Premier Research, a Morrisville, NC-based clinical research and consulting services provider, has announced the appointment of Siân Ratcliffe Smethurst, PhD, as Chief Operating Officer, effective Jan. 6, 2026.

Prior Experience and New Role

Ratcliffe Smethurst was most recently Senior Vice President and Head of Quantitative Sciences & Development Operations at Biogen. She also previously worked at Pfizer. Her therapeutic areas of expertise include oncology, neurology, psychiatry, pain, rare disease, immunology, internal medicine, women’s health, and vaccines.

As Premier’s Chief Operating Officer, Ratcliffe Smethurst will oversee Clinical Research and Development for the organization. In this role, she will be responsible for operational and quality performance across clinical development functions. These include study design and delivery, data management, and regulatory support.

What They’re Saying

“This strategic appointment supports Premier’s commitment to high-quality clinical delivery and operational scalability,” said Premier Chief Executive Officer John Ratliff. “We are confident Siân will propel our clinical capabilities, improve the site and patient experience, and enhance value for our customers.”

“I am energized by the opportunity to contribute to Premier’s long-term vision and look forward to collaborating with a committed and experienced team,” Ratcliffe Smethurst said, adding that “our shared commitment is to turn breakthrough science into life-changing therapies that make a real difference for patients, while delivering enduring value for our stakeholders.”

Premier specializes in catering to the needs of the biotech industry by bringing innovative science to market in the form of drugs, devices, and diagnostics.

Other Premier News

Ratliff’s two-year anniversary as Premier CEO is approaching. He assumed that post in late January 2024 upon the retirement of Ludo Reynders, PhD.