Chiltern Announces New CEO Succession

Chiltern International Limited (Chiltern), a global contract research organization (CRO), announced a succession of Chief Executive Officer, with Glenn Kerkhof stepping down and Dr Jim Esinhart appointed.

After 6 years in the post Glenn Kerkhof will step down as Chief Executive Officer with effect from October 31. Glenn will join Chiltern’s owner Czura Thornton as a Partner and will join Chiltern’s Board of Directors. Glenn will relocate to his native Australia and will lead Czura Thornton’s growth in the Asia Pacific region.

Chiltern also announced the appointment of Jim Esinhart, PhD, as Chiltern’s new CEO with effect from November 1. Jim is currently Chiltern’s Senior Executive Vice President, Global Scientific Services and has served with the Company for 6 years. Jim has more than 24 years of industry experience and brings an outstanding track record of scientific excellence, operating performance and service delivery.

Mr. Kerkhof said: “I am delighted to have played my part in the development of Chiltern as a leading mid-tier CRO. Chiltern now employs more than 1,400 people in 34 countries, is financially very strong and is poised for substantial growth. I am also delighted to see the CEO position transition to a valued and trusted colleague in Jim Esinhart, who I know will bring a tremendous amount to the role. And I very much look forward to contributing to Chiltern’s future as a member of the Board based in the Asia Pacific region.”

Dr Esinhart added: “On behalf of the whole Chiltern team I would like to pay tribute to Glenn, who has been a fantastic leader of our Company. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to succeed him as Chiltern’s CEO and to continue our mission to deliver expert, high quality and comprehensive clinical development services to our clients around the world. I am excited by the momentum we have at Chiltern, by the strength of our team, the depth of our client partnerships and by the development opportunities we see.”