Dr Bruce Charlesworth

The expert voice behind the purpose and the work.

Unlike many other healthcare professionals, Dr Bruce Charlesworth brings together a rare combination of frontline medical experience, global business and peope leadership, scientific expertise and personal perspective to help people understand health, businesses succeed responsibly and technical or clinical expertise achieve greater impact.

A medical doctor by training, Bruce has spent more than 25 years at the intersection of medicine, science, leadership and business; researching, developing and commercialising some of the world's most recognised healthcare products and services whilst managing and leading highly technical functions. He has widely published scientific and thought leadership content, appearing on social media, radio, television and in print. Bruce recently served as R&D Health Vice President, then Chief Medical Officer and Site Lead of Reckitt, one of the world's leading consumer health and hygiene companies. He was a leading voice during the COVID pandemic, addressing misinformation across a range of channels, advising consumers, organisations and governments on appropriate hygiene and medication.

His career spans senior leadership roles across multinational pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer health businesses, the fast-moving consumer goods sector, and consulting. He led the creation and transformation of the renowned international health outcomes consultancy Adelphi Values, and has held several influential non-executive, governance and board positions. Bruce's perspective extends well beyond the boardroom and laboratory. He has practised medicine, worked at the forefront of healthcare innovation, led organisational transformations and experienced the healthcare system first-hand as a cancer patient and survivor. This combination gives him unusually rounded expertise and perspective; from the actual science behind products and treatments to the individuals and commercial decisions that shape them, and the people whose lives they affect.

Holding both a medical degree and an Honorary Doctorate of Science, awarded in recognition of his contributions to health science, education and wider society, Bruce combines scientific credibility with commercial insight, a passion for developing people and an ability to make complex subjects accessible, relevant and engaging. Today, Bruce works independently with media organisations, healthcare and life science businesses, and technical leaders, offering informed commentary, strategic advice, leadership development and a refreshingly clear perspective on the issues shaping health and healthcare. He has a particular interest in technical capability development, self care, well being, health literacy, and transparency.

Bruce founded and leads Bright Made Brilliant and Health Honestly. He also works as an independent expert voice, with the media, and in partnership with ambitious companies, organisations and individuals to:

1. Enable access to honest, transparent health information and conversation.
2. Help build credible, responsible healthcare businesses and services.
3. Unlock the value of technical and clinical expertise, making bright people brilliant.