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Catalyst Clinical Research Announces European-based Executive Leadership

May 23, 2023 5 min read

Data Sciences and Project Management Leadership Hires

Reinforce commitment to region, strengthening the European footprint of the U.S.-headquartered CRO

Wilmington, N.C., 23 May 2023 – Catalyst Clinical Research, a market-leading provider of clinical research services, has announced two executive-level hires, each based in the United Kingdom (U.K). These recent hires join several other Europe-based leaders in representing the U.S.-based company’s commitment to providing purpose-driven clinical research solutions to more European customers.

Craig McIlloney, Vice President, Data Sciences | Livingston, United Kingdom

Craig brings 25 years of experience with large and small CROs to his role with Catalyst. As VP of data sciences, he is responsible for global data management, biostatistics, statistical programming, and medical writing teams. He’sheld various roles across biostatistics and programming functions, including project, program, local, regional, and global management of more than 800 staff.

As the previous VP of biostatistics and programming for a large CRO, Craig drove the company’s expansion into Asia. His work has focused on various therapeutic areas, including oncology, infectious diseases, dermatology, endocrine/metabolic disease, hematology, nervous system disorders, circulatory conditions, respiratory disease, digestive system diseases, genitourinary disease, and musculoskeletal disease.

Craig’s leadership experience spans activities across various delivery models, including FSP, full-service, and hybrid models. He earned a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in statistics from the University of Glasgow, U.K. in 1994 and a Master of Science in applied statistics from Napier University, Edinburgh, U.K., in 2000. He is a chartered statistician (Cstat) with the Royal Statistical Society and was previously a director of the Statisticians in the Pharmaceutical Industry (PSI).

Graham Ilsley, Vice President, Project Management | Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Graham brings more than 30 years of experience to his newly created role with Catalyst, predominantly in project management and clinical operations. He’ll lead an international project management team that’s instrumental in ensuring successful project execution for customers.

He began his career in pre-clinical discovery research with a leading global pharmaceutical company before becoming a clinical research associate and later a project manager. In 2003, Graham joined a large CRO. He built an extensive career from formal project management roles to establishing processes in resource management, process innovation, staffing, and recruiting while overseeing a substantial portfolio. 

In addition, Graham introduced refined governance processes that were instrumental in delivering increased financial and operational controls across the portfolio. Promoted to VP in 2013, Graham assumed responsibility for study start-up, vendor management, adjudication, and quality control. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Tech) in Applied Biology from the University of Wales Institute of Technology, Cardiff, U.K.

Craig and Graham join Catalyst as the number of senior-level leaders based in Europe is higher than ever. Top executives in Quality Management, Data Privacy, Proposals & Contracts, Marketing & Communications, and Consulting Solutions are all based in Europe, many of whom are close to Catalyst’s Alderley Park office near Manchester, U.K.

“Amplifying our growth strategy in Europe relies on many factors, and building a sophisticated data sciences organization aligned to the highest information collection and quality standards is critical. Craig’s experience ensures we have the right person leading this effort,” said Nik Morton, Catalyst’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “With Graham, we have a leader so well-versed in project management that he can lend not just his expertise in managing teams but also in managing the study needs of the European-based biotech customers we aim to partner with,” he added. “It’s an exciting time for Catalyst.”

Catalyst Clinical Research was founded in 2013 and has grown from a single North Carolina-based location to five global locations in under a decade. In the past year, Catalyst reported a 57% increase in revenue and has grown its total employee headcount by 33%.

“We can attract and retain industry-leading talent from around the globe because we’ve deliberately created a culture that is values- and purpose-driven and puts people first. As a result, our leaders are empowered to guide their teams to deliver better clinical trials,” said Nick Dyer, CEO of Catalyst. “As we continue to grow in Europe and beyond, our regional customers will increasingly notice the impact of that commitment.”

About Catalyst Clinical Research

Catalyst is a clinical research organization (CRO) that provides highly customizable solutions to the global biopharmaceutical industry through two established, branded solutions: Catalyst Oncology and Catalyst FLEX. The company provides full-service oncology CRO offerings through Catalyst Oncology and multi-therapeutic Client- or Catalyst-managed functional services through Catalyst FLEX. With over 800 staff and offices in the United States and Europe, Catalyst’s flexible service model is built from more than a decade of listening to customers, devising customer-centric solutions, and helping customers drive breakthrough clinical studies by leveraging expert teams and innovative technologies. Visit Catalyst online at CatalystCR.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn: @CatalystCR.

Catalyst is a portfolio company ofQHP Capital, a leading healthcare and life sciences investment firm.