International Diabetes Federation appoints Petra Wilson as CEO

BRUSSELS — A former executive from Cisco has been appointed as CEO of the International Diabetes Federation.

The IDF announced Thursday the appointment of Petra Wilson, who formerly served as Cisco's senior director of the European health and care business solutions team, working with the World Health Organization, the European Commission, governments and others.

"I am delighted to be taking up this challenging post," Wilson said. "Diabetes is one of the most pressing health challenges globally, which demands that people, organizations, communities and nations work together to create a better future for those affected by the disease. IDF has a deservedly high reputation as a forthright advocate for people with diabetes, and I look forward to being part of such a dynamic global movement."

Wilson also previously was director of the European Health Management Association and a scientific officer for the European Commission, where she was in charge of the European eHealth Action Plan. Prior to that, she was a professor at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, teaching in the university's law and medical schools.