(WILMINGTON) -- PPD, Inc. announced Monday that its board of directors has named Raymond H. Hill as PPD’s new chief executive officer and elected him to the board of directors, both effective September 16.

Hill comes to PPD after eight years with IMS Health, Inc., a provider of data, market research and consulting services to clients in the pharmaceutical and health care industries. He most recently served as president of IMS Consulting Group. During his tenure at IMS, he oversaw a strategy of aggressive organic and acquisition-based growth. Annual revenue increased five-fold over seven years helping to transform IMS from its data and market research roots and make it a leader in pharmaceuticals consulting. He also served on the executive leadership team of IMS, helping to set the overall direction of the company.

“With more than 20 years of experience in the life sciences arena, Ray [Hill] brings keen strategic acumen as a proven leader who has grown global client services businesses in the pharmaceutical industry,” said Fred Eshelman, executive chairman of PPD. “His consistent track record of business success and disciplined approach to operational and financial performance make him well suited for our CEO role.”

Consulting Magazine recognized Hill as one of the top 25 management consultants globally, and PharmaVOICE recognized him as one of the 100 most inspirational leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, both in 2007.

With it's worldwide headquarters in Wilmington, NC, PPD is a leading global contract research organization providing drug discovery, development and lifecycle management services. For more information, visit www.ppdi.com.