WALNUT CREEK, Calif., JUNE 24, 2025
Hawthorne Health, a leading community site network, today announced two strategic additions to its executive leadership team. Ricky de Lemos has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Marc Leighton has joined as Chief Product Officer (CPO). These appointments mark a pivotal step forward in advancing the company’s mission to expand access to clinical research through its nationwide community site network.
As COO, de Lemos will lead all operational aspects of the company’s community-based research sites and in-home service lines. With over 15 years of experience in clinical trial operations, de Lemos brings deep expertise in scaling site networks and delivering operational efficiency. He most recently served as COO at Alliance Clinical Network, where he spearheaded network expansion and implemented processes and technology solutions that streamlined clinical workflows. Prior to that, he held executive roles at CVS Health, where he launched and led pharmacy-centric clinical trial site initiatives across the U.S.
“Hawthorne Health is solving one of the most important challenges in clinical research – bringing trials closer to the communities that need them most,” said Ricky de Lemos, COO of Hawthorne Health. “I’m honored to help lead this mission and ensure we continue to execute with consistency, quality, and speed.”
Leighton, who joins as CPO, brings more than 17 years of product leadership experience across healthcare, life sciences, and software. He most recently served as senior vice president of enterprise product management at Myriad Genetics, where he built and led a 40-person team and co-managed a multi-business unit P&L. He has also held senior product roles at Florence Healthcare, Cleveland Clinic, and GE Healthcare, with a focus on building scalable digital platforms that meet the needs of patients, providers, and sponsors.
At Hawthorne Health, Leighton will oversee the company’s product strategy, software development, and technology operations.
“Great products begin with a clear understanding of the people they serve,” said Marc Leighton, CPO of Hawthorne Health. “I’m thrilled to join a team that puts patients first and to help shape solutions that make research more inclusive, efficient, and effective.”
With both appointments, Hawthorne Health strengthens its trial site operational leadership and sharpens its product strategy, laying the groundwork for sustained growth and deeper engagement with both patients and sponsors. Together, de Lemos and Leighton bring the complementary skill sets required to scale delivery while enhancing the clinical trial experience.
“Ricky and Marc each bring a track record of measurable results and leadership in highly complex, fast-moving environments,” said Josh Rose, CEO of Hawthorne Health. “Ricky’s extensive operational trial site experience, paired with Marc’s strategic approach to product and platform development, strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional value to customers while supporting long-term growth.”
This news follows Hawthorne Health’s recent announcement of a strategic partnership with the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS), underscoring the company’s focus on site advancement and broadening access to clinical research nationwide.
About Hawthorne Health
Hawthorne Health is the leading community site network, with 75+ locations across the U.S. and a mission to make clinical trials more accessible. Supporting 11+ therapeutic areas and partnering with more than 40 study sponsors, Hawthorne leverages intelligent technology to expand patient access, improve retention, and reduce study costs. By embedding high-quality, compliant research within local communities, Hawthorne streamlines the trial process, making it scalable, cost-effective, and patient-centric. This approach helps shorten timelines and bring better treatments to the market faster. To learn more, visit www.hawthornehealth.com.