Days after a cohort of private equity groups completed their $7.1 billion purchase of Syneos Health, the company appointed Colin Shannon as CEO.

Shannon takes over the role effective Tuesday morning from Michelle Keefe, who will remain on the executive leadership team as well as the board of directors. Keefe had served as CEO for the past 18 months.

Keefe said in a company press release that she looks forward to working with Colin to continue transforming Syneos’ clinical and commercial capabilities.

Meanwhile, Shannon brings significant biopharma leadership experience to Syneos as it seeks to spark revenue growth and bolster its offerings. 

He spent 14 years at PRA Health Sciences, including a stint as chairman and CEO where he led the contract research organization through an initial public offering and subsequent sale to Icon plc in 2021.

In addition to his time at PRA, Shannon held various leadership roles at Pharmaceutical Product Development Inc, another contract research organization.

“It is an honor to be tasked with leading Syneos Health at such an exciting time in its evolution,” Shannon said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Michelle and the rest of the leadership team, the Board and our dedicated employees as we push ourselves to new heights. Together, we will continue to deliver on our commitment to customers and strive to provide service that exceeds expectations.”

It’s been a busy week for the 2023 MM+M Agency 100 honoree as it went private following the acquisition by Elliott Investment Management, Patient Square Capital and Veritas Capital on Thursday. 

The company had been in search of a buyer since early 2020 and announced the deal in May before receiving shareholder support in August.

The year as a whole has been busy for Syneos given the amount of leadership and personnel changes the company has undergone in that period.

In January, Syneos CFO Jason Meggs announced his departure and was replaced by industry veteran Michael Bonello on July 1. 

In early April, Jeanine O’Kane was tapped as president of Syneos Health Communications while Shauna Keough was promoted to president of U.S. public relations.

Just days before the PE buyout officially closed, Syneos also named longtime Sanofi clinical operations exec Terttu Haring, MD, as president of its clinical sites and patients team.