Michael Gibertini, Ph.D., and Tara Fitzgerald have been promoted to key executive leadership roles within INC Research. Dr. Gibertini, who currently serves as president, Clinical Development, has been promoted to chief operating officer, succeeding Alistair Macdonald. Also, Tara Fitzgerald, executive vice president, Biometrics, has been appointed president, Clinical Development Services.  
 
The appointments are being made in conjunction with the company’s CEO succession plan previously announced in July, with COO Alistair Macdonald assuming the role of chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1, 2016. Mr. Macdonald succeeds Jamie Macdonald, who also has stepped down from the board and will serve through Feb. 29, 2017, as vice chairman.
 
“Michael and Tara both bring experienced leadership, extensive industry and in-depth organizational knowledge and a strategic vision to help guide the future growth and success of INC Research,” said Mr. Macdonald. “Michael has continued to grow and build on INC’s therapeutic expertise as a key differentiator while enhancing our scientific focus to deliver truly innovative clinical development solutions for customers. Tara is a proven leader who has delivered exceptional results during her tenure with INC, guiding our Biometrics business to deliver consistently strong performance while also providing senior-level leadership for numerous other business-critical initiatives. We look forward to her continued leadership.”
 
Dr. Gibertini has global responsibility for all operational aspects of INC Research, including Clinical Operations and Clinical Development services. He joined the company in 2005 and previously served as president and general manager, Central Nervous (CNS).
 
Ms. Fitzgerald will provide global leadership for delivery of the company’s Clinical Support Services, including Study Start-Up, Biometrics and Safety and Pharmacovigilance offerings across Phase I to IV clinical trials as well the expansion of its key value chains, including Late Phase, Consulting, Medical Devices and Functional Service Provision (FSP). Ms. Fitzgerald joined the company in May 2011 and has served as executive vice president, Biometrics since April 2013.