SpenglerFox Grows Global Life Sciences Practice
October 2, 2024 – Global executive search and human capital solutions provider SpenglerFox has expanded with the addition of Akim Gaagaa to the firm’s global life sciences practice. “In his new role at SpenglerFox, given our growing portfolio of agile and high-growth companies in the broader life sciences industry who are rapidly expanding across the globe, Akim will play a pivotal role as we continue to develop our Life Sciences Practice across the EMEA region by leveraging his vast professional network across the region,” said Zsuzsanna Zimonyi, head of life sciences at SpenglerFox.
Mr. Gaagaa joins SpenglerFox from Aspire Life Sciences Search where he was business manager life sciences for the MEA and Europe regions. His specializes in finding top professionals in the pharmaceutical, medical devices, biotechnology, healthcare, and cosmetics/aesthetics sectors.
With a keen focus on the Middle East, Africa, and Europe regions, Mr. Gaagaa has placed candidates in various functions, including sales & marketing, medical, finance, HR, legal, market access, supply chain, communication, regulatory affairs & quality, and procurement. He has track record of filling C-level positions such as director, general manager, vice president, CFO, COO, and CEO. Mr. Gaagaa is fluent in French, English, and Tunisian.
“I am excited to announce that I have joined SpenglerFox as a client partner for life sciences in the MEA region and am eager to contribute to our executive search efforts and support the team in achieving outstanding results,” Mr. Gaagaa said. “Based in Dubai, one of my favorite quotes resonates deeply with me: “In the race for excellence, there is no finish line,” as shared by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This quote inspires my commitment to continuously strive for excellence and success. I look forward to leveraging my expertise and network to drive success across the Middle East and Africa. It is an honor to be a new Fox & Agilist, and I am enthusiastic about the journey ahead.”
Founded in 2003, SpenglerFox is a global search and HR services firm working across multiple territories serving both the mature and emerging markets. The firm further provides interim management, payrolling, and recruitment process outsourcing in both mature and emerging markets. The firm also has a dedicated focus on board work for small to mid-sized companies and a research team that provides talent mapping and pipelining solutions.
Related: SpenglerFox Appoints Head of Life Sciences and Switzerland
Jens Friedrich is the CEO of the firm. He has worked in executive search since 1994 and has delivered assignments across all SpenglerFox’s practice groups. Additionally, he is a key member of the firm’s private equity and executive interim management practice. Mr. Friedrich joined SpenglerFox in 2010 as regional director for DACH and CEE. He has since overseen global operations and successfully led the firm’s management buyout in 2017 before becoming CEO.
Recent Addition
Earlier this year, SpenglerFox named Michael Klingler as head of private equity. He is based in Wiesbaden, Germany. Mr. Klingler came to SpenglerFox from Acertitude, where he was partner and leader within their global healthcare & life sciences practice. He is a senior executive with more than 20 years of experience in executive search, board search and leadership assessment, with a strong network amongst board members, CEOs, and private equity executives across Europe and the Americas. Mr. Klingler is fluent in English and German.
SpenglerFox Appoints Head of Life Sciences and Switzerland
SpenglerFox has added Zsuzsanna Zimonyi to its executive leadership team as partner, head of life sciences, and head of Switzerland. “Zsuzsanna has made a considerable contribution to our business since she joined us in 2013, and today the life sciences practice is one of the biggest contributors to our overall business,” said Jens Friedrich, CEO of SpenglerFox. “Her leadership of this business unit, her passion and professionalism, and ongoing contribution to the exponential growth of our presence in Switzerland, are simply exemplary. I am proud to welcome her to the executive leadership team and looking forward to working with her and the rest of the leadership team as we prepare the business for a very exciting future.”
Ms. Zimonyi joined SpenglerFox in 2013 after 13 years with Korn Ferry, where her last role was that of principal. During her years in executive search, she specialized in recruitment for general management, commercial, and scientific roles. Her main specialty practices are life sciences and consumer goods.
“In his new role at SpenglerFox, given our growing portfolio of agile and high-growth companies who are rapidly expanding across the globe, especially those with private equity backing, Michael will play a pivotal role as we continue focusing on this market segment by leveraging his vast professional networks across the Americas, EMEA and Asia regions,” the search firm said. “Michael will also join our acclaimed life sciences team who are highly sought after by clients in the medical care, pharma, medical devices and biotech sectors across EMEA.”
Related: SpenglerFox Appoints Head of Talent Acquisition
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
