RESTON, Va., April 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PRA International , one of the world's leading clinical research organizations (CROs), today announced that Bruce Teplitzky, Executive Vice President, Business Development, will lead the company's global sales activities in addition to overseeing marketing, proposals and contracts. Teplitzky has played a key role in business development, operations and strategic alliances during his 10 years with the company. His expanded role comes as Jim Powers, Executive Vice President, Business Development, announced plans to retire at the end of the year after 18 years with the company.
"Bruce and Jim have worked side-by-side on our business development efforts over the past five years as we have anticipated this transition," said Pat Donnelly, President and CEO of PRA. "Bruce has the client relationships, scientific expertise and operational background to lead the further development of our sales team. We owe deep gratitude to Jim for leading the tremendous growth of our sales force and for his tireless work in selling global projects and programs."
Over a 20 year career in the CRO industry, Teplitzky has led strategic business development and sales efforts, directed operations, and administered global drug development programs, including bringing significant molecules through to commercialization.
PRA also announced the addition of two Senior Vice Presidents of Business Development to oversee the company's sales teams dedicated to emerging and large biotech and pharmaceutical clients.
David Gessner brings more than 12 years of experience in the CRO industry to PRA, joining the company from Duke Clinical Research Institute. Gessner previously held leadership positions with Quintiles and PPD in operations and business development where he played key roles in expanding the companies' geographic reach, service offerings and organizational structures. At PRA, he will manage a group of sales teams focusing on emerging biotech and pharmaceutical clients.
Michael Raquet joins PRA after 20 years in senior management positions at IMS Health, a provider of product sales and market information to the pharmaceutical industry. There, he implemented a global key account management program and had responsibility for a staff of more than 100 and over 1,000 clients worldwide. Raquet also helped found and ran the company's North America OTC and disease information services business. He earned an MBA from Boston University and a Bachelor of Science from Villanova University. At PRA, Raquet will lead a group of sales teams focused on large pharmaceutical clients.
"Dave and Michael both possess the experience, industry knowledge and commitment to client service that are fundamental to our business development philosophy," said Bruce Teplitzky, Executive Vice President, Business Development. "PRA is fortunate to have them join our management team and provide added direction and depth to our emerging and large pharmaceutical sales teams."
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to PRA International's future financial and business performance, as well as any other predictive statements dependent upon future events or conditions, or that include words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "may," "will," "estimate" or similar expressions of futurity. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which represent the Company's statements only as of the date of this news release and are not intended to give any assurance as to actual future events. Factors that might cause future events to differ include: our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; our ability to continue providing our services effectively, including the quality or accuracy of the data or reports provided and our ability to meet agreed upon schedules; the ability and willingness of our clients to continue to spend on research and development at rates comparable to or greater than historical levels; trends or events affecting the CRO industry and the demand for CRO services; government regulation, including regulatory standards applicable to CRO services; evolving industry standards; and technological changes. Events relating to PRA International could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements and general business and economic conditions. Although these statements are based upon assumptions the Company believes to be reasonable based upon available information, they are subject to the foregoing risks and uncertainties as well as those described more fully in the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of our annual report on Form 10- K. This document can be accessed in the SEC's EDGAR database found at http://www.sec.gov . Please note that PRA International assumes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this release, except as required by applicable securities laws.
About PRA International
PRA International is one of the world's leading global clinical development organizations, with over 2,400 employees working from offices in North America, Europe, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. PRA, an ISO 9001:2000 registered company, delivers services to its clients through a unique approach called Project Assurance(R), which represents the Company's commitment to reliable service delivery, program-level therapeutic expertise, easy, global access to knowledge, and involved senior management.
To learn more about PRA International, please visit http://www.prainternational.com or call our World Headquarters at +1 (703) 464-6300.
PRA InternationalCONTACT: John Lewis, Director-Marketing and Public Relations of PRAInternational, +1-703-464-6338, lewisjohn@praintl.com
Web site: http://www.prainternational.com/
