Leadership in Mexico: Karen Hahn’s Journey at ICON

Karen Hahn’s career at ICON has unfolded over more than 15 years, shaped not by a rigid plan, but by openness to change, a commitment to learning, and a deep belief in the people around her. When she joined in 2010, the Mexico office was a team of just 40. Today, it is home to over 2,000 colleagues, a transformation she has helped lead from within.

Karen’s path hasn’t followed a single function or job family. She began in ICON’s Clinical Research division (ICR), a space she knew well, but was encouraged to step into new areas. One of the most pivotal moments came when she was asked to move into ICON Strategic Solutions (ISS) – a shift that took her out of her comfort zone and into a new way of thinking.

Karen has always believed that development comes not just from courses, but from being open to opportunity. She’s taken full advantage of ICON’s learning resources – from Harvard Manage Mentor to internal mentoring and coaching. She is now a certified coach through EMCC, a qualification fully supported by the business.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the work has been involvement in vaccine trials – for influenza, COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. These are illnesses that affect local communities, and teams go the extra mile because they know the work matters.

The Mexico office is more than just a workplace – it’s designed to bring people together. With over 600 flexible desks, 25 meeting rooms, floor-to-ceiling views across three floors, and a canteen that seats 100, the space supports collaboration and wellbeing.

The Mexico team’s role has shifted from supporting local studies to becoming a global hub for services. “In the past five years, we’ve evolved into a true partner to other locations,” Karen says. “We’re not just a service provider – we’re a service partner.”

Since 2010, the clinical research landscape has changed dramatically. For Karen, the pandemic was a game-changer. “It forced us to look at new ways of doing things – remote monitoring, risk-based approaches, new technologies. We’ve always been at the forefront of innovation, but the pandemic accelerated everything.”

While growth has been significant, Karen’s focus now is on stability, quality and building local leadership. “Growth is important, but I want us to be known for doing things the right way – for reliability, consistency and high performance.”

Her message to anyone thinking of joining is straightforward: “Apply now. ICON offers a wide range of roles and real opportunities to grow. But it’s up to you to take them.”