Progress Clinical Research and Brain Research Center welcome Chief Commercial Officer with a focus on commercial growth and expansion of expertise in new therapeutic indications.

Amsterdam, January 30, 2025 – Progress Clinical Research/Brain Research Center, a leading player in clinical research, proudly announces the appointment of Mariska van der Heijden as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), effective February 1, 2025. In this role, van der Heijden will focus on commercial growth, strengthening participant recruitment and expanding therapeutic indications and the trial site network.

Mariska van der Heijden brings 25 years of experience in clinical drug research from various commercial and operational roles within Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Centocor (J&J), and CROs (TFS HealthScience, Veristat). Previously, van der Heijden has proven to be successful in designing and implementing effective Sales & Marketing strategies with a strong focus on customer engagement, generating new business opportunities, expanding capabilities, and increasing the geographical presence of companies.

“The appointment of Mariska van der Heijden marks an important step in our strategy to remain a leader in participant recruitment and reliable data collection in our clinical trials in the Netherlands and Europe, helping to accelerate the development of new treatments. Together, we ensure that innovative treatments can reach patients without unnecessary delay,” says Dr. Niels Prins, CEO of Progress Clinical Research and Brain Research Center. “With her in-depth knowledge of business development and marketing, her extensive network of pharma/biotech companies and Key Opinion Leaders, and her expertise in immunology and dermatology, van der Heijden will contribute to accelerating our growth and ensuring high-quality results for our clients and partners.”

Mariska van der Heijden shares: “I am proud to join the team at Progress Clinical Research/Brain Research Center. Together, we will make an impact in the areas of operational excellence, participant recruitment, customer satisfaction, and strategic partnerships, making clinical research faster, more efficient, and more accessible. I look forward to supporting our clients and partners in achieving their goals within the timelines and with the highest quality standards.”