Premier Research Executive and Leadership Team

John Ratliff, the Chief Executive Officer at Premier Research, directs the overarching corporate strategy to advance clinical development for biotech and specialty pharma partners. Overseeing the global expansion of research capabilities, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization maintains a competitive edge in trial management and data integrity. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to align long-term growth objectives with the evolving needs of medical innovators. By optimizing internal processes and fostering a culture of scientific excellence, John Ratliff drives the company toward achieving faster cycle times for life-changing treatments. Ratliff maintains a sharp focus on market positioning, ensuring that the firm remains a preferred partner for complex clinical studies across diverse therapeutic areas. Through this strategic vision, the Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's reputation as a leader in the global research landscape.

Abie Ekangaki, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Premier Research, architects the foundational vision for clinical innovation and scientific methodology. Managing the integration of breakthrough science into practical trial designs, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures that sponsors receive conclusive data for rare disease and specialty pharma projects. This role requires deep engagement with industry leaders to refine study protocols and maximize the impact of limited clinical data. By championing innovative technologies, Abie Ekangaki drives the development of smarter, more efficient research frameworks. Ekangaki oversees the alignment of scientific rigor with commercial goals, ensuring that every project addresses the unmet needs of patients effectively. Through persistent focus on technical excellence, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer sustains the company's commitment to transforming complex medical ideas into viable, life-saving treatments for global markets.

Richard Shimota, the Chief Financial Officer at Premier Research, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies necessary to support global clinical research operations. Overseeing financial planning, reporting, and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains the resources required for scaling trial management services. This leadership role involves close coordination with the executive team to evaluate investment opportunities in new medical technologies and regional market expansion. By implementing robust financial controls, Richard Shimota drives operational efficiency and long-term profitability. Shimota monitors economic trends affecting the biotech and pharma sectors, adjusting fiscal strategies to mitigate risks associated with international regulatory environments. Through disciplined financial stewardship, the Chief Financial Officer provides the stability needed for the organization to focus on its core mission of delivering high-quality data to sponsors worldwide.

Sian Smethurst, the Chief Operating Officer at Premier Research, directs the execution of clinical trial programs and internal operational workflows. Overseeing the delivery of research services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that project teams meet strict regulatory standards and sponsor timelines. This role involves managing the day-to-day logistics of global clinical development, from patient recruitment strategies to site management. By optimizing operational processes, Sian Smethurst drives consistency and quality across all therapeutic areas. Smethurst coordinates with cross-functional departments to resolve bottlenecks and enhance the efficiency of trial execution. Through a focus on operational excellence, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the company successfully navigates the complexities of international regulations, providing sponsors with reliable, high-quality data that supports the advancement of new medical treatments for patients in need.

Cheryl Strum, the Chief Operating Officer, Personnel Records Training at Premier Research, manages the organizational infrastructure related to human capital development and regulatory compliance training. Overseeing the systems that track personnel qualifications and training records, the Chief Operating Officer, Personnel Records Training ensures that all staff members meet the rigorous standards required for clinical research environments. This role involves designing and implementing training programs that align with global regulatory requirements and internal quality benchmarks. By maintaining accurate records and fostering a culture of continuous learning, Cheryl Strum drives workforce readiness and operational compliance. Strum collaborates with department heads to identify skill gaps and implement targeted training initiatives that support the company's research objectives. Through these efforts, the Chief Operating Officer, Personnel Records Training ensures that the organization maintains a highly skilled and compliant team capable of executing complex clinical trials.

Reeves McGee, the President, Consulting Division at Premier Research, leads the strategic advisory services provided to biotech and specialty pharma clients. Overseeing the development of product lifecycle strategies and regulatory roadmaps, the President, Consulting Division ensures that customers receive expert guidance on navigating the clinical development process. This role involves analyzing market trends and therapeutic area nuances to help sponsors maximize the impact of their research. By delivering tailored consulting solutions, Reeves McGee drives the success of client projects from early-stage development to commercialization. McGee coordinates with internal research teams to ensure that consulting insights are integrated into practical trial designs. Through this specialized leadership, the President, Consulting Division enables the company to provide comprehensive support that addresses the unique challenges faced by medical innovators in a competitive global market.

Bopanna Ballachanda, the President at Premier Research, directs the expansion of service offerings and the cultivation of key client relationships. Overseeing the strategic growth of the company's research portfolio, the President ensures that the organization remains aligned with the needs of device and pharma innovators. This role involves identifying new market opportunities and fostering partnerships that enhance the firm's clinical development capabilities. By driving business development initiatives, Bopanna Ballachanda supports the company's mission to deliver conclusive data for a broad range of medical conditions. Ballachanda collaborates with the executive team to refine service delivery models and improve the overall customer experience. Through a focus on market reach and service quality, the President ensures that the organization continues to provide the expertise and resources necessary for sponsors to successfully navigate the clinical development cycle.

Durward Dees, the President at Premier Research, manages the integration of specialized therapeutic expertise into the company's clinical research operations. Overseeing the alignment of scientific knowledge with trial execution, the President ensures that the firm delivers high-quality results for complex medical studies. This role involves leading initiatives to improve the efficiency of clinical development cycle times and enhancing the company's ability to secure access to patient populations. By focusing on therapeutic excellence, Durward Dees drives the organization's capacity to handle diverse and challenging research projects. Dees works with operational leaders to ensure that scientific insights are effectively applied to study design and management. Through this leadership, the President supports the company's commitment to helping customers answer the unmet needs of patients by providing deep, specialized expertise across a broad range of medical conditions.

Mike Irene, the Chief Information Officer at Premier Research, architects the digital infrastructure and data management systems essential for modern clinical trials. Overseeing the implementation of innovative technologies, the Chief Information Officer ensures that study data remains secure, accurate, and accessible for sponsors across the globe. This role involves integrating advanced analytics and software solutions to streamline trial management and reduce development cycle times. By modernizing the company's technological stack, Mike Irene drives improvements in data collection and reporting accuracy. Irene collaborates with operational leaders to ensure that digital tools support the specific requirements of complex therapeutic research. Through the deployment of scalable cloud and data platforms, the Chief Information Officer enables the firm to handle large-scale clinical datasets efficiently, ultimately supporting the rapid delivery of conclusive results to medical innovators.

Mariesa Coppola, the Chief Legal Officer at Premier Research, directs the legal strategy and regulatory compliance framework for all global operations. Overseeing contract negotiations, intellectual property protection, and corporate governance, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that the company operates within the complex legal boundaries of the clinical research industry. This role involves advising the executive team on risk management and navigating the diverse regulatory landscapes of international markets. By establishing robust legal policies, Mariesa Coppola drives the protection of the firm's interests and the integrity of its research partnerships. Coppola works closely with the Board to ensure transparency and adherence to ethical standards in all business dealings. Through proactive legal oversight, the Chief Legal Officer provides the necessary foundation for the company to pursue its mission of helping innovators transform breakthrough science into medical treatments.