Craig Koch has been appointed as Velocity’s new Executive Vice President, Europe, to spearhead the next phase of growth across the region. His appointment underscores the company’s long-term commitment to Europe. Previously serving as EVP, Global Head of Sales, Craig has been with Velocity since 2019. He is now relocating to Europe to provide hands-on leadership as Velocity scales its integrated site network model across the continent.
With 17 dedicated research sites in Germany, Poland, and the UK, Velocity Europe is rapidly expanding, bringing its high-performance, centralized model to a region traditionally characterized by fragmented clinical trial infrastructure.
Having played a pivotal role in establishing and scaling Velocity’s U.S. operations, Craig will now replicate that success in Europe, focusing on standardization, efficiency, and patient access.
Expanding Velocity’s Fully Integrated Site Network in Europe
Velocity’s European network currently comprises 17 wholly owned clinical research sites, each staffed with experienced principal investigators (PIs) and research teams specializing in a wide range of therapeutic areas.
By leveraging Velocity’s centralized technology, operational efficiencies, and site management systems, Craig aims to double the number of sites per study awarded to Velocity in Europe — ensuring that Sponsors and CROs fully benefit from the company’s scale and efficiency.
One key challenge in expanding across Europe is navigating country-specific differences, including cultural, regulatory, and operational variances. However, Craig believes that success lies in focusing on commonalities rather than differences.
“Right now, Sponsors aren’t fully leveraging our network model at scale,” Craig explained. “By being on the ground in Europe, we can ensure our site operations, patient recruitment strategies, and regulatory approach are optimized to meet the region’s unique needs.”
Velocity’s “land and expand” approach, which proved instrumental in the U.S., is now being applied in Europe. However, Craig acknowledges that the perception of Velocity Europe must evolve, just as it did in the U.S. in 2021.
“Our goal is to change that perception and ensure clients see the benefits of working with Velocity at scale. Our technology systems, vendor relationships, and standard operating procedures all roll up into a centralized headquarters,” Craig said. “This isn’t about imposing a U.S. model — it’s about delivering the Velocity model, which sets the new industry standard for efficiency, compliance, and scalability in clinical research.”
Navigating Growth in a Fragmented Industry
Velocity’s success has been built on breaking down barriers in a traditionally fragmented industry.
“We’ve always faced the same hurdles,” Craig said. “Our model addresses industry fragmentation by operating as an integrated network rather than a collection of independent sites.”
As Velocity’s European operations grow, Craig emphasizes the importance of being nimble yet deliberate.
“Timing is everything. In Velocity’s early days, we proved that a strong, centralized infrastructure creates operational efficiency. Now, we’re applying those same principles in Europe,” he said.
Driving Efficiency and Scale in Europe
Velocity Europe is already built on excellent existing sites and Principal Investigators (PIs) in Germany, Poland, and the UK. The next step is to scale exponentially while maintaining quality and operational excellence.
Craig highlights that Europe is becoming more like the U.S. than many realize, particularly in terms of patient recruitment and trial accessibility.
“In Poland, for example, there’s a one- to two-year wait to see a cardiologist for free. Patients are beginning to view clinical trials as a care option, which creates opportunities to provide faster access to care while offering Sponsors more diverse patient populations,” he noted.
Additionally, Craig sees a shift in how Sponsors and CROs operate in Europe.
“Our peers are moving toward a more global, coordinated approach rather than siloing operations by country. We want to capitalize on that shift and show clients they can work with us at the patient level, not just the site level.”
The Road Ahead
Craig and his team are committed to ensuring that every decision supports scalability, reinforcing Velocity’s position as the standard-bearer for dedicated site networks. With Europe’s clinical trial landscape evolving rapidly, Velocity’s ability to act globally while thinking locally will be crucial for accelerating growth and cementing strategic partnerships with Sponsors and CROs.
“We’ve built something different at Velocity. This isn’t about the U.S. versus Europe — it’s about the Velocity model and how it improves efficiency, ensures reliable performance, and ultimately gets drugs to market faster,” Craig concluded. “We’re now at a point where the barriers that once prevented companies from doing business in Europe are coming down. Speed and quality are of the essence, and we’re here to deliver both.”
