The IMS Group has promoted Stephen Burke, currently director and board member to managing director EMEA. 

The appointment follows Alan Leale-Green's decision to step down as managing director of IMS's UK office following the merge with MMS-RSL, founded by Leale-Green, which was acquired by IMS in February 2011. Leale-Green will continue to contribute on a part-time basis. 

Burke, who will now be reporting to IMS chief executive Michel van Leeuwen, began his career as an auditor and then as a regulatory consultant at PwC. He joined IMS in 2006 and initially led the development of the regulatory consultancy business.