Meet the Team

Chief Executive Officer

I have a great passion for healthcare and the industry that we all work in. I lead with purpose front and centre in every decision I make. I want to reflect all our actions against our purpose and in healthcare that purpose can never be stronger, as we are here to improve the lives of patients and people. Every single day we come to work in the knowledge that we are saving a life, a life that is precious to so many family members and loved ones. I cannot think of another industry that is that powerful and positive.

I’m often asked what I enjoy most about my role. By far and away it is the people. Our colleagues at Pennine have such passion and loyalty to support our customers and their patients. I find this extremely infectious and working with them on new ways of working and new ways to create customer value really energises me.

One of my proudest achievements to date here at Pennine would be the development, with the team, of our Purpose, Values, and Strategy. We have spent a lot of time crafting these as a group and we will now go through the process of living and breathing them to ensure that both our colleagues and customers are successful.

Head of IT

I’ve worked at Pennine for just over fifteen years, originally starting as the most junior in the team as an Information System Analyst, working on some of the smaller bespoke systems. I slowly progressed, working on some larger projects, until an opportunity to manage the IT Department presented itself.

I find Pennine an extremely fascinating manufacturing business, its challenging, rewarding, and varied. Working in IT, you get to see and interact with people from the whole business across all the different functions. I love working with technology and applying it within the business.

Simply put, I like the fact we make products that are helping people’s lives. I’m looking forward to Pennine’s new chapter of being Employee Owned and how technology will play a part in that journey.

I live in Derby with my wife and two young daughters who keep me busy most of the time. When I do get time, I’m a keen Rock Climber and can be often found out and about in the Peak District looking at bits of rock, trying to work out the best way to the top.

Head of UK Sales

I started working for Pennine in 1994 and have been here ever since, working a variety of roles. I started my career in pack manufacture, in the early days of packs, when the team was made up of just 3 of us and I fell in love with “the way what we did made a difference”. This was followed by progressing to Production Planning Assistant, Deputy Operations Manager, PA to the Operations Director, Theatre Pack & Business Development Manager and UK business Manager. After becoming Head of Corporate Development, looking after B2B customers, and growing new product development, I was then promoted to my current position, Head of UK Sales – taking care of all of our UK Customers.

I love that our products make a difference to people and their lives – and that everyone has a role to play in getting something we make to the point of use. It could be your loved one, family or friend, that need the products that we make, so what we do matters.

Outside of work I live with my wonderful husband, Chris, in the Lake District. We have our own shop in Penrith town called Basecamp selling outdoor walking clothes and equipment.

We wanted to have a shop that matched our passion for the outdoors – we just love the country life. We used to holiday in the Lakes and love the fact that we have now made it our home.

International Business Manager

I’ve been at Pennine for nearly thirty years, having started my career as an Export Manager, before becoming the International Business Manager. I’m originally from France but travelled to the UK after completing my degree, looking for adventure, and after loving my time here, decided to relocate. I loved Pennine from the moment I set foot in the company and have worked here ever since.

One aspect of the role I love is dealing with different people from different backgrounds and cultures. Every market in International/Export Sales is different and I get to create strong relationships with a whole host of different customers. Working in Healthcare, it gives me a real purpose, we offer a solution to something that touches us all, caring for patients. Nothing can be stronger than that in my opinion.

I live just outside of Derby, with my husband and son. I love reading, walking, skiing, travelling, and generally discovering new things. Life is full of experiences, and I quite like to feel nervous about trying something new and taking risks – I find it keeps you on track and makes things interesting.

Executive Assistant to CEO

I joined Pennine in 2003, starting as a Purchasing Administrator then, after a few years when the then Purchasing Manager left, I was approached to take over the Purchasing Manager role. I had a great Team and we worked hard but had fun along the way, we developed a successful department and achieved some great saving and built great supplier relationships, managed our stocks of raw materials, and delivered successful lean and business projects.

After 7 years, I decided it was time for a change and moved into Project Manager role, this further developed to include Tender and Contract management which became my main focus.

Then came the new MDR Regulatory requirements – this was and still is critical to our business. I had product knowledge, experience in writing and creating documents, and was asked to work alongside the Regulatory team to help create documentation for our technical files, work with consultants, and organise the testing of our products.

I had 12 months with Arun and Sam, and gained a good understanding of how complex this area of our business is, there is still is a lot of work to do and with the plans for additional resource in the Regulatory department. The timing was perfect when asked if I would like to work alongside our CEO as Executive Assistant.

Well, I’ve hit the ground running, started the same day as Graeme, and not stopped working at 100 mph since. I love my job, and starting at a time when the new EOT was being developed was great, I was excited to be involved from the off and support the various improvement projects and changes that will continue to make Pennine a great company to work for.

Outside of work I love to spend time with my family, I read a lot, and am quite partial to a good thriller (my husband says I’ve read so many I should be able to commit the perfect crime by now) and I have been known to play various guitars (badly)!

Head of Operations

There is a lot that I enjoy about my role as Head of Operations here at Pennine Healthcare, but one aspect that I really love is the diversity – no one day is the same. I truly believe that at Pennine, it’s the people that make the difference and the opportunity we have to build a hub of innovation for manufacturing in the heart of England. I know that belief in our values and belief in each other will drive our success.

Working within the Healthcare industry is a unique experience and one that I am extremely proud of. How many people can come home from work and say ‘’I have contributed to someone’s healthcare in a positive way?”. I am very much of the belief that we should be proud of what we do and how this helps others.

Outside of work I have a variety of interests and hobbies. Most of my time is spent with my family – my wife and two daughters – and I try to catch the odd football match when I can. I also love to take on any opportunity to learn something new.

Head of People and Culture

When I was 14 years old, I was given a project by my technology teacher. The brief was to design and make a paperweight for a local company called Pennine Healthcare. The company has stuck with me ever since.

I thought loving a job was something I would never find but everything about what I do at Pennine makes me smile, I honestly feel as though my role was made for me. The entire reason that I pursued a career in HR was because of people. I remember when I first interviewed for the role with Pennine that I was instantly sold. Firstly, it’s local which means I’m doing something for the people who I’m lucky enough to share the city with, and secondly, I have total support of our CEO in making Pennine Healthcare a great place to work.

I would say that the best thing about my role is working with this great team of people every day and I have carte blanche to do what I think will work and that really is a rare opportunity.

Outside of work I have two amazing children (I’m bound to say that) so they take up a lot of my time. Aside from that I’ve just finished renovating our house which has taken 8 years, I’m now being told that we need a new one, so I guess I’ll be busy again. I also have a passion for cycling, I used to race downhill at national level when I was younger, I’m too old and slow now but I do like getting out on my road bike at more leisurely pace whenever I can.

Head of Marketing & Communication

As Head of Marketing, my time is spent between key business drivers: Sales, Brand Awareness, Internal Communication, and Marketing Strategy. It is an extremely busy role but one which I thoroughly enjoy, and I’m supported by a great team.

I’ve worked on some really great campaigns here at Pennine, and am extremely proud to have written and launched the Company Values, Behaviours, Purpose, and Mission Statement, as well as launching the brand new Pennine website. The opportunity I have to help grow the company with a digital first approach is what excites me, and by utilising our Derby Spirit, I know that Pennine will go from strength to strength.

Working within the Healthcare industry gives me the opportunity to really make a difference in peoples lives, and I believe that everyone at Pennine should be proud of the part they play and how we protect others.

Outside of work the majority of my time is spent with my family – my wife and young son. I’m also a huge Derby County fan, both home and away, and also enjoy playing football, and attending the occasional gig.

Head of Quality and Regulatory Affairs

I have spent my career to date working in medical device Regulatory and Quality roles. I am passionate about the importance of these functions and how they contribute to the availability of safe medical devices for patients while supporting the commercial activities of the business.

One of the key benefits of working at Pennine is the variety of activities I am involved with—no two days are the same. The challenges and rewards keep the teams motivated and focused. The people also make this a great place to work, as there is enthusiasm for the work that we do and the communities that we serve in all departments.

What I particularly like about Pennine is that my role enables me to dive deep into the technologies and engineering considerations to satisfy my curiosity for science and learning. Additionally, knowing that our products have a huge impact on patients’ comfort and wellbeing is immensely rewarding.

Outside of work, I spend the majority of my free time with my partner, exploring the nearby countryside with our dog and horse. I also love to practice yoga when time permits and find it a great antidote to a busy, active life.

Head of Procurement

There are many factors I enjoy about working within Med Tech. I love the technical and innovative aspects of the industry, which I find fascinating, but without a doubt, the aspect that I enjoy most of all is the people. To work in the healthcare industry, you need to be passionate about what you do and care about the needs of the product users and ultimately, the patients.

Looking more specifically at my role, I enjoy the diverse range of challenges a procurement and supply chain role brings, from tough negotiations and sourcing products to overcoming global supply chain issues. However, most of all, I enjoy meeting people of all nationalities and working with a positive and supportive team.

Outside of work, I have a fantastic wife, two children (one a Purchasing Manager and the other a Nurse), five lively grandchildren, and a Hungarian Vizsla dog who all keep me on my toes. My wife and I live in a small cottage in a rural village in Leicestershire, with beautiful countryside views and lots of great walks.