PPD today announced that it has named a new chairman and CEO.

David Simmons, a pharmaceutical industry executive who has spent the past 15 years at Pfizer Inc., will take the helm of PPD on June 4. He will be based at the company’s Wilmington headquarters.

Most recently at Pfizer, Simmons served as president and general manager of the company’s emerging markets and established products business units. These business units represent approximately $18.5 billion of Pfizer's annual revenue, according to PPD’s announcement.

"We are pleased to welcome David to PPD," said Stephen H. Wise, managing director of The Carlyle Group and PPD board member, in the release. "David is a proven leader whose deep industry knowledge and vision will enable PPD to further its partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies around the globe."
 
Allen R. Thorpe, managing director of Hellman & Friedman LLC and PPD board member, said, "David's wealth of pharmaceutical industry and international experience, combined with his well-honed leadership skills, will power PPD to meet the evolving needs of its clients. David is a client-focused leader with a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the biopharmaceutical industry. Working with PPD's strong leadership team and talented employees, David will enhance PPD's impressive credentials as an industry leader."

Simmons earned his degree in applied mathematics and industrial management from Carnegie-Mellon University.
 
In December 2011, former PPD CEO Ray Hill resigned from his position, shortly after the company was purchased by global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group and private equity firm Hellman & Friedman. Since then, the company has been led by an internal leadership team.