Coulter Partners Assists Optimapharm in CEO Search
August 24, 2020 – Mark Sharp of life sciences-focused search firm Coulter Partners recently assisted private equity-backed Optimapharm in the recruitment of Andrew Copestake as its new CEO. “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the executive management team and thank Coulter Partners for their professional support in achieving this high-caliber appointment,” said Harold Chatelus, director of private equity firm The Rohatyn Group.
Dr. Copestake’s appointment comes at an important inflexion point for Optimapharm. Following The Rohatyn Group’s investment in Optimapharm, announced in May, the company is rapidly expanding the scale and breadth of its services to continue to build on its reputation for delivery excellence and a client-focused approach throughout Europe. Dr. Copestake will add a layer of seasoned leadership and experience running global full-service companies and is immediately focused on further developing Optimapharm’s service offering to capitalize on the current market opportunity in Europe.
Dr. Copestake brings almost 30 years industry experience, having worked in large multinational pharmaceutical companies, global and regional contract research organizations, the biotech sector, as well as other service providers. He also brings a global approach, having gained international experience during appointments in the U.S., Japan and throughout Europe. Dr. Copestake holds a doctorate in respiratory and exercise physiology from Loughborough University, U.K. and a bachelor’s degree in applied biology from East London University, U.K. He is also a fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine.
Founded in 2006 in Croatia, Optimapharm is a full service mid-sized CRO with expertise in managing trials across Europe, providing tailored solutions and offering differentiated access to patients. The organization is a contract research organization managing clinical trials on behalf of leading biotech, pharma and medical devices companies in 22 countries throughout Europe.
Life Sciences Specialists
Coulter Partners is a board and senior level global executive search specialist focused exclusively on life sciences. The firm works closely with those at the cutting edge of innovation in the industry to understand their challenges. With an extensive global network and expertise gained over 25 years in the sector, Coulter Partners have become trusted advisers on leadership in the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical technology, diagnostics, health tech, CRO and services sectors. The firm also works closely with the global investor community, hiring for their own teams as well as building the boards and executive leadership teams of their portfolio companies. Its team of 95 completes over 260 assignments a year working from 14 offices across the U.K., EMEA, the U.S. and APAC.
Coulter Partners Finds Chief Scientific Officer for OxStem
With the integration of technology into all facets of everyday life, the life sciences and healthcare industry is hardly alone in facing technology-related issues. These take on increased importance when they impact health, disease diagnosis, treatment and, ultimately, human longevity. Having the right leaders in place to sort through these complex challenges, say recruiters serving the sector, is critical — especially those with vision and transformational skills.
Bianca Coulter founded Coulter Partners in 2003 and has 25 years’ experience of board and C-level global search, building the leadership teams of early stage, mid cap and global multinationals in over 20 countries. Through appointing the best leadership, Ms. Coulter channels her judgement and considerable expertise to impact patient benefit and assist those at the cutting edge of life science to achieve their goals.
Mr. Sharp’s focus is on senior-level global executive search across the spectrum of life sciences, encompassing both scientific and commercial roles. He has over 15 years’ broad experience of executive search for early stage to mid and large cap international companies, as well as the investor community.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
