#Bulgaria #Sofia #Comac Medical #Chris Smyth #Neil Ferguson

Comac Medical Expands Leadership and International Reach

Comac Medical, a prominent Contract Research Organization (CRO) based in Central and Eastern Europe, has recently announced significant leadership changes and an ambitious plan for international expansion. With these strategic moves, Comac aims to enhance its service offerings and footprint in the global biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.

New Leadership Appointments

On April 28, 2025, Comac Medical appointed Dr. Chris Smyth as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective from September 1, 2025. Dr. Smyth, a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in the CRO and biotech arenas, previously held the position of President at ICON Biotech and has worked in various senior roles at IQVIA Biotech, including President and COO. His extensive background in clinical research positions him as a perfect fit for steering Comac Medical towards its ambitious goals.

Joining Dr. Smyth in the leadership team is Neil Ferguson, who has been named Chair of the newly established Supervisory Board. With a remarkable career that spans over 35 years in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, Ferguson has a wealth of experience in driving growth in outsourced services companies like Syneos Health and Quintiles. The new supervisory board also comprises the founder and Honorary Chairman of Comac Medical, Dr. Milen Vrabevski, along with EdgeCap representatives, ensuring a blend of seasoned experience and fresh perspective in company leadership.

The appointment of Christian Buhlmann as Chief Commercial Officer and Peter Windisch as Chief Operations Officer further reinforces the leadership team, marking a new era for Comac Medical as they focus on enhancing their operational efficiency and expanding business opportunities.

International Expansion Strategy

Comac Medical is not just focused on internal changes; it is also launching initiatives to broaden its international presence. The company has established local entities and teams in key markets including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. With dedicated business development teams now active in these regions, Comac is poised to support biotech and pharmaceutical clients in essential innovation hubs across the globe, particularly on both East and West Coasts of the US.

In addition to organic growth, Comac Medical is pursuing a targeted merger and acquisition strategy, aimed at solidifying its status as a leading, full-service CRO across Europe. The company's vision involves positioning itself as the preferred partner for biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies, thereby enhancing its value proposition.

Leadership Insights

Dr. Chris Smyth expressed enthusiasm about taking the helm at Comac Medical during this pivotal transformation. “I am thrilled to join Comac Medical at this exciting time of transformation and growth. We are building on a strong legacy, expanding our regional footprint, and staying focused on delivering exceptional value to our clients and providing opportunities for our teams,” he remarked.

Neil Ferguson also shared his excitement about supporting the new leadership team, emphasizing the commitment to long-term value creation and accelerated growth in crucial markets. The founder, Dr. Milen Vrabevski, was equally optimistic, highlighting the organization's evolution and its strong foundation in clinical research.

About Comac Medical

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria, Comac Medical is one of Central and Eastern Europe’s largest full-service CROs. Operating in more than 30 countries, the company provides comprehensive services across the entire clinical development spectrum for a variety of therapeutic areas including oncology, rare diseases, dermatology, gastroenterology, and respiratory diseases. Comac Medical’s FDA and EMA-inspected Clinical Research Unit stands as a beacon of excellence in the region, reflecting their commitment to quality and innovation in drug development services.

In summary, with new leadership and a strategic international expansion initiative, Comac Medical is poised to reinforce its position as a key player in the clinical research landscape. The organization’s commitment to innovation, combined with its experienced leadership, signals a promising future for its operations and clientele alike.