Derek is a senior biopharmaceutical executive with over 25 years of technical, operational and commercial experience spanning start-up, mid-size and large multinational pharma organisations. He combines a deep technical and regulatory understanding of biologics development and manufacture with strong commercial acumen, and is well connected across the UK, European and US biopharmaceutical industry. As Principal Commercial Consultant at GreyRigge Associates, Derek supports clients with business development and CDMO management consulting, drawing on experience leading major R&D programmes, site operations and business strategy for innovator companies and CDMOs at national and global level.
Expertise: Primary Service Skillsets
Business Development & Deal Making
- Structuring and negotiating consultancy, manufacturing and partnership agreements with pharma, biotech and public sector clients
- Business development leadership and representation, including CDMO management consulting
- Building and maintaining relationships with key strategic partners and senior decision-makers across the biopharma community
Business & R&D Strategy
- Developing organisational strategy and roadmaps for biologics and gene therapy businesses
- Site investment and capacity planning for manufacturing operations
- Leading complex, matrixed global development programmes with accountability across clinical, technical and regulatory workstreams
CMC & Biologics Manufacturing
- CMC development, GMP manufacturing and analytical development oversight
- Quality control and manufacturing operations for biopharmaceutical products
- Authoring key sections of regulatory submissions and leading CMC due diligence for acquisitions and licensing
Additional Technical Specialisms
- Leadership & Team Building: Experienced at building large, multi-disciplinary teams across R&D, manufacturing and commercial functions, including site leadership responsibilities (circa £25M budget).
- Regulatory & Due Diligence: Authoring key sections of regulatory submissions and leading technical due diligence for acquisitions and licensing opportunities.
- Entrepreneurial Business Building: Co-founding and growing a specialist biopharma consultancy from inception, including business planning and investment raising.
To learn more on Derek Ellison's background, read here.
If you would like to discuss your project with Derek or require specialist advice please get in touch.
