From Startup to Global CRO: Joe von Rickenbach on Building Parexel and Transforming Clinical Research

In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, host Alberto Grignolo sits down with Joe von Rickenbach, co-founder of Parexel and a pioneer of the modern clinical research organization (CRO) industry, to discuss his journey from launching a two-person regulatory consulting firm in 1982 to building a global CRO that helped redefine drug development worldwide. Joe reflects on the evolution of clinical trials, the rise of outsourcing and digitization in pharma, and the leadership lessons learned from scaling Parexel over 35 years. He also shares insights on entrepreneurship, navigating major business decisions and the future of AI-enabled clinical research, and why trust, relationships, and adaptability remain essential for success in biotech and healthcare innovation. We hope you enjoyed this week’s episode of Clinical Trialblazers. Please
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Special thanks to our production partner, Wonder Media Network. Our
producer is Brittany Martinez, our editor is Gianna Palmer and our
production assistant is Joia Putnoi.