Chief Scientific Officer

Gene Editing Biotech – Europe

Highlight

Advanced platform from discovery to preclinical pipeline readiness

The Brief

An early-stage European biotech developing next-generation gene editing tools required a Chief Scientific Officer to transition its platform into a therapeutic pipeline. The CEO sought a scientific leader with deep expertise in gene editing, strong academic ties, and experience translating breakthrough discovery into viable preclinical assets. The mandate was not only to provide scientific direction but also to establish credibility with investors and future partners, helping the company evolve from a platform-focused research group into a therapeutics-driven organisation.

The Challenge

The appointment carried dual pressures. On one hand, the company needed a CSO with the scientific gravitas to stand alongside academic pioneers and attract institutional investors. On the other, the candidate had to demonstrate pragmatic leadership skills capable of building a pipeline under tight resource constraints. Many high-profile academics lacked experience beyond early discovery, while industry leaders with translational expertise were often embedded in larger companies with long-term commitments. Balancing these competing requirements made the talent pool narrow, and timelines were pressing as the company aimed to accelerate progress toward an IND-enabling package.

Our Approach

We ran a targeted search across both biotech and academia, mapping scientific leaders with recognised contributions in CRISPR, TALEN, and other gene editing technologies. Evaluation criteria focused on three areas: publication and citation impact to demonstrate credibility within the scientific community, track record of platform-to-pipeline translation to show practical application, and leadership capability to guide cross-functional teams through preclinical development. We engaged discreetly with candidates across Europe and the US, highlighting the opportunity to shape a first-in-class pipeline in an entrepreneurial environment. Each candidate was carefully assessed not only for technical expertise but also for their ability to bridge science and strategy, ensuring alignment with the CEO’s vision and the expectations of prospective investors.

Outcome

Within the search window we appointed a CSO who had previously advanced gene editing programs into the clinic and carried strong visibility within the investor and scientific communities. Since joining, the new leader has restructured the research team, prioritised two lead programs, and established clear milestones toward IND-enabling studies. The appointment has given the biotech both the credibility and the operational focus needed to attract investor attention and move decisively into therapeutic development. For the board, the hire represented a turning point, transforming the company’s positioning from an academic spin-out to a pipeline-focused biotech with the leadership depth to compete in a rapidly evolving field.

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