Meet the Team

Dr Richard Phillips MBBS DPM MBA

Richard qualified in medicine at St Mary's Hospital Medical School, now Imperial College in London. After several posts in the NHS, he joined Pfizer as a medical advisor responsible for rheumatology and infection. After obtaining an MBA from Kingston Business School, he set up the Outcomes Research Group at Pfizer. In 1999, he founded the Goffin Consultancy to provide evidence-based health economics and data review for the healthcare industry. With over 30 years' experience in the pharmaceutical industry, his clients have ranged from start-ups to blue chip pharmaceutical companies as well as OTC companies, medical device companies and private equity houses wanting to review potential investment opportunities.

Richard has worked in a variety of conditions including Alzheimer's disease, MS, infection, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disease, cancer and arthritis

He brings a wide background in clinical studies, economic analyses and meta-analyses following over 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry as well as wide experience in presenting clinical and health economic studies both in print, at symposia and for training purposes. He has worked with several companies in the medical affairs, health technology assessment, pricing and reimbursement and market access fields. He is the author of numerous market, data and literature reviews and core-value documents as well as several publications

Richard is based in Kent, near Canterbury, UK

Ellen Sarewitz MA (Cantab)

An award-winning leader in the global healthcare arena with a first-class track record gained in the pharmaceutical, biotech and not-for-profit sectors, Ellen delivers integrated results-orientated services to a wide range of clients in both major and emerging markets, including the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe.

She combines authentic market insights and an empathetic approach with deep experience. She has delivered impactful strategies across medical affairs, patient access and public relations, from early clinical development of innovative technologies to product launch and lifecycle management in therapy areas including oncology, endocrinology, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases, CNS and critical care medicine. She works with clients to achieve category leadership in new disease areas and helps build strategic relationships with patient and scientific organisations.

Ellen offers strong a team management skills and expertise in brand planning, market shaping strategies, strategic communications and partnership planning, market access, and issues preparedness. She is based in Herefordshire, UK, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and a member of the Healthcare Communications Association.

Mauro Placchi Dott. Chimica, MSc

Mauro is a clinical development consultant with 25+ years' experience in early to late phase development with major pharmaceutical companies and contract research organisations including Pfizer, Merck Serono, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer and Quintiles. He developed clinical studies in more than 20 indications in various therapeutic areas including multiple sclerosis, psychiatry, oncology, dermatology and infectious diseases. He is detail oriented, dedicated and skilled in all aspects of Phase 1 to 4 clinical trials including planning, organising, implementing, leading, controlling and reporting.

He led international teams of up to 40 for more than 50 projects and achieved primary results for 6 Phase 2 and 6 global Phase 3 pivotal studies. He delivered complex clinical projects performed in Europe, Russia, Africa, India, Australia, North and South America with GCP/International Committee on Harmonisation standards. He worked across multiple technology platforms, including small molecules, therapeutic proteins, monoclonal antibodies and devices and in differently targeted environments, including prescription drugs and consumer products.

Mauro is based in Brussels.