Douglas Richards

Strategic research and insights professional with 16 years' experience across consultancy, life sciences, public affairs, academia and professional services. Specialises in turning complex evidence, qualitative research and external intelligence into strategic recommendations that support organisational decision-making. Particular strength in evidence synthesis, political and policy analysis, stakeholder mapping and engagement, horizon scanning, strategic communications and business development.

Combines a PhD in International Public Health Policy with commercial awareness, client-facing experience and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to senior, specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Founder at Thistle Mediation (2025-09 – Present)

• Founded and developed a civil and commercial mediation practice in Scotland, leading service delivery, stakeholder engagement, brand development and business growth.
• Built client-facing communications across web, digital and direct outreach, using audience segmentation and clear value propositions to strengthen visibility and engagement.
• Apply independent facilitation, negotiation and conflict-analysis skills to help parties navigate complex disputes and competing perspectives.

Business Development Manager at Nexum Health Communications (2024-01 – 2025-08)

• Created and implemented business development strategies to expand engagement with life-sciences clients.
• Located and responded to RFPs and developed pitch materials and proposals for new business opportunities.
• Trained and managed medical writers and junior researchers, strengthening research quality and commercial delivery.

Head of Scientific Research & Co-founder at Kingdom Global Health Solutions (2022-01 – 2023-12)

• Co-founded a consultancy supporting pharmaceutical clients with medicines and technologies across high- and low-income settings.
• Developed business-development strategy in women's health and led external engagement through thought leadership and social media activity.
• Managed and mentored a team in qualitative research, data analysis, report writing, project management and new business development, while successfully leading responses to high-value RFPs in oncology.

Independent Global Health Policy Researcher at Major pharmaceutical client (2021-09 – 2022-01)

• Coordinated evidence-based reports and market intelligence to support the introduction of an innovative HIV medicine in sub-Saharan Africa.

Corporate Affairs Manager at Cello Health Communications (2019-01 – 2021-09)

• Led evidence-based reports and policy literature reviews for global pharmaceutical clients, translating complex evidence into business-relevant recommendations.
• Partnered with a leading European endocrine society to design and facilitate an expert consensus workshop and develop a long-term EU policy and advocacy strategy.
• Contributed to organic business growth, including corporate social responsibility work focused on sustainable business within the pharmaceutical sector.
• Mentored colleagues to strengthen research capability, project delivery and one-to-one management practice.

Public Affairs Executive at Cello Health Communications (2017-08 – 2018-12)

• Researched political and policy landscapes across multiple health issues and therapy areas in the European Union, presenting findings to clients in written reports and meetings.
• Delivered qualitative surveys and evidence-based reports to support therapy-area strategy and client business objectives.

Tutor & Lecturer at University of Edinburgh (2010-01 – 2017-07)

• Designed and delivered teaching for undergraduate medical students and postgraduate audiences across global health, health inequalities, disability, ethics and the social determinants of health.
• Designed examination questions and acted as an examiner for medical students, including work on maternal health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Advised the Global Public Health Unit on teaching relating to the state, civil society and the politics of HIV/AIDS in global health.
• Designed and delivered widening-access summer-school teaching through the Lothians Equal Access Programme for Schools.

PhD in International Public Health Policy – The University of Edinburgh

MSc in Global Public Health Policy – The University of Edinburgh

MA (Hons) in Politics & International Relations – The University of Aberdeen