Bonifac Makkai

Head of EU Affairs @ Abbott | Public Affairs and Health Policy Specialist | Project Management Geek (PMP)

Brussels, Brussels Region, Belgium

About

I am an experienced EU public affairs professional and project management geek (PMP) specialised in European government affairs and health policies. Maximising societal value in healthcare must rely upon the cooperation of all stakeholders centering around the needs of patients. This is what sound public affairs should facilitate, proactive partnerships and development of policies that allow innovation to reach patients - especially in areas of high unmet need.

Experience

  • Head of EU Gvt Affairs at Abbott
    Apr 2025 - Present · 1 yr 3 mos

  • Senior Manager Government Affairs at GSK
    Jul 2023 - Apr 2025 · 1 yr 10 mos

  • Senior Account Director (health policy) at BCW Brussels
    May 2022 - Sep 2023 · 1 yr 5 mos

    - Senior manager of BCW's healthcare practice in Brussels, advising on strategic directions, business development, HR and capacities, team culture and cohesion, networking and intelligence - Closely following key EU health files and policy initiatives (e.g. revision of the general pharmaceutical legislation, OMP/PAED, EHDS, SoHO Regulation etc.), and conducting policy analysis to strategically advise clients - Developing and maintaining a network of key stakeholders in Brussels and conducting policy advocacy campaigns based on effective messaging - Leading 4 complex projects in the field of rare diseases, oncology, mental health, patient engagement, intellectual property and innovation, sustainability, AMR and public affairs with EU and global scope - Negotiating contracts, budgets and project scopes with clients

  • RPP Group (Full-time · 2 yrs 8 mos)
    • Senior Consultant (health policy)
      Aug 2021 - May 2022 · 10 mos

      - Lead manager of 7 projects covering rare diseases, oncology, blood, tissues and cells, nuclear medicine, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and cell and gene therapies - Developed public affairs strategies for external engagement with key stakeholders in line with client objectives - Developed and maintained network of partnerships with key policymakers, experts, patients and other relevant stakeholders - Analysed policy opportunities and risks to advise public affairs strategies - Developed new business opportunities in a fast-paced environment - Provided leadership and managed the Brussels office as a senior colleague in the office

    • Consultant (health policy)
      Aug 2020 - Aug 2021 · 1 yr 1 mo

    • Policy Analyst (health policy)
      Oct 2019 - Aug 2020 · 11 mos

  • Lecturer in Negotiation at Saint Ignatius Jesuit College for Advanced Studies (Szent Ignác Jezsuita Szakkollégium)
    Feb 2018 - Dec 2021 · 3 yrs 11 mos

    As a lecturer in negotiation, I taught elective negotiation courses to Bachelor and Master students from various backgrounds and universities. The content of the course integrated theories of negotiation embedded in game theoretic models, political science, IR and various models of bilateral negotiations. The course also put a strong emphasis on the practical application of integrative and distributive bargaining tactics through case studies and complex role play games.