New Appointments at the PMCPA

The PMCPA is the self-regulatory body for the pharmaceutical industry in the UK. By embedding high ethical standards and holding companies accountable for compliance, the PMCPA provides confidence to patients and the public who rely on medicines and vaccines.

These recent and upcoming appointments will help us deliver on our objectives to ensure high standards are upheld through a timely, robust, independent and transparent complaints system and to contribute to the evolution of the requirements of the ABPI Code as well as the PMPCA’s independent operation and thus meet society’s expectations.

Natalie Whittle, Acting Deputy Director, has been appointed Deputy Director – Code Development, with effect from 01 August.

In this new senior leadership role, Natalie will take responsibility for ensuring a fit for purpose ABPI Code, now and for the future, supported by guidance for stakeholders.

Natalie joined the PMCPA in September 2018 as a Manager and was promoted to the position of Acting Deputy Director in November 2023.  Natalie is a highly experienced member of the Code of Practice Panel and valued member of the PMCPA team. In addition to leading multiple complex cases, she has led and conducted numerous company audits, as well as improving our audit process, and contributed significantly to the re-drafting of the proposed 2024 ABPI Code and Constitution and Procedure. Prior to joining the PMCPA, Natalie worked in the pharmaceutical industry in Medical Compliance and Medical Information roles at UK and European level.  Natalie is also a member of the IFPMA Code Complaint Adjudication Group.

Owen Robinson appointed as Deputy Director, PMCPA.

Owen Is a Solicitor with over fifteen years post-qualifying experience and is a healthcare and life sciences specialist. After completing his training at City/international firm CMS Cameron McKenna, he moved into Government in 2009 and spent thirteen years working in a range of senior roles within the Advocate General of Scotland, the Cabinet Office and the Department of Health and Social Care. During his time in government, he operated for five years as a Senior Legal Adviser to the MHRA and the NHS team. He left the Government in February 2023 to join the Global Regulatory Team of the law firm Hogan Lovells.  His recent experience includes working as a Judge in Employment Tribunals and in the Health, Education and Social Care Tribunals.  Owen joins the PMCPA on 09 September

Alicia White appointed Deputy Director, PMCPA

Alicia is a Solicitor who qualified in 2012 and is now Head of Professionals Regulation (Casework and Resolution) at the General Pharmaceutical Council. She has overall responsibility for all cases referred (by the triage team) for investigation. She has held this role for six years during which time she has grown and developed a large multidisciplinary team responsible for progressing investigations through to a final decision. In addition to her in-depth knowledge of the pharmacy sector, Alicia’s recent experience includes leading on the introduction of a fast track investigations process at the GPhC as part of a wider strategy to improve the timeliness of investigations whilst maintaining quality.  Alicia will join the PMCPA on 21 October.

Note: the PMCPA will update job titles during 2024, with the Deputy Director positions being rebranded as Director roles.

Reshma Thakkar appointed Manager, PMCPA

Reshma joined the PMCPA in July 2024. She is a UK registered Pharmacist with a background in oncology pharmacy and code compliance in the pharmaceutical industry. Her previous roles in the pharmaceutical industry have included medical ethics, final signatory, and healthcare compliance.

Sharan Kaur appointed Manager, PMCPA

Sharan joined the PMCPA in August 2024. Sharan is a Chartered Legal Executive and volunteers as a Magistrate for the East London Local Justice Area. Her previous experience includes roles such as Assessment Manager, Case Officer and Paralegal at the General Pharmaceutical Council. Prior to this, Sharan worked for Kingsley Napley solicitors and investigated Health and Care Professions Council cases on their behalf. 

“The PMCPA is continuing to go through a period of transformation and I’m confident these new appointments will help us to deliver on our vision to embed the ABPI Code into the UK Pharmaceutical industry, simplify and enhance the Code as well as providing a robust, independent and timely complaints system”. Alex Fell, Director.