Avania Strengthens its Leadership Team

Avania has welcomed a new member to its top management squad, recently appointing Josh Blacker as senior vice president of global business development.

In his new position, Blacker will lead the company’s global business development team across North America, the European Union, and Asia-Pacific (APAC) with a focus on medtech companies at all stages of development. Blacker brings a wealth of experience to the job, having built robust business development programs at Chiltern, Worldwide Clinical Trials, and Evestia Clinical, where he most recently was executive vice president of commercial.

Avania also has named Jasmine Saba as senior vice president of strategic relationships.

“We recognize the medtech industry is consistently changing and remain committed to providing flexible solution-driven partnerships that guide our clients from concept to commercialization. Our ability to navigate the changes in the industry is rooted in the strength of our team,” Avania President/CEO Jason Monteleone said. “I’m thrilled to welcome Josh Blacker, and I’m equally excited to announce Jasmine Saba into her new role. Both are strategic moves that further enhance our ability to meet client needs.”

Previously serving as chief commercial officer at Avania, Saba will now focus on expanding client relationships, optimizing cross-functional alignment, and identifying new opportunities for strategic growth. With her extensive experience in R&D, clinical operations, and sales, Saba has a proven track record in building long-term strategic partnerships and helping them pivot based on pressing market demands.

Saba is an accomplished medtech and commercial executive with more than 20 years of global experience driving growth and transformation in the life sciences sector. Known for building high-performing commercial teams and delivering strategic impact, she brings a unique blend of scientific expertise, operational discipline, and market insight to every role, according to Avania.

As chief commercial officer, Saba built and scaled the company’s commercial operations globally. Her leadership was instrumental in constructing the commercial organization from scratch—creating new workstreams, designing scalable processes, and expanding Avania’s footprint across North America, Europe, and APAC. During her tenure, Avania achieved significant commercial growth, secured marquee clients, and strengthened its reputation as a premier global CRO partner for medical device and diagnostics companies.

Saba’s earlier roles include senior business development leadership positions at Labcorp, Covance, Chiltern (formerly Theorem Clinical Research), and MedTrials. At Labcorp, she led enterprise-level initiatives within the medical device and diagnostics division, driving key strategic partnerships and multimillion-dollar agreements.

Saba earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of Texas at Arlington and a master of science degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. 

Avania is a global medtech advisory and clinical development partner with a focus on medical devices, diagnostics/IVDs, and digital health. Core offerings include full service clinical research outsourcing, market access, reimbursement, regulatory, and product development advisory services. Avania aims to be a trusted global partner in the evolution of medical technology, from innovation and commercialization to improving patient health and well-being.