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WittKieffer Adds New Life Sciences Practice and International Operations Leader
WittKieffer today announced the hire of Nils Hopmann as Global Leader for Life Sciences and Managing Partner, WittKieffer International. The addition of Nils – a widely respected, global talent advisor – is another significant step in the firm’s strategy to expand its markets and solutions and offer specialized expertise to organizations at the intersection of healthcare delivery, science and education – the Quality of Life Ecosystem. (View a welcome video here.)
In a career spanning more than 30 years, Nils has been a visionary executive with expertise in executive search, leadership consulting, M&A transactions and more. Nils has built trusting, lasting relationships with executives and boards across life sciences, healthcare services and private equity. As Global Leader of WittKieffer's Life Sciences Practice, Nils will lead a unified team serving pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device clients globally. As Managing Partner of WittKieffer International, he will ensure quality and excellence of the firm's expanding solutions in Europe and beyond.
"Nils has an impeccable reputation as someone who understands leadership and how exceptional executives can change the trajectory of organizations, from emerging biotechs to established pharma companies to innovative healthcare technology providers. He has the experience and vision to maximize our team's continued growth and client impact, and to oversee our expanding global footprint in the Quality of Life Ecosystem," said WittKieffer CEO Andrew P. Chastain. “I am thrilled to welcome Nils to WittKieffer to help expand our business to improve quality of life through impactful leadership.”
Based in Hamburg, Germany, Nils joins WittKieffer following a long tenure at another global executive recruiting and consulting firm, where served in numerous key roles including Global Sector Leader, Healthcare & Life Sciences. He led that firm's key client relationships in healthcare and the life sciences, conducted high-profile board and CEO recruitments, and partnered with private equity and venture capital firms to facilitate the integration of M&A transactions. He was also a member of the company's Operating Committee and its Executive Committee.
Earlier in his career Nils was Regional Manager for Central Europe for GE Healthcare and, before that, a Managing Director for GE Capital IT Solutions. Nils received his Diplomkaufmann, equivalent to an M.B.A., from the University of Passau in Germany. He has worked in Germany, the U.S. and China, and is fluent in English and German and has a working knowledge of French, Spanish and Mandarin.
Nils assumes leadership of the Life Sciences Practice from Morten Nielsen, Senior Partner and member of WittKieffer’s board of directors, who continues to expertly serve clients in the sector and represent the search industry as Chair Emeritus of the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC).
"WittKieffer has set itself apart from other firms in its unwavering commitment to serve organizations truly making a difference in the world today. I am drawn to this inspirational commitment as well as to the growth and vision the firm has shown as it expands its capabilities across the globe," said Nils. "I am excited to work with our talented life sciences team and international colleagues across life sciences, healthcare and academia as they operate as a single dynamic unit across borders and continents. WittKieffer continues to seek ways to serve new and established clients better, while never wavering from its dedication to excellence and impactful leadership. What we do matters to the world. Like our clients, we care deeply about improving quality of life. We help them advance their mission – and ours – by working with them to shape impactful leadership teams."
