"Having worked with many Executive Search Firms throughout my career, my dealings with RSA have been a breath of fresh air. What impresses me is the detail in which the consultants want to understand your business and then ensure that they really do deliver to meet your needs. They have gone the extra mile to ensure that I get the right people, for the right position, to ensure the continued success of my business." Graham C Waters, Clasado.

RSA embarked on its journey in 1981. From small beginnings in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, UK, RSA now spans three continents and has offices in six countries. The company serves clients all over the globe and encompasses a network of over 150,000 professionals within life sciences. Voted the top life sciences interim management firm in 2010, RSA remains committed to its mission: quite simply, to find the right person for the right job. Despite numerous accolades, we are most proud of achieving 30 continuous years of having 90+% of our clients and candidates being 'delighted' or 'satisfied' with our service. As we celebrate 30 years at the top, we take this opportunity to thank all those who have worked with us, for us or who have acknowledged the work we do and ask you to celebrate our 30th anniversary with us in a "micro" look at the story so far...

"... you should be rightly proud of your achievements ..." Frank Bonner, CEO, Stemcells for Safer Medicines

"This is as good a father and son story as a business story" Leon Hooftman, Institute for Molecular Medicine

Roger and Nick are the archetype of a "family business". Despite being Chairman and CEO of RSA respectively, their absolute belief in putting people first shines through in their long standing relationships with clients, employees, advisers and suppliers on both a business and a personal level.

After graduating in law Roger joined Riker Laboratories (now a part of 3M) in 1968, the year of the Medicines Act. Then he landed a challenging personnel position at Roche. Ten years later, Roger felt it was time to move on. He spent a short time in the TV business before starting his own company. After gaining support from his Liaison Group contacts, Roger Stephens & Associates was born in a spare room in Roger's home. It was not long before the company moved to a small place in St Albans and then to Old Hatfield in Hertfordshire, where the business has been headquartered ever since.

In 1995, Nick came on board with seven years' working experience in non-ferrous metal trading, medical sales and the British National Health Service. He worked as a researcher, consultant and then as the Managing Director, before stepping up to become CEO in 2005.

When asked, one client summarised Roger, or 'Steve' as he is affectionately known as "One of those rare individuals who has the ability to put you completely at ease, and by doing so is able to get to know what you are really like as a person.

Nick has inherited much of his father's zest for life, compassion with people and passion for the life sciences industry. Nick has enjoyed similar compliments from clients, one saying "I have always found Nick a great source of advice and encouragement and the values he espouses in his business run throughout it."

"RSA is the benchmark in its industry" Mauro Placchi, Ph D

Global leaders in Life Sciences Executive Search and Interim Management

With offices across Europe, America and Asia, RSA is dedicated to finding and placing the best candidates for clients across the spectrum of the life sciences industries.

In the executive search sector around 65% of assignments end with a successful appointment. With RSA, it's more than 90%.

RSA Interims was founded in 2002 and is the only life science service company to achieve the strict membership criteria of the Interim Management Association (IMA). During nine years of operation, RSA Interims has placed over 500 senior executives in a wide variety of assignments.

Throughout this time RSA has delivered measurable excellence to its interim managers and clients. The team are dedicated to getting to know each and every Interim Manager as an individual and to ensuring that the right candidate is introduced into the right assignment.

RSA would not be the company it is today without its candidates, clients, employees and other friends who have contributed to making RSA a global leader. RSA continually refers to the importance of putting people first. When RSA announced it was celebrating its 30th birthday, opinions from those who know RSA best came flooding in. Here is a small selection:

"My heartfelt wishes for RSA for completing its 30th Anniversary… the encouraging staff and their friendly gestures are truly appreciated. Just thought I should take the opportunity to thank you all for your hard work and effort in helping us climb the success ladder." Vinu Priya Ganapathy "I have found your organisation to be the most efficient, professional and considerate organisation in its field." Chris Stephenson "One of the main things that attracted me to RSA in the first place was the strength of their reputation with both candidates and clients." Martin Painter "My interactions with RSA both as client and interim over the last 5-6 years has been a positive and rewarding experience. Since my decision to work in an interim capacity, RSA have ensured that my skills and abilities are perfectly matched to the needs of their clients. My special thanks to the RSA staff who demonstrate the RSA philosophy and belief in doing right by candidates in every interaction I have had with them and your organisation. Congratulations on your 30th birthday. I wish you all much success for the future." Adrian Radue "RSA is the benchmark in its industry. I turn to RSA anytime my employment situation gets changed. Your advice, pulse of the job market and connections are unparalleled." Mauro Placchi "Yours is an organisation that is always me first recommendation when a colleague is looking to change direction or enhance their career. I wish you many years of continued success!" Graham P. Belgrave. "In my role as Head of Centre development for a social enterprise and not-for-profit organisation, you have sourced both interim and permanent colleagues who have helped us deliver excellent results. I would like to express my thanks to RSA for an efficient and speedy service." Penny Leas.

"From my first contact as a candidate, in 1999, when RSA introduced me to Cambridge Antibody Technology, right through to the present and my ongoing connections to RSA in my role with the BioIndustry Association, it's been a complete pleasure working with the RSA team!" Ro Gardner "Your company has developed a well-deserved reputation of excellence. Congratulations in staying ahead of the game in a competitive market." Kevin Cox "The success of RSA is built on its investment in relationships and on its mission to operate within our industry and not as a supplier to it. The success, expansion and longevity of RSA is deserved and Steve and Nick, your role in our industry has made a difference." David Imperali "My thanks to RSA for putting me forward for the original position as it has worked out brilliantly. Who knows what the future will bring, but if I return to freelance Interim Management I'll certainly talk to RSA first. Here's to another 30 years of success for RSA." Ivor Connell "It's been a while since our paths crossed - too long - but I'm delighted that you are still fighting the good fight. Over the years you've helped so many to progress their careers and to help us find the new blood that drives our businesses forward." Cameron Macdonald "RSA were instrumental in enhancing my career. I am forever indebted." Brian M. Nappi "The market is full to bursting with recruitment and interim agencies. Most of them just phone me every six months to see what I am doing. They rarely have any work on offer, and don't put much effort into defining my business aspirations. RSA, in my now considerable experience, is different. They support their people with useful networking meetings, and regular contacts are less formulaic and more insightful. Most importantly, the administration and finance are very well managed - they chase me if I am late invoicing!" Les Rose

If you would like to leave a comment please send it to 30years@theRSAgroup.com

Many of RSA’s consultants and researchers have worked within life sciences themselves, and all of them are highly qualified and experienced in this sector. RSA is dedicated to making its leveraging its specialist industry knowledge, research and experience to help clients and candidates to get the most value from their joint endeavours. Below, is a selection of our very best thought leadership pieces across the media: