Establishing Governance and Commercialisation: New Board Chair for Clinical Trials Organisation
The Brief
A leading medical research institute was establishing a commercial clinical trials unit, including a Human Infection Challenge clinical research facility.
The development of the facility was led by the Institute, in collaboration with a leading Australian University, a leading Melbournian Hospital, and a Research Institute too. In September 2021, the institute sought the support of Future Leadership to appoint an inaugural Board Chair to lead the governance of this newly created entity.
This position, in conjunction with the leadership team from the medical research institute, will lead the establishment of a commercial enterprise that will research and develop treatments and prevention of diseases in human beings. The Founding Board Chair/Director will lead the incorporation of the entity and will recruit other board members as well as core company employees, such as the Chief Executive Officer. This is a start-up role in a high-profile start-up entity.
Candidate net Promote Score
Future Leadership combines truly personalised relationships with innovative technology solutions to ensure an approachable and efficient process for all our Net Promoter Score across clients, successful candidates and unsuccessful candidates is well above industry standard.
Candidates supported every year
We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.
Senior Women Appointed since 2002
Over half of the executive search assignments undertaken by our team have resulted in the appointment of outstanding female or LGBTQI+ leaders to high profile roles.
Candidate Retention Rate for 12 months since 2002
Our thorough briefing process and ability to engage passive candidates mean that we go to great lengths to find the right person for the role – long term!
The Process
Future Leadership developed a targeted search strategy supported by select online advertising.
The search focused on identifying candidates who could bridge the gap between academia and the commercial world, with a strong understanding of scientific research, entrepreneurial experience, and a proven track record in commercialisation. Governance experience and the ability to attract board members, key staff, and funders were critical attributes for the role. The candidates presented on the longlist had these skills and were prepared to commit significant time, particularly in the startup phase.
Emerging Capabilities
Non-Executive Director
This role involves serving on a company's board of directors without engaging in the day-to-day management of the company. Non-executive directors provide independent oversight and contribute to the development of strategy, risk management, and resource allocation.
Policy Development
This skill involves the capability to endorse and validate the accuracy of an organization's financial statements and compliance with regulatory requirements. It is critical for maintaining transparency and accountability in financial reporting.
Board of Directors Reporting
This skill involves preparing and presenting critical business reports and updates to the board of directors. It requires a clear understanding of the information needs of the board, including financial performance, strategic initiatives, and risk management.
Programme Governance
This skill relates to the frameworks, functions, and processes used to control and oversee the successful delivery of programs. It ensures that program objectives align with organizational goals and are delivered efficiently, transparently, and with accountability.
Corporate Governance
This skill refers to the systems, principles, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. It involves balancing the interests of a company's many stakeholders, such as shareholders, management, customers, suppliers, financiers, government, and the community.
The Outcome
The Selection Panel appointed a highly experienced leader from the biotech and pharmaceutical industries as the Board Chair of the clinical trials organisation.
This individual brought significant experience in company building, financing, mergers and acquisitions, therapeutic product research and development, business development, licensing, and commercialisation. Their leadership is expected to drive the successful establishment of the organisation and its future growth.
