Dr. Steve Cutler will be appointed chief executive officer of ICON plc and Ciaran Murray will transition to the role of chairman of the board, effective March 1, 2017.
 
Dr. Cutler joined ICON in 2011 as president, ICON Clinical Research Services. He was promoted to chief operating officer of ICON plc in January 2014 and was appointed to the board in November 2015. Prior to joining the company, Dr. Cutler was chief executive officer of Kendle, and previously held senior roles at both Quintiles and Sandoz (now Novartis). 
 
“Steve will bring significant industry experience and proven leadership capabilities to the role of chief executive officer” said Mr. Declan McKeon, acting Chairman of the Board.  “As Chief Operating Officer, Steve has strengthened and expanded our global operations and he is well placed to lead the company to continued growth and success.  The Board is happy to have such a strong internal successor to take over from Ciaran now that he has decided to transition to the role of chairman.” 
 
Dr. Cutler added, “I am pleased and excited to be appointed as ICON’s chief executive officer.  I look forward to continuing to work with Ciaran and the rest of the Board during the transition period and beyond. ICON has a strong management team and together we will remain focused on enhancing our position as the CRO partner of choice in drug development.  Also, I would like to personally thank Ciaran for his leadership of ICON over the last five years.”
 
Mr. Murray said, “The last five years as ICON’s CEO have been the most exciting and fulfilling of my professional career. Through our focus on innovation, investment in talent and by continuing to enhance and broaden our service capabilities we have driven significant growth and shareholder value. During this time, we have developed a strong management team and with ICON well positioned for the future the time is right for me to step down and for Steve to take over leadership of ICON.  I look forward to continuing to work with Steve and the rest of the Board in my new role as Chairman.”