WittKieffer Names Leader of Life Sciences Practice

May 8, 2023 – Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has appointed Nils Hopmann as global leader for life sciences and managing partner, WittKieffer International. He assumes leadership of the life sciences practice from Morten Nielsen, senior partner and member of WittKieffer’s board of directors, who continues to serve clients in the sector.

“Nils has an impeccable reputation as someone who understands leadership and how exceptional executives can change the trajectory of organizations, from emerging biotechs to established pharma companies to innovative healthcare technology providers,” said Andrew P. Chastain, CEO. “He has the experience and vision to maximize our team’s continued growth and client impact, and to oversee our expanding global footprint in the quality of life ecosystem. I am thrilled to welcome Nils to WittKieffer to help expand our business to improve quality of life through impactful leadership.”

In a career spanning more than 30 years, Mr. Hopmann has been a visionary executive with expertise in executive search, leadership consulting, M&A transactions, and more. He has built trusting, lasting relationships with executives and boards across life sciences, healthcare services, and private equity. Mr. Hopmann joins WittKieffer following a long tenure at Russell Reynolds Associates, where he served in numerous key roles. He led the firm’s key client relationships in healthcare and the life sciences, conducted high-profile board and CEO recruitments, and partnered with private equity and venture capital firms to facilitate the integration of M&A transactions. Mr. Hopmann was also a member of Russell Reynolds’ operating committee and its executive committee.

Earlier in his career, he was regional manager for Central Europe for GE Healthcare and, before that, a managing director for GE Capital IT Solutions. He has worked in Germany, the U.S., and China, and is fluent in English and German and has a working knowledge of French, Spanish, and Mandarin.

As global leader of WittKieffer’s life sciences practice, Mr. Hopmann will lead a unified team serving pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device clients globally. As managing partner of WittKieffer International, he will ensure quality and excellence of the firm’s expanding solutions in Europe and beyond. He will be based in Hamburg, Germany.

“WittKieffer has set itself apart from other firms in its unwavering commitment to serve organizations truly making a difference in the world today,” said Mr. Hopmann. “I am drawn to this inspirational commitment as well as to the growth and vision the firm has shown as it expands its capabilities across the globe. I am excited to work with our talented life sciences team and international colleagues across life sciences, healthcare, and academia as they operate as a single dynamic unit across borders and continents.”

Related: WittKieffer Appoints Co-Leader of Professional Search Practice

“WittKieffer continues to seek ways to serve new and established clients better, while never wavering from its dedication to excellence and impactful leadership,” Mr. Hopmann said. “What we do matters to the world. Like our clients, we care deeply about improving quality of life. We help them advance their mission – and ours – by working with them to shape impactful leadership teams.”


WittKieffer Appoints Chief Operating Officer
WittKieffer has 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.”


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 Global Commercial Strategy / Insights Team

WittKieffer recently 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 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.

Related: WittKieffer Launches Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Service and Names Practice Leader

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media

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