Raleigh, N.C.-based INC Research, a therapeutically focused CRO has appointed Chris Smyth, Ph.D., MBA, to its oncology leadership team as senior vice president, clinical development.

Based in INC Research’s European headquarters in Winnersh, U.K., Dr. Smyth will leverage his extensive oncology expertise to support the company’s oncology development and service delivery efforts in Europe and Asia Pacific.

Dr. Smyth brings more than 20 years of R&D experience in the pharmaceutical industry, having started his career working in clinical operations roles for CROs. Prior to joining INC Research, he spent eight years at a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of small molecules, biologicals and DNA aptamers for the treatment of cancer. He has held senior management positions at CROs and biopharmaceutical companies in both Europe and the U.S. and has focused on hematology and oncology drug development since 2003.