Koblentz Group Places CEO at Genomind
January 17, 2019 – Atlanta, GA-headquartered executive search firm Koblentz Group has recruited Shawn Patrick O’Brien as the new chief executive officer of personalized medicine company Genomind in King of Prussia, PA. He replaces Thomas Hess, who had been serving as interim CEO in addition to his regular role as CFO. Joel Koblentz and Jeffrey Neppl led the assignment.
“Shawn’s impressive background and broad global healthcare experience in the U.S., U.K. and Canada are the perfect fit for taking Genomind to the next level,” said Ronald Dozoretz, founder and chairman of Genomind. “Our colleagues, clinicians, patients and other stakeholders will benefit from Shawn’s strategic leadership as he advances the work of our pioneering scientists and thought leaders in brain health and genetics.”
Mr. O’Brien is a global biotech and pharmaceutical executive leader with experience building highly successful enterprises. He has an extensive background in business development, marketing, selling and licensing, as well as researching and developing innovations.
Veteran Leader
Mr. O’Brien founded and served as chair of Key BioPharma Partners, a private consulting firm. He was also president and CEO of Cipher Pharmaceuticals, AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Profectus BioSciences and Solstice NeuroSciences. He has also held multiple senior leadership roles within AstraZeneca. In addition, Mr. O’Brien is board chair for Alto Pharma and serves on the advisory boards of Greater Philadelphia Life Sciences Congress, and the Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic.
“Genomind has a stellar reputation for delivering actionable insights to clinicians, healthcare partners, and individuals to improve the quality of mental health,” said Mr. O’Brien. “It’s an honor to build on that legacy. This is an exciting time in the field of pharmacogenetics, and I know everyone on the Genomind team is looking forward to growing the impact of our important work. I look forward to working with Tom, as he is a widely recognized leader in the life sciences community.”
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Genomind delivers actionable insights to clinicians, healthcare partners and individuals in order to improve the quality of human life. The company’s Genecept Assay is a genetic test designed to help clinicians optimize treatment decisions for their patients with mental illness. Its other core product is Mindful DNA, a genetic test used by clinicians that helps guide lifestyle, diet and/or nutritional supplement decisions to improve the overall health and well-being of patients.
C-Level Search Consultants
The Koblentz Group specializes in recruiting C-level leaders and board directors. Over the past 40 years, its partners have conducted hundreds of searches for public, investor owned and emerging companies. The firm also advises on governance matters such as recruiting directors, board composition, director effectiveness, CEO and board succession, and on improving board governance.
Mr. Koblentz founded the firm in 2002. He advises corporate boards on succession and recruitment of new board members, the recruitment of CEOs and executive leadership. Previously, Mr. Koblentz was a senior partner at Egon Zehnder, where he was managing partner of its New York and Atlanta practices and led its service sector practice group for the Americas. He has been repeatedly named as one of Atlanta’s “100 Most Influential.”
Mr. Neppl, a partner at the firm specializes in C-level, officer, and board of director searches for public and private clients in the areas of operations, technology, sales, finance, marketing and business development. He has the ability to represent VC and PE backed companies. He began working with The Koblentz Group when he was leading A.I. Partners and the firms merged in 2016.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Andrew W. Mitchell, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
