Premier Research has named Dr. Mike Wilkinson as its new chief operating officer. Dr. Wilkinson brings a diverse background of industry and public service to his role of overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations and advancing its mission to support the world’s leading biotech innovators.

“With an impressive background in industry and public service, Mike is exceptionally well qualified for this role,” said Premier Research chief executive officer, Dr. Ludo Reynders. “His broad background in operational leadership, appreciation for the value of teamwork, and understanding of technology’s expanding importance to our industry will make him a great asset as we pursue our goal to be the world’s leading biotech services company.”

Wilkinson spent 10 years at PPD, first overseeing worldwide clinical trial operations as executive vice president of Global Clinical Development, and later as PPD’s chief information officer and head of Technology, responsible for data, process improvement, and global training.

Before joining the biopharmaceutical industry, Wilkinson spent 23 years in the U.S. military, where his assignments included director of operations for the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center. He retired from the military as a U.S. Navy Commander.