Louise Cruickshanks
Wigan,MAN
Summary
Strong record in M+A and business acquisition identification, transaction completion and integration. Proven track record of complex brand product development and regulatory navigation to enhance and maximise product presentation and reach both within branded business and in contract manufacturing. Qualified Pharmacist and strong research and development background with extensive International, US, European and UK experience and knowledge. Proficient in developing, communicating and delivering strategic new product development plans and projects in line with business objectives. Proficient in business change programmes aimed at driving improved performance at all levels. Clear communicator and highly skilled partnership development professional driving strong sales and profit growth
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Development Officer
HBI Health & Beauty Innovations (DCCplc)
Manchester, Greater Manchester
03.2024 - Current
- Leader in the customer relationship development. Deepening the customer relationships and engagement through strong R&D, innovation, and customer service initiatives.
- Developed training programs to enhance team skills and performance that deliver customer engagement, innovation delivery, and trend interpretation.
- Senior leader of the HBI business across US, UK and Europe
- Lead the global business development with teams in Europe, the UK, and the US.
- Acquisition of European contract manufacturer and subsequent integration to the HBI business
Chief Development Officer
DCCplc
SAINT PETERSBURG, Florida
09.2022 - 03.2024
- Developed strategic partnerships to expand service offerings and market presence.
- Presented innovative proposals to stakeholders for potential collaborations and projects.
- Led innovation workshops and presentations with strategic customers, supporting R&D teams in product development.
- Managed customer relationships to cultivate loyalty and drive long-term business growth.
- Identified new business acquisition opportunities in target markets through thorough research and analysis.
- Conducted competitor analysis to shape effective business development strategies and initiatives.
Group Development Director
DCC PLC
Manchester, Manchester
10.2011 - 08.2020
- Cultivated relationships with large FMCG and healthcare clients to drive business growth.
- Identified and pursued new business opportunities across nutritional supplements, skincare, and medical devices sectors.
- Identified and pursued new business opportunities across nutritional supplements, skincare, and medical devices sectors.
- Led acquisition and integration of contract manufacturers in EU and USA to enhance technical capabilities.
- Completed acquisitions of Vitamex Sweden, Universal Products Ltd, Design Plus Packaging, and, in the USA, Ion Labs Inc. Florida and Amerilab Technologies Inc. Minnesota between 2012 and 2020.
- Implemented ISO 13485 at two manufacturing sites to support medical device design and production.
- Supported the Innovation pipeline to key customer developing leading clinical claims packages improving their consumer engagements and route to market opportunities.
- Recognized as a future leader within DCC and participated in mentoring programs focused on strategic women's leadership.
- Spearheaded development initiatives for customer brands in health and wellness markets.
Commercial Director
Laleham Health & Beauty Ltd
Alton , Hampshire
04.2018 - 07.2020
- Served as board member and senior lead at £100 million+ turnover contract manufacturing business.
- Directed customer-facing teams, including R&D, packaging technology, and account management.
- Managed new product introduction and customer service to enhance client engagement.
- Aligned product offerings with trends by leading cross-functional teams.
- Executed commercial strategies targeting growth opportunities based on company objectives.
- Oversaw projects across sectors such as Beauty, Nutritional, OTC medicine, and Medical devices.
- Facilitated collaboration between departments to ensure cohesive product development.
- Drove initiatives to meet evolving customer needs and market demands.
Integration Director R+D
Reckitt Benckiser PLC
Manchester, Greater Manchester
09.2010 - 10.2011
- Integrated ex-SSL R+D and product delivery functions into Reckitt Benckiser structure.
- Managed stakeholder relationships to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Oversaw transfer of R+D and product delivery from Manchester SSL to Hull and Bangkok.
- Successfully transitioned New Product Development pipeline to Reckitt Benckiser operations.
- Managed team of over 50 technical managers during consultation and redundancy process.
- Directed clinical management, product development, and education delivery for medical devices.
Head of Innovation Development – Group Innovation
SSL International plc
Manchester, Greater Manchester
09.2008 - 09.2010
- Directed global Innovation strategy for brands Durex and Scholl, enhancing product development initiatives.
- Restructured group innovation team of 30 professionals to improve operational efficiency and project delivery.
- Established three-year partnership with University of Salford for educational support and product innovation.
- Managed product development compliance across US and European markets, ensuring adherence to design standards.
- Led creation of virtual R&D hub in Manchester, fostering collaborative networks and partnerships.
- Delivered consistent year-over-year growth in Innovation project pipeline and product launches through technology acquisition.
- Achieved financial value of innovations reaching £350 million during tenure, boosting overall brand performance.
- Increased innovation pipeline contribution to 30% of total sales, reinforcing strategic business objectives.
Head of Innovation Scholl Footcare and OTC
SSL International plc
Manchester, Greater Manchester
04.2004 - 09.2008
- Directed global New Product Development strategy for Scholl Footcare and UK-owned brands.
- Developed operating mechanisms to accelerate innovation while expanding team capabilities.
- Led a 20-member team in new product development, evaluation, and clinical trial support.
- Delivered innovative products including Cracked Heel Repair Cream and Nail Brightening System, generating over £100M in value.
- Facilitated transfer of Scholl Footcare products from Derby Manufacturing to SSL India operations.
- Achieved Design Control and medical device registration within six months at new headquarters.
Research Manager
SSL International plc
Manchester, Greater Manchester
06.2002 - 04.2004
- Oversaw NPD for UK OTC product development and led 12 scientists across three areas.
- Managed project timelines, new product acquisitions, and regulatory comment writing assistance.
- Controlled budget management and resource allocation for OTC team to optimize performance.
- Established communication channels with Marketing to expedite product delivery to market.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with Peterlee manufacturing facility to support product launches.
- Successfully launched several new products during tenure.
- Project managed transfer of Hibi infection control range from Astra Zeneca to Peterlee facility.
- Executed transfer of Remegel from Warner Lambert and OTCs from GSK to various manufacturing sites.
New Product Development Manager
SSL International plc
Manchester, Greater Manchester
06.2001 - 06.2002
- Oversaw 10 scientists across New Product Development, analytical method development, and process support for UK over-the-counter business.
- Established a new departmental structure to enhance team efficiency.
- Provided extensive manufacturing site support for start-up of £20 million pharmaceutical facility in Peterlee, Co. Durham.
- Led validation team, ensuring timely availability of necessary site support during critical phases.
Process Development Pharmacist
SSL International plc
Manchester, Greater Manchester
07.1998 - 06.2001
- Led process support and integrated new products into manufacturing facilities.
- Managed transfer and validation of acquired products to ensure quality standards.
- Oversaw NPD projects, coordinating efforts for successful execution.
Formulation Chemist
Cupal Ltd
Blackburn, Lancashire UK
08.1989 - 09.1994
- Led new product development for over-the-counter medicines targeting UK and African markets.
- Launched Curprofen brand along with extensions in children’s medicine.
- Integrated Smithkline Beecham products into Cupal manufacturing facility to enhance production capabilities.
Education
Industry analysis, Strategic planning -
IMD International
Lausanne Switzerland 02.2010
High performance Leadership - Leadership
Keary Harper
In House06.2009
Appraising for continuous high performance -
Industrial Society
06.2005
Finance for the non-finance manager -
Cranfield University
UK06.2005
Leadership skills -
Campaign for Leadership
07.2003
BPharm (Hons) Pharmacy Degree - Pharmaceutics - Pharmacy
School of Pharmacy University of London
London UCL07.1998
Pre-registration training -
Southport District General Hospital
UK02.1998
Skills
Revenue growth strategies
- Customer relationship management
- Merger and acquisition expertise
- Transaction execution and integration
- Product branding
- Compliance navigation
- Presentation skills
- Manufacturing and Development expertise
- Licensed pharmacist
- Trend led R&D
- Global experience in USA and Europe
- New product strategy development
- Change management programs
- Performance optimization
- Collaborative partnerships
Hobbies and Interests
- Travelling both locally and internationally with my family.
- Skiing
- Reading (on lots of flights)
- Music festivals and gigs
- Gym
References
Available on request.
Other Information
Qualified registered pharmacist, Full, clean driving licence.
Timeline
Chief Development Officer
HBI Health & Beauty Innovations (DCCplc)
03.2024 - Current
Chief Development Officer
DCCplc
09.2022 - 03.2024
Commercial Director
Laleham Health & Beauty Ltd
04.2018 - 07.2020
Group Development Director
DCC PLC
10.2011 - 08.2020
Integration Director R+D
Reckitt Benckiser PLC
09.2010 - 10.2011
Head of Innovation Development – Group Innovation
SSL International plc
09.2008 - 09.2010
Head of Innovation Scholl Footcare and OTC
SSL International plc
04.2004 - 09.2008
Research Manager
SSL International plc
06.2002 - 04.2004
New Product Development Manager
SSL International plc
06.2001 - 06.2002
Process Development Pharmacist
SSL International plc
07.1998 - 06.2001
Formulation Chemist
Cupal Ltd
08.1989 - 09.1994
Industry analysis, Strategic planning -
IMD International
High performance Leadership - Leadership
Keary Harper
Appraising for continuous high performance -
Industrial Society
Finance for the non-finance manager -
Cranfield University
Leadership skills -
Campaign for Leadership
BPharm (Hons) Pharmacy Degree - Pharmaceutics - Pharmacy
School of Pharmacy University of London
Pre-registration training -
Southport District General Hospital
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