Avania Appoints Marie Engels, CIMA, as Chief Financial Officer

Experienced CRO Finance Executive Joins Avania’s Leadership Team as Company Expands Its Global MedTech Services

Avania, a global contract research organization (CRO) focused on the MedTech industry, has appointed Marie Engels, CIMA, as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Engels joins the company’s executive leadership team and will lead its global finance organization as Avania continues to expand its MedTech-focused services worldwide.

Engels brings more than two decades of finance leadership experience in the CRO industry. Her career has included leadership positions at Kapadi, Syneos Health, IQVIA, and ICON, where she contributed to business growth, acquisition integration, and the development of finance operations across global organizations.

As a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CIMA), Engels also holds degrees in Economics, Management, and Business Administration from the Catholic University of Lille in France.

Marie Engels Joins Avania’s Executive Leadership Team

Commenting on the appointment, Jason Monteleone, President and CEO of Avania, pointed to Engels’ extensive experience within the finance functions of global CRO organizations.

“Marie has spent her career inside the finance function of global CROs, building the systems and teams that enable companies to grow across borders while maintaining financial discipline,” said Monteleone.

He added that Engels brings a strong understanding of global CRO operations and experience helping organizations manage periods of growth and change. According to Monteleone, her leadership and industry expertise will support Avania as the company builds on its current momentum.

Engels Brings Extensive CRO Finance Experience

Throughout her career, Engels has worked on financial operations and organizational transformation within the CRO sector. Her experience spans companies including Kapadi, Syneos Health, IQVIA, and ICON.

Speaking about her appointment, Engels said her career has centered on helping CRO organizations transform while maintaining a focus on improving patient outcomes.

“I've spent my career supporting the transformation of CRO organizations while staying focused on the work that ultimately matters most, improving outcomes for patients,” said Engels.

She also highlighted Avania’s reputation within the MedTech sector, its team and its long-term vision as factors behind her decision to join the company.

“What attracted me to Avania is its reputation as a trusted partner to MedTech innovators, the strength of its team, and the opportunity to contribute to a company with such a clear vision for the future,” she said.

In her new position, Engels will oversee Avania’s global finance organization while the company continues to develop and expand its MedTech-focused CRO services internationally.