Duncan Arbour

Enthusiast
DISC Type : i

Head of AI Innovation, Kinetic at Syneos Health

United Kingdom

Overview

Duncan Arbour is the Head of AI Innovation at Syneos Health, where he scales commercial AI solutions for global life science companies. With a background in digital strategy and a degree from the University of Oxford, he has shifted his teams focus from "PowerPoint to Python. " Colleagues describe him as incredibly bright, quick-witted, and a strategic force of nature.

His education in Classics and English at Oxford provides a unique foundation in communication and critical thinking, which he has applied throughout his career. This background informs his approach to blending cutting-edge technology with human-centric behavioral science, ensuring that innovation remains grounded and impactful for patients and physicians.

He began publishing and speaking on AIs role in healthcare back in 2018, long before it became a mainstream topic.

Personality Overview

Non-Confrontational

Consensus Focused

Optimistic

They are more about building relationships than just cutting deals.  They agree with others often, so exercise caution when relying on their word. Unlike D or C types, they are convinced more by stories and testimonials.

Topics They Care About

AI in Healthcare
A long-time thought leader, he has been speaking and publishing on the application of AI in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry since 2018.
Generative AI Tools
As an early beta user of GPT-3, he now focuses on the practical engineering of custom GenAI tools to solve real-world commercial and clinical challenges.
Patient-Centricity
Advocates for the pharmaceutical industry to be "patient obsessed" and believes technology's primary role is to deepen the understanding and support of the patient journey.

Media Appearances

Beyond the First Bite: Scaling AI in Healthcare Communications. Featured in Syneos Health Communications

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What Patients Really Want from AI in Healthcare. Featured in Syneos Health Communications – In the Media

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Duncan Arbour, Syneos Health Communications. Featured in MM&M (Medical Marketing & Media)

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Work History

7-2025
Head of AI Innovation, Kinetic at Syneos Health
3-2022
Advisor at Healthtech
12-2012 - 7-2025
SVP Insights and Innovation at Syneos Health Communications (Previously inVentiv Health Communications)
2-2009 - 12-2012
Head of Strategy at Blue Latitude
9-2007 - 10-2008
Editorial Director at LBi UK

Education

Classics & English from University of Oxford

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 26 Location : United Kingdom Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Head of AI Innovation, Kinetic at Syneos Health
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Insights For Selling To Duncan

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Invite them for a lunch or a drink/coffee
  • Give them the opportunity to lead the conversation where possible
  • Refer to interesting customer testimonials and stress on great customer experience

DONT's

  • Avoid overloading them with too much information
  • Don’t be excessively objective, be like a storyteller with them
  • Don't be critical or challenge them openly, they can react defensively

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Duncan is

  • Relationships and rapport matter to them, but so does the value of the product.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Duncan

  • They probably won't say no directly.


Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Duncan move?

  • They are not the ones to make fast decisions, even while they stay committed.
  • Can Duncan take some risk or not?

  • If it seems really necessary, they can take small risks.

You And Duncan

Personality Compatibility


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