Coulter Partners secures Chief Executive Officer for Optimapharm

Coulter Partners was delighted to partner recently with Optimapharm to secure the appointment of Dr. Andrew Copestake as Chief Executive Officer. Andrew joins Optimapharm’s executive management team following several months advising the company’s Board of Directors. Optimapharm is a contract research organization managing clinical trials on behalf of leading biotech, pharma and medical devices companies in 22 countries throughout Europe. Andrew brings almost 30 years industry experience, having worked in large multinational pharmaceutical companies, global and regional contract research organizations, the biotech sector, as well as other service providers. He also brings a global approach, having gained international experience during appointments in the USA, Japan and throughout Europe. Andrew holds a PhD in Respiratory & Exercise Physiology from Loughborough University, UK and a Bachelor Degree (Hons) in Applied Biology from East London University, UK. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine. Andrew’s appointment comes at an important inflexion point for Optimapharm. Following The Rohatyn Group’s investment in Optimapharm, announced in May 2020, the company is rapidly expanding the scale and breadth of its services to continue to build on its reputation for delivery excellence and a client-focused approach throughout Europe. Andrew will add a layer of seasoned leadership and experience running global full-service companies and is immediately focused on further developing Optimapharm’s service offering to capitalise on the current market opportunity in Europe. Harold Chatelus, Director of Private Equity firm, The Rohatyn Group

commented: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the executive

management team of Optimapharm and thank Coulter Partners for their

professional support in achieving this high-calibre appointment.”

In his new role, Andrew will work very closely with Dr. Gordana Greguric

Cicak, Optimapharm’s founder, who will continue to lead Optimapharm’s

operations as Chief Operating Officer. Gordana will maintain day-to-day

responsibility for Optimapharm’s Clinical Operations, Clinical Project

Management and Regulatory & Safety teams, ensuring industry-leading

project delivery, quality outcomes whilst consistently exceeding client

expectations.

With Andrew and Gordana at the helm, Optimapharm is uniquely placed to

expand its customer base and operational capabilities, in-line with its vision to

accelerate development into the first-choice European CRO.

About Optimapharm

Founded in 2006 in Croatia, Optimapharm is a full service mid-sized CRO

with expertise in managing trials across Europe, providing tailored solutions

and offering differentiated access to patients. With premium professional

services and competitive costs at high industry standards, the Company has

had a repeat business rate of over 95%. With The Rohatyn Group’s

investment, Optimapharm will seek to continue to grow both organically and

through strategic acquisitions.

About Coulter Partners

Coulter Partners is a board and senior level executive search specialist

focussed exclusively on global Life Sciences. From our offices in the UK,

Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific, we work together across boundaries

and disciplines to build outstanding leadership teams for our clients in the

pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, health tech, diagnostics,

CRO and services sectors. Our industry leading reputation is founded on

deep sector knowledge and innovative thinking. Our strategy is built on a

unique team culture and true global reach. Our goal is to bring you the

world’s best talent.