Research, Technology and Innovation
We have developed one of the world’s largest practices offering expert, specialised global search services for leadership appointments in Research, Technology and Innovation.
Building upon our market leading position in supporting universities and independent research institutes globally to appoint world-class research leaders in STEM, we have been able to advise a wide array of commercial science and research organisations, including large industry, Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) and innovation-focused Public Private Partnerships, in making outstanding strategic research and organisational leadership appointments.
Increasing demand for collaboration and co-creation between academic research and private enterprise requires new models of research leadership. Individuals with the ability to move effortlessly between academic and commercial contexts, balancing a deep understanding of and appreciation for fundamental research with the ability to deliver commercially. Our clients benefit from a unique combination of proprietary analytics tools and our in-depth knowledge of academic and commercial research contexts, which allows us to more precisely identify outstanding candidates for strategic research leadership appointments.
How We Think
Where We Can Help
Research and Technology Organisations
As one of the foremost executive search firms working with RTOs and other research-focused organisations, Perrett Laver has extensive experience of advising on appointments for those who lead and shape organisations committed to innovation in research.
The distinctive, impact-oriented mission of RTOs requires innovative and adaptable leadership, with deep knowledge and understanding of the contract research landscape and commercial environment, and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
In the light of the fact that RTOs exist in a variety of different forms, whether state run or wholly privatised commercials organisations - or a hybrid of both - identifying the next generation of leaders is critical to the continued successes and positive impacts of these organisations.
Academic Translation
Perrett Laver has extensive experience of advising on appointments for those who lead and shape the translation and commercialisation processes for universities, research institutes and other research-oriented organisations. Governments and funding bodies alike are demanding significantly greater evidence of impact from their academic research partners.
Rapid translation of research outcomes into wider economic impact is critical to a nation’s ability to remain competitive in the global economy. Perrett Laver’s wealth of experience advising on senior leadership appointments across academe, RTOs and other impact-driven research-oriented organisations means we are uniquely placed to identify individuals capable of leading innovation and commercialisation of academic research.
Innovation
Perrett Laver has developed one of the world’s largest senior level executive search practices offering highly specialised search services for senior appointments in research and innovation-focused organisations, and we have unparalleled reach in the knowledge sector.
Industrial research and innovation is increasingly driven by collaboration with the public and knowledge sectors. The increasingly permeable boundary between private enterprise and academia in particular, presents significant opportunities for global talent acquisition, allowing organisations to look beyond their industry to identify fresh, world-leading talent.
Perrett Laver’s breadth of experience enables us to identify relevant individuals broadly from across the public, private and knowledge sectors, and we have an excellent track record in successfully moving individuals across sectors.
Biopharmaceuticals
Perrett Laver has global experience working with R&D firms, health organisations and Universities to build highly-skilled leaders that can thrive in this changing environment.
Identifying the next generation of innovative scientific leaders will be critical to future success in the pharmaceutical industry, especially as we move into the era of personalised medicine.
Industrial research and innovation is increasingly driven by collaboration with the public and knowledge sectors, and the increasingly permeable boundary between private enterprise and academia presents significant opportunities for global talent acquisition, allowing organisations to look beyond their industry and identify fresh, world-leading talent.
Industrial R & D
On the back of our market leading position advising on appointments of world class academic research leaders in STEM we have been able to effectively support private sector science and research based organisations, RTOs and Innovation Catalysers in making outstanding scientific and organisational leadership appointments. In strengthening their own research leadership in the light of the global demand for increased levels of co-creation between academic research and industrial translation, our particular appreciation for the difference yet also commonalities between the two has become important. We rely on a proprietary analytics model for identification and screening of candidates developed by our team of in-house research team, many of have previously held academic research posts in academia.
University Professors
Our Global Chairs and Professors practice has developed a rigorous and robust methodology based on our proprietary analytics for identifying, engaging and securing exceptional research talent. In the past few years we have advised on over 1,000 professorial appointments for every discipline imaginable. We support global research intensive and research ambitious universities in nearly 50 different countries across six continents. Over half of those appointed through our processes relocate internationally to take on their new post. The global nature of our work is intrinsic to success. Principally we work on the appointment of full, tenured Professors, many of which are to endowed or named Chairs. We work across the full ranges of disciplines and our specific methodology can be adapted to the particular nuances of each specialism, including, for example, attention to a need for clinical qualifications and expertise, industry engagement or practice-orientation. We have extensive experience advising upon leadership searches for the world’s leading research centres or institutes, typically at CEO or board level.
Who To Talk To
Dr Sinead Gibney
Global Senior Partner
EMEA
Dr Sinead Gibney
Global Senior Partner
As Global Senior Partner, Sinead is responsible for the long-term strategic development of Perrett Laver alongside the acceleration of its commercial growth.
During her ten years at Perrett Laver, she established and led the firm’s operations in Amsterdam and Dublin, while continuing to grow Perrett Laver’s Research, Technology and Innovation, and Higher Education practices across Europe. Sinead’s experience at Perrett Laver includes advising on senior executive and non-executive appointments for universities, public and privately funded research institutes, as well as research-oriented charities and non-profits.
Sinead holds an honours degree in Natural Science from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD in Neuroscience from University College Cork.
t: +353 1 905 3709
Simon Laver
Co-Founder and Director
EMEA
Simon Laver
Co-Founder and Director
Simon Laver is one of Perrett Laver’s co-founders. His diverse experience in senior level executive search included CEO and board-level appointments in higher education, international development, research, life sciences and healthcare.
He holds a first class degree from the University of Oxford and an MBA from the London Business School (including a semester at the Tuck School, Dartmouth College). Throughout his working life he has been very active in the Global Development sector having been Chair and Trustee for a number of internationally leading INGOs.
Bing Han
Managing Partner, China
Asia Pacific
Bing Han
Managing Partner, China
Bing is a Partner at Perrett Laver and is now leading Perrett Laver’s new Hong Kong office, opened in January 2015.
His experience includes Chief Executive and Senior Academic and Administrative appointments in Higher Education and Research within Asia-Pacific.
A native of Beijing, Bing was most recently Director for China Programmes at the Alliance for Global Education, where he led the design of all Alliance for Global Education academic programmes in China, developed and maintained institutional relationships with more than 200 universities in both the U.S. and China and oversaw the Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an centers of operations. Bing has many years of experience at senior management in global higher education and prior to that has taught in China and in the US at Asian Studies Department at Vassar College and Williams College. He has been central in building scholarly exchanges and joint programmes between US and Chinese Universities and brings a deep understanding of Mainland China and Hong Kong higher education and research sectors.
Bing Han earned a BA in Electrical Engineering in 1996, a BA in International Business in 1997, and an MA in Communications Technology in 2000 from the Harbin Institute of Technology and the Beijing Institute of Microwave Metrology & Measurement respectively.
Dr Graham Little
Partner & Global Practice Head, Research, Technology and Innovation
EMEA
Dr Graham Little
Partner & Global Practice Head, Research, Technology and Innovation
Graham is a Partner & Global Practice Head, Research, Technology and Innovation.
His experience of senior level executive search includes Chair and Professorial appointments for a range of global Higher Education institutions, Chief Executive and senior administrative appointments in RTOs and multiple research leadership appointments in research and innovation focused organisations.
Graham holds a first-class honours degree in Zoology and a PhD (on the genetics of brain development and dysfunction), both from Trinity College Dublin. Before joining Perrett Laver, Graham was a Research Fellow at Imperial College London, investigating the mechanisms of neural degeneration and repair.
Erik Jackson
Managing Partner, USA
Americas
Erik Jackson
Managing Partner, USA
Erik is Managing Partner for Perrett Laver’s work in the US and is based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
His experience in senior level executive search includes Board, Chief Executive and other senior leadership appointments our Social Impact & Environment, Higher Education, and Research, Technology & Innovation practices.
Erik holds BA in History from Menlo College in California, where he was class Valedictorian and an MSt in History from the University of Oxford. Before joining the firm, he held the position of Business Development Manager for the geopolitical consulting firm Oxford Analytica.
t: 650-666-7037
Dr Birgit Brandt
Regional Managing Partner, Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific
Dr Birgit Brandt
Regional Managing Partner, Asia Pacific
Birgit Brandt is Regional Managing Partner, Asia Pacific.
Her experience includes Chief Executive and Senior Academic and Administrative appointments in Higher Education and Research, Schools and Global Non-Profit Practices with Asia-Pacific.
Birgit holds a PhD from the University of Warwick in Sociology and MAs in Race and Ethnic Studies and Political Science from Warwick and the Freie Universitat Berlin, respectively. Birgit began her career as a Research Fellow in Berlin moving to the University of Warwick to work in the Centre for Research in Ethnic Relations and the Department of Politics and International Studies. She moved on to join a novel research grants programme that sought to support partnerships between UK universities and charities and was appointed Head of Grants at the Royal Society and Director of Programmes at the British Academy. She has travelled extensively, including six months in PRC learning Mandarin.
t: +61 (0) 2 8075 4640
Damaris Matis
Regional Practice Head, Social Impact and Environment, Europe
EMEA
Damaris Matis
Regional Practice Head, Social Impact and Environment, Europe
Damaris is a Regional Practice Head, Social Impact and Environment, Europe
She brings over 15 years of consulting and sales experience from executive real estate to information analytics in B2C and B2B markets. Her consultative experience extends across various research focused global organisations. Her curiosity and passion for helping clients make informed decisions and deliver better results have established her as a leading global consultant.
Damaris holds a degree in Finance from University of Chicago in Illinois. Damaris works across non-profits, foundations and higher education institutions at Perrett Laver.
t: +31(0) 20 240 4375