Pete replaces Peter Ballard, who has completed his second tenure as association chair and will now serve a further year as vice-chair.
A former chair of the association's Economic and Commercial group, Pete is also the Managing Director of Accord UK.
Accord is one of the largest generic and biosimilar manufacturers in Europe, and in the UK currently supplies 1 in 5 of all generic medicines. Pete has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for more than 20 years, the last 15 years being at Accord in a number of senior commercial roles.
Mark Samuels, Chief Executive of the British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA), said: "We are very fortunate to have someone of Pete's experience and leadership qualities to take on the mantle of chair of the association. The industry faces a challenging period on many fronts, and Pete's input will be invaluable."
"I would also like to record my enormous gratitude to Peter Ballard, our outgoing chair who has been an incredible servant to the association over many, many years. He will continue for another year as vice-chair, and we are pleased to have his continuing advice."
Pete Kelly said: "It is a huge honour to be voted in as the association's new chair. Our industry is vital to the health of the UK population, and I am therefore delighted to be able to contribute to the success of the BGMA."
"Following both Brexit and the pandemic, it is paramount that the medicines from our members, which represent four out of five used by patients, can still carry out their primary mission. This is to improve access to medicines for patients at the right time while providing critical savings to the NHS."
