#Singapore #Clinical Research #Emerald Clinical Trials #Michael Stibilj

Emerald Clinical Trials Welcomes New Leadership

Emerald Clinical Trials, a prominent global clinical research organization prominently based in the Asia-Pacific region, has made a significant leadership change with the appointment of Michael Stibilj as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2026. This strategic move is designed to steer the company into the next chapter of its development, aiming for expanded global influence in the clinical trials sector.

Michael Stibilj’s Impressive Background

Michael Stibilj arrives at Emerald Clinical Trials with an impressive track record accumulated over 30 years within the Clinical Research Organization (CRO) industry. His previous role was as Chief Operating Officer at Novotech, where he dedicated six years to elevating their operational structure. Before that, he held the position of Chief Executive Officer at PPC Group for three years, and notably spent 22 years with IQVIA in various regional and global leadership roles.

His extensive experience encompasses navigating through complex organizational transformations, driving significant revenue growth, and establishing market leadership across Asia-Pacific nations such as China, Singapore, and Australia. Stibilj’s arrival comes on the heels of a transformative year for Emerald Clinical. The recent acquisition of Hongyi Clinical Development Services has set the stage for a uniquely positioned clinical development platform that boasts a workforce of more than 1,000 skilled professionals across over 40 countries and more than 70 locations worldwide. This expansion facilitates support for sponsors throughout every stage of clinical trials, from initial human trials to post-marketing surveillance across China, the broader Asia-Pacific region, Europe, and the Americas.

A Vision for Future Growth

In a statement regarding his new role, Michael Stibilj expressed confidence in the company’s growth potential. "The outlook for our industry has never been more exciting. Global clinical development is currently on a sustained growth path as innovation pipelines expand. Asia-Pacific represents the fastest growth area, and our company is uniquely positioned at this critical intersection of global reach and deep regional expertise,” Stibilj noted.

He emphasized Emerald Clinical’s commitment to delivering high-quality results through speed and transparency, pledging dedication to both the team and its clients. Stibilj’s enthusiasm for joining the team reflects confidence in the immense potential they hold to build a globally competitive CRO centered in Asia-Pacific.

Acknowledgment of Interim Leadership

The company’s transition into this new phase comes with acknowledgments of prior leadership. Sean Carney, Chairman of the Board, commended Glenn Kerkhof, who served as Interim CEO, for his effective leadership that resulted in significant growth and maintained standards of excellence. Carney reassured that Glenn would remain on the Board to continue contributing to the company’s strategic direction and advising the ongoing transition.

Emerald Clinical Trials Today

Emerald Clinical Trials, established over 25 years ago, is a full-service CRO that collaborates with over 160 biotechnology firms, alongside 15 of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Headquartered in Singapore, the organization operates with a collaborative network that ensures comprehensive Phase I–IV trials and real-world solutions, exhibiting strong scientific leadership in fields such as Renal, Oncology, Cardiometabolic, Autoimmune, Ophthalmology, and Early Phase development. In the Chinese market, the organization operates under the name Emerald Clinical 弘翼临床.

With the remarkable leadership of Michael Stibilj, Emerald Clinical Trials is poised for an exciting future. Its commitment to innovation, excellence, and quality highlights its readiness to face the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow in the ever-evolving landscape of clinical research.