UK General Counsel

International life sciences business retain Errington Legal to hire first European General Counsel

Brief

We were recommended to a US-listed life sciences business looking to establish UK operations in a niche international market. It was particularly important to have the right cultural fit for both the parent US company and a new European leadership team. We were required to advise on the role structure, job description and compensation.

Process

Beginning with meeting both the UK leadership team and the US board, it was essential for us to gain a full understanding of their ongoing commercial projects, product pipelines, new market and European team make-up as well as their mid to long-term goals.

The search

The brief required a map adjusted to identify niche market experience, qualifications, and language preferences as well as demonstrable leadership capability. 

Central to our search was the right cultural fit for the European team and both commercial acumen and strategic capabilities, as well as experience operating in the US and European markets in tandem.

Challenges

There was a very small candidate pool that was internationally spread and an evolving brief that was reworked during the process.

Candidate process

Engaged candidates were longlisted for selection and assessment by pre-agreed criteria before being shortlisted for presentation to the client.

Candidates then participated in a multi-stage client-led process that included the opportunity to meet both the board and key stakeholders. Crucially this also involved a key conversation around the business’ core needs and strategic aims.

Final stage

With some minor adjustments to the final job specification, we then led package negotiations and agreed a mutually beneficial timeline for the individual to join.

There was continued support for both the client and the candidate throughout the notice period (including guidance on notice period negotiation) and beyond placement.