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The Avoca Group, an industry-leading consulting and research organization specializing in clinical outsourcing and alliance management, is pleased to announce that Steven Whittaker has joined the Avoca Quality Consortium as its Executive Director.
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For Immediate Release Media Contact: General Information: Brittany Hutt Caryn Laermer, Senior Manager, Quality Consortium [email protected] [email protected] (610) 212-‐1230 (609) 799-‐0511
The Avoca Group Announces Steven Whittaker as Executive Director of The Avoca Quality Consortium
PRINCETON, NJ (July 9, 2013) – The Avoca Group, an industry-‐leading consulting and research organization specializing in clinical outsourcing and alliance management, is pleased to announce that Steven Whittaker has joined the Avoca Quality Consortium as its Executive Director.
The Avoca Quality Consortium brings together quality, outsourcing and operational professionals from member Pharma, Biotech and CRO organizations to accelerate the development of best practices and industry standards for proactive quality management.
Whittaker, who played an instrumental part in last year’s Quality Consortium and Quality Summit, will be leading the Avoca Quality Consortium’s initiatives, collaborations, and member and industry meeting development. His years working in drug development leadership roles and his working relationship with professionals across the industry provide a unique and valuable combination for the Avoca Quality Consortium.
“I am very enthusiastic about committing to the Avoca Quality Consortium in this new capacity,” said Whittaker. “It’s very gratifying to see leaders within the industry assemble to address the important topic of managing and enhancing quality in outsourced clinical trials. I am thrilled to be part of this top-‐tier effort.”
After retiring from Eli Lilly and Company in 2009, where he served as Chief Operating Officer/ Senior Director of Operations and Project Management for the Cardiovascular/Acute Care Platform, Whittaker has worked as an independent consultant in the Pharma, CRO, and Biotech industry. As a consultant, he has provided his expertise in project management, pharmaceutical development, clinical development, outsourcing strategies and execution plans. Whittaker has
also served for thirteen consecutive years on the advisory board for the annual Partnerships in Clinical Trials program, chairing the board for two years.
“As the leader of the Global Clinical Research Sourcing Office at Lilly and, more recently, as their COO of the cardiovascular platform of products, Steve brings to the Consortium a wealth of hands-‐on experience in organizational management. In addition, through his roles in facilitating Executive sessions with IIR and Linking Leaders, Steve has a current knowledge of challenges and opportunities facing the industry. He will be an important voice in helping the Consortium shape and manage initiatives and The Avoca Group is excited to have him take on this leadership role,” stated Patricia Leuchten, CEO and Founder of The Avoca Group.
About The Avoca Group The Avoca Group is an industry-‐leading organization providing survey research, consulting services and training in the areas of clinical outsourcing, business development, strategic alliances and client service. Founded by industry veteran Patricia Leuchten in 1999, the company works exclusively in the health care industry and has a focus on relationship management.
To inquire about membership in the Quality Consortium, please contact Danya Burakoff 619-‐994-‐8677 or visit the Avoca Quality Summit website at: http://theavocagroup.com/QualityConsortium
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