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Draper Today
By the People, for the People
CenExel Appoints Dr. Sy Pretorius as Chief Executive Officer
Seasoned executive with deep clinical research expertise to lead the company's next phase of growth
Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:36am
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The appointment of a new CEO signals CenExel's commitment to advancing clinical research and developing life-changing therapies.Draper TodayCenExel Clinical Research, a leading clinical research site network, has announced the appointment of Dr. Sy Pretorius as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1st, 2026. Dr. Pretorius succeeds Ryan Brooks, who will remain on the company's Board of Directors. In his new role, Dr. Pretorius will focus on growing CenExel's strategic partnerships, advancing its therapeutic area capabilities, expanding the company's footprint to new markets, and further strengthening its reputation as a premier clinical trial site network.
Why it matters
CenExel is a major player in the clinical research industry, providing critical support to pharmaceutical and biotech companies in conducting complex clinical trials. Dr. Pretorius' appointment as CEO signals the company's commitment to driving innovation and growth in this space, which is crucial for the development of new life-changing therapies.
The details
Dr. Pretorius joins CenExel with over three decades of experience in clinical research leadership, having held senior executive and management roles where he was instrumental in driving global clinical development programs, early-phase research, and integrated clinical trial services. His background and training as a physician equip him to approach drug development with a focus on both scientific strategy and operational execution, with a patient-first approach.
- Dr. Pretorius will assume the role of CEO on May 1st, 2026.
- Ryan Brooks, the outgoing CEO, will remain a member of the company's Board of Directors.
The players
Dr. Sy Pretorius
An experienced executive with over three decades of leadership in the clinical research industry, who will be taking on the role of Chief Executive Officer at CenExel Clinical Research.
Ryan Brooks
The outgoing CEO of CenExel Clinical Research, who will remain a member of the company's Board of Directors.
Tom O'Rourke
The Partner at BayPine LP and Chairman of CenExel's Board of Directors.
CenExel Clinical Research
A leading, wholly-owned clinical research site network dedicated to supporting the life sciences industry in discovering and developing life-changing therapies.
Ergomed Group
The company where Dr. Pretorius currently serves as CEO, leading value creation efforts across the PrimeVigilance, Ergomed CRO and ADAMAS businesses.
What they’re saying
“Sy is a seasoned executive with a proven track record leading scaled pharmaceutical organizations. As CenExel embarks on its next chapter of growth, Sy's unique combination of management and scientific expertise will enable the Company to meaningfully enhance its value proposition to pharma sponsors, patients, and employees.”
— Tom O'Rourke, Partner at BayPine LP and Chairman of the Company's Board
“It is an honor to join CenExel at such an exciting time for clinical research. CenExel has established a strong reputation for scientific rigor and operational excellence, and the Company's commitment to patient-centric research and care is admirable and energizing. I look forward to working closely with our talented team across the network to continue building on CenExel's momentum.”
— Dr. Sy Pretorius
“It has been an incredible privilege to lead CenExel and work alongside such a dedicated and talented team. I'm proud of the site network that we have built, with our entire team focused on advancing clinical research and improving access to new therapies. Sy is a highly respected executive with deep experience in our industry, and I am confident that his leadership will help CenExel to achieve new heights.”
— Ryan Brooks, Outgoing CEO of CenExel
What’s next
Dr. Pretorius will officially assume the role of CEO at CenExel on May 1st, 2026, as the company looks to expand its strategic partnerships, therapeutic capabilities, and geographic footprint under his leadership.
The takeaway
The appointment of Dr. Sy Pretorius as the new CEO of CenExel Clinical Research signals the company's commitment to driving innovation and growth in the clinical research industry, which is crucial for the development of new life-changing therapies. Dr. Pretorius' deep experience and expertise in clinical research leadership will help CenExel strengthen its position as a premier clinical trial site network.
