AMR Clinical Charts New Course with Leadership Transition, Eyes Growth in Expanding Trial Market

NEW YORK, NY – November 20, 2025

AMR Clinical, a leading integrated clinical research site organization, today announced a planned leadership transition that will see founder Dr. William Smith move into the role of Vice Chairman of the Board. Kari Delahunty, currently Chief Operating Officer, will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective December 1, 2025. The move underscores a commitment to operational scaling and strategic growth within a rapidly expanding clinical trial landscape.

A Strategic Shift in Leadership

Dr. Smith, who has guided AMR Clinical through significant expansion since its formal consolidation in 2017, will focus on strategic initiatives and providing guidance to the company as Vice Chairman. During his tenure, AMR Clinical grew from a network of 15 sites to over 30 across the United States, becoming a key player in delivering Phase I-IV clinical trials across a diverse range of therapeutic areas, including cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, and vaccines.

“This transition has been in the works for some time,” stated one industry observer. “Dr. Smith built a strong foundation, and Delahunty has proven herself a capable leader with a clear vision for the future.”

Delahunty’s appointment is seen as a natural progression, having previously served as AMR Clinical’s COO, where she was responsible for scaling operating processes and technologies to support the company’s growth. Her background includes over 20 years of life sciences leadership experience, including roles at Shearwater Health and Syneos Health. “She understands the intricacies of the clinical research process and is well-positioned to lead the company through its next phase of growth,” added the source.

Capitalizing on the Expanding Clinical Trial Market

The leadership transition comes at a pivotal time for the clinical research industry. The demand for clinical trials is increasing, driven by an aging population, a growing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the rapid development of new therapies. This is fueling demand for integrated research sites that can efficiently manage complex trials and deliver high-quality data.

The clinical research site market is estimated at $8.77 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.85% from 2025 to 2030. Private equity firms are increasingly investing in this space, recognizing the potential for consolidation and growth. AMR Clinical was recapitalized by Curewell Capital, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm focused on healthcare investments.

“The trend towards professionalizing clinical research sites is undeniable,” explained a healthcare investment analyst. “Pharmaceutical companies are looking for partners who can deliver efficient, reliable, and scalable solutions. Companies like AMR Clinical, with their established network and experienced team, are well-positioned to benefit from this trend.”

The Rise of Integrated Research Networks

AMR Clinical’s success is rooted in its integrated approach to clinical research. The company offers a full range of services, from site selection and patient recruitment to data management and regulatory compliance. This integrated model allows the company to streamline the clinical trial process and reduce costs for its clients.

“Integrated sites are becoming increasingly important in the clinical research landscape,” said another industry source. “They offer a one-stop shop for pharmaceutical companies, simplifying the process and reducing the risk of delays. The ability to manage multiple aspects of a trial in-house is a significant advantage.”

Companies like Curewell Capital recognize the value of integrated research networks, actively seeking out platforms with the potential for scale and growth. The firm’s investment in AMR Clinical reflects a broader trend towards consolidation in the clinical research site market. With a portfolio of companies across diverse healthcare sectors, Curewell is positioned to leverage synergies and drive innovation.

“There is a clear opportunity to create value by consolidating the fragmented clinical research site market,” said the healthcare investment analyst. “Companies like AMR Clinical, with their established network and experienced team, are well-positioned to play a leading role in this consolidation.”

Delahunty’s focus will be on building on this momentum, scaling operations, and expanding the company’s service offerings. She brings a wealth of experience in driving operational efficiency and strategic growth, positioning AMR Clinical for continued success in the evolving clinical research landscape. The company's strong foundation, combined with a strategic leadership transition, positions it well to capitalize on the growing demand for integrated clinical research solutions.