Mannheim, Germany, April 10, 2024 – CRS Clinical Research Services, a Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in early phase clinical research, announced the appointment of Catherine Canales as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), effective today, completing the new CRS leadership team. Together, they are committed to steering the company’s strategic development, growth, and innovation on a global scale.

Dr. Elisabeth Lackner, CEO of CRS, commented on the appointment: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Catherine on board the CRS management team. Catherine’s induction is a pivotal moment in our pursuit of internationalization and superior service quality. Her proven expertise, forward-thinking approach, and collaborative leadership style align perfectly with CRS‘ needs, as we continuously adapt to the changing landscape of clinical research. Aligned with our strategy, Catherine has a strong focus on client satisfaction and positive client experiences. Together, we are poised for unparalleled growth and success.”

Catherine Canales, CCO of CRS, emphasized: “At the core of CRS’ success is a steadfast commitment to outstanding service for our clients and their patients. By adopting a leadership style that champions change and innovation, we aim to create a culture where excellence in client service is the norm. Our dedication to enhancing our team’s skills will allow us to exceed our clients‘ expectations, thereby strengthening relationships and providing customized solutions. This commitment to excellence in service is the cornerstone of our future strategy and will propel our collective efforts towards achieving exceptional results together.”

Catherine brings over two decades of experience in the clinical research services industry to CRS. Her outstanding track record in business development, growth strategy implementation, and strategic marketing stands as a testament to her expertise. She joins from Labcorp Central Laboratory Services, where she held the position of European Sales Director, Business Development Coach, and Senior Director of Strategic Accounts, leading business development, marketing, and sales activities in the biotech sector. Prior to that, she was Senior Director, Business Development at Labcorp Drug Development (now Fortrea), responsible for the global commercial relationship for one of the company’s key accounts. Before that, she served as Director, Business Development at Premier Research, driving business growth and sales by promoting phase I-IV clinical development services. Catherine obtained a Master’s degree in Business Sciences from Lugano Business School and completed various post-graduate trainings, covering subjects ranging from marketing and executive coaching to clinical trials and regulatory affairs.