Instem appoints new COO

(ShareCast News) - Instem, a provider of IT solutions to the global early development healthcare market, has appointed MaryBeth Thompson as chief operating officer with immediate effect. Thompson has not been appointed to the board but will report to chief executive Phil Reason.She has over 18 years experience in the life sciences industry with a primary focus in Regulatory Affairs and Operations with a demonstrable track record as a leader and builder of outsourcing services businesses.During her time working at PAREXEL International, a multinational life sciences consulting firm, and its predecessor organisations LIQUENT and CDC Solutions, she established and expanded the regulatory outsourcing services practice from a $1m revenue business with 30 employees to an international organisation across the US, Europe and India with more than $30m of revenues and 300 employees.Before PAREXEL, Thompson worked for AstraZeneca and Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories in pharmaceutical product development in senior regulatory positions.Reason said: "We are delighted to have appointed someone of MaryBeth's calibre and experience to Instem. MaryBeth has a strong track record in building life sciences businesses and we look forward to the benefits she will bring as we embark upon the Company's next phase of growth."The share price rose 0.46% to 220p at 1507 GMT.