August 5, 2024 – Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has expanded its global life sciences practice to support animal health & sciences and other one health organizations. Joe Kennedy joins the firm to lead the expansion serving as Managing Director, Global Life Sciences, and Animal Health “These organizations focus on advancing the welfare of animals, human health, and environmental sustainability through innovative products, services, research, and advocacy,” the search firm said. “The one health concept highlights the interconnectedness of animals, humans, and our shared environment and is a natural extension of the firm’s 55-year commitment to serving organizations that make the world better.”
“WittKieffer embraces the philosophy of one health. One world,” said Michael Castleman, WittKieffer’s chief business officer and executive partner for global life sciences, investor-backed healthcare, and interim leadership solutions. “Recognizing that the welfare of people and communities depends on that of animals and our environment directly enhances our mission to improve quality of life through impactful leadership.”
WittKieffer’s animal health & sciences capabilities include the build-out and development of leadership teams in public, private, and investor-backed companies, including: pharmaceutical, biologics, and diagnostics firms; contract research, development, and manufacturing organizations; consulting firms; and organizations dedicated to animal nutrition, research and education, and veterinary healthcare.
“Leadership talent is a true differentiator for Animal and One Health companies,” said Mr. Kennedy. “These organizations face significant challenges in accessing and developing leadership teams with combine sector expertise proven experience driving change and innovation. In addition to executive search, these firms can look to WittKieffer for an array of leadership development and performance solutions, as well as interim and on-demand executives. In all of these services, we leverage our deep understanding of and connections to leaders in life sciences, healthcare, and academic medicine.”
Mr. Kennedy is a seasoned executive search professional with extensive global experience within the segment, including for senior scientific, medical/veterinary, commercial, operational, and functional roles. Before joining WittKieffer, he served as managing director for a U.K.-based life sciences recruitment firm Skills Alliance, leading that organization’s efforts in animal health, ESG, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. He also previously served as executive consultant at global recruiting firm Proco Global Group, focusing on animal health.
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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.
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“Physician leadership is critical in healthcare’s current era which prioritizes quality, efficiency, and patient centricity,” said Raj Ramachandran, senior partner of WittKieffer’s leadership advisory. “While many physicians are natural born leaders, they are challenged to transition into increasingly demanding roles and to make an immediate impact upon their teams and organizations.”
“The MDs on WittKieffer’s team who help direct the accelerating impact for physician leaders solution have served as chief medical officers, medical school deans, and in other senior roles and have experienced the challenges and joys of leading at the highest level,” said Michael Anderson, WittKieffer principal who also serves as a senior advisor to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “They partner with our expert leadership coaches to offer newly hired executives a special opportunity to acclimate to a new position and environment and find immediate success. The benefits and return on investment of this program can’t be overstated.”
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media