The pharmaceutical services sector has witnessed a significant wave of leadership appointments across multiple organizations in July 2024, signaling strategic shifts in the industry's support infrastructure.
Selkirk Pharma, the Spokane-based injectable drugs manufacturer, has secured industry veteran Colleen Dixon as its new Chief Executive Officer. Dixon's appointment brings valuable expertise from her previous roles at AstraZeneca, where she served as head of biopharmaceutical project management, along with senior positions at Baxter Biopharma Solutions and Eli Lilly and Company.
Manufacturing Leadership Strengthened
The Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) sector saw notable C-suite additions. Oxford Biomedica welcomed Lucinda Crabtree as CFO and Board member, replacing Stuart Paynter after his nearly seven-year tenure. Simultaneously, Pennsylvania-based Veranova enhanced its commercial operations by appointing Cécile Maupas as SVP and chief commercial officer, leveraging her extensive experience from GE Healthcare Life Sciences.
Clinical Trial Technology Sector Evolution
The clinical trial technology landscape is experiencing strategic reinforcement with key appointments. Signant Health, a Philadelphia-based clinical trial partner specializing in eCOA and data analytics, has recruited Paul Richmond as chief commercial officer following his 14-year tenure at PPD. One2Treat strengthened its medical leadership by bringing in Pascal Piedbois as chief medical officer, drawing on his experience as former head of medical oncology at Paris University and leadership roles at major pharmaceutical companies.
CRO Sector Expansion
Contract Research Organizations (CROs) demonstrated particular focus on commercial leadership development:
- MMS appointed Ben Dudley as chief commercial officer, bringing 25 years of life sciences expertise
- Metrion Biosciences secured Dr. Chris Mathes as chief commercial officer
- Catawba Research named Tracy Hudson as VP of proposals and vendor management
Regional and Specialized Appointments
Several organizations made strategic regional appointments to strengthen their global presence. Avance Clinical appointed Jessica Han as director of Asian operations, while Xeltis named Shawn Gage as VP US clinical affairs. Biocair enhanced its Indian operations by appointing Syed Zaman as General Manager.
The laboratory technology sector saw development with HEL Group naming Professor Yih-Shing Duh as chief scientific advisor, bringing expertise from the Reaction Risk Evaluation Laboratory at Xiamen University.
These appointments reflect the industry's focus on strengthening commercial capabilities, expanding global reach, and enhancing technical expertise across the pharmaceutical services sector.
