You know the buzz of a standard industry mixer: business cards exchanged, forgettable conversations, promises to “catch up” that never materialize. Now imagine the opposite.
At a CONEXEN event you’ll feel the distinctive atmosphere where relationships naturally deepen. The electric moment when an unexpected connection creates new possibilities, It’s something you can’t manufacture, but we’ve intentionally designed the perfect conditions for it to flourish.
Our community brings together senior executives and founders from across life sciences, biopharma, medical devices and health tech. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the palpable difference between transactional networking and genuine connection. The gentle hum of conversations that go beyond superficial exchanges fills the room as people connect beyond their professional titles.
What sets CONEXEN apart is our philosophy of radical generosity in action. You’ll notice the shift when “How can I help?” replaces “What do you do?”—creating an environment where the spark of possibility ignites when the right people meet at the right moment.
Our carefully curated events balance thought-provoking discussions with ample space for the connections that truly matter. We intentionally design each gathering to ensure you’re building relationships formed before you need them.
The warmth of being welcomed as a person, not a position, creates professional advancement through authentic relationships. You’ll leave with shoulders relaxed and mind energized, wrapped in the warm assurance of having found your people—allies who understand your journey and light the path forward.
When was the last time you left an industry event with more than just business cards? Perhaps it’s time to experience designed serendipity.
Ready to join a community that transforms how you connect? Register for our next event and discover the CONEXEN difference.
Hazel Jones is a dynamic biotech executive with over 20 years’ experience in oncology, genomics, and translational drug discovery. Known for high-energy leadership and delivering operational excellence in fast-paced environments.
Currently CoS at Laverock Therapeutics, building products from their gene silencing platform, and COO at Ambrose Healthcare, leading strategic portfolio development across rare disease phase 2 trials.
At AstraZeneca, she served on the Global Oncology R&D Leadership Team, modernising operations and spearheading digital health initiatives for clinical trial recruitment. Previously Head of Combination Therapies at CRUK and Head of Functional Pharmacology at CRT.
Her strengths include synthesising complex science into actionable frameworks, alliance management, and introducing transformative ideas across small biotech, big pharma, and academia.
Leigh is currently serving as Sr Global Marketing Director and Commercial Lead at Norgine. Prior to Norgine she held local, regional and global Senior roles at Guardian Health, Pfizer, Amgen and Napp, and more recently as Sr Director Global Marketing, Oncology and Precision Diagnostics at Qiagen.
Leigh is an experienced global biopharmaceutical and biotech commercial leader who has spent over 20 years working at the intersection of both strategy and operations in both big and small biopharma and more recently biotech, delivering results in Oncology pan tumour product launches as well as later stages of the product life cycle locally, regionally, and globally.
Simon is a translational biotech leader with 25+ years’ experience at Cambridge Antibody Technology, MedImmune, and AstraZeneca. Most recently VP Global Portfolio & Project Management at AstraZeneca, leading the BioPharmaceuticals pipeline from discovery to regulatory approval.
He’s passionate about scaling pioneering science into transformative medicines. His move from academia to small biotech in 1997 showed him how bold science, inspiring leadership, and sharp execution create lasting impact. Now he’s supporting the next generation of game-changing biotechs.
Outside work, Simon’s an animal lover and foster carer for Wood Green Animal Shelter. He supports Cambridge United and Southampton, rides horses and motorcycles, and enjoys skiing, climbing, and scuba diving. Shockingly bad at snowboarding though, with more injuries from mountain biking than motorbikes or horses.
Simon’s thrilled to support CONEXEN as a key ecosystem accelerator.
Tiffany is a seasoned professional in Genomics with over six years of experience at Illumina. She began her journey with the company in marketing and now serves as the Multiomics Sales Specialist for the UK and Ireland, focusing on cutting-edge technologies in proteomics, single-cell solutions, epigenetics and pharmacogenomics. Before joining Illumina, Tiffany earned her PhD at the University of Cambridge and worked as a Bioinformatician specialising in the epigenetics of oncology, other common disease and ageing.
Zai is an experienced life sciences professional with over 20 years of experience across academia, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Her career spans preclinical drug development, translational research, and scientific operations, with a strong focus on oncology, immunology, and molecular biology. She has led cross-functional teams, established and scaled laboratory operations, and managed complex collaborations with academic partners, CROs, and industry stakeholders. Before moving into broader leadership and coordination roles, Zai trained as a neuroscientist achieving a MPhil at Leeds University before transitioning into oncology and built her career delivering research that bridges scientific discovery and real-world application.
Dipesh is an experienced commercial Life Sciences professional with a proven record of accomplishment in numerous “in-house” roles. Specialist areas include business, marketing, and sales strategy development and planning.
Dipesh is currently serving as Executive Director of Global Oncology and Pipeline Programmes at Eisai. Previously he had various senior marketing roles at AstraZeneca, followed by serving as Commercial Life Sciences Advisor for EY Life Sciences.
James is currently serving as Brand Portfolio Strategy Lead at Sanofi. He is a senior marketing leader with over two decades expertise in pharmaceutical commercialisation and has led successful product launches across the UK, EMEA, and global markets, focusing on specialty medicines. With experience at companies including Santen, Vertex, ViiV Healthcare, MSD, and AstraZeneca, James brings strong skills in launch readiness, cross-functional leadership, and strategic portfolio management.
He is known for aligning teams and collaborating across functions to drive impactful results within complex regulatory environments.
Sav is currently Executive Director, Early Development Leader in Oncology at GSK. With over 15 years of experience across Oncology R&D and commercial roles, he specialises in shaping and executing high-impact strategies for both developmental and marketed pharma and biotech products.
Sav has led strategic initiatives that influence key decisions at the highest levels, engaging investment boards, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams to advance drug development with real-world impact. His focus remains on driving meaningful outcomes that improve patients’ lives globally.
Julia Buckler is a distinguished leader in molecular diagnostics development, with more than 18 years of experience advancing Precision Medicine. As Senior Director and Head of Diagnostic Assay Development, as well as Site Head at QIAGEN Manchester, she leads large, high-performing teams focused on delivering diagnostic solutions that improve patient outcomes.
Julia is recognized for her effective leadership and commitment to building empowered, collaborative teams. She is dedicated to operational excellence and efficiency, driving best practices while maintaining a strong focus on patient and customer needs. Julia believes strongly in the power of the local ecosystem in Manchester and champions connections with universities and hospitals to foster innovation, support translational research, and strengthen talent pipelines in the life sciences sector.
Ashley has two decades of international commercial leadership experience and specialises in aligning strategic vision with operational excellence to drive transformative and sustainable growth. Her career spans the Life Sciences, Healthcare, and MedTech sectors, where she’s led high-performing teams and delivered measurable value across complex, regulated markets. Ashley has recently founded a business supporting SMEs with commercial strategy and in addition has two board positions.
Ashley is known as a champion of inclusive culture, having designed and led initiatives that strengthen the employee experience, elevate performance, and enhance retention, because she believes people are the foundation of any successful strategy.
Sajid is an experienced marketing and product management professional with a strong scientific foundation and a background in infectious diseases and diagnostics. He has held regional and global roles across the medical diagnostics industry, focusing on product lifecycle management, market strategy, and customer engagement.
He is currently working as a Global Product Manager at Hologic, where he leads initiatives to drive growth and optimise portfolio performance. Sajid recently completed an Executive MBA, further strengthening his strategic and leadership capabilities, with a growing interest in sustainability and cross-functional collaboration.
About Our CONEXEN Founder
Paula Bekinschtein is a consultant, life sciences ecosystem builder, and activator with 20 years of experience in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and health tech. She specializes in commercial operations, business development, and strategic growth, helping organizations connect, collaborate, and thrive.
A true connector, Paula is passionate about fostering inclusive leadership and advancing gender equity.
She is a past Global Board Director of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) and a current member of its Ambassador Programme. She also actively mentors and supports nonprofit initiatives in health, education, and social impact.
