Filling Critical VP Roles for a Gene Therapy Biotech Ahead of a Global Study Launch

Challenges Identified

• AskBio had struggled to attract suitable candidates for both VP roles.
• The first position required deep expertise in rare disease therapy and movement disorders, prior physician experience, and a proven record of NDA submissions.
• The second required similar qualifications, with a broader therapeutic focus but the same level of regulatory and clinical experience.

Both roles had been open for over a month with minimal progress. Existing candidates didn’t meet the required mix of scientific, clinical, and leadership competencies.

Additionally, the reporting structure—where both VPs would report to a Senior VP with an academic rather than MD background—presented a unique cultural dynamic that required careful candidate alignment and expectation management.

What Was at Stake

The success of AskBio’s Global Phase II study hinged on securing the right leadership within a tight three-month window. Any delay in hiring risked pushing back trial initiation and disrupting critical milestones in their development and regulatory timelines.

Results

Both VP roles were successfully filled within the required timeframe:

• VP of Clinical Development, Movement Disorders — filled in 10 weeks (June 6th)

• VP of Clinical Development, Neurogenetic Diseases — filled in 8 weeks (June 5th)

Our precision-led search and communication strategy ensured timely placements under challenging conditions.

Impact

With both leadership positions filled, AskBio remained on track to initiate their Global Phase II trial as planned. These successful hires reinforced their ability to advance programs in genetic medicine and AAV gene therapy—while further strengthening our long-term partnership with their team.