Director Of International Public Affairs, Policy And Public Relations
London, United Kingdom / Global
GW Pharmaceuticals (GW) was a cutting-edge UK-based biopharmaceutical company that over two decades established a world-leading position in cannabinoid science and the development of regulatory approved cannabis-based medicines.In October 2018, TIME magazine named GW one of the 'Top 50 Genius Companies of 2018 That Are Inventing the Future' and in 2021 GW was awarded the Queen’s Award for Innovation. Joined GW initially on secondment from FTI and was tasked with establishing the external affairs function outside of the US, including the UK, EU markets (including Brussels), Canada, Australia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Israel, Brazil and Mexico. Responsibilities and achievements included: - Leading external communications around the FDA and EMA approval and launch of new medicines resulting in extensive multi-market high-profile and positive media coverage - Working closely with the VP Investor Relations and Exec team to develop and promote the company’s story and value proposition - Developing and leading educational initiatives explaining cannabinoid science and medicines, including the value of the medicines approval process - representing the company at the World Economic Forum (2020) and various UN meetings including UNODC annual meetings (March 2020 and 2022, including presentations at the 2020 event).- Reactive and proactive media relations, with 100s of top tier positive print and broadcast media secured (many standalone company features), including The Times, Guardian, FT, Bloomberg, Daily Mail, CNN, BBC News (various times and formats) and Breakfast, Sky News, ITV News, One Show, Countryfile, NY Times, WSJ, The Lancet, Wired, New Scientist, Newsnight - Developed and enacted government and regulatory engagement strategies to reduce market and patient access barriers, including the rescheduling of GW medicinesRegularly worked on projects outside of my primary communications remit – often reporting into the Chairman, CEO and COO.