Why choose Beacon?
At Beacon, we are drug development experts specialising in Precision Medicine — uniquely positioned to guide your program from early discovery through to global market success.
Our comprehensive expertise spans drug, biomarker, diagnostic, and commercial development.
We seamlessly bridge the science of Precision Medicine with the practical realities of drug development, ensuring your innovative strategies are not only scientifically robust but also commercially viable.
We work closely with you to optimise investment decisions, aligning our approach to your specific priorities and constraints.
Meet The Team
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Jill Walker PhD
FOUNDER
With over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, specialising in Precision Medicines, Jill brings deep expertise in biomarker discovery, clinical development, regulatory strategy, and commercialisation.
Jill is recognised as a strategic and visionary leader with a track record of managing complex projects, ensuring goals are not only met but exceeded.
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Emma Brown PhD
PARTNER
In a career spanning drug and diagnostic development and academic research, Emma has held leadership roles driving companion diagnostic development and delivery of Precision Medicine strategies for complex Phase III clinical trials, specialising in IVDR.
With a pioneering mindset, she excels at tackling challenges, setting precedents, and developing innovative processes to optimise outcomes and efficiency.
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James Dachtler PhD
SENIOR CONSULTANT
With expertise across multiple biopharma therapeutic areas and specialising in early phase clinical studies, James’ leadership, has led to the successful deployment of multiple Precision Medicine strategies, through to device approvals.
James is a renowned leader of complex Precision Medicine clinical trials, driven to deliver innovative solutions and meet the needs of stakeholders and patients.
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Chris Shepherd PhD
SENIOR CONSULTANT
A leading oncology expert with 20+ years in Pharma / Biotech and academic research and a career spanning early and late-stage clinical development, Chris is a recognised expert in innovative clinical trial design.
Chris has served as Chief Development Officer for numerous novel oncology therapies entering first-in-human and proof-of-concept studies.
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Joe Clune
SENIOR CONSULTANT
A pioneer in the launch and commercialisation of Precision Medicines, Joe brings 30 years of pharma experience, working across the globe, to drive patient access to transformative medicines.
Under Joe’s leadership, key diagnostic challenges have been overcome, new clinical workflows established, and quality assured to ensure patient access to Precision Medicines.
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The BEACON Network
At Beacon, we bring together a team of over 20 highly skilled associates with expertise spanning every stage of precision medicine development:
Technology Experts – Specialists in next-generation technologies.
Commercial Leaders – Experienced in market strategy, pricing, reimbursement, and launch planning.
Diagnostic Validation Experts – Professionals in assay development, analytical validation, and regulatory compliance.
Drug Development Strategists – Leaders in clinical trial design, regulatory submissions, and lifecycle management.
Learn more
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A world where every patient receives the right treatment at the right time.
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Enabling Innovation in Precision Medicine to Transform Patient Outcomes
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Drug Development experts specialising in Precision Medicine.
Deep Expertise: Specialists in biomarkers, diagnostics, and regulatory pathways.
Proven Results: Track record of delivering over 6 Precision Medicines to the market.
Integrated Approach: Seamless alignment of clinical, regulatory, and commercial strategies.
Client-Centric Focus: Customised solutions designed to deliver measurable ROI and patient impact.
Innovation: New patient segments, identification of aggressive disease, first in class diagnostics.
Delivered Industry Firsts: Novel ctDNA diagnostics, new patient populations, Dx harmonisation.