Coulter Partners. (7/28/20). "Press Release: Coulter Partners Secures Chief Executive Officer for Optimapharm".

	Organisation	Coulter Partners (The Coulter Partnership Ltd.)
	Organisation 2	Optimapharm d.d.
	Group	Optimapharm (Group)
	Product	clinical research services
	Index term	Optimapharm–Coulter Partners: recruitment services, 202007 supply service placement of Andrew Copestake as CEO at Optimapharm
	Person	Copestake, Andrew (Optimapharm 202007– CEO)
	Person 2	Coulter, Bianca (Coulter Partners 202406– Executive Chair before CEO + Co-Founder since 2003 before Korn Ferry)

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.

KEY PLAYERS [ at Coulter Partners ]

Mark Sharp
Director

Bianca Coulter
CEO

Rob Sansom
Operations Director UK

Kerry Hillier
Senior Consultant

Katie Fowler
Research Analyst

Melanie Craven
Senior Project Co-ordinator/Executive Assistant

Record changed: 2023-06-05