DrugDev has announced the appointment of Nick Watling to the new position of chief business officer as the company continues its rapid growth to meet increasing customer demand. Watling will lead strategic initiatives to further enhance DrugDev’s operational performance and enable it to continue providing support to customers. He also will oversee the human resources, quality and administration functions.

Watling has a proven track record for achieving excellence in managing operations and driving organizational change. For over 15 years Watling has used his knowledge and experience to help organizations accelerate growth, acquire and integrate businesses, and establish and optimize operations.

Watling has led major strategic efforts such as CEO successions, cultural transformations, restructurings, post-merger integrations and operational start-ups at companies in multiple industries across the U.S., Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia. Watling’s previous clients have included Westpac, Transurban, Aurizon, nib, SA Power Networks, Denham Capital, EDF Energy, Cobham, Aviva, Unilever, Lloyds TSB, Linklaters, UBS, BT, CEMEX, Resolution Life, Blue Cross Blue Shield and NASA. Prior to joining DrugDev, he was a senior leadership consultant for Heidrick & Struggles.

Ibraheem Mahmood, DrugDev president and CEO, said, “When you embark on a mission to help sponsors and CROs change the very nature of long-established clinical research processes, it’s essential to surround yourself with qualified, innovative and talented people throughout every level of the organization. It’s a rare opportunity to be able to add an executive with the accomplishments, intellect and attitude that Nick brings. I am delighted that we will have an expert of Nick’s caliber leading the expansion of our team in the U.S. and Europe as we continue to add outstanding individuals who are dedicated to ensuring our customers’ ongoing success.”