Brian Thornley

Brian M. Thornley leads the global supply strategy from plant to patient. He oversees Merck’s digital supply chain strategy including blockchain enabled pharma, organization development and enterprise segmentation to optimize service, cost, earnings and return on capital employed. Previously he acted AVP Supply Chain Operations EMEA & AP, including Planning and Strategy for Merck MSD, developing the strategic approach to deliver internal efficiencies and external transformation of the supply chain from factories to end customer. Before joining Merck he was the COO of Aegate Ltd, implementing integrated data and information networks directly with pharmacies across Europe and the first commercial pharmaceutical authentication system across the European pharmacy network, building extensive relationships with pharmacy associations and government bodies to deliver robust reliable systems for information capture and analysis. Brian provided consultancy support to the PGEU, the representative body of pharmacies in Europe. Brian was educated at Bishop Vesey Grammar School, Sutton Coldfield UK and furthered his studies at East London University majoring in manufacturing and business. His postgraduate study was completed at Birmingham University UK.

May 2019- current Associate Vice President Supply Excellence, Merck Pharmaceuticals

November 2013 – April 2019 Associate Vice President Supply Chain Operations, Merck Pharmaceuticals

February 2013 – October 2013 Executive Director Global Planning & Strategy, Merck Pharmaceuticals

November 2012 – February 2013 Technical & Economic Advisor, Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU)

May 2007 – October 2012 Chief Operations Officer, Aegate Ltd

1986 – 2007 Various Companies & Positions throughout the UK