Chairperson / Board Chair(Part-time, FTE 0.5)
Engagement
Part-time / Advisory(FTE 0.5)
Position Overview
A fast-growing life sciences / biotech company is seeking an experienced Chairperson to support its executive leadership and board governance, with a strong focus on business development, global partnering, and M&A execution.
This role is expected to play a critical leadership position in building partnerships with US and European venture capital firms and strategic partners, as well as leading a major M&A initiative planned for the coming fiscal year.
Key Responsibilities
* Serve as Chairperson, providing strategic oversight and governance to the Board
* Act as a key advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team
* Lead global business development and strategic partnering initiatives
* Build and maintain strong relationships with US and European VCs and strategic investors
* Take a leadership role in sourcing, negotiating, and executing M&A transactions
* Support long-term growth strategy and capital-related initiatives
Required Qualifications
* Extensive background in business development and M&A
* Prior experience as a CxO (CEO, CFO, CSO, BD Head, etc.) or equivalent senior executive role
* Proven track record of leading and closing large-scale M&A transactions
* Strong network within US and/or European VC and life sciences ecosystems
* Ability to operate effectively in a global, fast-paced environment
Additional Mandatory Requirements
* Demonstrated experience leading and successfully closing a transaction exceeding USD 1 billion deal value, representing the startup/seller side, involving the sale or strategic acquisition of a biotech company or its core assets to a Global Pharma company
* Prior executive experience in startups with business models combining proprietary pipeline development and platform technology
* Experience in companies with scientific and strategic similarity to:
* Hematopoietic stem cell–based therapeutic platforms (e.g., CEREID-like modality)
* Oncology-focused advanced modalities such as DDS technologies and/or in vivo cell therapies (e.g., CAR-M or similar immune cell engineering approaches, comparable to United Immunity)
* Direct involvement in strategic transactions or partnerships within advanced therapeutic modalities (cell therapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, targeted delivery systems, etc.)
* Experience engaging in or leading business activities related to the Japanese market, including investment, partnerships, M&A, or operational oversight
Why This Role
* High-impact leadership role in a growth-stage company
* Opportunity to lead a transformational M&A initiative
* Flexible part-time engagement (FTE 0.5)
* Competitive compensation aligned with seniority and responsibility
* US-based role with global scope