Directors
Alongside our directors (below), we also have a group of experts among our senior management, technical and commercial teams that include numerous registered Pharmacists, Chemists, Microbiologists and Qualified Persons (QPs) with decades of experience in a range of disciplines relating to pharmaceutical manufacturing i.e. research and development, sterile fill/finish, aseptic processing, quality assurance and routine production in both large and small pharmaceutical companies.
Dianne Sharp
Managing Director
Managing Director
With over 20 years of experience in manufacturing and senior management positions, Dianne joined SCM Pharma in 2010 and currently heads up the business overseeing its 50+ team.
Prior to this she was Managing Director at Bishop Auckland-based Mechetronics, the UK’s leading manufacturer of solenoids, successfully leading the business in establishing overseas facilities in India and China and the eventual sale of the business to a large US corporate.
In her current role, Dianne is responsible for delivering the company strategy and all day-to-day operations at SCM Pharma, including improving operational efficiency, driving business growth and identifying of new markets.
A Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA), Dianne also has an MBA from Durham University and is a Non-Executive with Business & Enterprise North East.
Graham Dotchin
Commercial director
Commercial director
Overseeing all commercial activities, Graham is directly responsible for Finance and Business Development at SCM Pharma to help ensure the company is profitable, secure and sustainable.
With an ACA qualification in accountancy, he has spent the majority of his career in finance-related roles, predominantly in corporate finance, working on company disposals, acquisitions, fundraisings and grant applications.
Having initially joined the business on a secondment as its Finance Manager from Tait Walker in 2008, Graham returned to SCM Pharma in 2010 after being appointed as its new Commercial Director.
With a growing understanding of the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing sector and the needs of the market, Graham plays a key role in delivering a common sense approach to clients alongside his willingness to assist customers in structuring the most beneficial service offering to meet their specific needs.
Fiona Cruickshank
Co-owner & Director
Co-owner & Director
A successful entrepreneur, Fiona is a leading business figure and is a former North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. Committed to supporting North East England’s local knowledge economy Fiona is a business mentor at Durham University, an ambassador for the international One NorthEast campaign and a former David Goldman Visiting Professor of Business Innovation at Newcastle University Business School. In June 2010, she was awarded with an OBE following the unveiling of the Queen's annual 2010 Birthday Honours List for services to business in the North East.
Fiona has enjoyed an extensive career in the pharmaceutical industry, spanning over 20 years since graduating from the London University School of Pharmacy in the late 80’s. Before setting up The Specials Laboratory in 1999 and later SCM Pharma in 2004, she worked around the UK in community pharmacies, hospitals and industry. She is a registered pharmacist and has expert knowledge in the field of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Still a registered pharmacist, Fiona’s current role as a non-exec director at SCM Pharma involves her supporting the board on strategic aspects such as the long term vision for the company, brand communications, alliances and breaking into new markets.
Fiona is also an active Volunteer Business Adviser for Young Enterprise North East and a member of the Advisory Board at Newcastle University Business School. In 2010, she was appointed as a Trustee of the North Music Trust to help assist The Sage Gateshead in achieving its mission of becoming an international home for music and musical discovery with local roots.
Brian J Dougherty
Co-owner & Director
Co-owner & Director
Brian is a registered Pharmacist and achieved QP status in 1983 under current regulations. He has almost 30 years experience in quality assurance, manufacturing, and research and development.
Brian is one of the original founders of the SCM Pharma. The issues he faced during his experience of sourcing and dealing with pharmaceutical contract manufacturers was the driving force behind the creation of the business.
Alongside his technical expertise, Brian also has a diploma in Company Direction and is registered with the Institute of Directors as a Chartered Director. He is still a founder member of the Association of Commercial Specials Manufacturers and was elected to the committee of the Industrial Pharmacists Group, which provides him access to the committees reviewing the ‘Section 10’ health and safety legislation.
Now a non-exec director at SCM Pharma, Brian supports the board by advising on operational efficiency, quality and strategic aspects such as the long term vision for the business and breaking into new markets.
