Charles River Laboratories has re-aligned its business, unifying its Research Models and Services (RMS) and Preclinical Services (PCS) businesses as part of an effort to provide clients with seamless and integrated products and services to support drug development programs.

James C. Foster, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said, “As our clients continue to transform their business models, we must evolve with them. Unifying these two businesses will improve client access to our extensive in vivo expertise and enable us to provide more flexible solutions to their drug development needs. These solutions can be structured either globally or regionally, depending on the clients’ requirements. We believe this new business alignment will enhance our position as the world’s premier early-stage contract research organization.”

The unified business will be managed in two regions: North America and Europe/Asia. Nancy Gillett, D.V.M., Ph.D., D.A.C.V.P., will serve as corporate executive vice president and chief scientific officer, providing scientific guidance and oversight to Charles River’s global businesses. Dr. Gillett will also oversee scientific aspects of merger and acquisition activities.

Davide Molho, D.V.M., currently head of global RMS, will assume the role of corporate executive vice president and president, North American Operations. Dr. Molho will be responsible for overseeing the unified RMS and PCS businesses in North America.

Jörg Geller, D.V.M., Ph.D., will serve as corporate executive vice president and president, European & Asian Operations, responsible for overseeing the unified businesses in Europe and Asia.

Mr. Foster continued, “Drs. Gillett, Molho and Geller have strong scientific backgrounds, proven operating expertise and global experience. Together, they are ideally suited to build a more cohesive, integrated business and enhance our worldwide reputation as leaders in in vivo biology.”