Clinipace Worldwide Co-Founders Named E&Y Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Southeast Finalists

MORRISVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Clinipace Worldwide, a global digital contract research organization (dCRO), today announced Jeff Williams, CEO and co-founder, and Chris Porter, president and co-founder, have been named one of three finalists in the Health Care & Life Sciences category of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Southeast Program, which includes Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The prestigious awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

“It is truly exciting to be recognized for our entrepreneurial spirit, which extends far beyond Jeff and myself and can be seen throughout the company”

Williams and Porter founded Clinipace in 2003 as a software company and have since built the first global full-service digital CRO. From 2012 to 2014, the company experienced a growth rate of 348% and added more than 450 jobs. In addition to its strong organic sales growth, Clinipace has had six acquisitions in as many years, including the most recent closing of its merger with Accovion, a European full-service CRO headquartered in Frankfurt (Eschborn), Germany.

“We are honored to be recognized as finalists for the Southeast region of this prestigious award,” said Williams. “Clinipace was built on the fundamental belief of improving clinical trial operations in terms of quality and cost, and we’re proud to say this is the foundation upon which Clinipace has grown to nearly 1,000 employees. It has been a truly remarkable journey that would not be possible without the dedication and expertise of our employees.”

“It is truly exciting to be recognized for our entrepreneurial spirit, which extends far beyond Jeff and myself and can be seen throughout the company,” added Porter. “We are grateful to be surrounded by forward-thinking team members who have proven to be invaluable to the company’s continuing success.”

Now in its 29th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Program has expanded globally to recognize company builders in over 145 cities and in more than 60 countries throughout the world.

The business leaders were selected by a panel of independent judges. Regional award recipients go on to compete at the national level. Award recipients in several national categories, as well as the National EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall Award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California. The awards are the culminating event of the EY Strategic Growth Forum^®, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Sponsors

Founded and produced by EY, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored by SAP America and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Southeast Program sponsors include King & Spalding, Merrill Communications LLC, PNC and Vaco.

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year®

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries.

About EY’s Strategic Growth Markets

EY’s Strategic Growth Markets (SGM) practices guide leading high-growth companies. Our multidisciplinary teams of elite professionals provide perspective and advice to help our clients accelerate market leadership. SGM delivers assurance, tax, transactions and advisory services to thousands of companies spanning all industries. EY is the undisputed leader in taking companies public, advising key government agencies on the issues impacting high-growth companies and convening the experts who shape the business climate. For more information, please visit us at ey.com/us/strategicgrowthmarkets, or follow news on Twitter @EY_Growth.

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About Clinipace Worldwide

Clinipace Worldwide, a digital contract research organization (dCRO), pioneered an innovative, technology-amplified CRO service model to serve the unique needs of venture-backed, mid-tier and strategic pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device firms.

Powered by Clinipace’s proprietary TEMPO™ eClinical platform and a team of experts with extensive knowledge in therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, nephrology, immunology and vaccines, the company assists life science firms in successfully executing regulatory strategies, clinical development and post-approval research programs.

Clinipace Worldwide global headquarters are based in Research Triangle Park, NC with additional offices located across the globe in 39 countries including North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit http://www.clinipace.com.