Executive Recruit names leaders for life sciences, AI

Executive Recruit has appointed Karen Chapman and Peter Bristow to lead its life sciences and AI transformation practices, following a 120% rise in client demand across its UK and US portfolio over the past two financial years.

Chapman joins as Search Partner and Bristow as Recruitment Partner. Both will report to Mark Geraghty, Partner at Executive Recruit, and cover the UK and the US East Coast.

The appointments come as the search firm sees stronger demand for board and C-suite hiring across construction, eCommerce, healthcare, life sciences and consumer goods. Its review of client debriefs suggests the executive and board-level hiring market will expand by about 16% a year over the next two financial years.

In response, the business is broadening specialist coverage in areas where clients are reshaping leadership teams. Life sciences, digital transformation and AI are among the fields where organisations are seeking senior executives with sector-specific experience.

Life sciences focus

Chapman brings about 25 years of executive search experience to the life sciences practice. Her initial focus will be on contract development and manufacturing organisations and contract research organisations, with assignments spanning research and development, pharmaceutical and biologics manufacturing, and health technology.

She has spent most of her career working with pharmaceutical and health innovation organisations, giving Executive Recruit added reach in a market where specialist scientific, manufacturing and regulatory knowledge can shape senior hiring decisions.

"I've spent my career placing leaders who bring new therapies and manufacturing capabilities to market. Returning to life sciences with Executive Recruit means a great deal to me, and I want to help clients find the leadership that moves science forward," said Karen Chapman, Search Partner at Executive Recruit.

Transformation hiring

Bristow brings more than 25 years of recruitment experience with organisations undergoing business change. He will lead the firm's work in transformation, data, AI and digital search, serving clients including Chief Information Officers, Chief Data Officers, Transformation Directors and executive leadership teams.

His remit reflects a wider shift in executive hiring as companies look for leaders who can link technology investment to operating and commercial goals. Demand has grown for senior executives who can oversee digital change programmes while managing board expectations and operational delivery.

"The technology rarely decides whether a transformation works; the leadership does. Most programs stall because the right people aren't in the right seats. I'm delighted to be joining Executive Recruit as it grows, and I'm really looking forward to helping clients build teams that deliver on that investment," said Peter Bristow, Recruitment Partner at Executive Recruit.

Growth plans

Executive Recruit works with boards, chief executives and senior leadership teams in the UK and the US. Its assignments span board roles, C-suite posts and senior functional leadership positions across finance, technology, operations, human resources, general management, sales and marketing, communications and public affairs, and supply chain.

Demand has been driven by organisations strengthening leadership teams across specialist sectors and functions. Alongside life sciences and technology-led transformation, the firm serves clients in financial services, industrials, the public sector, professional services, retail, energy, media and telecoms.

To meet expected growth, Executive Recruit aims to double headcount across its US and European operations by 2028. The expansion signals confidence in the resilience of senior hiring, even as many companies remain selective about broader recruitment.

Geraghty said the appointments form part of a wider plan to build specialist search depth in markets where leadership decisions carry greater operational and strategic weight.

"These appointments come at a crucial moment as we expand our search footprint across the UK and the US," said Mark Geraghty, Partner at Executive Recruit.

"Our growth strategy is centered on building a business defined by specialist expertise and deep sector knowledge. Karen and Peter will strengthen our capabilities in the life sciences sector and enhance our search offering in change and transformation, with a particular emphasis on AI."