Meet the panel
Alison Canning
Communications and PR Expert
Alison is one of the UK’s veteran communications professionals, with over 25 years experience in public relations and related marcoms disciplines. Most recently, she served as President of International Operations for Edelman, where she was responsible for the company’s non-US operations throughout Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Canada. Prior to this, she ran her own strategy consultancy, First&42nd, as well as working as CEO for Burson-Marsteller London, and setting up award-winning agency Cohn & Wolfe in the UK.
Over the years, Alison has worked for numerous blue-chip clients from Unilever, Reebok, Orange and MTV to BT, the Home Office, Glaxo and MSD.
In 2004, she semi-retired to Cornwall to try her hand at writing and indulge her favourite pastimes of sailing, fishing and walking her dog Charlie. She still works as a non-exec director for several international agencies and also served for two years as a Trustee of Help The Hospices.
Jacqui Thornton
Ex Sun Health Editor
Jacqui Thornton is a medical journalist with 18 years experience, working most recently as health editor of the Sun 2000-2007 and health correspondent of the Sunday Telegraph 1998-2000.
In 2007 she set up her own company, providing media training, chairing and writing services to clinicians, scientists, medical charities, pharmaceutical companies, universities and others. She also lectures in journalism at the University of Winchester and is an associate non-executive director of Winchester & Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust.
She still freelances for national newspapers and magazines including the Telegraph, the Observer, the Sun and Pharmaceutical Marketing on health and media issues.
She was shortlisted for Freelance Health Journalist of the Year 2008 by the Medical Journalists' Association and Best Consumer Health Feature 2009 by the Guild of Health Writers. According to one client, during media training, she is ‘friendly and scary in all the right places.’
Gemma O'Reilly
Gemma O’Reilly, Online Editor, Third Sector
Gemma joined Third Sector in September as online editor, where she oversees the magazine’s website.
Gemma was previously the healthcare editor for PR Week, which she joined in September 2007. She has been covering the healthcare communications sector for the last three years and has developed strong relationships with leaders within the industry.
Prior to joining PR Week she spent two years as a reporter on below-the-line marketing magazine Promotions & Incentives, before leaving the monthly magazine world in September 2007 to satisfy her craving for a weekly news cycle.
Emma Crozier
Co-Managing Director Just:: Health PR
Emma fell into healthcare communications after graduating and has loved it ever since. Before setting up Just:: Health PR, she worked for a range of specialist healthcare and full service agencies, including Chander Chicco Agency and Cohn & Wolfe (where she was a Board Director).
Emma has experience of running PR programmes for UK and Global clients across a number of ethical, OTC and FMCG brands, from Huggies Nappies to Nicquitin CQ, Prozac to BOTOX® .
Emma has a particular interest in women’s health, mental health and smoking cessation. She started Just:: because she wanted the chance to create an environment in which consultants and clients work together to invent and deliver inspirational health campaigns.
Emma grew up in Africa, Hong-Kong and Bath and now lives in South London. She has a highbrow taste in literature and a lowbrow taste in film. Her taste in music is terrible.
Jennie Talman
Co-Managing Director Just:: Health PR
After a brief stint doing PR for cheese and butter, Jennie moved in to the world of healthcare communications and has never looked back. Over the years Jennie has been involved in a number of innovative campaigns across a range of different therapy areas. Interested in looking beyond written communication she has incorporated art, theatre and music into a number of healthcare campaigns.
Working at a UK, European and global level, Jennie has had extensive experience of working with patient advocacy groups, medical and consumer media and scientific bodies. She has enjoyed working on a number of chronic conditions including asthma, epilepsy and diabetes.
As one of the co-founders of Just:: Jennie has spent the last 5 years building a thriving business from scratch. From an office with only three desks, she now enjoys the company of a 30-strong team of energetic and talented people, all of whom share a passion for healthcare communications.
Jennie lives near the office with her partner and two children. She likes running, cooking and flowers.