Caidya Names Michael Clay COO to Drive Operational Excellence

New COO to lead global operations, client engagement, and execution strategy for mid-sized CRO

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Caidya, a leading global clinical research organization (CRO), has announced the appointment of Michael Clay as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Clay will oversee Caidya's global operational delivery, client engagement model, and execution strategy, further strengthening the company's ability to serve innovative biopharma sponsors across the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Why it matters

As a mid-sized CRO, Caidya is positioning itself to compete with larger players by combining global reach with regional expertise, particularly in the critical Asia-Pacific market. Clay's extensive experience in global project delivery and site relationship strategy will help Caidya scale its operations while preserving the agility, accountability, and transparency that its clients value.

The details

Clay brings a distinguished track record in global project delivery and site relationship strategy, having led large-scale global programs across 60+ countries and built high-performing delivery organizations. His hands-on approach to site partnerships and regional execution, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, aligns closely with Caidya's global footprint and strong presence in China, an increasingly vital region for innovative biotech development and patient access.

  • Caidya announced Clay's appointment on February 17, 2026.

The players

Caidya

A leading global, mid-sized CRO focused on accelerating clinical development for innovative biopharmaceutical companies.

Michael Clay

Caidya's new Chief Operating Officer, who has a distinguished track record in global project delivery and site relationship strategy.

Barbara Lopez Kunz

CEO of Caidya.

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What they’re saying

“Mike's leadership strengthens one of our most important differentiators — our ability to combine global reach with regional expertise, particularly across APAC and China. His deep understanding of site engagement, global execution, and sponsor partnership will help us scale while preserving the agility, accountability, and transparency our clients value.”

— Barbara Lopez Kunz, CEO, Caidya (businesswire.com)

“I'm excited to join Caidya at a time when global clinical development is becoming more interconnected and more complex. Caidya is strategically positioned to help sponsors accelerate programs while maintaining quality and patient focus.”

— Michael Clay, Chief Operating Officer, Caidya (businesswire.com)

The takeaway

Caidya's appointment of Michael Clay as COO underscores the company's strategy to leverage its global reach and regional expertise, particularly in the Asia-Pacific market, to provide innovative biopharma sponsors with a differentiated CRO partnership that combines operational excellence, agility, and a strong focus on quality and patient-centricity.