Singapore – September 30, 2026 -- Emerald Clinical Trials has appointed Michael Stibilj as Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2026, tasking the 30-year CRO veteran with leading the next phase of growth for a platform that now spans more than 1,000 professionals across 40-plus countries and 70-plus locations.
Stibilj joins from six years as Chief Operating Officer at Novotech
Before Novotech, Stibilj served three years as CEO of PPC Group and spent 22 years at IQVIA in regional and global leadership roles, with operational experience across China, Singapore and Australia.
Appointment follows the acquisition of Hongyi Clinical Development Services
The deal combined Emerald with Hongyi to create a clinical development platform supporting sponsors from first-in-human trials through post-marketing across China, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas.
Chairman Sean Carney credits Interim CEO Glenn Kerkhof for sustaining growth
Kerkhof, who led the company on an interim basis, remains on the Board and will continue advising Emerald. Carney said Stibilj combines operational strength with deep Asia-Pacific experience needed for the company's next stage.
Stibilj frames Asia-Pacific as the fastest-growing region for clinical development
He said global clinical development is on a sustained growth path as innovation pipelines expand, with Asia-Pacific representing the fastest-growing segment of that pipeline expansion. In China, the company operates under the name Emerald Clinical 弘翼临床.