Mike Wilkinson, Ph.D. has been named executive vice president of global clinical development at PPD, Inc. He will provide strategic leadership to the company's Phase II-IV operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East/Africa and Asia Pacific.

Dr. Wilkinson most recently served as global head of internal medicine and vice president of project management for another CRO. His responsibilities included global operational and financial oversight and accountability for all internal medicine clinical trials. His industry experience also includes a tenure as clinical development project management practice leader at a pharmaceutical consulting organization.

"Mike Wilkinson brings an exceptional resume with strong leadership across a variety of roles and is uniquely qualified to direct our Phase II-IV global clinical development operations," said William Sharbaugh, PPD's chief operating officer. "With more than 25 years of project management experience, he is extremely skilled at building and leading successful project teams and will play a key role in helping us strategically expand our global operations."

Prior to joining the biopharmaceutical industry eight years ago, Dr. Wilkinson spent 27 years in the U.S. military where he began his career as a Navy SEAL. His many roles included aviation physiologist, White House liaison officer with Marine One Executive Transport, director of operations for the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center and project director for the V-22 Osprey military aircraft.