Our Consultants

Alex Bennett

Chief Executive Officer

With 16 years in global leadership roles within life sciences, I’ve built a proven record in C-suite, top executive and board level searches. My clients represent every aspect of the industry from large multinationals to private equity and VC firms and I’ve worked with them all in a spirit of genuine partnership.

I was formerly a board level director with a leading international executive search consultancy, where I developed a reputation as a specialist and industry thought leader in medical devices, medtech and diagnostics. I’ve delivered results across all geographies and senior roles including some of the most technically demanding and hard to fill positions.

Before moving into executive search I worked as a senior executive leading the commercial operations of a US medical device company, Alveolus Inc. I led the business from start-up to product launch over three years, culminating in a successful trade sale.

Prior to my career in healthcare, I was a professional sportsman, representing an England XV and the Barbarians at rugby union. The successful transition from professional rugby player to business leader has made use of many common skills and disciplines.  Both professional sport and executive search demand a capacity to deal with significant individual and team pressures, requiring self-discipline and sacrifice combined with a desire to learn and adapt.

I offer a unique blend of life experiences gained through such a varied and highly successful career.

Paul Bulteel

Partner

I have over 16 years’ experience in our sector. The first 11 years of my career was with a Life Science Executive Search Consultancy where I worked in positions of increasing responsibility. During that time I conducted assignments for SMEs and MNCs across the functional spectrum, from Director Level to C-Suite. Before joining the RSA group I worked in a global generalist search firm as part of their European life science practice.

Today I work with clients spread across multiple geographies and across the Life Science sector; including pharmaceuticals, med tech, diagnostics, consumer health, biotech and research equipment. I have placed candidates in most of the major global markets.

I graduated from the University of St. Andrews with an MA in Management Studies.

Mateja Forstnaric

Director Central Europe

Mateja brings over 20 years’ experience in Central and East Europe, with extensive executive search and consulting experience. Prior joining RSA, Mateja worked at variety of consulting firms, including Odgers Berndtson and Heidrick & Struggles. She conducted numerous executive search, talent development and leadership advisory assignments across entire breadth of leadership functions and across wide range of sectors, and successfully helped numerous clients locally, regionally and globally with their various talent needs, helped them build and develop their management and leadership teams and to succeed on the markets. Her previous experiences include heading EMBA Marketing, Sales and Admissions at one of the leading executive development institutions in the CEE, IEDC, marketing for DHL International and researching for several academic institutions.

Mateja is frequent speaker at various business conferences and round tables across Central and East Europe.

Mateja holds an MBA degree and an MSc degree from IEDC-Bled School of Management and BSc of Economics from University of Ljubljana. She has completed numerous educational programs from several other educational institutions including Yale University and Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration.

Besides her native Slovenian language, Mateja speaks also English, German, Croatian and Serbian.

Paul Foster

Senior Consultant

I have over 20 years' biopharmaceutical industry experience, primarily in sales and marketing roles and 15 years in executive search.

In my industrial career I held a range of leadership roles in Sales and Marketing, initially leading the Emerging Markets team at May & Baker (Sanofi) and then leading the UK launch of Rilutek for Motor Neurone Disease. After successfully launching two CNS products for Pharmacia I developed the branded products team at Trinity-Chiesi, where I was also responsible for Marketing Strategy and sales team recruitment. I then joined RSA to build a pharmaceutical sales & marketing franchise. Over nearly 15 years in executive search I have created a number of successful search practices and have developed a deep understanding of Commercial, Clinical Development, Medical and Regulatory Affairs, and the specific needs of both clients and candidates.

I re-joined RSA in February 2014 where I am helping our clients build their international capability through the placement of transformational candidates.

Nicola Harding

Partner

Before dedicating myself to a career in executive search I graduated in Pharmacy and worked as a pharmacist in a number of London Teaching Hospitals, as well as in the Middle East. This was followed by five years in sales, international market development and medical communications in the global pharmaceutical Industry.

My career in executive search began in 1991. Before joining The RSA Group in 2006 I held senior roles in three different search firms – including Korn/Ferry.

I have handled senior-level searches - from Director to C-Suite – across the Life Sciences sector, including pharmaceuticals, biotech, consumer healthcare, med tech and diagnostics. These have spanned most industry functions, including General Management, Regulatory Affairs (industry and regulatory agencies) and Project Management, although my prime focus is now on Medical and Clinical Development. Many of the searches I have managed in this area have been at CMO/VP level, as well as Regional Heads and Therapy Area Leads, and have spanned translational medicine, clinical development and medical affairs.

I have also worked extensively with clients in health-related not-for-profit organisations, particularly in the area of oncology.

Mark Howard

Managing Partner

I have over 15 years executive search experience in life sciences and healthcare. The experience I gained in several boutique search providers and at Korn/Ferry Futurestep prepared me for my move to The RSA Group. During my career I have developed a substantial reputation for providing solutions to a range of organisations in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medical devices sectors, as well as the UK NHS and the wider public sector. With a strong focus on commercial roles, my industry breadth brings substantial value to clients. I have also led searches for talent & leadership in disciplines ranging from discovery research, clinical development to finance and human resources.

A qualified marketer, my career commenced in the FMCG sector where I held senior sales and marketing positions, developed consumer brands and built successful relationships with major clients, both domestically and internationally. Moving into the recruitment industry I have worked internationally and have substantial leadership experience, having developed successful teams placing talent sourced globally. I have been responsible for establishing operations in the UK, Africa and the Asia/Pacific region.

Graham Kilbey

Non-Executive Director

Graham Kilbey is a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years’ experience in corporate tax and financial matters.

He started his career with KPMG and then spent over 25 years advising international companies on their tax affairs. Companies include: Arcadia Group, Alliance Boots, AB InBev, Balfour Beatty, Sky, Dixons and Tesco. During that period, Graham also appeared as an expert witness on behalf of HMRC in a leading tax avoidance case.

Graham was the original advisor to Roger Stephens Associates when it was founded in 1981 and joined the Board in 2001.

Apart from RSA, Graham is also a non-executive director of Capital Physio Limited and a Member Nominated Trustee Director of the Arcadia Senior Executive Pension Scheme.

Jana Kurtova

Senior Consultant

I specialise in senior level interim management appointments in EMEA, with particular focus on the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and CRO sectors and have significant experience of conducting international assignments across Latin America, Europe and Asia.

Prior to joining RSA, I worked as head of PULSE Life Sciences where I led the UK Research and Development teams; before that I began my career with Hays Life Sciences where I focused on European executive searches within clinical research. I was instrumental in building international operations for Hays Life Sciences. I progressed to regional director where I managed the Emerging Markets team in London and launched new divisions in Moscow, Sao Paolo, Shanghai, Singapore and Mumbai.

I hold a degree in Business and Science from City University of Seattle and am fluent in English, Russian, Slovak and Czech.

Shawn O'Connor

Partner

An accomplished search consultant, I have over 10 years of experience establishing and leading executive search teams, with a proven track record of success. I bring to The RSA Group a deep understanding of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, diagnostics and medical devices, covering functions from R&D to sales and marketing. In addition, my corporate experience has been invaluable in allowing me to truly understand and consult with clients’ needs and challenges.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked extensively to lead and drive business successes with a particular focus on the alignment of senior management teams, succession planning, recruiting strategies and executive development. I’ve partnered with a wide scope of life sciences firms, from early-stage companies to large multinational corporations in the recruitment of senior executives and structuring of global teams.

Prior to working in executive search, I spent almost 20 years at Johnson & Johnson, where I was Vice President, Human Resources. Additionally, I have significant corporate experience with other Fortune 50 companies, including Kraft and GE.

Sandra Röls

Partner, Head Continental Europe

I joined The RSA Group in 2012 and have over 17 years of experience in life sciences executive search. I conduct executive searches for national and international clients, including general management, sales & marketing and human resources roles, as well as specialised R&D positions. In addition I worked in interim management, specialising in senior management positions across all sectors.

I began my career with Spencer Stuart in research located in Düsseldorf and, later, Frankfurt, working on numerous international searches within the consumer and life science practice. Prior to joining RSA, I was a consultant at Heidrick & Struggles’ life science practice, conducting general management and senior management searches in Europe.

I hold an engineer's degree in technical textiles and an additional degree in economics. I am fluent in German and English.

Kristin Schirmer

Senior Consultant

I joined RSA in January 2016. I have five years experience working at two different major quoted, international recruitment companies. Recently I have been working in Switzerland for companies within the life science industry, mainly pharma companies, biotech and medical devices, as well as CROs and CMOs. My clients ranged from innovative start-ups to small and medium sized enterprises up to international headquarters of leading companies.

I mainly focused on positions in regulatory affairs, clinical, health economics, market access, pricing & reimbursement as well as biometrics including biostatistics, SAS programming and clinical data management. Before joining the recruitment industry I worked for an international pharmaceutical wholesaler.

I studied international business management and gained international experience working and studying in the UK, Switzerland and Spain, as well as in the US.

Besides my native German language, I also speak English.

Thomas Schleimer

Partner

I bring over 30 years of experience, primarily in the MedTech and BioPharma sectors. For the past 4 years I’ve worked in a senior leadership role in executive search in life science and healthcare where I helped to drive significant growth in client approval ratings and overall business.

During my career I have been responsible for business operations both in the UK and abroad, including Business Unit Director for Nordics Cephalon (Teva) in Copenhagen, and Regional Managing Director for Smiths Medical, responsible for businesses in the UK, Ireland, Nordics, Australia and New Zealand.

I hold a Masters degree in International Business Administration from the University of Lund, Sweden, and have completed the Advanced Management and Executive Education Programmes at the Stockholm School of Economics (AMP). A Swedish national, I am fluent in spoken and written English, German and Scandinavian languages, and have lived in London for over 10 years.

Andy Smith

Partner

With over 15 years’ search experience dedicated to the Life Sciences sector, I bring an Asia-Pacific knowledge and focus to the RSA team. My experience includes the placement of executives from senior technical specialist to 'C' level across the sector, including biotechnology, specialty pharma, big pharma, medical devices, diagnostics, generics, biosimilars, academic institutions, consumer healthcare, consultancy and other related service providers. My functional expertise covers most management disciplines, including general management, clinical research, business development, human resources, research & development, medical, marketing & sales, manufacturing, IT and, finance.

Beginning my search career in London I have since spent significant periods of time based in EMEA, Asia Pacific and North America.  Most recently, I served as a Director in a boutique Life Sciences firm in Asia Pacific. Before this, I was in-house Global Search Consultant at AbbVie, a major global biopharmaceutical company.  Here, I developed and executed search strategies for senior regional and global executive positions.

Having spent over 10 years living and working across regions, I have a unique understanding of the careful management needed in projects involving cross-border moves of executives.

Nick Stephens

Executive Chairman

I am a law graduate with broad commercial experience in various roles in metals trading, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and the British National Health Service.

I lead our Board Services practice, run 5-6 “C” level assignments each year and I contribute to the RSA group's delivery across the globe.

My role is to lead the development of the RSA business, drive the creation of new ventures across the world and support the development of new value added services.

I have been a Director of the RSA group since 1986 and joined the business full-time in 1995. I am also on the Board of an Investment company, NED of an IT business specialising in healthcare systems, the travel industry and cyber security and a Board member of a US and UK-based Antibiotic Discovery business.

Andy Theodorou

Senior Consultant

I have over 14 years executive search experience in the pharmaceuticals and life sciences sectors, underpinned by a strong and relevant academic background.

On completing my PhD at King’s College, University of London, I pursued an academic career combining lecturing in pharmacology at undergraduate and post-graduate levels, and leading research teams engaged in neuropharmacology research projects funded by both the Welcome Trust and the pharmaceutical industry.

Since my transition to executive search in 2000, I have held senior roles at Whitehead Mann, a tier 1 executive search firm, and at Alexander Mann Solutions, where I led the pharmaceuticals & life sciences practice.

I have advised my clients on the appointment of senior level professionals across most functions, from discovery research to clinical development, commercial and general management. At RSA I am continuing to work in most functions, with a particular focus in R&D, medical, market access and commercial.

Matt Vossler

Partner

Throughout my 15+ years in executive search, I have nurtured strong relationships across the Life Sciences industry. I focus primarily on the healthcare sector with special emphasis on Life sciences companies and have completed searches at the CEO and CFO levels, as well as senior leadership across therapeutic areas within general management, research and development, commercial operations, regulatory affairs and technical operations.

Before joining The RSA Group as Partner, I co-founded of Heritage Partners International, a Life Sciences boutique based in Boston. My earlier search career included tenure at Heidrick & Struggles, Boyden and DAL Partners. Before entering executive search, I was President of the Home Buyers Assistance Corporation, a relocation management company.

A graduate of Boston College, with a B.A. degree in History, I am an active supporter and fundraiser with numerous non-for-profit groups. In 1987, I co-founded Swim Across America, Inc., a national organisation that has raised and donated more than $70 million to organizations including: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the Johns Hopkins University Kimmel Cancer Center.

Natalie Walter

Non-Executive Director

Natalie is a Corporate Partner in the life sciences practice at Covington, a leading global law firm and as such she has immense experience advising Boards of UK, European and global life science companies.

Natalie frequently works with FTSE and Nasdaq listed companies and her professional expertise has been recognised many times, most recently as ‘Best in Capital Markets’ at Euromoney’s ‘Europe Women in Business Law’ awards.

Helen Watson

Global Operations Manager

As Global Operations Manager at The RSA Group, I manage the day to day operations across research, quality, business intelligence and training functions.

I began my executive search career with The RSA Group’s research team in 2011, quickly progressing to a Senior Researcher. Most recently, I spent time as a Talent Sourcer at Astra Zeneca, proactively sourcing and engaging talent for their R&D function within IMED (Innovative Medicines & Early Development) and GMD (Global Medicines Development) divisions.

During my tenure with The RSA Group and Astra Zeneca I’ve built a broad network spanning all therapeutic areas, with a particular emphasis in oncology. I have a strong track record in engaging senior level professionals in the worldwide pharmaceutical, biotechnology and allied industries, including academia and not-for-profit. I’ve worked on numerous appointments in drug discovery, clinical development, drug safety, clinical operations, regulatory affairs and medical affairs.

My earlier career was spent in account management in the advertising industry in the UK and Australia.

Emma Whittle

Senior Consultant

With over 15 years’ experience in executive search, I have been specialising in the life sciences sector since 2011, where I have developed proven expertise through a mix of permanent retained and interim search. I have led assignments in pharmaceutical, medical devices and biotechnology companies across a range of functions, and managed key accounts across EMEA.

As a member of The RSA Group’s Interims practice, l focus on placing executive interims in a range of senior level roles across the medical devices, diagnostics, med tech and consumer health sector on an international basis.

Most recently, I worked for a UK boutique search firm specialising in the placement of sub-board and board level interim managers into FTSE 100 and 250 companies. Prior to this, I worked for a top tier executive search firm as a Consultant in the Interim Management healthcare team.

I began my early career in the financial services sector before joining a leading FTSE 250 Recruitment consultancy where I progressed through a number of management positions in both the technology and life sciences sector with a cross functional remit.

I have a BA (hons) in International Politics from Liverpool John Moores University.

Dafydd Wright

Managing Partner

I am an award winning leader in interim management, specialising only in the pharmaceuticals and life science sectors. I favour a people-orientated, consultative approach which focuses on interim management as a solution rather than a fill-in. Interim management provides the opportunity to add an additional layer of expertise, enabling organisations to move faster and achieve their goals.

Before I joined RSA I worked in the diagnostics industry as a research scientist and also with two other specialist pharmaceutical recruitment businesses. In 2007 I decided that my primary interest lay in executive interim management and have since dedicated myself to building the value of the model across the life science industry, and beyond.

I first joined RSA in 2007 and re-joined in 2013 to head up the business unit I’d helped to build.

I have a degree in Applied Microbiology and have worked and lived in the UK and Finland.

Evy Young

Partner

I am a founding member of the RSA Executive Interims team, which I joined in 2002. I have extensive international experience placing interim executives globally. I also set up the interims divisions for RSA in Germany and Switzerland.

Prior to joining RSA I worked with an international media company and in my own executive research firm.

Today I deal with assignments across Europe and ROW, bringing assessment and advice on what might be the best resourcing solution or role for them, as well as the delivery of those solutions.

I am based in Scotland and have operated at the most senior levels of interim management and executive search in the UK, continental Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific.

In 2012 I was nominated, and subsequently won, the national REC award for ‘Interim Consultant of the Year’.

I am a Dutch national and fluent in French, German, Dutch and English.