AstraZeneca's Alastair MacDonald joins ClinTec

Alastair MacDonald has joined the Scottish contract research organsiation (CRO) ClinTec as its new global head of clinical operations.

He moves to the Glasgow-headquartered firm from AstraZeneca, where he spent nearly 15 years working in clinical development.

Most recently he served as the pharma company's global medical evidence and observational research director and has also previously spent six years on the board of the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR).

MacDonald said: “As global head of clinical operations at ClinTec, I look forward to meeting exciting challenges in delivering clinical research excellence as we continue to grow our capabilities throughout our already extensive geographical reach.

“Our current suite of programmes covers most therapeutic areas and, significantly, also includes complex projects in oncology and rare diseases that are intellectually and operationally challenging to deliver.”

Prior to his time at AstraZeneca, MacDonald served as a regional manager for SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals (now GlaxoSmithKline) and at Danish firm Leo Pharmaceuticals.

ClinTec's chief operating officer Dr Robert Reekie said: “As our company enters its 20th year of significant organic growth, we are delighted to have attracted Alastair to ClinTec International and look forward to bringing his industry leading operational talent and high calibre to bear in providing complementary leadership to our award winning clinical research project teams. 

“In conjunction with our e-clinical technology platforms, this appointment further enhances our capability to meet and exceed the needs of our clients.”