Sjoerd Canninga

Director & Product Owner | Pharma/Life Sciences | Clinical & Human Biological Sample Management | GxP, QRC, eTMF/CTMS/LIMS | AI/ML enabled Digital Transformation | Global Programs & M&A Integration

Brussels, Brussels Region, Belgium

About

I am a strategic product leader with over 30 years of experience driving digital transformation, risk & compliance excellence, and AI‑enabled innovation across global Pharma and Life Sciences organizations. Throughout my career at GSK, I’ve led complex, multinational programs in regulated (GxP) environments, harmonized business processes across diverse geographies, and built high‑performing matrix teams that consistently deliver measurable outcomes. As Director and Product Owner for Human Biological Sample Management (HBSM), I modernized the global sample lifecycle—achieving a ~90% reduction in clinical sample collection cycle time through data‑driven workflows, advanced analytics, and AI/LLM‑powered capabilities. I’m passionate about architecting scalable systems that strengthen R&D competitiveness, improve operational flow, and ensure compliance while fostering innovation. Previously, I shaped enterprise‑wide Clinical Evidence Generation capabilities, led major Veeva eTMF/CTMS deployments, drove multiple M&A integrations, and built risk, quality, and compliance frameworks that enhanced delivery and reduced operational exposure. My experience ranges from hands‑on validation and audit leadership to executive‑level program strategy, always anchored in value, flow, and quality. I thrive at the intersection of technology, science, and organizational transformation—partnering with stakeholders to turn ambiguity into clarity and strategy into sustainable results. I’m especially motivated by modernizing legacy environments, accelerating R&D through intelligent systems, and developing teams that innovate with purpose.

Experience

  • GSK (Full-time · 18 yrs 3 mos)
    • Director, Clinical Product Manager & Business Partner
      Jan 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 7 mos

      I provide project leadership and support for the implementation of an enterprise wide multi-platform Human Biological Sample Management System, including Biobank. I strive for full applicability by end-user and complete adaption to process and imbed compliance with cGCP regulations and local standards, following an agile implementation methodology, incrementally and continuously providing value to our business.

    • Director; Tech Partner Clinical Evidence Generation
      Apr 2017 - Dec 2020 · 3 yrs 9 mos

      I managed the demand, implementation and delivery of CEG systems as, eTMF, CTMS, HBSM, LIMS related products. I ensured products/systems remain current and compliant with GSK standards and GxP regulations. I Led audits and participated inspections. I successfully led the implementation of Veeva eTMF, including Third Party Oversight and Implementation of a remote inspection system, process and procedures. I also fulfilled the job of IT site manager for GSK Vaccines Amsterdam and India

    • Director, Mergers and Acquisitions - IT Site Integration Lead
      May 2015 - Mar 2017 · 1 yr 11 mos

      As member of local leadership team, I provided project leadership and support for the local deployment of several major programs to integrate infrastructure and productions systems into GSK environment. I led with success the migration of Shared processes and (un)structured data.

  • Senior Manager at PwC
    Nov 1998 - May 2008 · 9 yrs 7 mos

    Part of the PwC Global Risk Management Solution and Advisory group, provided Consulting, Compliance management, Risk management, Process improvement, IT governance, QA/QA, Audit, Validation to the Health Care Industry. Build expertise and provided services to the application of cGxP regulatory guidance, 21CFR…, ICH, WHO, GAMP, PIC/s and industry guidance CobIT, ITIL, GDPR, Risk Management Systems.

  • QA / Validation Manager at Catalent Pharma Solutions
    Sep 1994 - Nov 1998 · 4 yrs 3 mos

    Previous named FEDERA SA QA manager manufacturing and Implementation lead of the IT validation process. (1,3 years) Quality Control Packaging and Sample Management (2 years) QC Laboratory Analyst (1 year)