SAN DIEGO, CA

Synteract Inc., a full-service contract research organization, has opened a new office in Prague, which officially opened in August. Synteract has hired a new vice president of global project management, Rod M. Saponjic, Ph.D., MBA, and promoted others in the organization to senior executive roles to better support growth in the company and development of international offices. Stewart Bieler has been promoted to chief operating officer, Ali Sadighian has become vice president of business development, and Kristi Clark has become managing director.

As vice president of global project management, Dr. Saponjic will be responsible for harmonizing project management methodologies, training and operations across the organization. He will also provide guidance and support for project teams focused on achieving deliverables for clients. Saponjic comes to Synteract after five years with PRA International, where he held a similar role.

Stewart Bieler, who has more than 20 years of experience in the clinical research industry, has proven his strengths at Synteract since 1999. In his new role as COO, Bieler will oversee all aspects of company billable operations.

Ali Sadighian, who has more than 18 years of experience in research and development and CRO industries, has led the business development department at Synteract since he joined in 2006. Sadighian has made a significant contribution to the company’s growth over the past three years and will be responsible for global business development.  

The European office in the Czech Republic is headed by Kristi Clark, MBA, previously senior director of project management and global business operations at the headquarters office. From this central European location, Synteract offers full clinical trial services in Europe, providing access to large patient populations in several therapeutic areas.  Clark, who has 19 years of industry experience has taken on the role of managing director to build the office, hire employees, monitor project management and establish affiliate relationships.

The company is looking at possible acquisitions in Europe and India in 2010 and beyond, and expects to hire another 200 employees globally by 2012.