One of the UK’s fastest growing pharmaceutical manufacturers, Huddersfield-based STADA Thornton & Ross, part of the global STADA Group, has announced the appointment of Clare Furlonger as its new vice president of marketing and commercial excellence, as it aims to further build the business’s consumer healthcare portfolio.

Headquartered in Slaithwaite, with a production site in Linthwaite, STADA Thornton & Ross is the company behind some of the UK’s most loved household brands, including Zoflora®, Covonia®, and Savlon®. With over 100 years of history in Yorkshire, the company has the power of global enterprise STADA behind the strong manufacturing capabilities of Thornton & Ross, from right in the heart of Yorkshire.

As the new vice president of marketing and commercial excellence, Furlonger will be responsible for leading the growth of the consumer healthcare portfolio for STADA UK. Her role will involve building and developing a team of marketing, insight, innovation and commercial excellence experts, alongside the development of transformation growth plans for the consumer healthcare brands.

Furlonger brings over 25 years of FMCG and healthcare experience to the role, having begun her career studying pharmacology. Her early experience was with Boots Healthcare International, working across leading brands such as Nurofen®, Strepsils®, E45, Clearasil®, and Optrex™.

Prior to joining STADA Thornton & Ross, Furlonger worked as a brand director at FMCG goods firm, All About Food, developing brands such as Nando’s, Costa Coffee, Pizza Express, Pret A Manger, and Wagamama, into leading positions in their respective categories.

Speaking about her appointment, Furlonger said: “I was drawn to this entrepreneurial and dynamic business with its deep commitment to caring for people. The opportunity to work with such an iconic portfolio of great British brands and to be part of a company that not only works on a global scale, but also manufactures many of them here in Yorkshire, is incredibly exciting.

“Over the next few years, our focus is on nurturing and growing our heritage brands, while introducing innovative, new products that align with our commitment to quality and care. It’s about celebrating our great British roots while embracing opportunities to expand and diversify.”

Nigel Stephenson, general manager at STADA Thornton & Ross, said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Clare to the company. Her previous track record of success is very exciting, and I’m looking forward to the experience and knowledge she will bring to the role.

“With her leadership, we are confident in continuing to build on our strengths as a dedicated manufacturer of trusted, high-quality healthcare and pharma products. It’s exciting to see how Clare will help drive our growth to higher hights in the near future.”

STADA Thornton & Ross has been operating in Huddersfield for over a century and was acquired by the STADA Group in 2013. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, STADA Thornton & Ross remains a key player in the UK pharmaceutical market, known for its trusted products and dedication to healthcare.