VP Biological Drug Discovery

Founded in 1970, Hengrui Medicine is the largest publicly listed and the most innovative biopharma based in China (Shanghai). In 2020 the company established its clinical R&D organizations in the USA (New Jersey) and in Europe (Switzerland). The Swiss based Hengrui Europe Therapeutics AG, company also hosts the discovery R&D units focusing on protein engineering and on new mRNA technology platforms.   

Ranking in the top 20 worldwide in the pharmaceutical industry by market capitalisation, Hengrui has in excess of 30,500 employees globally – including 3,200 scientists working across 30 global programs in clinical development spanning oncology, autoimmunity, and CVMD’s. 

Compass Carter Osborne was engaged by Hengrui Therapeutics to source a Vice President – Head of European Research Centre, Biological Drug Discovery to be responsible for building a preclinical discovery science lab in Switzerland – focusing on new innovations in protein engineering and multi-specific antibody research. 

Search Process / Methodology:  

Compass Carter Osborne undertook an international research-based search, focussing specifically targeting 147 candidates throughout the EU.  

Given the complexity of the role, CCO had to source an esteemed candidate with entrepreneurial capability, with a hands-on approach to proactively establishing a new laboratory from scratch, and build-out a new team of 20-30 scientists based in Zurich. CCO’s market knowledge and network ensured a shortlist of high calibre scientists were presented to Hengrui for consideration, all dedicated to protein engineering and antibody research.  

Outcome:  

A three-stage interview process, including a meeting with the senior leadership team based in both Shanghai and New Jersey, resulted in the successful appointment first time of the arriving candidate – all in a timescale within 5 weeks of process commencement.