Charles River Laboratories is making several organizational changes with the goal of improving operating efficiency across its global portfolio. The changes in structure are designed enhance worldwide productivity initiatives and promote the global management of its Research Models and Services (RMS) and Preclinical Services (PCS) businesses.
 
Jörg Geller, D.V.M., Ph.D., previously corporate executive vice president and president, European & Asian Operations, will assume the role of corporate executive vice president, Global Productivity and Efficiency. Dr. Geller will focus on driving productivity and will lead a cross-sectional team of Charles River’s functional and business-unit leaders.
 
Davide Molho, D.V.M., previously corporate executive vice president and president, North American Operations, will assume the role of corporate executive vice president and president, Global Research Models & Services and Preclinical Services Operations. Dr. Molho will be responsible for transitioning from a unified, regional business alignment, to a more fully integrated, global organizational structure across North America, Europe and Asia.
 
Colin Dunn, Ph.D., has been promoted to the position of corporate senior vice president and general manager, Research Models & Services, Europe and Asia. Dr. Dunn was previously responsible for European RMS operations, and will now oversee all of the company’s RMS operations in Europe, Japan and China. Dr. Dunn will report to Dr. Molho. Also, Dr. Brian Bathgate, corporate senior vice president, European Preclinical Services will continue to oversee European preclinical operations, as well as global PCS Lab Services.
 
Dr. Emily Hickey, who joined the company in October as corporate vice president, In Vivo Discovery Research Services, will now report directly to James C. Foster, CRL’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. Dr. Hickey will help drive the growth and expansion of this emerging outsourced service opportunity. Additionally, Foster Jordan, corporate senior vice president, Endotoxin & Microbial Detection, will continue to report directly to Mr. Foster.
 
Commenting on the moves, Mr. Foster said, “In a market environment that is rapidly changing, we have continued to refine and enhance our competitive position through a combination of portfolio expansion, organizational changes, efficiency initiatives, improved data infrastructure and increasing scientific expertise. The changes we are making are the logical evolution of these ongoing efforts, which we believe will ensure our clients a consistent and superior experience across our global organization. Furthermore, our intensified emphasis on efficiency will enable us to meet our clients’ expectations while maintaining and enhancing our reputation for service, responsiveness and scientific excellence.”