Why I joined Emmes
I am excited to be CEO of Emmes because of its scientific track record and credibility in clinical research. Emmes has an incredible history, addressing some of the most complex health issues of our time. Emmes has an exciting future as we partner with patients, clinical sites, government agencies and biopharmaceutical companies to advance the next phases of scientific innovation and change the trajectory of health care.
Why I chose a career in life sciences
My first role in life sciences was as a consultant for Pfizer. Although I was working far away from patients (I was conducting computer training), I was inspired by collaborating with brilliant people and working as part of a bigger cause. And that’s what kept me in life sciences and expanded my career path. Every day, everyone on our team, our customers, others we partner with, we are all united in our purpose to make a difference in the lives of patients around the globe. This is what makes me proud to work in this industry.
My professional background
Over the course of my career, I’ve had opportunities to serve in senior leadership roles across the drug development spectrum from first-in-human studies through the medical affairs. I have also contributed at an industry level as a founding member of the Transcelerate board of directors and board member of the Drug Information Association. I’ve gained extensive global experience across a broad range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, immunology, neuroscience, vaccines, anti-infectives, cardiovascular and retinal gene therapy.
Earlier in my career, I worked as a consultant with Accenture, supporting the post-merger integration of R&D organizations. Following that, I spent 14 years at Bristol Myers-Squibb and served as positions of increasing scope, including senior vice president of global clinical operations. Before joining the Emmes team, I was the head of global development at Janssen R&D responsible for leading the global development organization (including statistics, clinical pharmacology, clinical operations, data operations, project and portfolio management, etc.) in support of delivering a broad ranging portfolio of 450+ studies across all therapeutic areas and all phases from PhI -IV. This role gave me the opportunity to manage a team of more than 10,000 colleagues around the globe. We were focused on the design of innovative drug development programs and the implementation of innovative approaches to trial design and execution including trial virtualization, digital health, patient-centered research, and diversity in clinical trials.
What I’m excited about right now
The opportunities that technology, including generative artificial intelligence (AI), are opening up. Technological advances offer huge potential to make clinical research even faster and more patient focused. Embracing and accelerating the uptake of these approaches will let us have a greater impact on global health and biopharma innovation in the discovery and development of new medicines.
A bit about me
My wife and I live in New Jersey and have three grown children, who are all pursuing their own purposes and passions. I love spending time doing almost anything active and outdoors – from hiking to snowboarding to biking.
Education
Nottingham University, United Kingdom
