Higgs (pictured) will oversee CMR’s increasingly diverse range of new projects along as well as help deliver its  service and expert guidance to clients across qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

Previously freelancing, Higgs has 14 years’ experience and has managed international research programmes for clients including Bayer Healthcare, GSK, Pfizer and Aparito.

Higgs said: “I’m delighted to be working at CMR. Joining during the current climate has presented great challenges that no one could have anticipated, yet the company’s flexible approach and the experience of the team has enabled us to adapt our approach and deliver our clients’ research objectives to the high standards that they expect from CMR.”

CMR has also promoted Lucy Little to qualitative research director. She joined CMR in 2011 and has delivered global device research projects in a variety of therapy areas including diabetes, surgical equipment, cardiology, gastroenterology and wound care.

CEO George Ashford added: “Matt’s knowledge and leadership experience combined with Lucy’s key expertise for delivering outstanding research has given me the freedom to broaden CMR’s research opportunities. While allowing me the freedom to fulfil our key business objectives, this change in structure will also still allow me to do what I love and offer a high level of consultancy on projects where needed.”