Currie & Brown appoints Steve Townsend as Global Head of Pharmaceutical Sector

Currie & Brown, a world-leading project management, cost management and advisory services firm, has appointed Steve Townsend as its new Global Head of Pharmaceutical Sector, reflecting its strategic commitment to the rapidly growing life sciences industry.

Steve has more than 30 years of experience in capital programme delivery and has held senior roles across consultancy and client organisations. Most recently Steve was Global Head of Project Controls at GSK with oversight of a significant capital expenditure programme. This included projects in Montrose, Barnard Castle and Stevenage, as well as Wavre (Belgium) and Singapore.

At Currie & Brown, Steve will lead the global pharmaceutical and life sciences sector strategy, helping clients deliver complex programmes with greater clarity, control and confidence.

“I’m excited to build on Currie & Brown’s strong foundation in life sciences,” said Steve Townsend. “The pharmaceutical sector is defined by rapid growth and innovation, but that brings pressure. Project delivery is becoming more complex, with skilled labour shortages and shifting trade policies making it harder to plan and execute with confidence. I’m looking forward to working closely with clients to help them navigate these challenges and make smarter, data-led decisions that underpin certainty in project delivery.”

The pharmaceutical sector continues to experience significant global investment in research, development and manufacturing infrastructure. Currie & Brown already supports many of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies in managing real estate assets and delivering complex capital projects.

“Steve’s appointment reflects our commitment to delivering certainty where it matters most,” said Alan Manuel, Group Chief Executive Officer. “Our pharmaceutical and life science clients are investing at pace and under pressure. Steve’s experience, particularly from the client side, strengthens our ability to meet those needs with confidence.”

Steve will be based in the UK and will work with Currie & Brown’s teams globally to shape capability, drive consistency and deepen strategic relationships across the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector.