Source: Outsourcing-pharma.com

AstraZeneca, Encorium, Icon and Eden Biodesign have all had people on the move in the world of pharmaceutical outsourcing.

As of January 1 next year AstraZeneca will have a new regional supply VP for the Americas, this week naming Kenneth Murtha as the new post holder.

In his expanded role, Murtha will oversee distribution in Latin America, and supply sites in Argentina, Brazil, Puerto Rico and Mexico in addition to his North America responsibilities.

On of three regional supply VPs, Murtha will serve on the company's worldwide operation team to help drive improvements in productivity and optimise the end-to-end supply chain.

Meanwhile, Dr Linda Nardone has been appointed as the new chief operating officer (COO) of US-based contract research organization (CRO) Encorium Group, and will report directly to Kenneth Borow, company president and CEO.

Prior to joining the firm, Dr Nardone was working as General Manager for Zila Biotechnology and has a total of 20 years of clinical trial management experience at a range of firms.

Dr. Borow said: "…we sought an individual who could contribute significantly to our senior management team while leading our Global Operations and Regulatory Affairs groups".

Ireland's Icon Clinical Research has brought two new staff members on board in its Medical Imaging division. Dr James Conklin is now the senior vice president of Medical & Scientific Affairs and will oversee regulatory, medical and scientific issues worldwide and provide client support in designing strategies for medical imaging analysis.