Thornton & Ross (T&R), part of the STADA Group, has made three key appointments to its senior team.

Karen Dodd takes the role of head of research and development for T&R, taking on responsibility for both development and regulatory. She joins the business from Walgreen Boots Alliance, where she was head of product delivery for the company’s own-label wellness range of more than 300 products.

Prior to that, Karen spent 18 years with Reckitt Benckiser, whose portfolio includes Gaviscon, Dettol, Scholl and Lemsip. Karen worked across most of the health and personal care range, including managing global R&D for Nurofen.

Her role at T&R will see her take responsibility for over-the-counter consumer brands such as Covonia®, Hedrin®, Flexitol®, Cetraben® and Zoflora® household disinfectants.

Allan Stirling has been appointed director of communications with T&R. Having worked with the business in an advisory capacity for the past 12 months, Allan joined the team full-time this month, bringing with him a wealth of experience of working with a host of blue-chip companies.

Strategic communications specialist Allan said he was delighted to be working with a company he already knows and loves on a permanent basis.

Nick Ettery will be taking on the role of vice-president of sales and marketing for the prescription side of the business.

Nick has experience in both medical devices and pharmaceuticals across multiple segments, most recently as the commercial director: Northern Europe for Vyaire Medical, with previous senior roles at Sandoz and Alcon. Nick is a strong commercial leader with a passion for driving success through developing teams, building capability, pipelines and executing processes for operational excellence..

Roger Scarlett-Smith, executive vice-president of T&R, said the appointments would enable the business to continue on its growth trajectory.

“Karen, Allan and Nick have joined us at a time when we continue to enjoy a surge in sales and they will be real assets in driving the business forward,” he said. “Karen’s extensive experience across such a wide range of brands and therapeutic areas makes her ideally suited to leading R&D as we enter into the next phase of growth.

“Allan has a wealth of experience in strategic communication while Nick has a proven track record in driving sales and building strong teams.

“These appointments herald an exciting time for T&R as we look to build on our strengths throughout 2021”

Thornton & Ross develops, manufactures and supplies a wide range of branded over-the-counter medicines, dermatological solutions and other healthcare and hygiene products including Zoflora®, Hedrin® and Setlers®. It is part of the German-based STADA Group.