Chief Business Officer

Global CRO – Asia Pacific

Highlight

Expanded CRO partnerships and footprint across Asia Pacific

The Brief

A global contract research organisation required a Chief Business Officer to lead expansion across the Asia Pacific region and strengthen relationships with biotech clients. The mandate was to diversify service offerings, establish a stronger presence in key APAC markets, and drive revenue growth through strategic partnerships. The role carried both commercial and strategic weight, with responsibility for positioning the company competitively in one of the fastest-growing regions for outsourced drug development services.

The Challenge

The CRO faced intense competition from well-established regional players who already held strong client relationships and local infrastructure. To succeed, the incoming CBO needed to combine the reach of global networks with a deep understanding of local business culture. The role demanded experience negotiating cross-border partnerships, knowledge of regional regulatory landscapes, and a proven track record in scaling service lines in diverse APAC markets. The challenge was amplified by the diversity of the region itself, with Japan, Korea, China, and Australia all requiring tailored approaches to client engagement, compliance, and market entry. Few leaders possessed the combination of global credibility and regional fluency that the client needed.

Our Approach

We conducted a global search targeting senior commercial executives with demonstrated success in APAC-focused CRO leadership roles. Candidate evaluation centred on three priorities: cross-border deal-making capability, regional regulatory knowledge, and the ability to scale multi-country operations while respecting cultural differences. Discreet outreach was carried out across major CROs and pharmaceutical service providers, with a focus on individuals who had built sustainable client partnerships in Asia Pacific markets. We also assessed candidates on their ability to align local market strategies with global corporate objectives, ensuring the appointed leader could operate seamlessly within a multinational structure.

Outcome

The appointed Chief Business Officer had previously driven APAC expansion for a major CRO and brought a network of deep connections across biotech ecosystems in the region. Within 12 months of the appointment, the company secured new partnerships in Japan, Korea, and Australia, significantly broadening its commercial footprint. The placement positioned the CRO as a more competitive player in Asia Pacific, allowing it to diversify service lines and capture a larger share of regional growth. For the board, the hire provided the confidence that regional expansion was being led by a seasoned executive capable of navigating cultural nuance while delivering measurable commercial results.

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