David Johnston

Dr. Johnston has led large-scale clinical research and laboratory operations across global organizations. As President of PPD, Dr. Johnston was responsible for 36,000 employees and oversaw three core business divisions: Clinical Development, Patient Advisory Services, and Analytical Services. Dr. Johnston also managed enterprise-wide functions including Process Improvement, Quality Assurance, Learning and Development, and SG&A operations.

Previously, Dr. Johnston served as Executive Vice President of Global Clinical Development and EVP of PPD Laboratories, where he directed global trial delivery and laboratory service expansion.

From 2009 to 2013, Dr. Johnston held the role of Senior Vice President and Global Head of Clinical Trials at LabCorp Clinical Trials, where he managed global clinical operations during a period of significant growth.

In addition to PhaseWell Research, Dr. Johnston currently advises Inceptor Bio and Locus Biosciences, contributing to clinical development strategy and operational planning in the biotech sector, and is an executive advisor with Water Street Healthcare Partners.

Dr. Johnston holds a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the UNC School of Medicine and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.