Women at Parexel
Parexel is 70 % female. 15,000 women who work With Heart™ to make a difference for patients. And since May 2024, we have been led by our internally promoted female CEO, Peyton Howell. We remain committed to creating opportunities for growth and career advancement for each and every one of our dedicated team members.
Female-led Parexel
Peyton Howell, Chief Executive Officer of Parexel
Since May 2024 Parexel has been female-led. Peyton has more than 30 years of pharma services and healthcare industry experience and she previously held the positions of Chief Operating and Growth Officer and Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer at Parexel. She implemented our patient-focused strategy, launched the Biotech business unit, and therewith has made a significant impact in growing Parexel and our culture.
Information about our Leadership Programs
Parexel offers extensive programs to support the development of women and people of color in leadership, engagement of men in enhancing cross-gender partnerships and inclusive leadership skill development. These programs include:
Award Spotlight
Workplaces that work for women
We are still thrilled and honored that Parexel is a Catalyst Award Winner! This prestigious award recognized our success in increasing the representation of women at the senior vice president level from 13.3% to 38.8% and from 32.3% to 50.3% at the vice president level (2014 - 2021). Our Wisdom Circle and Women in Leadership programs empower women to excel, and engaging men as mentors, sponsors, and champions amplifies our success.
Advancement. Commitment. Engagement.
In 2023, Parexel was honored with the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association’s “Advancement. Commitment. Engagement.” (ACE) Award in recognition of the strong outcomes stemming from our “Priority: Advancing Women in Leadership” initiative. This initiative focuses on enhancing gender representation and cultivating a stronger presence of women in senior positions ranging from Director to Vice President across our global workforce.India DivHERsity awards
Employee Career Tips
Mwango
Senior Vice President, Global Head Regulatory Strategy
"At the beginning of your career, learn how to do your job well. This is what is expected of any strong employee. As you learn your role, be curious and be bold! Pay attention to the operations of your organizational unit, learn who the leaders are and the roles they play, and find out what opportunities are there for you to contribute your skills and grow your knowledge. Introduce yourself to people in your organizational unit, both peers and leadership, so others can get to know you. When you identify someone who would be a good role model for you, ask them if you could stay in touch over time. This could develop into a mentoring relationship, whether formal or informal."
Isabelle
Executive Director, Growth Accounts
"Believe in yourself! Professional development is no longer linear. Trust that with hard work, dedication, and figuring out what you want to do with your life, you’ll do fine! I am pleased to see that more and more women realize there is very little that is more exciting than making a breakthrough in your chosen field, and one that will have a big impact on the lives of people in the future. Women are also conscious that they bring unique perspectives to research and scientific conversation. Therefore, I treasure the quote, 'If you can dream it then you can achieve it.'"
Employee Stories
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Meet Catia, Director of Clinical Operations in the Americas at Parexel Biotech
Catia discusses her impressive 15-year career progression at Parexel. Learn from her experiences and insights into people management, the importance of support, and advice for Clinical Operations Leaders.
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Hear about Xoli's role as Sr. Director of Patient Inclusion
Discover Xoli's passion for fostering diversity within the clinical trial industry. Learn about her new role, the importance of patient engagement, and Parexel's commitment to creating an inclusive workplace.
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Meet Julia: CVP, Head of Medical Writing and GMBA Ireland
Julia provides leadership insights, inspiration and advice from her 20 years at Parexel.
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Meet Nayoung: VP & APAC Head of Enterprise Account Leadership
Nayoung participated in our Women in Leadership program and an MBA program and believes the advice from Parexel colleagues to BE BOLD encouraged her to take the risk to move forward.
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Meet Joy: Senior Director, Statistical Programming
Joy joined Parexel in 2006 and has since then built an incredible career and lasting relationships with her colleagues. She is passionate about programming and finds fulfillment in supporting clinical trials. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and spending time with loved ones.
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Meet Amrita: Manager, Statistical Programmer
Amrita tells us about how Parexel has helped her grow within her career with working flexibility and opportunities to learn.
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Returning with Passion: What Marlayna experienced coming back to Parexel
After a brief departure, Marlayna joined as a Senior Clinical Research Associate and transitioned later into being a field coach and mentor for new CRAs. When returning Marlayna discovered a company more committed than ever to employee well-being and belonging.
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Meet Marije, a Clinical Operations Manager in Parexel, is most proud of becoming a people leader
Marije, a former nurse and now Clinical Operations Manager in Parexel, is dedicated to enhancing patients' lives through her involvement in clinical research. Marije's exceptional leadership skills and impressive career growth further highlight her as a motivating individual.
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Meet Donata, a Senior Project Leader focusing on quality and growth
Donata's advancement from an entry-level position to Senior Project Leader at Parexel showcases her dedication to quality and determination to exceed client expectations. Her journey reflects the supportive and growth-oriented environment at Parexel, where passion and hard work pave the way for making a meaningful impact.
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