To deliver high quality discovery support requires good science with the right environment and tools.  As a medicinal chemist with eighteen years experience in the pharmaceutical industry Simon has been engaged in the full spectrum of drug discovery programs, from lead generation libraries, hit-to-lead campaigns, all the way to successful lead optimisation projects and candidate drug selection.  He has broad ranging experience of research in a large pharmaceutical company (Astra, now AstraZeneca), a mid-size biotech (OSI Pharmaceuticals) as well as in a more commercial environment at CombiPure Ltd.  Most recently he was the Managing Director and Director of Chemistry at CombiPure Ltd before founding Sygnature Chemical Services Ltd in 2004.

Dr John Slack, Non executive Director

John has a recognised track record in the biotech sector.  He is a founding director of PharMomentum Ltd, and is an experienced executive with over fifteen years in senior corporate and development roles. From 1996 to 2005 he was VP International Development for OSI Pharmaceuticals Inc, where he had overall responsibility for the international project management of the development programme for Tarceva, in addition to being General Manager of OSI's UK subsidiary. Prior to that he was Managing Director of Aston Molecules Ltd, a contract research and development company that John spun out of Aston University and was subsequently acquired by OSI.  In his earlier career John spent 16 years in academic research, primarily in the field of cancer, including 10 years as a member of the Cancer Research Campaign Experimental Chemotherapy Group based at Aston University.

Dr Jonathan Williams, Director of Operations

Adding value to medicinal chemistry projects requires more than just good synthetic experience; it requires an understanding of project aims and outcomes, as well as modern drug design.  When Jonathan joined Sygnature, as a Principal Research Chemist in November 2004, he  already had 8 years of exposure to drug discovery at OSI Pharmaceuticals in the Medicinal Chemistry Department and 5 years working within a contract research environment at Aston Molecules. This background has given Jonathan a valuable insight into the needs of clients as well as experience in working to tight deadlines and delivering value to internal and external projects.

Paul joined Sygnature's Board of Directors in April 2009 and is a synthetic organic chemist by training. His background and experience has resulted in a good track record of generating new business in contract drug discovery (Argenta Discovery) and clinical pharmacology (Medeval and Pharmaceutical Profiles) from major pharmaceutical, small pharma/biotech and drug delivery companies in Europe and the USA. Establishing long-term business relationships ahead of short term gain is a fundamental truth that Paul has learned during his 20 year scientific and service- orientated business career in the oil and pharmaceutical industries. A strong scientific basis is important for success however, it is essential to develop the clients' trust, provide outstanding service and 'go the extra mile' to sustain the relationship.  Paul was on the Board at Pharmaceutical Profiles for five years and was involved in a successful management buyout. Hence he has the skills and experience to help accelerate Sygnature's growing contract medicinal chemistry business and the ability to contribute to the future strategic direction of the company.