Genesis Research Group names Sarah Alwardt EVP of RWE/HEOR

Genesis Research Group has appointed Sarah Alwardt, PhD, as executive vice president of its global real-world evidence and health economics and outcomes research business. The move adds an experienced life sciences evidence leader to the company’s executive team as demand grows for integrated evidence strategies across development, access and commercialization.

Why it matters: - Sarah Alwardt will lead Genesis Research Group’s global real-world evidence and health economics and outcomes research business. - The appointment adds leadership experience in evidence generation, analytics and market access as life sciences clients push for integrated evidence strategies. - The role sits on the Executive Leadership Team, signaling RWE/HEOR is a priority area for Genesis Research Group.

What happened: - Genesis Research Group announced the appointment of Sarah Alwardt, PhD, as executive vice president, RWE/HEOR. - Alwardt joins the Executive Leadership Team. - She will oversee the company’s global RWE and HEOR business. - The announcement was made Aug. 11, 2026, from Hoboken, New Jersey.

The details: - Alwardt most recently served as president of Avalere. - At Avalere, she led evidence generation, health economics, policy and market access solutions for life sciences, payer and advocacy clients. - She founded and scaled Ontada, McKesson’s oncology research business. - Ontada produced more than 200 peer-reviewed publications under her leadership. - The business also advanced real-world evidence strategies and supported multiple regulatory submissions. - Earlier in her career, Alwardt held leadership roles at Humana, Givaudan and Brown-Forman. - She holds bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering. - Alwardt has authored numerous scientific publications, holds multiple patents, is an active ISPOR member and speaks frequently on real-world evidence and healthcare innovation.

Between the lines: - Genesis Research Group is betting that clients want evidence work that connects science, strategy and commercialization in one place. - Alwardt’s background spans payer, provider, policy and oncology research, which fits a broader push toward cross-functional evidence services. - CEO David W. Miller framed the hire as part of Genesis Research Group’s next phase of growth. - Alwardt said she was drawn to Genesis Research Group’s mix of scientific rigor, HEOR, real-world evidence and market access expertise.

What's next: - Alwardt will lead the company’s global RWE/HEOR business and help shape its evidence strategy. - Genesis Research Group is likely to use the hire to deepen client support around development, access and commercialization decisions. - The company is positioning the role as part of an effort to translate evidence into action for clients and patients.

The bottom line: - Genesis Research Group is elevating RWE/HEOR with a senior operator who has scaled evidence businesses across life sciences and healthcare.