Bringing almost 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and clinical trials industry, Dr. Zoda joined Apex in 2021. In his role as COO, he works with the executive team to develop and implement strategies to grow Apex as a market leader in the Phase I-III clinical trials space. He is responsible for oversight of all operations and business development activities.
Work History
Prior to joining Apex, Dr. Zoda served as the head of Syneos Health’s CNS Business Unit, overseeing all central nervous system trials globally. He had held that position since 2015. Responsible for full P&L activity for the business unit, he led a global executive team of over 25 professionals and a full business unit of almost 1,500 individuals.
From 2009 to 2015, Dr. Zoda was the head of global neurology and psychiatry clinical development for INC Research, later known as Syneos Health. He provided senior-level oversight of all psychiatry and neurology projects on a global basis, including business development support. He was responsible for overseeing large multi-center global trials evaluating drugs in development for schizophrenia, depression, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and many other diseases. His strong business acumen and exemplary clinical trial management skills were instrumental in the overall growth of the division. He significantly strengthened INC Research’s position in the marketplace as a leader in CNS trials.
Before joining INC Research, Dr. Zoda worked for PPD for more than a decade in roles of increasing responsibility, finishing his time with the company as executive director for global strategic development, CNS. During his time with PPD, he helped plan and direct many studies in areas including psychiatry, neurology, pain, sleep, and gastrointestinal disorders.
A trained immunologist, Dr. Zoda previously also worked for Tanox Biosystems, overseeing the development of therapeutic antibodies and vaccines for the treatment of allergy.
Education
Dr. Zoda received his Ph.D. in Microbiology, specializing in immunology, from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and completed his post-doctoral work at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. He obtained his B.A. in Microbiology from the University of Texas.