ProGen Search

Track Record

Case Studies

Executive search and commissioned intelligence across radiopharma, CDMO, CRO and cell and gene therapy.

Search cases
15
Intelligence cases
5
Sector groups
7

Radiopharmaceutical Manufacturing (USA)

Featured search

Chief Operating Officer

Built GMP capacity and strengthened isotope supply resilience

A radiopharmaceutical company expanding its internal GMP manufacturing capabilities engaged us to identify a Chief Operating Officer. The role was designed to unify manufacturing, supply chain, technology transfer, and CDMO oversight as the business moved from a clinical-stage supply model into early commercial readiness.

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  1. 1

    brief

    A radiopharmaceutical company expanding its internal GMP manufacturing capabilities engaged us to identify a Chief Operating Officer. The role was designed to unify manufacturing, supply chain, technology transfer, and CDMO oversight as the business moved from a clinical-stage supply model into early commercial readiness.

  2. 2

    challenge

    The company’s growth had outpaced its operational infrastructure, creating pressure points across supply chain, quality, and manufacturing. The ideal candidate needed direct experience scaling radiopharmaceutical production, with specific knowledge of isotope logistics, GMP compliance, and the regulatory complexity associated with radiation-handling facilities.

  3. 3

    approach

    We conducted a targeted search focused on candidates from radiopharma innovators and specialist CDMOs who had managed end-to-end operations during periods of scale-up. Priority was given to individuals who had led multi-site expansions, internalised isotope production capabilities, or established radiochemistry processes under GMP conditions.

  4. 4

    outcome

    We appointed a Chief Operating Officer who had previously scaled radiopharma programs from clinical-stage supply toward commercial readiness. Since joining, they have overseen the internal buildout of a GMP manufacturing facility, optimised CDMO partnerships, and implemented a more resilient isotope supply chain.

CGT CDMO (Europe)

Chief Commercial Officer

Tripled qualified opportunity pipeline in CGT market

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  1. 1

    brief

    A private equity-owned CDMO in Europe engaged us to appoint a Chief Commercial Officer to lead its expansion into the cell and gene therapy market. The mandate required repositioning the company’s brand, building a new commercial infrastructure, and securing advanced therapy clients to establish credibility in a competitive space.

  2. 2

    challenge

    The company possessed strong GMP capabilities but lacked visibility and reputation within the CGT ecosystem. The successful candidate needed to demonstrate a proven track record of launching new service offerings in advanced therapies, alongside an ability to engage biotech and mid-sized pharma clients in long and technically complex sales cycles.

  3. 3

    approach

    We conducted a focused search across the CGT CDMO ecosystem, mapping commercial leaders who had either built pipelines from scratch or successfully repositioned legacy CDMO platforms for new modalities. The evaluation framework centred on three priorities: experience in rebranding or relaunching service offerings into advanced therapies, a track record of pipeline development in CGT, and established relationships with decision-makers in biotech and mid-sized pharma.

  4. 4

    outcome

    We appointed a Chief Commercial Officer who had previously scaled a CGT CDMO through a successful growth equity round and who brought a strong network across T-cell therapy and AAV gene therapy developers. Since joining, the CCO has repositioned the company’s brand, launched a refreshed go-to-market strategy, and significantly expanded the qualified pipeline, which has now tripled in value.

Radiopharmaceutical Biotech (USA)

SVP Regulatory Affairs

Strengthened FDA engagement and advanced global regulatory readiness

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  1. 1

    brief

    A clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical biotech advancing multiple assets retained us to identify a Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. The goal was to strengthen FDA engagement, establish a global submission strategy, and prepare the organisation for upcoming milestones, including potential Breakthrough Therapy Designation and eventual pre-NDA planning.

  2. 2

    challenge

    The company required an executive with deep expertise in radiopharmaceutical regulatory pathways, which differ significantly from traditional oncology submissions. Unlike standard oncology programs, radiopharmaceutical development requires close coordination on isotope handling, radiation safety protocols, and the integration of companion diagnostics.

  3. 3

    approach

    We built a specialist candidate list targeting regulatory leaders with radiopharma or nuclear medicine backgrounds, focusing on those who had led IND submissions, managed FDA Type B meetings, and prepared assets for later-stage filings. Outreach extended to individuals in both biotech and large pharma who had worked at the intersection of oncology, diagnostics, and radiopharma.

  4. 4

    outcome

    We placed a seasoned regulatory leader who had guided radiotherapeutic assets through US and EU clinical submissions and had hands-on experience with agency engagement. Since joining, they have elevated FDA interactions, introduced scalable regulatory processes, and supported the company through critical clinical milestones.

CRO - USA

Board Member with Exit Experience

Strengthened investor readiness ahead of strategic exit

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  1. 1

    brief

    An investor-backed contract research organisation sought to appoint a Board Member with a proven CRO exit on their track record. The goal was to strengthen strategic oversight and prepare the company for a potential sale within the next two to three years.

  2. 2

    challenge

    The ideal Board Member needed to combine operational empathy with investor alignment. This meant not only understanding the day-to-day realities of running a CRO but also anticipating the requirements of private equity sponsors and strategic buyers.

  3. 3

    approach

    We conducted a highly targeted search that began with CROs backed by private equity and venture investors that had successfully exited within the past five years. From this foundation, we identified executives and advisors who had been directly involved in transaction processes and who could translate that experience into boardroom impact.

  4. 4

    outcome

    We appointed a Board Member who had previously sold a preclinical CRO and brought extensive experience advising CEOs through governance transitions and exit preparations. Since joining, they have actively supported the company through strategic planning cycles, made key introductions to strengthen senior hiring, and contributed to the development of an investor narrative tailored for potential buyers.

Emerging-Stage CDMO - USA

VP of Quality

Improved compliance and scaled regulatory infrastructure for growth

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  1. 1

    brief

    A CDMO specializing in niche formulations and clinical trial supply engaged us to identify a Vice President of Quality who could modernize its systems and prepare the business for increased regulatory scrutiny. As the company scaled manufacturing to support multiple early-phase clinical programs, leadership recognized the need for a senior Quality executive who could ensure compliance while enabling growth.

  2. 2

    challenge

    The company had recently taken on several new programs requiring GMP readiness, yet it lacked a senior Quality presence with direct FDA engagement experience. The business environment demanded a candidate who could operate effectively in a resource-constrained setting, balancing strategic oversight with hands-on implementation.

  3. 3

    approach

    We conducted a focused search targeting Quality leaders from small to mid-sized CDMOs and pharmaceutical companies who had built or transformed Quality Management Systems during scale-up. Special consideration was given to individuals with experience leading QA and QC functions through FDA pre-approval inspections, client audits, or remediation processes.

  4. 4

    outcome

    Within the search period, we placed a Vice President of Quality who had previously implemented risk-based quality systems at a similarly sized CDMO and successfully led FDA audit readiness efforts. Since joining, the new leader has introduced tighter governance practices, strengthened internal compliance culture, and improved the company’s performance during client audits.

Analytical/Bioanalytical CRO - USA

VP of Pharma Services

Launched new service lines and began global expansion planning

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  1. 1

    brief

    A specialist CRO operating across both small molecule and biologics sought a new Vice President of Pharma Services to lead growth strategy and elevate service delivery across multiple business units. The Chief People Officer engaged us to identify a leader who could unify commercial, operational, and scientific teams under a single strategic vision.

  2. 2

    challenge

    The role demanded a rare combination of skills. The incoming VP needed deep technical knowledge of analytical and bioanalytical methodologies, proven commercial leadership experience, and a track record of managing divisional P&L in a fast-paced CRO environment.

  3. 3

    approach

    We conducted a retained search focused on executives with experience building service lines and expanding revenue across early- and late-phase analytical support. Over 110 target candidates were mapped across the United States, with outreach strategies emphasising both direct engagement and referral-led introductions.

  4. 4

    outcome

    Within 52 days, we secured a Vice President who had previously held divisional P&L responsibility at a larger CRO and who brought established industry relationships with top 25 pharma clients. Since the appointment, the business has launched new service capabilities, improved cross-functional alignment, and begun exploring international expansion opportunities.

Oncology Biotech - USA

Chief Medical Officer

Strengthened clinical strategy and prepared multiple IND submissions

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  1. 1

    brief

    A clinical-stage biotech advancing novel oncology therapeutics required a Chief Medical Officer to lead its clinical development strategy and regulatory engagement. The CEO was seeking a leader with deep experience in early-phase oncology trials, established relationships with the FDA, and the ability to integrate medical affairs into a cohesive corporate strategy.

  2. 2

    challenge

    The business faced ambitious timelines, with two IND submissions planned within a 12-month window. This created a pressing need for a leader who could combine scientific and clinical expertise with operational pragmatism.

  3. 3

    approach

    We mapped oncology CMOs and senior clinical development leaders across both biotech and large pharma who had advanced first-in-class oncology programs. Evaluation criteria included regulatory track record with early-phase trials, therapeutic breadth across solid and liquid tumors, and proven ability to lead IND-enabling studies through to clinical initiation.

  4. 4

    outcome

    The appointed Chief Medical Officer had previously guided oncology programs through FDA approval and brought an established reputation with investigators and regulators. Since joining, the new leader has played a central role in protocol design, regulatory submissions, and strategic communication with the FDA.

CGT CDMO - Europe

Multi-Hire Commercial Buildout

Hired five commercial leaders to establish EU business development

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  1. 1

    brief

    A next-generation cell and gene therapy CDMO expanding into Europe required a rapid buildout of its commercial team to establish a regional footprint. The mandate was to hire business development directors across multiple territories in order to accelerate revenue growth and position the business as a credible partner to both global pharma and emerging biotech clients.

  2. 2

    challenge

    The company was entering an increasingly competitive European CDMO landscape where established players already had entrenched client relationships and technical track records. To succeed, the new hires needed to combine technical fluency in CGT manufacturing with established networks across pharma and biotech decision-makers.

  3. 3

    approach

    We designed a structured, project-based search covering France, Germany, the UK, the Nordics, and Benelux. More than 200 candidates were mapped across competing CDMOs and pharmaceutical service providers, with outreach tailored to each territory’s business environment and regulatory landscape.

  4. 4

    outcome

    Within 90 days, five business development directors were appointed across the targeted territories. Collectively, the new hires brought networks spanning top 50 pharma companies and high-growth biotech clients, alongside a deep understanding of the CGT landscape in their respective markets.

Radiopharma Manufacturer - USA

Facility Expansion Project

Scaled infrastructure and built team to support new isotope production line

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  1. 1

    brief

    A US-based radiopharmaceutical manufacturer preparing to add a new isotope production line engaged us to support a critical facility expansion project. The business required multiple senior hires across engineering, supply chain, and validation to ensure readiness for GMP production and regulatory milestones.

  2. 2

    challenge

    Compressed timelines were driven by client demand and broader supply-chain constraints affecting key isotopes and manufacturing inputs. The talent need was highly specific: professionals with radiopharma or sterile-injectable backgrounds who could step into leadership roles during an active buildout and balance nuclear medicine know-how with GMP expectations.

  3. 3

    approach

    We designed a coordinated, multi-hire search targeting senior professionals from sterile injectables, nuclear medicine, and radiopharma manufacturers. Candidates were evaluated for experience with facility commissioning and validation protocols, materials/isotope supply planning, and familiarity with regulatory frameworks for radiopharmaceutical production.

  4. 4

    outcome

    Within 120 days, three senior leaders were appointed across engineering, validation, and logistics, providing the capabilities required to complete the expansion on schedule. The new isotope line was commissioned to support clinical supply and regulatory readiness, strengthening delivery reliability and inspection preparedness.

Global CRO - Asia Pacific

Chief Business Officer

Expanded CRO partnerships and footprint across Asia Pacific

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  1. 1

    brief

    A global contract research organisation required a Chief Business Officer to lead expansion across the Asia Pacific region and strengthen relationships with biotech clients. The mandate was to diversify service offerings, establish a stronger presence in key APAC markets, and drive revenue growth through strategic partnerships.

  2. 2

    challenge

    The CRO faced intense competition from well-established regional players who already held strong client relationships and local infrastructure. To succeed, the incoming CBO needed to combine the reach of global networks with a deep understanding of local business culture.

  3. 3

    approach

    We conducted a global search targeting senior commercial executives with demonstrated success in APAC-focused CRO leadership roles. Candidate evaluation centred on three priorities: cross-border deal-making capability, regional regulatory knowledge, and the ability to scale multi-country operations while respecting cultural differences.

  4. 4

    outcome

    The appointed Chief Business Officer had previously driven APAC expansion for a major CRO and brought a network of deep connections across biotech ecosystems in the region. Within 12 months of the appointment, the company secured new partnerships in Japan, Korea, and Australia, significantly broadening its commercial footprint.

Specialty Biologics CDMO - USA

VP of Technical Operations

Enabled facility scale-up and tech transfers for new biologics programs

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  1. 1

    brief

    A specialty biologics CDMO required a Vice President of Technical Operations to lead its next phase of growth. The company was expanding capacity to meet increasing client demand and needed an executive who could oversee facility expansion projects while ensuring operational excellence across manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain.

  2. 2

    challenge

    The role combined multiple layers of complexity. The business was scaling capacity at speed, which required someone with technical depth in biologics manufacturing and experience managing large capital projects.

  3. 3

    approach

    We targeted senior operations executives from both biologics CDMOs and large pharma companies who had proven track records in facility expansions and late-stage tech transfers. Candidate evaluation focused on three areas: operational excellence in managing complex biologics programs, regulatory credibility to ensure smooth approvals during scale-up, and leadership skills to unite manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain functions.

  4. 4

    outcome

    Within the defined search window, we secured a Vice President who had previously overseen a $100M facility expansion and successfully executed multiple late-stage tech transfers for biologics clients. Since joining, the new leader has driven improvements in client delivery timelines, introduced tighter cross-site operational processes, and expanded capacity to accommodate new programs.

Gene Editing Biotech - Europe

Chief Scientific Officer

Advanced platform from discovery to preclinical pipeline readiness

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  1. 1

    brief

    An early-stage European biotech developing next-generation gene editing tools required a Chief Scientific Officer to transition its platform into a therapeutic pipeline. The CEO sought a scientific leader with deep expertise in gene editing, strong academic ties, and experience translating breakthrough discovery into viable preclinical assets.

  2. 2

    challenge

    The appointment carried dual pressures. On one hand, the company needed a CSO with the scientific gravitas to stand alongside academic pioneers and attract institutional investors.

  3. 3

    approach

    We ran a targeted search across both biotech and academia, mapping scientific leaders with recognised contributions in CRISPR, TALEN, and other gene editing technologies. Evaluation criteria focused on three areas: publication and citation impact to demonstrate credibility within the scientific community, track record of platform-to-pipeline translation to show practical application, and leadership capability to guide cross-functional teams through preclinical development.

  4. 4

    outcome

    Within the search window we appointed a CSO who had previously advanced gene editing programs into the clinic and carried strong visibility within the investor and scientific communities. Since joining, the new leader has restructured the research team, prioritised two lead programs, and established clear milestones toward IND-enabling studies.

Leading Private Equity Firm - Global

Diligence Report - CGT Technology Assessment

Delivered market intelligence on ex vivo gene-modified NK cell therapies

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  1. 1

    brief

    A global private equity firm engaged us to produce a bespoke diligence report assessing the competitive and scientific landscape of ex vivo gene-modified natural killer (NK) cell therapies. The mandate was to provide clarity on clinical progress, manufacturing scalability, and leadership depth across both developers and CDMOs in order to support an upcoming investment decision.

  2. 2

    challenge

    The investor required a balanced, data-driven perspective that could bridge technical detail with commercial insight. The challenge was to map competitors, identify clinical bottlenecks, and evaluate leadership teams with enough precision to inform a multi-hundred-million-dollar transaction.

  3. 3

    approach

    We built a structured intelligence report that evaluated pipeline maturity across both leading and emerging NK developers, assessed manufacturing readiness and CDMO capacity specific to allogeneic NK therapies, and benchmarked executive and scientific leadership teams against industry norms. The work also included a competitive SWOT and risk analysis, highlighting not only scientific momentum but also operational and organizational vulnerabilities.

  4. 4

    outcome

    The diligence package became a central input to the client’s investment committee discussion and directly influenced the decision to proceed with term sheet negotiations. The firm credited our insights on manufacturing risk and leadership gaps as critical differentiators that shaped their strategy.

Advanced Therapies - USA

Market Sizing Project - CGT Manufacturing Services

Provided market sizing analysis for US cell therapy manufacturing capacity

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  1. 1

    brief

    A US-based advanced therapies company required a market sizing analysis of domestic cell therapy manufacturing capacity. The goal was to benchmark industry demand, evaluate CDMO availability, and assess gaps in infrastructure that could shape future expansion.

  2. 2

    challenge

    The sector lacked reliable published data, with CDMO disclosures often fragmented and inconsistent. The challenge was to triangulate information across multiple sources and build a model that was both reliable and defensible, capturing the nuances of current capacity while projecting future requirements with enough accuracy to guide board-level decisions.

  3. 3

    approach

    We developed a multi-layered analysis that combined public disclosures, clinical trial pipelines, and funding announcements with proprietary mapping of US-based cell therapy CDMOs and internal manufacturing networks. Capacity modeling incorporated both autologous and allogeneic modalities, with sensitivity scenarios to test a range of assumptions and stress conditions.

  4. 4

    outcome

    The analysis revealed a substantial shortfall in autologous manufacturing slots compared to forecasted demand, highlighting a structural gap in the market. This supported the client’s case for additional facility investment, and the model was later presented at board level to secure funding for a new manufacturing buildout.

European Specialty CDMO Expansion

General Manager - USA

Placed founding US GM to establish operations and secure first American clients

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  1. 1

    brief

    A European specialty CDMO was preparing for a pivotal stage in its growth by establishing a physical presence in the United States. The board needed a senior leader on the ground who could represent the business with credibility, spearhead client acquisition, and take operational ownership of building local infrastructure.

  2. 2

    challenge

    The requirements combined entrepreneurial agility with blue-chip credibility. The incoming General Manager needed to thrive in a lean start-up environment while also commanding the trust of top pharma and biotech clients.

  3. 3

    approach

    We ran a focused transatlantic search mapping executives who had previously launched US entities for international service providers, prioritising leaders with credible early commercial wins and hands-on operational build experience. Our evaluation framework centred on commercial acumen, operational know-how, and board-level credibility to engage investors and represent the business externally.

  4. 4

    outcome

    Within 70 days we placed a General Manager who had previously built and scaled US operations for a specialty CDMO. The hire delivered immediate traction by establishing an East Coast office, securing the company’s first US clients, and initiating recruitment of a local technical team.

Life Sciences SaaS Commercial Expansion

Head of Business Development - Life Sciences SaaS (Europe)

Placed a Head of Business Development who drove €4M in new ARR and expanded global partnerships for a Life Sciences SaaS platform.

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  1. 1

    brief

    A Life Sciences SaaS platform integrating research, real-world, and clinical data needed a Head of Business Development to lead expansion across Europe and North America. The leadership team sought a commercially minded executive with scientific credibility - someone who could bridge enterprise SaaS sales with research-driven partnerships and accelerate deal cycles to support an upcoming funding round.

  2. 2

    challenge

    The ideal candidate required a rare blend of skills: deep understanding of Life Sciences data and validation standards combined with proven experience in complex enterprise software sales. The market was crowded with strong commercial leaders from SaaS backgrounds but few with the technical and regulatory fluency needed to sell into R&D and data-science environments.

  3. 3

    approach

    We mapped senior BD talent across European and North American Life Sciences software and analytics firms. Candidates were assessed on three dimensions - enterprise deal execution, strategic partnership experience, and ability to lead multi-market commercial teams.

  4. 4

    outcome

    The appointed executive came from a fast-growing European SaaS provider in the real-world data and research analytics space. Within twelve months, they built a structured partner program, introduced a formal sales methodology, and secured three major enterprise agreements with top-tier pharma and CRO clients.

Analytics Software Company Partnerships Expansion

VP Partnerships - Analytics Software Company (Global)

Recruited a VP Partnerships who signed three global alliance agreements and doubled partner-sourced pipeline within six months.

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  1. 1

    brief

    A global analytics software provider supporting drug discovery and development sought a Vice President of Partnerships to scale strategic alliances. The company needed a senior leader to formalise collaboration frameworks with hyperscalers, CROs, and top-tier pharma companies, turning informal partnerships into structured, revenue-generating agreements.

  2. 2

    challenge

    The business operated in a competitive space where strong technical partnerships often stalled due to complex governance, long sales cycles, and multi-jurisdictional legal frameworks. The new VP had to blend commercial acumen with the ability to manage partner enablement, co-sell programs, and contractual structures across multiple continents.

  3. 3

    approach

    We targeted alliance and business development leaders from analytics, cloud, and Life Sciences technology companies with a history of executing global partnership programs. Evaluation centred on candidates who had launched joint offerings with CROs, developed go-to-market frameworks with hyperscalers, and managed data-compliance requirements across geographies.

  4. 4

    outcome

    The successful candidate had previously led global partnerships for a major analytics vendor, delivering multiple co-sell and co-development programs with top pharma clients. Within six months of joining, they signed three enterprise-level partnerships: a joint analytics solution with a global CRO, a data-collaboration framework with a top-10 pharma company, and a cloud marketplace listing that unlocked joint marketing funds.

Radiopharma

Compensation and levelling framework for a US radiopharmaceutical site

Compensation and levelling framework for a US radiopharmaceutical site

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  1. 1

    challenge

    A radiopharmaceutical manufacturer scaling a US production site needed pay bands it could defend and a role ladder that held together across six functions, at a time when experienced radiopharma operators were being bid up across the market.

  2. 2

    approach

    Role-by-role compensation benchmarks across six functions and the full ladder, role levelling, and the package structures comparable companies use to hire and retain.

  3. 3

    outcome

    One framework covering every role in scope, built for setting offers and running pay reviews from the same evidence.

Radiopharma

Organisation benchmark for a GMP radiopharmaceutical site

Organisation benchmark for a GMP radiopharmaceutical site

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  1. 1

    challenge

    The same client needed to know whether its GMP site was sized and structured like comparable radioligand therapy companies, function by function, before committing to the next phase of hiring.

  2. 2

    approach

    Headcount and structure benchmarked across quality, quality control, sterility assurance, production, MS&T, facilities and radiation protection, plus group clinical, pre-clinical and supply chain.

  3. 3

    outcome

    A function-by-function view of where the site was in line with its peers, where it was thin and where it was ahead.

Market entry

US market entry for a European life-science equipment manufacturer

US market entry for a European life-science equipment manufacturer

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  1. 1

    challenge

    A European manufacturer with a strong home market and little US presence needed to know who to sell to in the US, who signs inside those accounts, and how to reach them.

  2. 2

    approach

    Every target account in the segment mapped and segmented, named decision-makers account by account, a working target dashboard, and the outreach plan.

  3. 3

    outcome

    A US business development programme built for the client's own team to run from its dashboard, in place of a cold start.

Search & Intelligence

I need to hire

Executive Search

Retained search for senior leadership and specialist functional heads, one role at a time.

  • Senior leadership and specialist functional heads: site, quality, CMC, manufacturing, MSAT, regulatory, business development, commercial and the executive team
  • Radiopharma, CDMO, CRO, ADC and cell and gene therapy
  • Every search starts with a map of who can actually do the job
  • Fee and milestones agreed per search, set out before you commit
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