Novotech appoints Anand Tharmaratnam as CEO following leadership transition

Novotech has appointed Anand Tharmaratnam as its new chief executive officer, completing a planned leadership transition at the global biotech-focused clinical research organisation.

Tharmaratnam, who has served as Novotech’s chairman since 2021, assumed the combined role of chairman and CEO on 1 January 2026. He will be based at the company’s newly established global headquarters in Singapore, reflecting Novotech’s expanding international footprint.

The appointment follows the departure of former CEO John Moller, who stepped down at the end of 2025 after nine years in the role. Moller had announced his decision in September, shortly after Novotech completed a capital raise in March 2025 that brought in GIC and Temasek as new investors alongside existing backer TPG, Reuters reported.

A critical care physician by training, Tharmaratnam brings nearly three decades of experience in the global contract research organisation (CRO) industry. He previously spent 23 years at Quintiles and its successor IQVIA, including a decade on the group’s global executive committees as head of Asia and Japan until 2020.

During his tenure as Novotech’s chairman, Tharmaratnam played a central role in guiding the company’s expansion into new markets and strengthening its service capabilities in clinical research. The company has positioned itself as a specialist CRO serving biotech and small- to mid-sized pharmaceutical firms, with a growing presence across Asia-Pacific, North America and Europe.

In a statement, Tharmaratnam thanked Moller for his leadership and said the two had worked closely to ensure a smooth transition. Moller is expected to rejoin Novotech’s board later in 2026.

Looking ahead, Tharmaratnam said the company would focus on expanding its global footprint, deepening scientific capabilities and increasing the use of technology and data to support more complex, multinational clinical programmes.

The leadership change comes as global CROs face rising demand from biotech firms seeking partners that can manage increasingly complex trials across multiple geographies, while navigating tighter funding conditions and greater scrutiny of development timelines.