Hands-On Leadership, Patient-First Results: Scaling Operational Excellence in Clinical Research

The Client

Our client is a leading private equity-backed clinical research site network with over 30 locations across the United States. The company offers full-service Phase I-IV clinical trial capabilities across a broad range of therapeutic areas, supported by a growing base of blue-chip pharmaceutical sponsors and CROs (Contract Research Organizations). With recent acquisitions—including four new research sites—bringing headcount to over 500 employees and EBITDA between $10–20M, the company is entering a pivotal phase of transformation and expansion.

The Mandate

To support this next chapter of growth, the company sought an experienced, hands-on Chief Operating Officer to lead operational strategy and execution. The ideal candidate would serve as a close partner to the CEO—driving growth, standardizing processes across locations, and establishing a scalable, patient-first operating platform.

This role required a leader with deep multi-site operational experience, strong financial and data acumen, and a proven track record of success in fast-paced, private equity-backed environments. The COO also needed to bring a low-ego, ownership-oriented mindset capable of leading through change, instilling best practices, and building infrastructure to support continued expansion.

The Placement

We placed a seasoned strategy and operations executive with over 20 years of experience in healthcare—particularly in scaling tech-enabled, multi-site clinical platforms.

In prior COO roles, this executive led clinical operations for organizations with up to 2,000 employees, overseeing functions including revenue cycle, talent acquisition, innovation, and patient experience. They had also served on the executive teams of PE- and VC-backed businesses, successfully executing growth via both de novo expansion and M&A. With a background in data and technology, they had developed tools and processes that drove measurable improvements in clinical outcomes, efficiency, and integration.

Their leadership style blends strategic foresight with tactical execution, enabling them to navigate rapid scale with operational discipline.

The Outcome

As the new Chief Operating Officer, the placement now leads all of the client’s day-to-day operations, with a focus on standardizing processes, elevating the patient experience, and building high-performing, mission-aligned teams across the network.

This appointment marked a significant step forward in the client’s evolution—underscoring their commitment to operational excellence, scalable infrastructure, and transformative, patient-centered growth in the clinical research space.