Helen Gooding
Longton,LAN
Summary
Commercially focused executive therapeutic specialist with extensive experience delivering successful product launches and sustained growth in high‑cost therapy areas, including oncology. Recognised for operating to the highest standards of compliance while building trusted partnerships with NHS stakeholders and senior clinical leaders to improve patient access and outcomes. Proven track record of exceeding sales targets, launching complex products in challenging environments, and translating brand strategy into effective territory and key account plans. A collaborative team player who motivates colleagues, influences cross‑functional teams, and fosters strong, authentic working cultures. Highly skilled in stakeholder engagement, project leadership, and navigating evolving healthcare systems to deliver both commercial and organisational objectives
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work history
Executive Therapeutic Specialist Oncology
Gilead Sceiences
2022.01 - Current
- Led pre‑launch market development and post‑launch optimisation, translating brand strategy into focused, SMART territory priority account plans.
- Successfully launched innovative oncology solid tumour therapy across England and Scotland, within NHS systems, driving sustained adoption and growth.
- Delivered consistent over‑target performance in high‑cost oncology markets through strategic key account management and compliant stakeholder engagement. 2024 PVT 109%, 2025 PVT 106%
- Built trusted partnerships with NHS stakeholders, senior clinical leaders, pharmacists, and multidisciplinary teams to support patient access and pathway optimisation.
- Appointed UK & Ireland Compliance Champion, contributing to governance forums, providing peer guidance, and supporting a culture of ethical, compliant commercial practice. Recognised by receiving two values at work awards.
- UK & Ireland Lead for Women at Gilead (Employee Resource Group), driving inclusive initiatives aligned to organisational values, governance, and professional development priorities.
- Certified Winning Mindset Trainer, trained in sales coaching and led national workshops, developing coaching capability, performance mindset, and execution excellence across the organisation
- Deputised for the National Sales Manager, contributing to national sales strategy and execution discussions, providing leadership cover, and acting as first point of contact for the Therapeutic Specialist team to ensure alignment, continuity, and performance delivery.
Cell Therapy Account Manager
Kite - Gilead
2020.01 - 2021.12
- Rapidly established trusted partnerships with CAR‑T delivery centres across Greater Manchester, ensuring continuity of patient treatment during COVID‑19 through agile virtual engagement.
- Delivered consistent strong commercial performance in high‑cost cell therapy market, with proactive contribution to team and business objectives.
- Successfully launched Tecartus during national lockdown, leading cross‑functional collaboration with legal, medical, and site quality teams to secure contracts, quality agreements, SmPC alignment, and RMM training, resulting in early UK site qualification.
- Designed and delivered compliant virtual speaker programmes to drive referrals and adoption in highly specialised clinical environment.
- Removed prescribing and access barriers at The Christie through focused xKAM account planning and development of strong clinical brand advocacy. Grew market share by 40% to bring to national average
- Led strategic stretch projects with marketing, including, campaign development, training delivery, and creation of structured omnichannel customer journeys.
- Appointed High‑Performing Teams Lead for Kite Business Unit, partnering with senior leadership to embed organisational values and deliver strategic engagement initiatives.
- General Manager award for customer excellence.
Therapeutic Specialist
Gilead Sciences
2015.08 - 2019.12
- Collaborated with NHS stakeholders to secure post‑NICE availability of Haematology drug, supporting implementation and adaptation of local protocols in line with evolving prescribing guidance.
- Led cross‑functional initiatives with medical and marketing teams to develop real‑world patient case studies for haematology product and Car-T, strengthening clinical confidence and brand advocacy.
- Represented UK as part of European Strategic Marketing Group for Haematology, contributing insights to future campaign development and enhancing understanding of rapidly evolving market.
- Identified unmet educational needs within referral centres and partnered with marketing and external agencies to develop materials improving clinician understanding of Yescarta and patient treatment choice.
- Co‑delivered Pan‑Manchester CAR‑T educational programme with Cell Therapy Account Management, demonstrating strong cross‑functional delivery of high‑quality education for healthcare professionals
- Recognised with Gilead Team of the Year award (2016) for outstanding collaborative contribution to brand performance.
Key Account Manager - Neurology
Merck Serono
2008.11 - 2015.08
- Built and developed KOL Partnerships to support prescribing guidance, educational webinars, and medical education meetings, strengthening clinical advocacy ahead of wider adoption.
- Led cross‑functional collaboration with HCPs, Medical, and local and global Marketing teams to develop patient‑ and HCP‑facing materials, CRM systems, and field tools; selected to present UK launch readiness to Global Head Office and Board representatives.
- Drove market‑leading performance through training HCPs on first automatic device in neurology, establishing first UK centres using digital adherence tools and supporting KOL engagement in early clinical research; recognised with Pharma Times Aspiring Marketer – Highly Commended (2014) and Business Excellence Award – Customer Innovation (2012).
Senior Hospital Representative
Eli Lilly & Co
2005.09 - 2008.10
- Led collaborative internal and external projects, delivering speaker meeting programmes that were scaled nationally.
- Delivered regional training sessions on teamwork, clinical data, and objection handling to enhance field capability and consistency.
- Worked cross‑functionally with hospital and PCT stakeholders to implement Physical Health Guidelines.
- Designed call‑zoning frameworks and business plans to drive objective‑led execution, reflected in sustained sales results.
Senior Mental Health Coordinator
Wyeth
2004.09 - 2005.07
- Led joint mental health initiatives with internal teams and external stakeholders, delivering series of speaker meetings that were successfully replicated across regions.
- Delivered regional training sessions focused on teamwork, clinical data, and objection handling, strengthening capability and confidence across multidisciplinary audiences.
- Partnered cross‑functionally with hospital teams and Primary Care Trusts to implement Physical Health Guidelines in mental health settings, supported by objective‑driven business planning and call‑zoning models that delivered strong commercial outcome
Senior Hospital Represenative
Abbot Laboratories
2002.12 - 2004.08
- Delivered pre‑launch market development for biologic therapy in niche rheumatology setting, working closely with Medical to support named‑patient access and early clinical adoption.
- Engaged national and international rheumatology audiences through scientific exchange at major symposia, supporting launch readiness and stakeholder awareness.
- Partnered with NHS organisations to develop funding business cases and resolve PCT‑level access challenges, contributing to long‑term commissioning solutions; achieved first UK prescription of Humira and promoted to Senior Representative (2003)
GP and Hospital Representative
Shire Pharmaceuticals
2000.03 - 2002.10
Education
BA HONS - Health and Community Studies
University College Chester
Skills
- Product Launch, Market Access & Commercial Strategy
- High‑Cost & Specialist Medicines (Oncology, Cell Therapy, Rheumatology, Neurology)
- NHS Partnership, Stakeholder Engagement & Key Account Management
- Sales Coaching, Winning Mindset Training & Leadership Development
- Medical Education, KOL Development & Speaker Programmes
- Cross‑Functional Leadership, Omnichannel Engagement & Compliance (ABPI)
Timeline
Executive Therapeutic Specialist Oncology
Gilead Sceiences
2022.01 - Current
Cell Therapy Account Manager
Kite - Gilead
2020.01 - 2021.12
Therapeutic Specialist
Gilead Sciences
2015.08 - 2019.12
Key Account Manager - Neurology
Merck Serono
2008.11 - 2015.08
Senior Hospital Representative
Eli Lilly & Co
2005.09 - 2008.10
Senior Mental Health Coordinator
Wyeth
2004.09 - 2005.07
Senior Hospital Represenative
Abbot Laboratories
2002.12 - 2004.08
GP and Hospital Representative
Shire Pharmaceuticals
2000.03 - 2002.10
BA HONS - Health and Community Studies
University College Chester