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

Interim Chief Business Officer - Baseimmune

Case Studies

Interim / Fractional

Baseimmune

Interim / Fractional

Interim Chief Business Officer

Placing an Interim Chief Business Officer to provide immediate commercial leadership and stabilize business development discussions for Baseimmune during a transition to a permanent CBO.

24 Jun 2026

The Client

Baseimmune is a London-based biotechnology company and spin-out from Imperial College focused on antigen discovery and next-generation vaccine design. Using proprietary AI and large-scale biological datasets, the company develops “future-proof” vaccines aimed at protecting against both current and emerging variants of infectious diseases across human and veterinary applications. Its platform integrates genomic, immunological and epidemiological data to design synthetic antigens adaptable to multiple vaccine modalities, including mRNA and viral vectors.

The Situation

Baseimmune required an experienced Interim Chief Business Officer to bridge the period until a permanent CBO could be appointed. The role demanded senior-level expertise in co-development partnerships, strategic deal-making and commercial strategy within early-stage biotechnology. At the time, the company was scaling rapidly, expanding its pipeline and engaging with academic, industrial and commercial partners. Following a successful funding round, it was essential to maintain continuity in external relationships, partner discussions and investor-facing activities. An interim solution was selected to provide immediate leadership, ensure commercial momentum, and support the executive team during this transitional phase without delaying critical business development initiatives.

The Outcome

We placed an Interim Chief Business Officer at Baseimmune for six months, fully aligned with the initially defined mandate. The interim provided immediate commercial leadership and stabilised the business development function during a critical growth phase. They supported active co-development and partnership discussions, ensured continuity across investor and partner engagements, and worked closely with the executive team following the recent £9m funding round. Drawing on extensive experience in biotech deal structuring and strategic collaborations, the interim helped maintain focus on advancing the company’s AI-driven vaccine platform and progressing multiple human and veterinary programmes. The assignment successfully met its objective of sustaining commercial momentum and organisational stability until the permanent CBO was appointed.

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