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Stephen IrelandSI

Stephen Ireland

Senior Commercial Strategy Consultant – Biotech &

€695/day
London, GB
15+ years

Average response time: 1 hour

About Stephen

I help biotech and pharmaceutical companies translate scientific innovation into successful commercial strategies and launches. With over 20 years of experience leading international teams at Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), I bring deep expertise in cell & gene therapy, oncology, and haematology — and a proven record of turning complex therapies into market success stories.

As a strategic and empathetic Commercial Leader, I support clients who need clarity, structure, and execution excellence. I partner with global and regional teams to design go-to-market strategies, shape launch readiness plans, optimise market access and stakeholder engagement, and accelerate brand performance and lifecycle management.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge science, strategy, and people. I combine strategic vision, analytical insight, and leadership experience to deliver real impact — whether that’s launching a first-in-class therapy, strengthening an existing brand, or guiding a team through commercial transformation.

Typical projects include:

Developing and executing commercial and launch strategies for innovative therapies

Building go-to-market and patient pathway models for advanced treatments

Providing interim or fractional commercial leadership during change or growth phases

Translating market insights into actionable, differentiated brand strategies

If you’re seeking an experienced, collaborative partner who can lead, advise, and deliver measurable results in a fast-evolving healthcare landscape — let’s talk.
  • English

    Native or bilingual

Can work on-site
London (up to 50km)

Experience

  • Vertex Pharmaceuticals,
    Senior Director, Commercial Strategy Haematology
    May 2023 - Today (3 years and 1 month)
    I lead and direct the commercial launch strategy and activities for the 1st CRISPR CAS 9 gene editing technology to launch globally within the International region which is all markets outside of North America. Leading the full International cross functional team, partnering with Global and country commercial teams to develop and execute an integrated commercial brand strategy built on deep stakeholder insights to deliver against our goals & objectives. Now successfully launched in multiple countries within the International region.
    Developed & coordinates the implementation of the activation strategy for onboarding specialised treatment centres along with the commercial operations model to ensure a seamless end to end treatment journey. Leading a team to develop and implement tactical unbranded and branded activities. Develops forecasting assumptions, both short term and long term
    Partners on the prioritization of geographic expansion and life-cycle management opportunities based on high-quality analyses.
    Commercial strategy Strategic Vision & Commercial Acumen Brand Strategy
  • Janssen UK,
    Commercial Director, Haematology Franchise Duties
    August 2022 - April 2023 (8 months)
    Accountable for the business performance of the UK haematology business unit encompassing 5 brands across multiple therapeutic areas. Full P&L; responsibility of a business in excess of $350m, leading and managing UK marketing, sales team and commercial operations teams of 45 FTE to deliver business goals for in-market brands and prepare for launch of future assets. Leading operational excellence for UK operating company as member of Business Unit Leadership Group. I also the Janssen UK Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair delivering significant workstreams in line with the vision created that every person, regardless of their ethnicity or background, should be able to fulfil their potential at work.
  • Janssen UK, Cell & Gene Therapy
    Commercial Director, Cell & Gene Therapy
    June 2020 - July 2022 (2 years and 1 month)
    Responsible for leading the development of our market access, sales & marketing strategies for the CAR-T & Retina gene portfolio of assets & determining the GTM model for these new assets.
    Lead & Partner with cross-functional colleagues to fully understand the external environment/partners & develop a plan that shapes policy to therapy area strategy. Shape & influence EMEA & Global strategies, plans & tactics to ensure they reflect the needs of the UK market. Lead and develop highly motivated, high-performance sales & marketing teams, resourced appropriately to meet future needs of the business unit and business continuity. I also the Janssen UK Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair delivering significant workstreams in line with the vision created that every person, regardless of their ethnicity or background, should be able to fulfil their potential at work.

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Education

  • Bsc Business Studies
    University of Surrey
    2002
    Bsc Business Studies
  • A-levels
    Reading School
    1998
    A-levels

Skill set

Categories