News from Premier Research, Almac, and AAI Pharma – People on the move
Premier Research has appointed Colin Hayward as European medical director.
Hayward joins the firm from drug development services firm Prism Ideas, where he was the director in charge of the medical team.
In his new position, he will be responsible for leading and developing the company’s European medical affairs and pharmacovigilance operations.
“Dr. Hayward brings medical expertise, clinical knowledge, leadership, and a wealth of experience in key areas important to our customers,” said Sue Stansfield, executive VP, clinical development.
Almac has expanded its board of directors, naming Kevin Stephens the new financial director.
Stephens first joined the Almac UK Group as financial controller in 2007, and later rose through the ranks to become executive VP of finance for the entire company in October 2010.
As global financial director, he takes on responsibility for the business’ growth plans.
Alan Armstrong, CEO of the Almac group said: “We anticipate that Kevin will play a key strategic role in the continued growth and successful financial management of our group of companies.”
Pat Prugno has been named managing director of healthcare marketing agency StrikeForce Communications.
The firm – that recently announced it had tripled its revenues in 2011 – says Prugno’s appointment was an effort to accommodate the surge in business.
Previously senior VP and group management director at digital solutions company DraftFCB, she brings with her 25 years of experience with blue chip agencies and major pharmaceutical companies.
Of the firm’s growth, Mike Rutstein – StrikeForce founder and CEO– said Prugno will help the firm continue to offer clients competitive prices – something he attributes the recent growth to.
He said: “We’re able to provide a lot morevalue by matching top talent to specialized drugs and devices. The result is better people, better creative and better prices. Marketers, who are being forced to stretch their budgets more than ever, recognize the value of this way of working.”
Healthcare advertisers AbelsonTaylor has drafted in Erich Voigt as digital art director, and Emily Chee as mock-up artist.
Voigt joins the firm from digital agency ARS Interactive where he worked on strategy, design and art direction for an e-commerce platform launch. He now works AbelsonTaylor’s team for interactive visual aids and digital tactics.
A former marketing and advertising freelancer in both print and digital, Chee will work across all brands in her new role.
AAIPharma has hired former Patheon executive VP Eric Evans as CFO.
“I was attracted to AAIPharma by the strength of its market position and management team, as well as its recent growth and expansion,” said Evans.
The firm has also named Eduardo Uribe as senior director of quality services at its Charleston, South Carolina parenteral manufacturing facility.
Uribe will take the helm at the facility’s quality control organisation as the company expands its manufacturing facility footprint.
Brian Dillion, senior director of quality at AAIPharma said: “Eduardo’s experience with developing, implementing and managing quality systems for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and his comprehensive understanding of GMP compliance make him a great asset for AAIPharma.”
