In the Media
If the culture doesn't fit, the best CV is useless
Philipp is a seasoned executive search leader with deep knowledge and expertise in the global life sciences sector. Over the past 25 years, he has partnered with small-cap, VC-/PE-backed and privately financed firms, as well as large publicly listed companies across Europe, the U.S., and APAC. He has led successful searches for a full spectrum of C-Suite and board leaders, cultivating a broad investor network.
Professional Focus
- 25 years’ experience in executive search with major international search firms and boutiques
- Strong track record of Chair/Board and C-Suite searches, including CSO, CMO, CTO, CBO, CFO, COO, and CEO for private and public companies across Europe, the U.S., and APAC
- Specialisation in life sciences, with particular emphasis on biotech, pharma, medtech, and digital health
- Partners with clients ranging from early-stage small-cap, VC-/PE-backed, and privately financed companies to large publicly listed organizations
- Strong network amongst life science investors, including VCs, corporate VCs, family offices, and crossover investors
- Regular speaker and attendee at key industry conferences such as SACHS, Bio€quity, JPM, BIO, Swiss Biotech Days, BioCapital, and others
- Native German speaker, fluent in English
Business Expertise
- Client Partner, reporting to the COO at a global executive search and leadership development firm specialising in life sciences, health, and technology; focused on C-Suite, board, and senior-level searches within the global life sciences sector
- Senior Client Partner, reporting to the Board Chair at a leading European executive search firm; developed and grew life sciences and industrial sector practices
- Partner, Engagement Leader, reporting to the Board Chair at a global executive search firm; specialised in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and technology; co-founded and grew Zurich office; executed merger and led post-merger integration; other roles included General Manager, Board of Directors, and European Representative, Global Marketing Committee
- Managing Consultant, reporting to Group CEO at a management consulting firm focused on executive search; promoted from Senior Consultant and Consultant roles
- Started career in project management at Swissair, later Swiss Air Transportation Ltd., with roles based in Zurich, Dublin, and Brussels
Additional Expertise
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Biopharma
- Medtech
- Digital Health
- Healthcare Technology
- Private Equity & Venture Capital
- Industrial
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree (B.BA) with emphasis on marketing and human resources from University of Applied Sciences, Zurich; Thesis: Benchmarking of Modern Management Development Tools
- Extensive training and coursework in international search methodology, sourcing international candidates, project management, and other relevant areas
Case Studies
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Seamless Collaboration Delivers Interim Site Quality Director
Discover how Boyden’s integrated interim and executive search teams delivered rapid leadership solutions for a global pharmaceutical client, ensuring regulatory compliance, operational stability, and business continuity at a critical manufacturing site.
Building Institutional Investment Operations Leadership for a Mission-Driven Family Office
Boyden partnered with a leading family office and its affiliated foundation to appoint a Head of Institutional Investment Operations capable of designing and implementing a scalable operational platform to support a growing investment portfolio and long-term philanthropic objectives.
A Time-Critical CFO Hire for a Scaling, PE-Backed Manufacturer
Boyden partnered with a private equity-backed leader in automated test systems to execute a Partner-led search with disciplined assessment and rapid momentum, identifying a finalist within two weeks and closing the mandate within 60 days.
Thought Leadership
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Articles & Papers
MedTech Leadership Succession & Next-Gen Executive Strategy
Discover why MedTech leadership succession is a strategic imperative—and how these companies can build strong, future-ready executive pipelines.
Articles & Papers
The Essential Need for CFO Succession Planning in Healthcare
To cope with high turnover and severe financial pressures, learn what healthcare CFOs prioritize in their successors and the need for CFO succession planning in healthcare.
Articles & Papers
Boyden in Malta: Momentum in the Mediterranean
A look at Malta’s most vibrant industries and economic successes with insights from local Partner Dr. Vassilis Trochalidis of Boyden Greece, Cyprus and Malta.
Blog
US Population Shifts: Revolutionizing Healthcare and Home Care
The US senior population is booming, driving explosive growth in home and post-acute care. Programs like PACE are expanding fast, offering innovative, in-home solutions and digital health advancements. This shift presents huge opportunities for healthcare providers to lead the future of senior care.
Media
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Board Journey 360 Fireside Series featuring President & CEO of IRICoR, Nadine Beauger
Video
Leaders in Focus featuring Kath Evans of Barts Health and North East London ICS
Video
THE CHRO AGENDA: CEO & C-Suite Succession & Leadership Continuity
Video
Breakfast with Boyden: Jeanie Kim & Kathy Ash
Video
News & Events
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Press Release
Boyden Expands in Europe by Appointing Six New Partners and One Principal
New additions strengthen client support in executive search and interim management
Press Release
University of Toronto Appoints New Chief of Government Relations
Boyden is pleased to share the appointment news of Forrest Parlee, a recruitment co-led by Nick Chambers & Mike Young
Contact Philipp Buis today and let's get started