Mike Harwood
About Mike Harwood
Mike Harwood is the Chief Product Officer at Instem, with extensive experience in the life sciences sector and a background in business management and customer services.
Chief Product Officer at Instem
Mike Harwood currently holds the position of Chief Product Officer at Instem since 2022. In this role, he oversees the development and deployment of products aimed at advancing therapeutic breakthroughs in the life sciences sector. Based in Liverpool, England, he operates in a hybrid work environment. Under his leadership, a multi-disciplinary team of IT specialists, regulatory professionals, and scientists collaborate to meet specific customer requirements.
Previous Executive Roles at Instem
Prior to becoming the Chief Product Officer, Mike Harwood served as Executive Vice President at Instem from 2002 to 2023. During this 21-year tenure, he played a crucial role in formulating marketing strategies for niche markets and facilitated the company’s growth through strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions. Before that, he was the VP of Global Customer Services from 1999 to 2002, where he joined Instem via the acquisition of Fraser Williams Data Systems.
Earlier Professional Experience
Before joining Instem, Mike Harwood worked at Fraser Williams as a Business Manager from 1977 to 1999. He also held the position of Director overseeing Client Services at Fraser Williams Data Systems. Earlier in his career, he was a Business Analyst at AstraZeneca from 1977 to 1984, where he developed his expertise in deploying regulatory preclinical solutions and applications across the R&D continuum from early-stage chemical databases to late-stage clinical trial systems.
Educational Background
Mike Harwood has an extensive educational background. He studied Maths & Computer Science at the University of York, receiving a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1977. He also earned a Post Grad Certificate in Business & Executive Coaching from Leeds Beckett University in 2010. Additionally, he attended Hutton Grammar School. His education has provided a firm foundation for his career in business management and product development.
SEND Standard Development and Achievements
Mike Harwood has had significant involvement in the development of the SEND (Standard for Exchange of Nonclinical Data) standard. He joined the SEND standard development team in 2003 and was pivotal in bringing the first commercial SEND software solution to market in 2005. His contributions have been instrumental in facilitating the integration and execution of regulatory frameworks within the life sciences industry.