Syneos Health Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on accelerating biopharmaceutical innovation, Syneos Health delivers integrated research and commercial solutions to improve patient outcomes across global markets.

Leadership Roles at Syneos Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Costa Panagos
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Bonello
  • Chief Operating Officer - Michael Brooks
  • President, Clinical Development Services - Tara Fitzgerald
  • President, Syneos Health Advertising (North America) - Jd Cassidy
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Marcos Islas
  • Syneos Operations Chief of Staff - Kevin Funkhouser
  • Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer - Laurie Dean
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Simon Bartle
  • Chief Medical Officer - Gregory Licholai
  • Costa Panagos - Chief Executive Officer

    Costa Panagos, the Chief Executive Officer at Syneos Health, directs the overarching corporate strategy for this global biopharmaceutical research organization. Panagos oversees the integration of clinical and commercial services to ensure therapies reach patients with maximum efficiency. By aligning internal resources with the evolving needs of biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients, the Chief Executive Officer drives long-term value creation. Costa Panagos maintains a sharp focus on leveraging data-driven insights to navigate complex healthcare landscapes across more than 110 countries. This leadership position involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine the company mission and expand market reach. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that Syneos Health remains a leader in the life sciences industry. Panagos champions innovation in clinical trial design and commercialization, ultimately securing the company's position as a premier partner for global healthcare organizations.
    Costa Panagos

    Michael Bonello - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Bonello, the Chief Financial Officer at Syneos Health, governs the financial health and fiscal strategy of this global research and development services firm. Bonello manages capital allocation, financial reporting, and investment planning to support the company's expansion across 110 countries. By overseeing the financial infrastructure, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources remain directed toward high-impact clinical and commercial solutions. Michael Bonello collaborates with the executive team to analyze market trends and optimize the cost structure of the business. This leadership role involves maintaining transparency with stakeholders while driving sustainable revenue growth. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer enables the organization to invest in the advanced technologies necessary for modern healthcare challenges. Bonello secures the fiscal stability required for the company to continue providing specialized consulting and marketing services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations worldwide.
    Michael Bonello

    Michael Brooks - Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Brooks, the Chief Operating Officer at Syneos Health, manages the daily execution of global biopharmaceutical research and development services. Brooks optimizes operational workflows to ensure clinical trials and commercial projects meet strict timelines and quality standards. By streamlining processes across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific, the Chief Operating Officer enhances service delivery for pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients. Michael Brooks coordinates with department heads to align internal capabilities with the company's mission of accelerating therapy development. This role requires constant monitoring of operational metrics to identify efficiencies and mitigate risks in complex research environments. Through the implementation of advanced technologies, the Chief Operating Officer supports the scaling of service offerings worldwide. Brooks ensures that the organization maintains a consistent, high-quality output, directly impacting the success of client programs and the overall growth trajectory of the company.

    Tara Fitzgerald - President, Clinical Development Services

    Tara Fitzgerald, the President, Clinical Development Services at Syneos Health, manages the global delivery of clinical research and development solutions. Fitzgerald oversees the execution of complex clinical trials, ensuring that pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients receive high-quality data and regulatory support. By directing operations across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific, the President, Clinical Development Services scales the company's research capabilities to meet global demand. Tara Fitzgerald collaborates with medical and operational teams to implement innovative trial designs that bring therapies to market faster. This leadership role involves managing large-scale projects and ensuring that clinical services align with the company's overall mission. Through the oversight of development services, the President, Clinical Development Services drives the firm's ability to address modern healthcare challenges. Fitzgerald ensures that the organization remains a trusted partner for clinical research, consistently delivering results that improve patient outcomes.
    Tara Fitzgerald

    Jd Cassidy - President, Syneos Health Advertising (North America)

    Jd Cassidy, the President, Syneos Health Advertising (North America) at Syneos Health, leads the commercial marketing and advertising strategy for the North American market. Cassidy directs creative and strategic teams to develop impactful campaigns that support the commercialization of new therapies. By integrating marketing insights with the company's broader research expertise, the President, Syneos Health Advertising (North America) helps pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients reach their target audiences effectively. Jd Cassidy oversees the development of specialized marketing solutions that address the unique needs of the healthcare industry. This leadership role involves driving revenue growth through innovative advertising strategies and strong client partnerships. Through the management of North American operations, the President, Syneos Health Advertising (North America) ensures that the company's commercial services remain competitive and aligned with the firm's mission. Cassidy supports the organization's goal of improving patient outcomes by effectively communicating the value of new medical therapies.
    Jd Cassidy

    Marcos Islas - Chief Revenue Officer

    Marcos Islas, the Chief Revenue Officer at Syneos Health, architects the commercial growth strategy for this global biopharmaceutical services provider. Islas directs the sales and business development teams to secure partnerships with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare organizations. By identifying new market opportunities across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific, the Chief Revenue Officer expands the company's footprint in the life sciences sector. Marcos Islas aligns commercial efforts with the firm's clinical and consulting capabilities to provide comprehensive solutions for clients. This leadership role involves managing complex client relationships and ensuring that revenue targets support the company's long-term mission. Through the implementation of data-driven sales strategies, the Chief Revenue Officer drives the adoption of integrated clinical and commercial services. Islas ensures that the organization remains competitive by effectively communicating the value of its research and development expertise to a global client base.

    Kevin Funkhouser - Syneos Operations Chief of Staff

    Kevin Funkhouser, the Syneos Operations Chief of Staff at Syneos Health, coordinates strategic initiatives across the company's global operations. Funkhouser facilitates communication between the executive leadership and operational teams to ensure alignment with the corporate mission. By managing high-priority projects, the Syneos Operations Chief of Staff optimizes the execution of clinical and commercial service delivery. Kevin Funkhouser monitors the progress of cross-functional efforts to address healthcare challenges and improve patient outcomes. This role involves synthesizing complex information to support decision-making processes at the highest levels of the organization. Through the oversight of operational workflows, the Syneos Operations Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of the company's global presence. Funkhouser ensures that internal resources remain focused on the most critical business objectives, supporting the firm's goal of bringing therapies to market faster for pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.

    Laurie Dean - Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer

    Laurie Dean, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer at Syneos Health, supports the strategic management of the company's global workforce. Dean coordinates administrative functions and communication for the human resources department, ensuring that talent management initiatives align with the firm's research and development goals. By organizing executive priorities, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer enables the leadership team to focus on building a high-performing culture across 110 countries. Laurie Dean manages the flow of information and project timelines to support the development of specialized services for the life sciences industry. This role involves facilitating collaboration between HR and other business units to address organizational needs. Through meticulous coordination, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the company's human capital strategy remains robust and responsive to the evolving demands of the global biopharmaceutical market.

    Simon Bartle - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Simon Bartle, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Syneos Health, leads the global talent strategy for this biopharmaceutical research and development services company. Bartle oversees recruitment, employee development, and organizational culture to ensure the firm attracts and retains top-tier expertise in clinical and commercial fields. By fostering a high-performance environment, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the company's mission of improving patient outcomes through innovation. Simon Bartle aligns human capital initiatives with the business needs of pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients across 110 countries. This leadership role involves designing programs that promote professional growth and operational excellence. Through the management of global HR policies, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains equipped to address modern healthcare challenges. Bartle drives the development of a diverse and skilled team, which remains essential for the company's continued success in the life sciences industry.
    Simon Bartle

    Gregory Licholai - Chief Medical Officer

    Gregory Licholai, the Chief Medical Officer at Syneos Health, provides clinical leadership and scientific oversight for the company's research and development services. Licholai directs medical affairs and clinical strategy to ensure that all projects meet the highest standards of scientific rigor and patient safety. By leveraging deep medical expertise, the Chief Medical Officer guides the development of therapies for pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients worldwide. Gregory Licholai collaborates with clinical teams to integrate advanced technologies into trial designs, accelerating the path to market. This leadership role involves advising on complex medical challenges and ensuring that the company's services remain at the forefront of the life sciences industry. Through the oversight of medical strategy, the Chief Medical Officer supports the firm's mission of improving patient outcomes. Licholai ensures that the organization maintains its reputation for excellence in clinical research and medical consulting.
    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, Clinical Development Services, President, Syneos Health Advertising (North America).