INC Research, a global Phase I to IV contract research organization (CRO), said that chief executive officer Jamie Macdonald will transition his role as chief executive of the company effective Oct. 1, 2016, to INC Research’s current president and chief operating officer, Alistair Macdonald. Mr. Macdonald, who has served as INC’s president and chief operating officer since January 2013 and held various other leadership roles at the company since 2002, will become a member of the company’s board on Oct. 1. Mr. Macdonald will step down from the board at that time and will continue as vice chairman to assist in the transition of his chief executive responsibilities until Feb. 28, 2017, reporting to the chairman of the board.

“Alistair brings strong leadership, a proven track record of success and strategic vision that we believe will guide the future growth and success of INC Research,” said David Norton, chairman of the board. “As chief operating officer, Alistair has demonstrated outstanding leadership in strengthening INC’s operations globally and we believe will drive increased opportunities for the company. We’re delighted to have such a strong successor to Jamie.”

Mr. Norton also thanked Jamie Macdonald for leading INC Research as chief executive officer since 2013. “Jamie has guided INC and been a strong partner to our board over the last five years. During that time, he led the company through its successful IPO in 2014 and subsequent strong operational and market performance, and has been a leader in every sense. Since Jamie became chief executive in 2013, INC has delivered industry-leading growth and margins. We are delighted that Jamie will be working with Alistair and the board to ensure a smooth transition.”

Mr. Norton continued, “We respect Jamie’s decision to step away at this time and commend his commitment to his family and community, and want to thank him for supporting Alistair and the company through its transition.”

Prior to assuming his current role as chief operating officer, Mr. Macdonald was president, clinical development services for INC Research. He has more than 20 years’ of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and is based at the company’s European headquarters in Camberley, UK.