Synteract Expands Executive Roles to Support Growth

SAN DIEGO, March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Synteract, Inc., a full-service contract research organization (CRO), has hired Matthew P. Smith, MBA, as senior vice president of sales and marketing and has promoted Rod M. Saponjic, Ph.D., MBA, to senior vice president, global project management, to support growth in the company and development of international opportunities. Both executives join CEO Wendel Barr, COO Stewart Bieler, and CFO Patrik Jeanmonod on the executive council for the company.

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Matt Smith has overall responsibility for global sales operations, business development, marketing, proposals and contracting at Synteract.  He has more than 20 years experience in executive leadership, clinical trial management, business development, proposal development and contracts administration within the contract research industry.  Prior to Synteract, Smith was CEO and chief business officer of Clinimetrics, a full-service public contract research organization also focused on the development needs of biopharmaceutical and medical device companies.  Previously, he held roles of increasing responsibility at Quintiles in the areas of Phase I-IV clinical trial operations, project management, and business development.  Matt brings to Synteract a passion for developing high quality partnerships through strong client communication and solid internal business management and structure. 

As senior vice president of global project management, Dr. Rod Saponjic is responsible for harmonizing project management methodologies, training and operations across the organization. He also provides guidance and support for project teams focused on achieving deliverables for clients. Saponjic has been with Synteract for more than two years, having joined the company after five years with PRA International, where he held a similar role. Saponjic is widely recognized for his industry knowledge, business acumen, executive leadership and influence on the standardization and quality development of project management.

"Our vision is to become the leading global CRO focused on emerging companies. By hiring Matt, promoting Rod, and adding to our sales teams we are making significant steps in that direction," says Synteract CEO Wendel Barr. "In addition we are planning to increase our investment in Information Technology to leverage technology to drive client satisfaction, business productivity, and enhance our services. It is an exciting time to be working at Synteract."  

The company also has opened a search for a manager to head sales operations, reporting directly to Matt Smith and responsible for proposals, contracts, deployment of a new sales support system (CRM), and measuring the effectiveness of sales efforts.  In addition, there are openings in its East coast office in Data Management, Biostatistics, Safety, and Project Management.  Interested applicants can contact Micaela Meeks at [email protected] .

About Synteract (www.synteract.com)

Synteract is a full-service contract research organization with a successful 17-year track record supporting biotechnology, medical device and pharmaceutical companies in all phases of clinical development.  With its "Shared Work – Shared Vision" philosophy Synteract provides customized Phase I through IV services collaboratively and cost effectively to ensure on-time delivery of quality data so clients get to decision points faster. Headquartered in California, with offices in North Carolina and the Czech Republic, Synteract delivers trials internationally, offering expertise across multiple therapeutic areas including notable depth in oncology, CNS, cardiovascular, respiratory and ophthalmology. 

CONTACT:
Rachel Hutman
[email protected]
760-230-2424

SOURCE Synteract, Inc.