Returning to Parexel: Ryan Baranowski's Boomerang Story

Could you walk us through your Parexel journey?

What brought me to Parexel initially was the opportunity to be a part of a team aligned within a strategic partnership. I was bringing experience within the partnership model, and I continued to grow as part of an excellent Study Start-Up (SSU) team that specialized in the partnership SSU process.

Those nine years away allowed me to broaden my industry perspective and leadership capabilities in clinical research operations, preparing me perfectly for my current VP role in biopharma account management.

What specifically attracted you back to Parexel after nearly a decade away, and how has the company evolved since you first worked here?

When I was previously at Parexel, there was a very comfortable feeling to the organization that was full of industry expertise and experience. I knew from my previous time here that this is an organization I would always want to come back to when the opportunity and timing were aligned.

What makes Parexel a boomerang-friendly employer:

• Established leadership continuity and stability
• Culture of trust and organizational integrity
• Deep industry expertise across clinical development
• Proven track record in CRO partnerships
• Commitment to employee growth and career advancement

What's exciting is that Parexel has evolved while maintaining those core strengths. The company has grown more sophisticated in its commercial approach while keeping that foundational culture of trust and expertise intact.

How does your current role of Vice President, Mid & Large Biopharma Accounts contribute to Parexel's goals?

Parexel is entering a new era of global commercial unity with our newly appointed Chief Commercial Officer, Jim Anthony. Their vision is to unify our global commercial organization and update how we segment our business.

I'm proud to have been selected as one of the leaders who will help build out our newly formed Mid/Large BioPharma commercial segment. In this role, I'm making major contributions to both our segment goals and our overall organizational objectives around new business awards and active pipeline conversion.

It's an exciting time to be back, and I'm honored to play a role in shaping this next chapter in Parexel's evolution as a leading clinical research organization.

What aspects of Parexel's mission and values resonate with you most deeply?

For me, it's the alignment of our core values with "Patients First" at the forefront, utilization of our key growth drivers measured against our KPIs to validate our impact statement: 'Accelerating the delivery of life-changing treatments to patients With Heart™.' This is Parexel!

That commitment to patients isn't just words on a wall—it's embedded in how we work every day in drug development and clinical trials.

What advice would you give to someone considering returning to a former employer, based on your own journey back to Parexel?

Foundationally, there should be a feeling of trust, respect, home, and growth opportunity. It should feel natural, like something you know you should do—trust your gut. It should resonate and be optimal for you and your family's goals.

Questions to ask before making a boomerang career move:

• Does the company culture still align with your values?
• Is there a genuine opportunity for career advancement?
• Do you feel a sense of trust and respect with leadership?
• Will this move support your professional and personal goals?
• Does the role offer new challenges and growth potential?
  
  

Coming back to Parexel checked all those boxes for me. If you're considering a boomerang move to a former employer in clinical research or any industry, ask yourself if the organization still aligns with your values and if there's a genuine opportunity for growth. If the answer is yes, don't hesitate.

Outside of your professional life, what personal passion or hobby helps you recharge and find balance?

I love to be outdoors. Any type of outdoor activity helps me focus, recharge, feel grounded, and find balance.

Whether it's exercising, hiking, hunting and fishing, playing sports like golf (although my handicap may state otherwise! 😊), being with our pets outdoors, outdoor concerts, sports venues, restaurants, beaches, water, mountains—if it's outside, I'm there.

I also love to cook both functionally and experimentally, and do more than 75% of my cooking outdoors on my grills and smokers, too. This allows me to be outdoors, provide high-quality meals and meal preps, and my family tells me the food tastes amazing (0.00% nepotism 😉).

• Trust your gut. If a former employer felt like home and offered growth opportunities, that feeling is worth exploring when the timing is right.
• Culture matters. Leadership continuity, organizational trust, and commitment to employee development create an environment where talent wants to return.
• External experience adds value. Ryan's nine years away broadened his perspective and leadership capabilities, preparing him for greater impact upon his return.
• Mission alignment matters. Returning to an organization where core values like "Patients First" and "With Heart™" resonate deeply makes the work meaningful.
• Timing is everything. The right opportunity, combined with personal and professional readiness, creates the perfect conditions for a successful return.