brought valuable knowledge, insights, and international perspectives back to the organization. She has also played an active role in building networks with other Dravet patient organizations around the world. On a personal note, she is the mother of a son living with Dravet syndrome.
On June 18th, Naomi will take part in the session Community Building and Enlargement.
Carolyn Paul
EMEA Chair of Health, Edelman
Carolyn Paul brings more than 30 years of experience in public relations and is a leading expert in international healthcare communications. Her expertise in the healthcare arena spans almost every sector and therapeutic area.
Carolyn will be the moderator for the #1VoiceSummit 2026.
Please feel free to contact the event team for any questions or inquiries.
1VoiceSummit Event Team:
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