WILMINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL) today announced the appointment of Dr. Martin Mackay, Executive Vice President, Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc., to its Board of Directors. Dr. Mackay’s extensive experience leading research and development organizations at both global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies will provide Charles River with a unique combination of expertise. As a member of the board, he will serve on the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Science and Technology Committee.

“Dr. Mackay’s broad experience in drug research, across the discovery and development spectrum, will enhance the expertise of Charles River’s Board and play a valuable role as we plan and execute the strategy for Charles River’s future growth,” said James C. Foster, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Charles River. “We’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Mackay in his role as head of research and development organizations, where we were fortunate to develop an appreciation for the scope of his knowledge and experience. His understanding of the strategic use of outsourcing—whether by global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, or academic institutions—will enable us to strengthen our position as the partner of choice for our clients’ early-stage drug development programs.”

Dr. Mackay has more than 30 years of experience in drug discovery and development on a global scale. He was most recently Executive Vice President, Head of Research and Development at Alexion. Prior to joining Alexion, Dr. Mackay served as President, Research and Development at AstraZeneca, where he led all research and development (R&D) functions worldwide, including discovery research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, and key related R&D functions. Prior to AstraZeneca, he held various positions of increasing responsibility at Pfizer Inc., including Senior Vice President of Worldwide Development, where he was a member of the Executive Leadership Team and led a global organization tasked with advancing a portfolio of investigational medicines across a range of disease areas, and President, Head of Pfizer Pharmatherapeutics, R&D, where he oversaw all aspects of small molecule discovery and development across multiple therapeutic areas. Dr. Mackay also worked at Ciba-Geigy (now Novartis) in the United Kingdom and Switzerland, and held positions within academia.

“I have worked extensively with Charles River for many years and have been impressed with the company’s scientific expertise and deep commitment to its clients. I am pleased to join the Board and look forward to contributing to the future success and growth of this recognized global leader in early-stage drug research,” said Dr. Mackay.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “may,” “estimate,” “plan,” “outlook,” and “project,” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Forward looking statements include statements in this press release regarding future demand for drug discovery and development products and services including the outsourcing of these services, and the specific contributions of members of Charles River's Board of Directors. Forward-looking statements are based on Charles River’s current expectations and beliefs, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by the forward-looking statements. A further description of these risks, uncertainties, and other matters can be found in the Risk Factors detailed in Charles River's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on February 14, 2017, as well as other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results and events may differ materially from results and events currently expected by Charles River, and Charles River assumes no obligation and expressly disclaims any duty to update information contained in this news release except as required by law.

About Charles River

Charles River provides essential products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and leading academic institutions around the globe accelerate their research and drug development efforts. Our dedicated employees are focused on providing clients with exactly what they need to improve and expedite the discovery, early-stage development and safe manufacture of new therapies for the patients who need them. To learn more about our unique portfolio and breadth of services, visit www.criver.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170705005266/en/