Smithers names new leader of Medical Testing Division

AKRON—Smithers has named Gael Peron to lead the company's new medical testing division as president of the unit.

Peron will be based in Akron, where the testing, consulting, information and compliance services company has been headquartered since 1925.

"With his strong business acumen and deep knowledge of single-use technologies and medical devices, Gael brings invaluable perspective as we seek to understand the product development challenges our clients face," said Nat Leonard, group president of Life Sciences at Smithers. "I am confident that he will help Smithers grow our global capabilities and expertise so we can offer increasing support to our clients worldwide while honoring our commitment to accurate data, on time, with high touch."

Peron boasts more than 15 years of experience bringing products and medical devices to market and through the regulatory approval process. Most of his career was spent at Sartorius Stedim Biotech and Charter Medical, where he served as president for four years.

Earlier in July, Smithers introduced the Medical Testing Division, which comprises Smithers' testing and consulting services in North America and Europe in pharmaceutical drug products, combination delivery devices and other medical products.

The division will focus on extractables and leachables assessments; compliance testing; and physical and functional testing. Further expansion of the division is planned in North America and Europe, Smithers said.

"We have experienced continuous growth in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries and listened to the needs and goals of our valued clients in planning for these strategic investments," said Michael Hochschwender, president and CEO of Smithers. "This division was thoughtfully designed and formed with the goal of focusing and enhancing our expertise in these biomedical industries to expand our testing for our clients as they bring great products to market."