WILMINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL) today announced the appointment of Dr. Martin Mackay, Executive Vice President, Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc., to its Board of Directors. Dr. Mackay’s extensive experience leading research and development organizations at both global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies will provide Charles River with a unique combination of expertise. As a member of the board, he will serve on the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Science and Technology Committee.

“Dr. Mackay’s broad experience in drug research, across the discovery and development spectrum, will enhance the expertise of Charles River’s Board and play a valuable role as we plan and execute the strategy for Charles River’s future growth,” said James C. Foster, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Charles River. “We’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Mackay in his role as head of research and development organizations, where we were fortunate to develop an appreciation for the scope of his knowledge and experience. His understanding of the strategic use of outsourcing—whether by global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, or academic institutions—will enable us to strengthen our position as the partner of choice for our clients’ early-stage drug development programs.”

Dr. Mackay has more than 30 years of experience in drug discovery and development on a global scale. He was most recently Executive Vice President, Head of Research and Development at Alexion. Prior to joining Alexion, Dr. Mackay served as President, Research and Development at AstraZeneca, where he led all research and development (R&D) functions worldwide, including discovery research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, and key related R&D functions. Prior to AstraZeneca, he held various positions of increasing responsibility at Pfizer Inc., including Senior Vice President of Worldwide Development, where he was a member of the Executive Leadership Team and led a global organization tasked with advancing a portfolio of investigational medicines across a range of disease areas, and President, Head of Pfizer Pharmatherapeutics, R&D, where he oversaw all aspects of small molecule discovery and development across multiple therapeutic areas. Dr. Mackay also worked at Ciba-Geigy (now Novartis) in the United Kingdom and Switzerland, and held positions within academia.

“I have worked extensively with Charles River for many years and have been impressed with the company’s scientific expertise and deep commitment to its clients. I am pleased to join the Board and look forward to contributing to the future success and growth of this recognized global leader in early-stage drug research,” said Dr. Mackay.

About Charles River

Charles River provides essential products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and leading academic institutions around the globe accelerate their research and drug development efforts. Our dedicated employees are focused on providing clients with exactly what they need to improve and expedite the discovery, early-stage development and safe manufacture of new therapies for the patients who need them. To learn more about our unique portfolio and breadth of services, visit www.criver.com.