Emerald Clinical Trials

Emerald Clinical Trials announced a leadership change on September 30, 2026. Emerald Clinical Trials appointed Michael Stibilj CEO to lead its next phase of growth, with Interim CEO Glenn Kerkhof remaining on the Board and advising the company.

What changed

Michael Stibilj was named Chief Executive Officer. Glenn Kerkhof, who served as Interim CEO, remains on the Board and continues to advise the company.

• Leader: Michael Stibilj
• Role: Chief Executive Officer
• Effective: October 1, 2026
• Announcement date: September 30, 2026

Leadership background

Stibilj brings more than 30 years of global CRO industry experience, the company said. He joins Emerald Clinical after six years at Novotech, where he was Chief Operating Officer, and previously served as CEO of PPC Group for three years and spent 22 years with IQVIA. His operational experience spans Asia-Pacific, including China, Singapore, and Australia.

The mandate

Emerald Clinical said the appointment marks the beginning of the company’s next phase of growth. Stibilj said he is confident in what the team will build together, a globally competitive CRO anchored in Asia-Pacific, and that the company’s commitment to its people and customers is high-quality delivery, speed, and transparency.

Why this matters for GTM teams

Executive appointments can precede changes in strategy, operating cadence, hiring, partnerships, and technology priorities. The useful signal is not the title alone: teams should watch the new leader’s stated mandate, prior playbook, organizational scope, and the initiatives announced during the first two quarters.

Source and methodology

This leadership profile is based on the company’s announcement. Roles, transition timing, and biographical details are presented as announced; SalesTools Research does not infer undisclosed succession plans.

Primary source: Emerald Clinical Trials leadership announcement.