Charles River Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Charles River has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, technology, human resources, and communications.

Focused on accelerating drug and medical device development, Charles River delivers integrated research and manufacturing solutions to global clients. This leadership team drives scientific innovation and regulatory excellence to ensure rapid market access for life-saving therapies.

Leadership Roles at Charles River

  • Chief Executive Officer - Birgit Girshick
  • Corporate Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - Glenn Coleman
  • Chief of Staff - Stacey Pauze
  • Vice President, Chief Technology Officer Manufacturing Business Division - Matthew Hewitt
  • Chief People Officer - Victoria Creamer
  • Corporate Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer - Amy Cianciaruso
  • Birgit Girshick - Chief Executive Officer

    Birgit Girshick, the Chief Executive Officer at Charles River, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire organization. Overseeing the global portfolio of research and safety assessment services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between scientific capabilities and client needs across North American and international markets. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain high standards in drug discovery and manufacturing support. By optimizing operational efficiency, Birgit Girshick drives the company toward sustained growth and market leadership. The Chief Executive Officer monitors industry trends to anticipate shifts in the pharmaceutical landscape, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of medical device development. Through rigorous oversight of all business divisions, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term viability of the company while fostering a culture of scientific excellence and operational precision.
    Birgit Girshick

    Glenn Coleman - Corporate Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Glenn Coleman, the Corporate Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Charles River, manages the financial health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Overseeing global fiscal planning, the Corporate Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer ensures that investments in research infrastructure and manufacturing capacity align with long-term growth targets. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of market performance and financial risk to support the company's expansive end-to-end portfolio. By optimizing capital structure, Glenn Coleman drives the financial stability necessary for sustained innovation in drug discovery and safety assessment. The Corporate Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to evaluate potential acquisitions and expansion opportunities across international regions. Through disciplined financial management, the Corporate Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer secures the resources required to maintain the company's position as a premier partner for pharmaceutical and medical device clients worldwide.
    Glenn Coleman

    Stacey Pauze - Chief of Staff

    Stacey Pauze, the Chief of Staff at Charles River, manages the executive office operations and facilitates cross-functional communication across the enterprise. Coordinating high-level initiatives, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities receive consistent attention from leadership teams. This role involves streamlining internal processes to improve decision-making speed regarding drug development and safety assessment projects. By managing complex workflows, Stacey Pauze enables the executive team to focus on core business objectives and client-facing outcomes. The Chief of Staff acts as a primary liaison between various departments, ensuring that organizational goals remain synchronized with the broader mission of accelerating medical innovation. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Chief of Staff supports the company in maintaining its competitive edge within the global research services sector. This position remains vital for maintaining organizational agility and operational transparency throughout the entire corporate structure.

    Matthew Hewitt - Vice President, Chief Technology Officer Manufacturing Business Division

    Matthew Hewitt, the Vice President, Chief Technology Officer Manufacturing Business Division at Charles River, architects the technological framework for the company's manufacturing operations. Overseeing the integration of advanced manufacturing systems, the Vice President, Chief Technology Officer Manufacturing Business Division ensures that production processes meet the highest regulatory and quality standards for medical devices and chemicals. This leadership role involves driving digital transformation initiatives to increase efficiency and output across global manufacturing facilities. By implementing cutting-edge technology, Matthew Hewitt supports the company's mission to accelerate the development of critical healthcare products. The Vice President, Chief Technology Officer Manufacturing Business Division collaborates with research teams to bridge the gap between discovery and commercialization. Through continuous technical innovation, the Vice President, Chief Technology Officer Manufacturing Business Division enhances the company's ability to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions to clients navigating complex regulatory environments and demanding market timelines.

    Victoria Creamer - Chief People Officer

    Victoria Creamer, the Chief People Officer at Charles River, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee engagement, and leadership development, the Chief People Officer ensures that the company attracts and retains the scientific expertise necessary for drug discovery and safety assessment. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity across the global workforce. By implementing robust performance management systems, Victoria Creamer drives organizational alignment with the company's core mission of supporting patients. The Chief People Officer collaborates with department heads to identify skill gaps and develop training programs that enhance the company's research capabilities. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief People Officer supports the company's growth by ensuring that teams remain agile and equipped to handle the complexities of the modern pharmaceutical industry. This role remains essential for maintaining the high standards of scientific excellence required for client success.
    Victoria Creamer

    Amy Cianciaruso - Corporate Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer

    Amy Cianciaruso, the Corporate Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer at Charles River, manages the company's reputation and external messaging strategy. Overseeing global corporate communications, the Corporate Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer ensures that the organization's commitment to scientific integrity and patient-focused solutions remains clear to all stakeholders. This leadership role involves managing media relations, investor communications, and internal messaging to maintain brand consistency across international markets. By crafting compelling narratives about the company's research and manufacturing impact, Amy Cianciaruso drives public awareness and trust. The Corporate Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer collaborates with the executive team to align communication strategies with business objectives and market positioning. Through proactive engagement with industry partners and the broader scientific community, the Corporate Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer strengthens the company's influence and visibility, ensuring that the organization's contributions to drug and medical device development receive appropriate recognition.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Charles River Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Charles River?
    Charles River is led by Birgit Girshick (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Glenn Coleman (Corporate Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer) and Stacey Pauze (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Charles River’s executive team?
    The executive team of Charles River includes leaders such as Birgit Girshick (Chief Executive Officer), Glenn Coleman (Corporate Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer), Stacey Pauze (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Charles River have?
    Charles River has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Charles River’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Charles River includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Vice President, Chief Technology Officer Manufacturing Business Division, Chief People Officer.