Premier Research Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Premier Research has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, clinical operations, information technology, financial management, legal compliance, and consulting services.

Focused on accelerating medical breakthroughs, Premier Research empowers biotech and pharma innovators to transform complex science into life-changing treatments through advanced clinical trial management and global regulatory expertise.

Leadership Roles at Premier Research

  • Chief Executive Officer - Christopher Schiavone
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Abie Ekangaki
  • Chief Financial Officer - Richard Shimota
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sian Ratcliffe
  • Chief Operating Officer, Personnel Records Training - Cheryl Strum
  • President - Si Nahra
  • President, Consulting Division - Reeves McGee
  • President - David Freeman
  • Chief Information Officer - Mike Irene
  • Chief Legal Officer - Mariesa Coppola
  • Christopher Schiavone - Chief Executive Officer

    Christopher Schiavone, the Chief Executive Officer at Premier Research, directs the overarching corporate strategy to advance clinical development for biotech and specialty pharma partners. By prioritizing the integration of innovative technologies, Schiavone ensures that the organization delivers conclusive data to sponsors navigating complex medical landscapes. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine product lifecycle strategies and reduce clinical development cycle times across global markets. Christopher Schiavone maintains a sharp focus on scaling operations to meet the unmet needs of patients suffering from diverse medical conditions. Through the implementation of smart study design, the Chief Executive Officer drives the company toward its goal of transforming breakthrough science into viable medical treatments. Ultimately, Schiavone secures the long-term market position of the firm by fostering a culture of scientific excellence and operational efficiency within the competitive research and development sector.

    Abie Ekangaki - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Abie Ekangaki, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Premier Research, architects the foundational vision that guides the company in supporting device innovators and pharmaceutical firms. Overseeing the strategic direction of the organization, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all research initiatives align with the mission of accelerating patient access to new therapies. This role requires deep engagement with global regulatory frameworks to maximize the impact of clinical data, particularly in rare disease research. Abie Ekangaki cultivates partnerships that allow the firm to address critical gaps in medical treatment development. By championing the use of advanced analytics, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer optimizes trial management processes to ensure high-quality outcomes for sponsors. Ekangaki remains dedicated to the pursuit of scientific innovation, ensuring that the company continues to provide the specialized expertise necessary to solve complex challenges in the global healthcare industry.

    Richard Shimota - Chief Financial Officer

    Richard Shimota, the Chief Financial Officer at Premier Research, directs the financial planning, reporting, and fiscal strategy of the organization. By overseeing capital allocation and budgeting, Shimota ensures that the company maintains the financial health necessary to invest in cutting-edge research technologies and global expansion. This leadership role involves managing the financial risks associated with long-term clinical development projects and regulatory compliance. Richard Shimota collaborates with the executive team to evaluate the profitability of various therapeutic areas and service lines. Through rigorous financial analysis, the Chief Financial Officer supports the strategic decision-making process that drives growth and operational sustainability. Shimota maintains oversight of the company's fiscal performance, ensuring that resources are directed toward high-impact initiatives that serve the needs of biotech and pharma sponsors. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial stability required to sustain the firm's commitment to transforming breakthrough science into medical treatments.

    Sian Ratcliffe - Chief Operating Officer

    Sian Ratcliffe, the Chief Operating Officer at Premier Research, manages the execution of clinical trial operations and the delivery of research services to global biotech and pharma clients. Focusing on operational excellence, Ratcliffe ensures that study designs are implemented with precision to meet strict regulatory standards and timelines. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to streamline clinical development cycles and improve patient access to trials. Sian Ratcliffe works closely with the executive team to align operational capacity with the evolving needs of the specialty pharma market. By optimizing resource allocation and project management workflows, the Chief Operating Officer drives significant improvements in trial efficiency and data quality. Ratcliffe oversees the expansion of operational capabilities across international regions, ensuring that the company maintains a consistent standard of excellence. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer secures the successful delivery of complex research programs that directly impact patient health outcomes.
    Sian Ratcliffe

    Cheryl Strum - Chief Operating Officer, Personnel Records Training

    Cheryl Strum, the Chief Operating Officer, Personnel Records Training at Premier Research, directs the internal systems governing human capital development and regulatory training compliance. By standardizing personnel records and training protocols, Strum ensures that the workforce possesses the specialized expertise required to manage complex clinical trials. This leadership role involves overseeing the implementation of training programs that align with global regulatory requirements for research personnel. Cheryl Strum collaborates with department heads to identify skill gaps and foster a culture of continuous professional development. Through the optimization of internal training infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer, Personnel Records Training enhances the overall quality and consistency of the company's research services. Strum drives the development of robust personnel management systems that support the firm's ability to scale operations effectively. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer, Personnel Records Training secures the operational readiness of the team to meet the rigorous demands of the global clinical research industry.

    Si Nahra - President

    Si Nahra, the President at Premier Research, directs the high-level business development and client relationship strategies that drive the company's market growth. By overseeing the expansion of service offerings, Nahra ensures that the organization remains a preferred partner for biotech and specialty pharma innovators. This leadership role involves engaging with key stakeholders to identify emerging trends in clinical research and tailoring the company's approach to meet those needs. Si Nahra collaborates with the executive team to define the strategic direction of the firm and enhance its global presence. Through the cultivation of long-term partnerships, the President drives the acquisition of new clinical development projects and strengthens the company's reputation for excellence. Nahra focuses on delivering value to sponsors by aligning the firm's research capabilities with specific therapeutic requirements. Ultimately, the President secures the company's position as a leader in the clinical research and development sector through proactive market engagement.

    Reeves McGee - President, Consulting Division

    Reeves McGee, the President, Consulting Division at Premier Research, directs the strategic advisory services provided to biotech and pharma clients. By overseeing the consulting team, McGee ensures that sponsors receive expert guidance on product lifecycle strategies, regulatory pathways, and clinical development planning. This leadership role involves analyzing market data to help clients maximize the impact of their research and navigate the complexities of rare disease data. Reeves McGee collaborates with other divisions to provide integrated solutions that address the unmet needs of patients. Through the delivery of high-level consulting expertise, the President, Consulting Division enhances the value proposition of the firm's research services. McGee drives the growth of the consulting practice by identifying new opportunities for strategic partnership and innovation. Ultimately, the President, Consulting Division secures the firm's role as a trusted advisor capable of transforming breakthrough science into successful medical treatments for patients worldwide.

    David Freeman - President

    David Freeman, the President at Premier Research, directs the operational execution of large-scale clinical research programs and manages the delivery of high-quality data to global sponsors. By overseeing the performance of clinical teams, Freeman ensures that trial management processes remain efficient and compliant with international standards. This leadership role involves coordinating with the executive team to scale the company's research capabilities and enter new therapeutic markets. David Freeman focuses on optimizing the clinical development cycle to reduce time-to-market for new medical treatments. Through the implementation of rigorous quality control measures, the President enhances the reliability of the data provided to biotech and pharma partners. Freeman drives the operational success of the firm by fostering a culture of accountability and scientific precision. Ultimately, the President secures the company's ability to meet the complex demands of the global research industry while maintaining a steadfast focus on improving patient outcomes.

    Mike Irene - Chief Information Officer

    Mike Irene, the Chief Information Officer at Premier Research, directs the digital infrastructure and technological capabilities required to support complex clinical research projects. By implementing secure, scalable data management systems, Irene ensures that the organization maintains the integrity and speed of clinical trials for global sponsors. This leadership role involves overseeing the deployment of innovative software solutions that facilitate smart study design and real-time data analysis. Mike Irene collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate advanced technology into every phase of the product development lifecycle. Through the modernization of internal systems, the Chief Information Officer enhances the efficiency of trial management and regulatory reporting. Irene drives the digital transformation of the company, ensuring that all technological assets support the overarching goal of delivering conclusive medical data. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer secures the firm's competitive advantage by maintaining robust, compliant, and high-performing information systems.
    Mariesa Coppola, the Chief Legal Officer at Premier Research, directs the legal strategy, regulatory compliance, and risk management functions for the organization. By overseeing contract negotiations with biotech and pharma sponsors, Coppola ensures that all clinical research activities adhere to international laws and ethical standards. This leadership role involves navigating complex global regulatory environments to protect the company's intellectual property and operational interests. Mariesa Coppola collaborates with the executive team to mitigate legal risks associated with clinical trial management and data privacy. Through the development of comprehensive compliance frameworks, the Chief Legal Officer supports the firm's commitment to integrity and transparency in medical research. Coppola manages the legal aspects of corporate governance, ensuring that all business practices align with the company's mission. Ultimately, the Chief Legal Officer secures the legal foundation necessary for the firm to operate effectively across diverse global markets and therapeutic areas.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Premier Research Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Premier Research?
    Premier Research is led by Christopher Schiavone (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Abie Ekangaki (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Richard Shimota (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Premier Research’s executive team?
    The executive team of Premier Research includes leaders such as Christopher Schiavone (Chief Executive Officer), Abie Ekangaki (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Richard Shimota (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Premier Research have?
    Premier Research has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Premier Research’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Premier Research includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Personnel Records Training.