Syneos Health Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Syneos Health has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, revenue, human resources, and medical affairs.

Driven by innovation, Syneos Health is dedicated to accelerating the delivery of transformative therapies to patients worldwide, fostering a culture of collaboration and scientific excellence to address complex healthcare challenges.

Leadership Roles at Syneos Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Costa Panagos
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Bonello
  • Chief Operating Officer - Michael Brooks
  • President - Michael Hlinak
  • President, Public Relations (US) - Shauna Keough
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Marcos Islas
  • Syneos Operations Chief of Staff - Kevin Funkhouser
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Simon Bartle
  • Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer - Laurie Dean
  • Chief Medical Officer - Gregory Licholai
  • Costa Panagos - Chief Executive Officer

    Costa Panagos, the Chief Executive Officer at Syneos Health, directs the company's overarching strategy and global operations, ensuring alignment with its mission to bring therapies to market faster. Panagos oversees the integration of clinical and commercial solutions, leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven insights to navigate complex healthcare challenges across more than 110 countries. This leadership role involves driving innovation in biopharmaceutical research and development services, fostering key relationships with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare organizations worldwide. By championing a culture of scientific excellence and operational efficiency, Costa Panagos guides Syneos Health in improving patient outcomes and enhancing market access for critical treatments. The Chief Executive Officer's vision propels the company's expansion and impact within the life sciences industry.
    Costa Panagos

    Michael Bonello - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Bonello, the Chief Financial Officer at Syneos Health, directs all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the global biopharmaceutical research and development services company. Bonello oversees financial reporting, capital allocation, and investor relations, ensuring the company's fiscal health and supporting its growth initiatives across more than 110 countries. This critical role involves managing financial risks and opportunities, driving profitability, and optimizing financial performance to support the delivery of integrated clinical and commercial solutions. Michael Bonello's financial acumen is essential for Syneos Health's ability to invest in advanced technologies and data-driven insights that improve patient outcomes. The Chief Financial Officer ensures robust financial controls and strategic financial management to sustain the company's market position and long-term success.
    Michael Bonello

    Michael Brooks - Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Brooks, the Chief Operating Officer at Syneos Health, manages the day-to-day operational execution of the company's integrated clinical and commercial solutions across its global network. Brooks ensures the efficient delivery of services in clinical trials, medical affairs, and commercial strategy, supporting pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients in bringing new therapies to market. This role involves optimizing processes and resource allocation across operations in over 110 countries, directly impacting the company's ability to address modern healthcare challenges. Michael Brooks drives operational excellence, focusing on leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven insights to enhance project timelines and client satisfaction. The Chief Operating Officer's focus is on scaling operations effectively to meet the evolving demands of the life sciences industry and improve patient outcomes worldwide.

    Michael Hlinak - President

    Michael Hlinak, the President at Syneos Health, holds a significant leadership position overseeing key strategic initiatives and operational areas that drive the company's growth and market presence. Hlinak's responsibilities encompass ensuring the effective execution of integrated clinical and commercial solutions, contributing to the acceleration of therapy development and delivery across global markets. This executive role involves fostering strong client relationships and driving business development efforts to expand Syneos Health's service offerings. Michael Hlinak plays a crucial part in translating the company's vision into tangible results, supporting advancements in biopharmaceutical research and development. The President's leadership is instrumental in navigating the complexities of the life sciences industry and enhancing patient outcomes worldwide.

    Shauna Keough - President, Public Relations (US)

    Shauna Keough, the President, Public Relations (US) at Syneos Health, directs the company's public relations strategy and communications efforts within the United States, enhancing brand reputation and stakeholder engagement. Keough oversees the development and execution of communication campaigns that support Syneos Health's mission to bring innovative therapies to market and address critical healthcare challenges. This leadership position involves managing media relations, corporate communications, and public affairs initiatives to effectively convey the company's value proposition to diverse audiences. Shauna Keough's expertise in public relations is vital for building trust and visibility for Syneos Health's integrated clinical and commercial solutions. The President, Public Relations (US) ensures strategic communication aligns with corporate objectives and strengthens market perception.

    Marcos Islas - Chief Revenue Officer

    Marcos Islas, the Chief Revenue Officer at Syneos Health, leads the company's global revenue generation strategies and sales operations, driving business development across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors. Islas is responsible for maximizing revenue streams by fostering strong client relationships and identifying new market opportunities for integrated clinical and commercial solutions. This executive function involves overseeing sales teams and commercial strategies in over 110 countries, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to bring therapies to market faster. Marcos Islas leverages data-driven insights to enhance sales performance and client engagement, directly contributing to the company's growth and market impact. The Chief Revenue Officer's leadership ensures sustained financial success and expanded reach for Syneos Health's specialized services.

    Kevin Funkhouser - Syneos Operations Chief of Staff

    Kevin Funkhouser, the Syneos Operations Chief of Staff at Syneos Health, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the company's global operations, ensuring seamless execution of clinical and commercial solutions. Funkhouser works closely with the Chief Operating Officer to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across all service lines, supporting initiatives that accelerate the delivery of therapies to market. This role involves managing key operational projects, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and driving process improvements across the company's extensive network in over 110 countries. Kevin Funkhouser's contributions are vital for optimizing resource utilization and implementing advanced technologies that improve patient outcomes. The Syneos Operations Chief of Staff ensures operational alignment and strategic execution to support Syneos Health's mission.

    Simon Bartle - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Simon Bartle, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Syneos Health, leads the global human capital strategy, focusing on talent acquisition, development, and retention to support the company's mission of bringing therapies to market faster. Bartle oversees all HR functions, ensuring a robust organizational culture that fosters innovation and collaboration across more than 110 countries. This executive position involves developing programs that enhance employee engagement and align workforce capabilities with the company's strategic objectives in clinical research, medical affairs, and commercial strategy. Simon Bartle's leadership ensures Syneos Health attracts and retains top talent, essential for leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven insights to improve patient outcomes. The Chief Human Resources Officer cultivates a high-performing workforce critical to the company's success.
    Simon Bartle

    Laurie Dean - Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer

    Laurie Dean, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer at Syneos Health, provides comprehensive administrative and strategic support to the Chief Human Resources Officer, facilitating the efficient management of global HR operations. Dean manages complex scheduling, coordinates key meetings, and handles confidential information, ensuring the smooth functioning of HR initiatives across the company's extensive international presence. This role is crucial for supporting talent acquisition, development, and retention efforts that underpin Syneos Health's mission to accelerate therapy delivery. Laurie Dean's organizational skills and proactive approach are vital for the HR department's effectiveness in fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. The Executive Assistant ensures seamless operational support for critical human capital strategies.

    Gregory Licholai - Chief Medical Officer

    Gregory Licholai, the Chief Medical Officer at Syneos Health, provides critical medical and scientific leadership, guiding the company's clinical development strategies and ensuring the highest standards of medical integrity in its services. Licholai oversees the medical affairs function, advising on clinical trial design, regulatory compliance, and the interpretation of complex scientific data to support pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients. This role is pivotal in translating scientific advancements into effective therapies, leveraging deep expertise to navigate the intricacies of global healthcare regulations and improve patient outcomes. Gregory Licholai's medical insights are essential for Syneos Health's commitment to innovation and its ability to address modern healthcare challenges. The Chief Medical Officer ensures scientific excellence and strategic medical guidance across all operations.
    Gregory Licholai

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Syneos Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Syneos Health?
    Syneos Health is led by Costa Panagos (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michael Bonello (Chief Financial Officer) and Michael Brooks (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Syneos Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Syneos Health includes leaders such as Costa Panagos (Chief Executive Officer), Michael Bonello (Chief Financial Officer), Michael Brooks (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Syneos Health have?
    Syneos Health has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Syneos Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Syneos Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, President, Public Relations (US).