TMC Pharma Services, a global product development and clinical research organisation headquartered in Hartley Wintney, Hampshire, has appointed Simon Estcourt as chief executive.

Estcourt has senior leadership experience in the pharma services sector and was previously managing director of Abacus Medicine Pharma Services.

Estcourt succeeds Julie Matthews, who co-founded TMC with her physician husband, Dr Mike Matthews, in 2000, to provide drug development support to pharma/biotech companies, predominantly within rare, orphan and oncology diseases. Matthews will continue as a non-executive director.

Estcourt said: “On both a professional and personal level, I am really looking forward to guiding TMC through this period of growth. This is a great opportunity to continue to build this extraordinary company and I’m very excited to join such a well-regarded in-house team of experienced experts and specialist associates. Together, we can maximise TMC’s countless strengths and make the most of emerging opportunities.”

Julie Matthews said: I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved at TMC over the past two decades, with our championing of the development of treatments for rare diseases. Simon shares our values and ambition and I have no doubt he will enable us to continue extending our reach by capitalising on our exceptional services that have already made a meaningful impact on so many patients’ lives. Under Simon’s leadership, TMC’s clients can expect the same superior standards of quality and execution, supported by new partnerships, new targets and fresh energy.’

Private equity firm LDC made an £18 million minority investment in TMC Pharma Services in August 2022.