About Veronica
A career built on putting patients first
Veronica Foote is an independent consultant specialising in patient engagement, healthcare policy and coaching, with deep expertise in oncology and rare diseases.
30+
Years of international leadership experience
15
Years of international HR leadership experience
15
Years of Patient Engagement experience
50
Countries led Patient Engagement across Novartis Oncology Europe
Background & approach
Veronica brings more than 30 years of international leadership experience, including 20 years at Novartis, predominantly in Oncology. Her most recent role there was Executive Director and Global Patient Engagement Head for Oncology Solid Tumours, where she led a cross-functional strategy to embed patient insights at key decision points across research, development and treatment delivery.
As a member of the Novartis Oncology Europe Executive Team, she led Patient Engagement across up to 50 countries, advocating for improved access to innovative cancer medicines, including cell and gene therapies and treatments for rare diseases. She is experienced in leading international multi-stakeholder projects across EU and US organisations.
Earlier in her career, Veronica held senior HR leadership roles at Novartis and Dell, including Head of HR for Novartis Oncology Europe, leading the function across 37 countries with a focus on leadership development, executive coaching and cultural transformation. She brings 15 years of international HR leadership experience alongside 15 years of Patient Engagement experience.
Veronica is a qualified Executive Coach, holding a Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching from Henley Business School. She works with senior leaders in healthcare and life sciences to navigate complexity, lead through organisational and cultural change, and develop with clarity and confidence.
Since establishing her consulting practice, Veronica has advised clients in the biotech and medical nutrition sectors on patient engagement strategy. She also has a long-standing consulting partnership with Working With Cancer, a not-for-profit social enterprise, where she serves as Head of Policy & Consulting, leading evidence-based policy development, supporting employer training programmes and advocating for meaningful policy change on cancer and work.
Veronica's work is informed by lived experience as both a cancer patient and a caregiver, giving her first-hand understanding of the physical, psychological and financial impact of cancer on people's lives and livelihoods.
Clients & partners
Trusted by leading organisations
Working With Cancer
A not-for-profit social enterprise supporting people affected by cancer in the workplace. Veronica serves as Head of Policy & Consulting, leading evidence-based policy development and employer training programmes.
Sobi
A biopharmaceutical company focused on rare diseases and haematology. Veronica has advised on patient engagement strategy, bringing her deep expertise in rare disease and oncology to support meaningful patient involvement.
Danone
A global leader in specialised nutrition. Veronica has provided patient engagement consulting to support Danone's work in medical nutrition, ensuring patient perspectives are embedded in strategy and communications.
Areas of expertise
Where I can help
Patient Engagement Strategy
Designing and delivering meaningful patient engagement frameworks across oncology, rare diseases and medical nutrition.
Healthcare Policy & Advocacy
Evidence-based policy development and advocacy on cancer, rare diseases and the intersection of work and health.
Executive & Leadership Coaching
Supporting senior leaders in healthcare and life sciences to navigate complexity and lead with clarity.
Cancer Coaching
Specialist coaching for individuals navigating work and life alongside cancer, informed by lived experience.
Training & Facilitation
Bespoke training and facilitation for healthcare and employer teams on patient engagement and organisational and cultural change.
International Multi-Stakeholder Projects
Experienced in leading complex international projects across EU and US organisations, pharma, biotech, patient groups and not-for-profits.
What guides my work
Values & approach
Patient-centred
Everything I do starts with the patient perspective — not as a compliance exercise, but as a genuine commitment to better outcomes.
Evidence-based
My work is grounded in rigorous evidence, real-world experience and a deep understanding of what actually works in complex healthcare environments.
Collaborative
I work alongside clients as a trusted partner, bringing my expertise to bear while respecting the knowledge and context they bring.
International perspective
Having worked across EU and US organisations and led teams spanning 50 countries, I bring a genuinely global outlook to every engagement.
Ready to work together?
Whether you need strategic consulting, coaching, or training — let's start a conversation.