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Experienced Life Sciences CEOs, Engaged on Your Terms
BiotechExec places experienced life sciences CEOs as interim leaders, fractional chief executives, advisors to founders, or permanent hires through executive search. Each has led companies in biotech, medtech or diagnostics before, and comes from a vetted network of 600+ senior executives. Many engagements begin on contract and convert to a permanent CEO role once the fit is proven.
The engagement is flexible. The experience is the same.
Last updated November 4, 2026
Ways to engage a CEO
| Model | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| CEO advisor | A seasoned CEO coaches the founders and board on strategy, financing and team, usually billed hourly. |
| Fractional CEO | A CEO leads the company on a recurring commitment, often 10 to 20 hours a week at the start, on a monthly retainer. |
| Interim CEO | A CEO steps in full time to cover a transition or a search. |
| Permanent CEO | A focused executive search through our network and trusted referrals, with candidate introductions typically within days. |
When to bring in an experienced CEO
- Your science or technology is ready, but the company around it is not. Founder-scientists and physician-founders often need a business leader to build the infrastructure.
- A financing is coming and investors want a business-minded leader at the helm.
- A CEO has departed and the board needs continuity while a permanent search runs.
- A university or academic medical center spinout needs its first CEO.
- You want to test the working relationship before committing to a full-time executive.
What a life sciences CEO does for you
- Assesses the company, sets strategy and builds the business plan.
- Builds the investor narrative and presentation, and leads the fundraising process alongside the CFO and Chief Business Officer.
- Recruits and organizes the leadership team and advisors.
- Manages the board and key stakeholders.
- Drives regulatory, clinical and commercial milestones with the team.
- Represents the company to partners, key opinion leaders and investors.
How this compares with a search firm or a consulting firm
A traditional retained search is built for a permanent hire and typically takes months. A CEO from BiotechExec can start leading in weeks, and if the fit is right, convert to permanent with discovery fees credited. Unlike a consulting firm's team, you work directly with one executive who has run a company.
Explore the Life Sciences Executives hub and the How we compare guide.
FAQ
Are these CEOs as experienced as a full-time CEO?
Yes. They are seasoned chief executives who have led life sciences companies. The engagement is flexible, but the experience is the same you would look for in a permanent hire.
What is the difference between a fractional CEO and an interim CEO?
A fractional CEO leads on a defined recurring commitment, often 10 to 20 hours a week. An interim CEO steps in full time, usually to cover a gap or transition. BiotechExec provides both.
Can the CEO lead our fundraising?
Yes. CEOs commonly build the investor narrative and materials and lead the process. Where a company needs a dedicated capital raiser, we can add a fundraising executive.
Can the CEO become our permanent CEO?
Often, yes. Many contract and interim CEOs convert to full-time once the fit is proven, and the conversion terms are agreed in writing.
Can you run a traditional CEO search?
Yes. We run focused searches through our network and trusted referrals. Many clients start with a contract engagement first so they can work with the executive before committing.
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