Industry veteran brings proven expertise in global clinical development and further strengthens company focus on operational excellence, quality and delivery
Durham, North Carolina, United States, September 2025 – Parexel, a leading global clinical research organization (CRO), has announced the appointment of Rob Goodwin as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). With nearly 30 years of experience in biopharmaceutical clinical development, Mr. Goodwin’s expertise in global operations, quality execution, and strategic leadership strengthens Parexel’s commitment to accelerating life-changing treatments to patients worldwide.
In his new role, Mr. Goodwin will report directly to CEO Peyton Howell, leading Parexel’s core clinical functions, including project management, clinical and data operations, early-phase clinical units, real-world research, and the operational excellence office. His leadership team will consist of Teri Karcher, President, Global Project Leadership and Launch Excellence; Amy Kissam-Sands, President, Operational Excellence, Delivery and Innovation; and Deb Tatton, President, Global Clinical & Data Operations.
Peyton Howell commented, “Parexel’s strength lies not only in our ability to deliver for our customers, but also in our capacity to evolve and innovate as we grow. Rob’s deep industry experience and knowledge, biopharma relationships and proven, hands-on expertise are all enormous advantages to Parexel and our team.” She added that “The addition of Rob as Chief Operating Officer further supports our strategic focus as we work to meet – and exceed – our customers’ needs and accelerate our own growth objectives.”
Mr. Goodwin most recently served as Senior Vice President, Clinical Development and Operations at Pfizer, where he led global clinical development and operational capabilities from Phase I to IV, including clinical trials and post-marketing studies. Over his 27-year tenure at Pfizer, he held key roles such as Vice President, Operations Center of Excellence, Vice President, Pharmacovigilance Operations, and Vice President, Operational Excellence and Business Innovation.
Reflecting on his appointment, Mr. Goodwin shared, “I’m honored and excited to join Parexel. I look forward to working alongside our talented team to drive strong execution, deliver the highest quality and reliability, foster meaningful innovation, and provide exceptional service for our customers – all with a continued focus on what matters most, delivering life-saving treatments to patients.”
Before joining Pfizer, Mr. Goodwin contributed to the Electronic Data Capture program at Bayer. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Connecticut State University, a Master’s Degree from Southern Connecticut State University, and an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
About Parexel
Parexel is a global leader in clinical research, delivering insights-driven clinical and consulting solutions to the world’s life sciences industry. With over 24,000 professionals across the globe, the company collaborates with biopharmaceutical leaders, emerging innovators, and clinical sites to design and execute patient-focused clinical trials.
With over 40 years of proven delivery, Parexel continues to be recognized for its patient-centric innovation and clinical research excellence. The company recently received the 2024 Fierce Biotech CRO Award for “Innovative Approaches to Patient-Centric Research” and the 2024 and 2023 SCRS Eagle Awards for excellence in site partnerships.
Read Also : When HR “Produces Nothing”: A Response to Jennifer Sey’s Anti-HR Vision
The Fine Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Mental Wellbeing
Mind the Leadership Gap – From Learning to Real-World Impact
How the Adecco Group is empowering its employees for the future of work
