WittKieffer Creates Global Commercial Strategy and Insights Team

January 10, 2023 – Oak Brook, IL-based search firm WittKieffer has launched a global commercial strategy and insights (CSI) team. The new team will partner with consultants across the firm to deliver data-driven insights, market intelligence, and commercial strategies that advance WittKieffer’s ability to help clients meet their strategic objectives through an integrated approach to the construction and development of leadership teams.
Saule Serikova, a recognized expert in business intelligence, knowledge management, and data analytics, has joined the firm as global leader for commercial strategy and insights. Based in Amsterdam, she brings more than 20 years’ direct market and technical experience to the role, most recently as global head of commercial strategy and operations for a major global executive search and leadership advisory firm. Prior to that, Ms. Serikova spent four years leading business and competitive intelligence for Sandoz, a Novartis division, and eight years as the healthcare section head of research and information for McKinsey & Company.
“We are thrilled to welcome Saule Serikova to WittKieffer and launch our new commercial strategy and insights team,” said Michael Castleman, chief growth and transformation officer. “This is a significant step in our firm’s evolution as a trusted partner serving organizations that operate at the intersection of healthcare, science, and education – the quality of life ecosystem.”
“The CSI team will enable us to more fully deliver the power of our unrivalled understanding of the intricacies of this ecosystem and the disruptive forces that compel participants within it to continually evolve,” said Mr. Castleman. “Through data-driven insights and thought leadership provided, we will deliver ever more innovative leadership solutions that help our clients address strategic opportunity and challenge. We are fortunate to have Saule lead this important capability, drawing on her unique experience in our markets, expertise in data analytics and knowledge-based innovation, and passion for providing colleagues and clients with advice that truly makes a difference to their strategies, goals, and missions.”
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“WittKieffer serves hundreds of dynamic clients globally each year in healthcare, education, and life sciences, engaging with thousands of executives who are contributing to and transforming the quality of life ecosystem,” said Ms. Serikova. “These engagements provide an exciting opportunity to further establish WittKieffer as a ‘Wisdom House’ – built on deep knowledge and grounded in data – within this complex ecosystem. I am delighted to join WittKieffer as it further enhances its position as the trusted destination for leadership intelligence, insight and counsel to clients and support their successes in creating value for their organizations, team members and communities.”
WittKieffer Appoints Co-Leader of Professional Search Practice
WittKieffer has named Jeffrey Schroetlin as managing partner and co-leader of the firm’s professional search practice (formerly known as its mid-level executive search practice). He will share leadership responsibilities with managing partner Elaina Genser, who has guided the practice since 2020. Both individuals will continue their executive search work for WittKieffer—Ms. Genser in the healthcare practice and Mr. Schroetlin in the academic medicine and health sciences practice. “I am excited to partner with Jeff in the operations and strategy of the professional search practice,” said Ms. Genser. “Our team is significantly expanding our capabilities and client work, and I welcome his assistance in guiding the management and continued growth of the practice.”
WittKieffer assists hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers, medical schools, and physician groups; biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, and medical device companies; colleges and universities, and not-for-profit community service and cultural organizations with senior administrative recruiting assignments. With more than 100 search professionals nationwide, its consultants recruit CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CNOs, physician executives, and other leaders.
New COO
In November, WittKieffer named Christina Boiler as its chief operating officer. “Christina is well known for inspiring organizations to achieve excellence and meaningful change,” said Andrew Chastain, president and CEO of WittKieffer. “She brings a unique, diverse skill-set developed through previous senior leadership roles while possessing an eager willingness to explore new opportunities and embrace strategies that will ultimately help us to serve our clients better. Her expertise will be invaluable to WittKieffer. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have her join our firm’s leadership team.”
Ms. Boiler has more than 15 years of leadership experience across operations, strategy, business development, and finance in market-leading consulting organizations. She was previously a partner and led the North American global mobility business for the global consulting firm Mercer. That role was the culmination of other positions within Mercer of increasing impact, including as head of strategy, North America, in which she spearheaded major initiatives to drive growth and increase operational efficiencies.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media