How does RSA’s approach differ from other executive search firms?

Most firms rely heavily on broad networks and generic recruitment practices. RSA has operated exclusively within the Life Sciences sector since 1981 so our networks are unparalleled. Our consultants are industry veterans who understand the technical nuances of your pipeline, allowing them to engage candidates peer-to-peer and validate their specific life science competencies.

What exactly is the “Proof of Candidate” methodology?

It is our proprietary due diligence framework. We do not present candidates based on “gut-feel” or reputation alone. Every shortlist is a comparative, data driven dossier that checks and validates the candidates alignment, execution history, and cultural fit, ensuring your Board can make an evidence-based hiring decision.

What is a typical timeline for a C-Suite or Board-level placement?

While complex searches require rigorous vetting, our global infrastructure allows us to move with urgency. Typically, the longlisting Strategic Blueprinting phase is completed within 2 weeks, with a qualified shortlist presented within 4 to 8 weeks. Final hire decisions are generally secured within 21 days of shortlisting.

Do you handle international searches?

Yes. Roughly 1/3 of our work involves a cross border/continent move. We operate across all major global life science hubs, including London, Boston, The Bay Area, Munich, Berlin, Basel, Shanghai and Singapore. Our model combines local and market intelligence with a truly borderless talent network, enabling us to source the best global talent regardless of geography.

Do you provide support for interim or fractional leadership needs?

Absolutely. Through RSA Interims we provide agile leadership solutions for critical inflection points. Whether you need a transition CEO, a turnaround CFO, or specific leadership to bridge the gap until a permanent appointment is made, we deploy proven operators rapidly to maintain your business velocity

Chief Operating Officer - Atai Life Sciences

Case Studies

Executive Search

Atai Life Sciences

Executive Search

Chief Operating Officer

Placing Gerd Kochendoerfer, Ph.D. as Chief Operating Officer to bring focus, structure, and operational execution discipline to atai Life Sciences.

15 Nov 2024

The Client

Atai Life Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company founded in 2018 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany, with operations in New York and San Diego. The company is dedicated to transforming mental health care by accelerating the development of innovative therapies for disorders including depression, anxiety, addiction and schizophrenia.

Atai has built a diverse pipeline of drug candidates spanning psychedelic compounds, non-psychedelic compounds and digital therapeutics. Historically, the business operated through a decentralised model, acquiring and supporting smaller biotech companies to advance promising innovations more rapidly. Its notable subsidiaries and collaborations have included Compass Pathways, Perception Neuroscience, Recognify Life Sciences and DemeRx.

Following its NASDAQ IPO in June 2021 under the ticker symbol ATAI, the company secured significant capital to support its research and development strategy. With approximately $125 million cash at bank, a venture debt facility and other liquid assets, Atai had a strong financial foundation through to mid-2026.

The Situation

Atai was entering a new phase of organisational development. Two significant changes created the need to appoint a Chief Operating Officer.

First, the company had decided to focus primarily on advancing its internal pipeline of clinical and pre-clinical assets. Second, co-founder Florian Brand was stepping back from day-to-day operations.

Together, these changes created a requirement for a seasoned operational leader who could bring focus, structure and execution discipline to the business. The role required a COO capable of ensuring operational excellence across a complex biopharmaceutical organisation, while working in close partnership with co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr Srinivas Rao, a serial biotech entrepreneur.

RSA was engaged to identify a candidate with the credibility, experience and operating judgement to support atai through this next stage of development.