Global contract research organization (CRO) Worldwide Clinical Trials has appointed Alistair Macdonald as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The seasoned executive with decades of leadership experience in the clinical research industry succeeds Peter Benton, who is retiring after more than a decade as president and CEO of the company.
Leadership Transition and Strategic Vision
Matt Jennings, Executive Chairman of Worldwide and Operating Partner of Kohlberg, the majority owner of the company, emphasized the strategic timing of the appointment. "Worldwide is at an exciting inflection point – investing boldly in technology and innovation to deliver transformative solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers and patients," Jennings stated. "We are expanding our capabilities and scaling globally with a clear focus on becoming the market-leading CRO in customer service, quality, and responsiveness."
Macdonald expressed his commitment to building upon the company's foundation, stating, "I'm honored to join Worldwide at such a pivotal moment in the growth trajectory of the business. Peter has built an extraordinary foundation, and I look forward to working closely with our talented teams to further elevate Worldwide's impact as a leading customer-focused and innovative CRO."
Extensive Industry Experience
Macdonald brings well-recognized strategic leadership and operational expertise to his new role. Most recently, he served as Operating Partner at GHO Capital, where he advised healthcare companies on growth and innovation. His most notable achievement came during his tenure as CEO of Syneos Health, where he oversaw the company's transformation into a global CRO powerhouse, scaling revenues from approximately $1 billion to $5 billion.
Throughout his career, Macdonald has held key global roles spanning clinical development, oncology, and business development. His industry involvement extends to board positions at several prominent organizations, including the Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO), Medicines Discovery Catapult, Seqens, Eliquent, OncImmune, and Klick Health.
Peter Benton's Legacy
Benton's 11-year tenure at Worldwide has been characterized by transformative growth and the development of a deeply mission-driven culture. Under his guidance, the company expanded its global footprint, reinforced its reputation for scientific rigor and customer-centric innovation, and deepened its therapeutic expertise to deliver responsive partnerships, personalized solutions, and access to scientific leadership.
"It's been the honor of a lifetime to lead Worldwide, and I'm deeply proud of the culture, team, and momentum we've built together," Benton commented. "As I step into retirement, I do so with full confidence in Alistair's leadership. His deep respect for Worldwide's culture of responsiveness, accessibility, and personalized service ensures that our core values remain intact as we innovate and grow."
To ensure continuity, Benton will remain with Worldwide as Senior Advisor, facilitating a seamless transition for both employees and customers.
Company Profile and Future Direction
Worldwide Clinical Trials operates as a full-service global CRO, partnering with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to create customized solutions that advance new medications. The company's comprehensive capabilities encompass bioanalytical laboratory services, Phase I-IV clinical trials, and post-approval and real-world evidence studies.
The organization maintains therapeutic focus areas in neuroscience, oncology, rare disease, and cardiometabolic and inflammatory disease. With a global footprint spanning over 60 countries and more than 3,500 team members, Worldwide positions itself through an accessible team of clinicians, scientists, and researchers who bring collaborative, personalized approaches to each clinical program.
Jennings concluded the leadership announcement by acknowledging Benton's contributions: "We are grateful to Peter for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence while at the helm of Worldwide. His legacy will continue to shape Worldwide's future as we welcome Alistair as our next CEO."
