An international pharmaceutical manufacturer specialising in phytopharmacy (plant-based therapeutics) asked GenSearch to identify external scientific leadership to accelerate OTC product innovation and tighten alignment between R&D and commercial. We delivered a pan-European and US talent mapping programme, progressed to a targeted executive search, and secured a successful appointment to lead R&D.
Client Snapshot: Inside a Phytopharmacy-Focused OTC Manufacturer
Sector: Consumer health/OTC with plant-based therapeutics expertise
Footprint: Growth ambitions in selected international markets
Mission: Innovate evidence-backed OTC products that resonate with consumers and retailers
Objective: Appoint an R&D leader who can connect scientific rigour with commercial traction
The Challenge: Limited Talent Pool, High Bar for Impact
- Find external expertise to energise OTC product innovation
- Appoint a scientific leader able to bridge R&D with commercial priorities
- Navigate a constrained, cross-sector talent pool (OTC, cosmetics, pharma)
- Find a charismatic leader
Our Approach: Insight-Led Mapping to Targeted Executive Search
1. Discovery & Role Definition with the CEO and HR
Clarified success criteria, leadership behaviours, decision makers, and time-to-milestone expectations for the new R&D head.
2. Pan-Regional Talent Mapping (Europe & US)
Mapped priority organisations and functional structures across OTC, phytopharmacy, cosmetics, and pharma to validate feasibility and widen the scope.
3. Deep Market Analysis & Benchmarking
Assessed competitor set-ups, reporting lines, compensation, mobility, and location constraints to sharpen the brief and candidate messaging.
4. Transparent, Structured Process
Real-time updates and selection stages kept stakeholders aligned and enabled mid-course refinement based on live market feedback.
Implementation Highlights: How the Search Delivered
- Built a target‑organisation list using market and competitive insights
- Identified key talent across OTC, cosmetics, and pharma sectors
- Presented research findings and talent landscape within 3 weeks
- Recommended progression to executive search
- Collaborated closely with the CEO and HR throughout the process
Results: A Leader Who Elevates R&D and Commercial Impact
- Shortlist quality: Diverse, high-calibre profiles from adjacent sectors
- Successful appointment: Innovative leader now heading R&D
- Business impact: Improved collaboration and speed from R&D to market
- Trust earned: Client re-engaged GenSearch on a subsequent critical mandate
GenSearch Insights: Lessons from R&D Leadership Hires
“By widening the talent universe and staying transparent throughout, we moved from mapping to a decisive R&D appointment in weeks”
Outcome
- Appointment delivered with clear time‑to‑shortlist and time‑to‑offer milestones
- Client returned to GenSearch for another business-critical mission
- Board member recommended GenSearch to a new client
Frequently Asked Questions: Talent Mapping & R&D Executive Search
Which roles were targeted?
VP/Head of R&D, R&D Director, Head of Formulation, Head of Clinical/Evidence, and adjacent innovation leaders across consumer health.
How quickly did you produce first results?
An initial market map and shortlist in 3 weeks, enabling a rapid move to full search.
Which geographies were covered?
Priority markets across Western Europe, the Nordics, and the United States.
Thinking About a Similar Hire? Partner with GenSearch
If you’re planning an R&D leadership appointment in OTC, phytopharmacy, or consumer health, we can help. Let’s talk. Contact GenSearch.
