Syneos Health Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Syneos Health has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, revenue generation, operational efficiency, financial management, human capital, medical oversight, and public relations.

Committed to accelerating biopharmaceutical development, Syneos Health delivers integrated clinical and commercial solutions that transform patient outcomes through data-driven insights and global research expertise.

Leadership Roles at Syneos Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Costa Panagos
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Bonello
  • Chief Operating Officer - Michael Brooks
  • President, Public Relations (US) - Shauna Keough
  • President, Syneos Health Advertising (North America) - Jd Cassidy
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Marcos Islas
  • Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer - Laurie Dean
  • Syneos Operations Chief of Staff - Kevin Funkhouser
  • 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 architects long-term growth initiatives while overseeing the integration of clinical and commercial services across more than 110 countries. By aligning internal resources with the evolving needs of pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the company maintains a competitive edge in the life sciences market. Costa Panagos monitors global market trends to identify opportunities for technological advancement and service expansion. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer drives the mission to bring therapies to market faster. This leadership position requires constant collaboration with the Board to refine business models and improve patient outcomes. Ultimately, Panagos secures the financial and operational health of the enterprise while fostering a culture of innovation and excellence across all international regions.
    Costa Panagos

    Michael Bonello - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Bonello, the Chief Financial Officer at Syneos Health, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. Bonello directs financial planning, reporting, and risk management to support the global operations of the company. By overseeing the budgetary requirements for clinical research and commercial consulting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains the necessary resources to drive innovation. Michael Bonello monitors economic indicators across international markets to mitigate financial exposure and optimize investment in new technologies. This role involves providing the Board with accurate financial insights to guide strategic decision-making. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term sustainability of the business. Bonello maintains a focus on maximizing shareholder value while ensuring that the company possesses the liquidity required to address modern healthcare challenges and expand service capabilities worldwide.
    Michael Bonello

    Michael Brooks - Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Brooks, the Chief Operating Officer at Syneos Health, governs the daily execution of clinical and commercial service delivery. Brooks streamlines operational workflows to ensure efficiency across the global network of research facilities. By managing the infrastructure that supports complex clinical trials and medical affairs, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of quality and compliance. Michael Brooks oversees the deployment of advanced technologies that facilitate data-driven insights for pharmaceutical clients. This leadership role involves coordinating resource allocation across diverse geographic regions to meet project timelines and budget requirements. Through the optimization of internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the capacity of the organization to handle large-scale biopharmaceutical projects. Brooks ensures that operational strategies remain synchronized with the broader corporate mission of improving patient outcomes through superior research and development services.

    Shauna Keough - President, Public Relations (US)

    Shauna Keough, the President, Public Relations (US) at Syneos Health, manages the corporate reputation and communication strategies within the North American market. Keough directs public relations campaigns that highlight the expertise of the company in clinical and commercial services. By crafting messaging that resonates with healthcare stakeholders, the President, Public Relations (US) strengthens the brand position of the firm. Shauna Keough coordinates with internal teams to ensure that all external communications reflect the commitment of the organization to improving patient outcomes. This role involves managing media relations and crisis communications to protect the corporate image. Through the development of strategic narratives, the President, Public Relations (US) supports the growth of the business by building trust with clients and the public. Keough ensures that the value proposition of the company is clearly articulated, facilitating the expansion of market reach and the successful launch of new therapies.

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

    Jd Cassidy, the President, Syneos Health Advertising (North America) at Syneos Health, leads the creative and marketing strategy for the advertising division. Cassidy architects campaigns that promote the commercial success of biopharmaceutical products across the North American region. By integrating data-driven insights with creative storytelling, the President, Syneos Health Advertising (North America) ensures that marketing efforts effectively reach target audiences. Jd Cassidy oversees the development of advertising solutions that support the commercial strategy of the company. This role involves collaborating with clinical and consulting teams to ensure that marketing messages are scientifically accurate and compliant with industry regulations. Through the management of creative talent and client accounts, the President, Syneos Health Advertising (North America) drives revenue growth and enhances the market presence of the firm. Cassidy maintains a focus on delivering high-impact advertising that helps clients bring their therapies to market faster.
    Jd Cassidy

    Marcos Islas - Chief Revenue Officer

    Marcos Islas, the Chief Revenue Officer at Syneos Health, manages the global sales pipeline and commercial growth strategies for the organization. Islas designs revenue-generating frameworks that support the delivery of clinical research and consulting services to healthcare organizations worldwide. By optimizing the sales funnel and strengthening client relationships, the Chief Revenue Officer ensures consistent market penetration across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Marcos Islas coordinates with cross-functional teams to align service offerings with specific client requirements in the biopharmaceutical sector. This role involves analyzing market data to forecast demand and adjust pricing strategies accordingly. Through the implementation of scalable commercial solutions, the Chief Revenue Officer drives sustainable revenue growth. Islas maintains a focus on expanding the company footprint by securing high-value partnerships that leverage the full spectrum of research and development capabilities provided by the firm.

    Laurie Dean - Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer

    Laurie Dean, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer at Syneos Health, coordinates the administrative functions and strategic priorities of the human resources department. Dean facilitates communication between the Chief Human Resources Officer and the broader leadership team to ensure alignment on talent management initiatives. By managing complex scheduling and documentation, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer enables the efficient execution of workforce development programs. Laurie Dean supports the implementation of organizational culture strategies that attract and retain top talent in the competitive life sciences industry. This role involves tracking key performance indicators related to employee engagement and operational efficiency. Through the organization of high-level meetings and projects, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the human resources function remains focused on supporting the global workforce. Dean contributes to the overall success of the company by maintaining operational order within the HR leadership office.

    Kevin Funkhouser - Syneos Operations Chief of Staff

    Kevin Funkhouser, the Syneos Operations Chief of Staff at Syneos Health, manages the strategic initiatives and operational priorities of the executive leadership team. Funkhouser coordinates cross-departmental projects to ensure that clinical and commercial goals remain on track. By acting as a liaison between various business units, the Syneos Operations Chief of Staff facilitates the rapid exchange of information and decision-making. Kevin Funkhouser monitors the progress of key operational milestones to ensure that the company meets its commitments to pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients. This role involves analyzing internal processes to identify bottlenecks and implementing solutions that improve overall productivity. Through the management of executive communications and project tracking, the Syneos Operations Chief of Staff supports the seamless execution of the corporate strategy. Funkhouser ensures that the leadership team remains focused on high-impact activities that drive growth and improve patient outcomes across the global organization.

    Simon Bartle - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Simon Bartle, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Syneos Health, directs the global talent strategy and organizational development for the company. Bartle architects programs that foster a high-performance culture across the diverse international workforce. By overseeing recruitment, training, and retention initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm possesses the specialized expertise required for complex clinical trials and commercial strategy. Simon Bartle aligns human capital management with the broader business objectives of the organization to support growth in the life sciences sector. This role involves developing leadership pipelines and promoting diversity and inclusion to drive innovation. Through the implementation of modern HR technologies, the Chief Human Resources Officer enhances employee engagement and operational efficiency. Bartle maintains a focus on building a resilient workforce capable of addressing the evolving challenges of the global healthcare industry while supporting the mission of the company.
    Simon Bartle

    Gregory Licholai - Chief Medical Officer

    Gregory Licholai, the Chief Medical Officer at Syneos Health, provides the clinical expertise and medical oversight necessary for the development of new therapies. Licholai directs the medical affairs strategy to ensure that all research and development services meet rigorous scientific and regulatory standards. By advising on clinical trial design and patient safety protocols, the Chief Medical Officer ensures the integrity of the data provided to pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients. Gregory Licholai collaborates with global research teams to address complex healthcare challenges and improve patient outcomes. This role involves interpreting medical trends to guide the commercial strategy of the company. Through the application of deep scientific knowledge, the Chief Medical Officer supports the mission to bring therapies to market faster. Licholai maintains a focus on clinical excellence and innovation, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of the life sciences industry through evidence-based practices.
    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, Public Relations (US), President, Syneos Health Advertising (North America).