In Q1 2025, the Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences sectors experienced a marked increase in global recruitment activity, reflecting strong market confidence and sustained investment in innovation.
Hiring momentum was particularly evident across R&D, regulatory affairs, and commercial functions, as companies ramped up efforts to advance pipelines and bring new products to market. This uptick in recruitment highlights a strategic push to build specialised talent pools, especially in response to evolving therapeutic priorities and expanding global healthcare demands.
At Mantell Associates, our team placed over 50 professionals into leading organisations across the industry, and some of our most notable appointments include:
- Tarran Pierfelice – CCO at Cellistic
- Tarran has over a decade of experience in biopharma and a remarkable history of building strategic partnerships, bringing a wealth of expertise to propel Cellistic’s growth and redefine what’s possible in advanced therapies.
- Jan Fuhr Miller – CFO at Pyramid Labs
- Jan has over 25 years experience in Finance and Business along with an MBA in Finance, and most recently served as CFO at PolyPeptide Group and CAPTEK® Softgel International.
- Isabelle Lafosse-Marin – Group COO at Famar
- Isabelle is an executive leader with 25+ years of global experience in defining and implementing strategy, driving business growth and profitability, leading operations and driving transformational change and performance improvement in both service and product-based companies.
- Anjan Selz – Managing Director at Polpharma Biologics
- Anjan is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in the Pharma and Biosimilars space. His focus lies on leadership through empowerment, creating an environment where individuals and teams can excel and deliver their best ever performance.
- Ulrike Foley – VP of Global Business Development and Marketing at Sever Pharma Solutions
- Mantell Associates recently appointed Ulrike Foley as VP of Global Business Development and Marketing at Sever Pharma Solutions. Ulrike brings more than 30 years of Business Development experience in the Pharmaceutical CDMO space. In her role as VP, she will take full responsibility of Sever Pharma Solutions’ global Business Development and Marketing function.
Aside from our work with our wide client base at Mantell Associates, we keep track of other C-Level and Senior appointments across the industry. In Q1 we saw many other impressive appointments at both leading and emerging organisations. Some of these top level Movers & Shakers include:
- Carol Kearney – CCO at Tenpoint Therapeutics
- Tenpoint Therapeutics, a global, clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments to rejuvenate vision in the aging eye, has appointed Carol Kearney as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Kearney will spearhead Tenpoint’s commercial strategy, including preparation of the potential U.S. launch of BRIMOCHOL PF, an investigational, preservative-free, once-daily eye drop designed to address the loss of near vision.
- Taylor Boyd – CBO at Abzena
- Abzena, an integrated CDMO + CRO for complex biologics and bioconjugates, has named Taylor Boyd Chief Business Officer (CBO). In this newly created role, Boyd will be responsible for corporate development, portfolio strategy, and partnering strategy activities to drive Abzena’s continued commitment to innovation and growth.
- Abizer Gaslightwala – President and CEO at Akari Therapeutics
- Akari Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing bi-functional antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to treat cancer, announced the appointment of Abizer Gaslightwala as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 21, 2025. As previously announced, Gaslightwala was appointed to Akari’s Board of Directors in December 2024.
- Tara Gladwell – CEO at Ephicacy
- Ephicacy Consulting Group, a biometrics Contract Research Organization (CRO), has appointed Tara Gladwell as Chief Executive Officer. In the meantime, founder Ganesh Gopal will transition to the role of Chairman and President. Gladwell brings nearly three decades of industry expertise with more than a decade in leadership positions. She joins Ephicacy from Rho, a global CRO, where she served as President and led the Company’s growth strategy.
- Dr. Manjunath Ramarao – CSO at Aragen
- Aragen, a global Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO), has appointed Manjunath Ramarao as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). Ramarao will provide scientific leadership, nurture scientific talent, identify new and emerging capabilities and technologies and focus on green science initiatives. He will also lead Aragen’s IDD business and will be responsible for formulation and execution of the IDD strategy with P&L responsibility.
- Nicholas Shackley – CEO at Gannet BioChem
- Gannet BioChem, a specialty chemical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), has appointed several key executives following its recent acquisition by Ampersand Capital Partners, including Nicholas Shackley as CEO. Shackley brings over 25 years of experience in pharmaceuticals and chemical manufacturing, and his expertise in global business strategy within life sciences manufacturing will be instrumental in driving Gannet BioChem’s continued success.
- Anthoy Chhoy – CFO at BioCina
- BioCina, a global Biologics CDMO, appointed Anthony Chhoy as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). A strategic finance leader with 25 years of global experience in driving growth, transformation, and operational excellence across start-ups and multinational enterprises. As CFO of BioCina, he leads financial strategy, scalability, and operational efficiency, ensuring BioCina remains a trusted CDMO partner for biotech and pharmaceutical innovators worldwide.
- Alfred Merz – CEO at ProBioGen
- ProBioGen has appointed Dr. Alfred Merz, PhD, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 1, 2025. Dr. Merz previously served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and interim CEO. His expertise will be instrumental in driving the company’s next growth phase while solidifying ProBioGen’s position as a trusted partner in biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing for clinical and commercial supply, recognized for its scientific acumen, client-oriented flexibility, and reliability.
- Amy Hay – CBO at CTMC
- CTMC, a joint venture between Resilience and MD Anderson Cancer Center, has appointed Amy Hay as Chief Business Officer. In the newly created role of Chief Business Officer, Hay is responsible for developing and executing the overall business strategy for the company, focusing on market penetration, strategic partnerships, revenue generation, and long-term growth.
- Paul Spreen – CBO at Huyabio
- Huyabio International has appointed Paul Spreen as Chief Business Officer. Prior to joining Huyabio, Spreen served as Chief Commercial Officer at IQVIA, a provider of biopharmaceutical development, professional consulting and commercial outsourcing services, focused primarily on Phase I-IV clinical trials and associated laboratory and analytical services, including investment strategy and management consulting services.
- Larry Pitcher – COO at Kincell Bio
- Kincell Bio, a cell therapy developer and manufacturer, has appointed Larry Pitcher as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Pitcher brings extensive experience in the advanced therapies Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) space, having had P&L responsibility, deep operational experience including facility expansions and key leadership roles.
- Michael Patten – CSO at Harbour BioMed
- Harbour BioMed, a global biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery, development, and commercialization of antibody therapeutics focusing on immunology and oncology, has appointed Michael D. Patten as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). Patten will be based in the United States and will be responsible for formulating and overseeing the global corporate development and growth strategy for the company.
As Q2 2025 unfolds, the Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences sectors are poised for continued robust hiring activity, driven by ongoing innovation and evolving industry demands. Companies are intensifying their search for professionals with specialised expertise in areas such as gene editing, bioinformatics, and regulatory affairs, reflecting the industry’s focus on cutting-edge therapies and personalised medicine. The integration of artificial intelligence and digital health technologies is also reshaping recruitment priorities, with a growing need for talent adept in AI applications, data analytics, and digital diagnostics.
Moreover, the shift towards remote and hybrid work models continues to influence hiring strategies, enabling access to a global talent pool while necessitating new approaches to team integration and collaboration. Companies are also placing greater emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognising the value of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and addressing global health challenges. As the competition for top-tier talent intensifies, organisations are investing in employer branding, upskilling programs, and strategic partnerships with academic institutions to attract and retain the skilled professionals essential for advancing their missions in this dynamic landscape.