Averion International, an international contract research organization (CRO) specializing in oncology and cardiovascular diseases, appointed Peter Gonze executive vice president of global business development, a role that will focus on increasing Averion’s business efforts in international markets.

“We will continue to pursue new business opportunities in North America and Europe, and plan to expand our geographic and therapeutic capabilities in emerging regions of the world,” chief executive officer Markus H. Weissbach, M.D., said in a company release.

Gonze brings more than 35 years of pharma-related experience to Averion. He’s held senior-level positions at GlaxoSmithKline, RhonePoulenc Rorer (now SanofiAventis), Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Diagnostics-Medisense and AltaRed, and, most recently, he was chief operating officer of Unither Pharmaceuticals, a company focused on immunotherapeutic vaccines for oncology.

Averion isn’t the only company in the clinical trials industry creating positions to advance their global aspirations. Earlier this month, SpineMark Corporation, the parent company of SpineMark CRO, named Dr. Rudolf Bertagnoli chairman of its International Medical Advisory Board in an effort to strengthen its international presence.