WittKieffer Launches Global Emerging Sciences Practice
November 21, 2024 – Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has launched a new global emerging sciences practice dedicated exclusively to supporting organizations at the forefront of foundational scientific research and translating such research into therapeutic realities. This new practice builds on the firm’s longstanding work with research centers worldwide and their essential connectivity to commercial life sciences and healthcare delivery.
“WittKieffer’s heritage as a firm is the continuous pursuit of helping organizations in the quality of life ecosystem solve for opportunities and challenges through the lens of leadership,” said Michael Castleman, executive partner for WittKieffer’s global life sciences & investor backed healthcare markets. “Our global emerging sciences practice builds on this rich heritage to facilitate the movement of advanced scientific research to impactful solutions for health and well-being. WittKieffer is uniquely positioned to achieve this due to its deep specialization in and relationships across life sciences, academic medicine, and healthcare delivery.”
WittKieffer explains that the global emerging sciences practice will provide leadership solutions that enhance the translation of these advanced technologies into viable commercial solutions. Natalie Derry, a proven leadership consultant in global education and academic medicine, will lead this new practice as managing partner. A registered neuroscience nurse by training, Ms. Derry has completed senior administrative and academic search assignments on behalf of globally recognized institutions, including Oxford University, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Institut Pasteur, the UK Biobank, the Nuffield Department of Population Health, the Usher Institute and the Institute of Genetics and Cancer of the University of Edinburgh, and the Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research, among many others.
For 55 years WittKieffer has specialized in enabling the leadership of organizations at the nexus of life sciences, education, and healthcare delivery — the quality of life ecosystem. “Establishing a global emerging sciences practice reinforces WittKieffer’s commitment to supporting the broader research communities and their connectivity to delivering essential care to people and communities worldwide,” the firm said. “With the emergence of next-generation technologies powering advanced research – such as cell and gene therapies, AI-enabled development, and biodata supporting real-world evidence — the life sciences community is experiencing a renaissance in its ability to develop novel therapies that dramatically improve population and individual health.”
“I am inspired to lead this important new practice for WittKieffer,” said Ms. Derry. “We are witnessing a new evolution in scientific advancement enabled by the convergence of traditional bioscience, advanced genetic and cellular technologies, and digital technologies. Leadership and talent also must evolve to take full advantage of the enormous potential for emerging areas like computational biology, population health, epidemiology and immunology, and precision medicine. By connecting groundbreaking research leadership to commercial and investor communities seeking next-generation therapies and leaders, we can help this ecosystem convert science into outcomes.”
As part of the broader global life sciences team at WittKieffer, the global emerging sciences practice will focus on innovation hubs within life sciences, including private and captive innovation centers, biobanks, related analytic and research services, and corporate and investor-backed development programs.
The global emerging sciences practice will also work closely with colleagues in WittKieffer’s academic medicine practice to ensure seamless client focus and solutions. Reflecting this one firm approach, WittKieffer has also announced the appointment of Andrew Bean as of counsel for academic medicine and global emerging sciences. Most recently vice provost for research at Rush University and dean of the Rush University Graduate College in Chicago, Dr. Bean is a widely recognized authority in research administration and strategy to enhance scientific services and enterprises.
Related: WittKieffer Appoints Co-Leader of Professional Search 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.
Newly Launched
WittKieffer recently released a new program to expedite time to success for physician leaders taking on new roles. The accelerating impact for physician leaders solution differentiates itself from other physician leadership training and support in that it is customized to the executive, their specific role, and their organization. In addition to a coaching component, the program features direct mentorship from a highly experienced and proven physician leader.
WittKieffer Expands its Leadership Solutions to Animal Health & Sciences Organizations
WittKieffer has expanded its global life sciences practice to support animal health & sciences and other one health organizations. Joe Kennedy joins the firm to lead the expansion serving as managing director, global life sciences, and animal health. “These organizations focus on advancing the welfare of animals, human health, and environmental sustainability through innovative products, services, research, and advocacy,” the search firm said. “The one health concept highlights the interconnectedness of animals, humans, and our shared environment and is a natural extension of the firm’s 55-year commitment to serving organizations that make the world better.”
“Physician leadership is critical in healthcare’s current era which prioritizes quality, efficiency, and patient centricity,” said Raj Ramachandran, senior partner of WittKieffer’s leadership advisory. “While many physicians are natural born leaders, they are challenged to transition into increasingly demanding roles and to make an immediate impact upon their teams and organizations.”
“The MDs on WittKieffer’s team who help direct the accelerating impact for physician leaders solution have served as chief medical officers, medical school deans, and in other senior roles and have experienced the challenges and joys of leading at the highest level,” said Michael Anderson, WittKieffer principal who also serves as a senior advisor to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “They partner with our expert leadership coaches to offer newly hired executives a special opportunity to acclimate to a new position and environment and find immediate success. The benefits and return on investment of this program can’t be overstated.”
Related: WittKieffer Appoints Chief Operating Officer
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
