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 Executive Officer - Prescient

Case Studies

Executive Search

Prescient

Executive Search

Chief Executive Officer

Appointing Jason McKenna as Chief Executive Officer to lead 400+ bioscience specialists, unify global operations, and accelerate growth for Prescient under Bridgepoint Capital ownership.

24 Sept 2024

The Client

Prescient is a global team of approximately 400 bioscience specialists providing integrated, competitive and customer insights-driven strategic consultancy across the full drug life cycle.

The company has offices in the UK, USA, Spain, Germany and India, and generates annual turnover of approximately $60 million. Its work is built on a foundation of deep scientific and clinical insight, combined with collaborative client relationships.

Prescient’s services are organised across three core areas of expertise:

Medical
Commercial
Insights

These capabilities can be delivered either as an integrated team or through individual specialist disciplines, depending on client need.

The company is owned by Bridgepoint Capital. Following the departure of its Chief Executive Officer, Prescient needed to appoint a new CEO to stabilise the business, complete the integration of the group, define and lead a culture of collaboration, performance and mutual respect, and deliver the financial performance the company was capable of achieving through both organic growth and M&A.

The Situation

Prescient required an experienced and visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead a multi-continental professional services organisation operating across India, Europe and the US, and to drive more than 20% year-on-year growth.

The CEO would be responsible for the overall success and strategic direction of the company, including growth, operational excellence, cultural integration and financial performance.

The ideal candidate needed a proven track record in leadership, strategic planning and financial management, combined with the credibility to lead a specialist, knowledge-based organisation serving sophisticated pharmaceutical and healthcare clients.

Prescient required an action-focused, future-focused and growth-focused leader who could engender trust, integrity and respect, while motivating and inspiring both employees and clients.

RSA was engaged to identify a CEO capable of stabilising the organisation, accelerating performance and leading Prescient into its next phase of growth under Bridgepoint ownership.

The Outcome

Prescient appointed Jason McKenna as Chief Executive Officer.

Jason brought more than 20 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. He began his career at AstraZeneca, where he held key roles in marketing, sales and finance across both the US and the UK.

In 2011, Jason founded STEM Healthcare, driving significant growth before selling the company to UDG Healthcare in 2016. As Global CEO of STEM, he successfully led the organisation through a range of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before joining Prescient, Jason was Chief Growth Officer at Inizio Engage, where he oversaw global sales and marketing across five specialty areas.

His appointment gave Prescient a proven healthcare services leader with the strategic vision, commercial experience and operational discipline required to integrate the group, strengthen performance and lead the company through its next chapter of growth and innovation.