Contract research organization Melbourn Scientific has announced the promotion of Derek Solomon to Operations Director, effective immediately. Solomon, who joined the company in 2005, previously held the title of Laboratory Manager and oversaw Melbourn’s addition of formulation development and clinical manufacture to its services.
Melbourn CEO Mark Hammond explained, “One of the key drivers over the next three years will be the desire of pharma companies to manage the same level of development projects, but with a diminished internal workforce. As an experienced contract research organisation with knowledge of both the European and US regulatory frameworks we are in a strong position to support these companies. The role of Operations Director is new to the company, it will help us to deliver all our projects to a consistently high standard and to see opportunities to offer additional services.”
Chairman Steve Westcott added, “As a company we have seen year-on-year organic growth and, despite uncertain economic times, have hit and exceeded our targets. This last year has been particularly ambitious; we have completed another phase in the laboratory expansion, extended our manufacturing capabilities following a successful UK MHRA GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) audit, presented at a major US conference and introduced new bespoke services for accelerating the formulation development process. Derek has been instrumental in developing the depth and breadth of our services and it is with pleasure that we welcome him to the board.”
“We have a strong and committed team here at Melbourn,” Solomon responded. “We have succeeded in embracing new services and techniques without losing the traditional skills in analytical chemistry, which are at the core of everything we do. I am looking forward to consolidating the progress made in 2011 and taking on more challenges in the coming year.”
