Parexel, a leading provider of solutions to accelerate the development and delivery of innovative therapies to improve world health, from clinical through commercialisation, announced the appointment of Dr Clare Grace as the company’s first Chief Patient Officer.

The appointment of a Chief Patient Officer is a first for a top-tier CRO.

“Patients are at the heart of everything we do,” said Sy Pretorius, MD, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, Parexel. “Clare’s proven track record of delivering innovative patient and site engagement programmes make her the perfect candidate to lead our patient-focused mission. We are pleased to welcome her to Parexel as we further evolve our support for patients and investigative sites worldwide.”

Dr Grace said, “I look forward to working closely with our sites and technology partners to improve the patient experience and to further infuse the patient perspective across all studies and further enhance our ability to deliver innovative clinical trial solutions that meet our customers’ needs.”

As Chief Patient Officer for Parexel, Dr Grace will lead global patient advocacy and site efforts, including patient engagement strategies and efforts to enhance clinical trial diversity as well as new, innovative approaches to help teams and customers work more effectively with investigative sites.

Dr Grace earned a doctorate in Molecular Oncology from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and a bachelor's degree in applied biochemistry from Liverpool John Moores University, both in England. Dr Grace is active in several global and national-level advisory groups, including the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) and the SCRS Leadership Council.