ICON's CEO named chair of ACRO

The global trade body for clinical research organisations has elected ICON's CEO Ciaran Murray as chairman.

The Association of Clinical Research Organisations (ACRO), which was formed in 2002 to improve public understanding of clinical research, has also appointed INC Research CEO Jamie Macdonald as its new vice chairman.

Commenting on his appointment as ACRO chair, Murray said: “I am honoured to lead ACRO at this time when clinical research organisations are increasingly being recognised for the innovation and expertise we bring to the drug development process.

"I look forward to continuing the work that ACRO has done in promoting our industry as one that conducts safe, ethical and high-quality clinical research to deliver medicines that benefit patients worldwide.”

Prior to becoming CEO of ICON, Murray served as the company's chief operating officer.

His former roles include senior financial positions at companies such as Kraft Foods, Novell and Codec Systems.