Gillian Corken obtained the degree MPhar cumlaude fromthe University of Pretoria, South Africa in 1989 majoring in clinical pharmacy. She also has a batchlors degree in Pharmacy from Rhodes University, South Africa and completed the INSEAD International Programme IEP in France and Singapore in 2003

Born in Zimbabwe Ms. Corken started her professional career in South Africa in 1985, with a French based pharmaceutical company, moving up within the company to hold various senior positions. Ms. Corken is a citizen of South Africa, the United Kingdom, and a permanent resident of Brazil

In 1990, she was a co-founder of Clindepharm International Pty Ltd, the first clinical contract research organization (CRO) in South Africa. This company was acquired by Quintiles Transnational Inc., she held various senior positions in this company in the US and Brazil. She was also a board member for the Quintiles Africa, Asia and Australia (AAA) region and the Quintiles Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

In 1990, she was co-founder of Clindephar International Pty Ltd, the first clinicalcontract research orginization CRO in South Africa. This company was aquired by Quintiles Trannational Inc., she held various senior positions in this company in the US and Brazil. She was also a board member for Quintiles Africa, Asia, and Australia AAA region and the Quintiles Europe Middle East and Africa EMEA region.

Apart from this she has also co-founded two natural therapy companies Phytotherapy Pty Ltd and Phytoderm cc. She has also initiated various community based programs in Brazil and South Africa which have enabled young disadvantaged youth to enter the workplace.