Parexel, a clinical research organization (CRO) providing the full range of Phase I to IV clinical development services, has announced that Jamie Macdonald will retire and transition his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to the company’s Chief Operating and Growth Officer Peyton Howell effective May 15, 2024.
 
Howell, who joined Parexel in 2018 as Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, will be appointed to the company’s Board of Directors May 15. Macdonald will continue on the Board through Dec. 31, 2024, and will remain an industry advisor to EQT and the largest individual investor in Parexel.
   
“It’s been a privilege to lead Parexel during this critical period in the company’s strategic transformation,” said CEO Macdonald. “Our commitment and focus on the patient have continued to differentiate Parexel, drive our focus on innovation and ultimately strengthen our ability to develop new therapies that enhance and save patient lives. We have an incredibly talented team and leader in Peyton as our next CEO.”
 
He continued, “On a personal note, I’m proud of my time with Parexel and to have been part of the CRO industry for 30 years. With the company well positioned for growth, now is the right time for me to retire and spend more time with my family. Following the transition, I look forward to continuing to support Parexel as a Board member and remaining an investor. I’m truly grateful for my time with this amazing organization and to have been part of such an incredible team.”
 
“I’m honored to serve as the next CEO of Parexel,” said Howell. “With a focus on the patient, a commitment to our customers and the CRO industry’s best colleagues, we have an exciting future ahead. I’m proud of our growth and accomplishments and look forward to working with Jamie on the transition and with the Board and our leadership team to build on this momentum as we execute on our strategic initiatives, continue profitable growth and generate value for our stakeholders.”

About Howell

As Chief Operating and Growth Officer for Parexel since 2022, Howell has led the integration and alignment of all aspects of strategy, sales and delivery across the organization to better meet customer needs, build repeat business and lead the market in the next phase of drug development transformation.
 
From 2018 to 2022 she served as Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, implementing the company’s patient-focused strategy and launching its Biotech business unit in January 2019, which has grown by more than double.
 
Also, during her tenure, Howell has made a significant impact in growing the company’s customer relationships, delivering consistent, strong growth in gross new business awards during a period of significant volatility in the life sciences industry.
 
At an industry leadership level, Howell currently represents Parexel as Chairperson of the Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO) following several years on the Board. Her 30+ year career in the healthcare industry includes senior leadership positions with AmerisourceBergen (now Cencora), a Fortune 20 company, most recently as President for Health Systems and Specialty Care Solutions, a $50 billion business unit.
 
Prior to AmerisourceBergen, Howell was a founder of Lash Group, growing the company from an early innovator of patient access services to nearly 5,000 employees and serving as President for nearly 10 years following its acquisition by AmerisourceBergen.
 
Howell serves on the Board of Directors of Tandem Diabetes Care, a medical device manufacturer. She holds a master’s in healthcare administration from The Ohio State University and in 2020 was named a Luminary by the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association.