CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
· Oncology · Series A · Confidential Search · Managed by TSE Executive Search

THE COMPANY

Clinical-stage oncology biotechnology company advancing a differentiated pipeline with the potential to meaningfully change outcomes for cancer patients. The organization is at an exciting inflection point — having completed its Series A financing and now positioning for the next phase of clinical development, strategic partnerships, and capital formation.

This is a confidential search. All inquiries are handled with complete discretion.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Chairman of the Board to provide strategic leadership, governance oversight, and — critically — the investor relationships and fundraising expertise needed to fuel the company’s next chapter of growth.

The Chairman will serve as a trusted partner to the CEO and Board, helping guide the organization through key inflection points in clinical development, capital markets strategy, and potential business development activities. This is a highly active, engaged chairman role — not a ceremonial seat.

The right individual brings a network of institutional investors, crossover funds, family offices, and strategic pharma partners who respect their judgment and track record in oncology. They understand what it takes to build a biotech from Series A through late-stage development, and they are motivated by the opportunity to help shape the trajectory of a company with meaningful patient impact.

WHAT THE CHAIRMAN WILL OWN

Board Leadership & Governance

• Preside over Board meetings and ensure effective, productive governance across the organization
• Set the agenda for Board meetings in close partnership with the CEO and lead independent directors
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and high standards across the Board and management team
• Ensure the Board is appropriately constituted — advising on committee structure, Board composition, and new director recruitment as the company scales
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Board and the CEO — providing direct counsel, support, and constructive challenge

Fundraising & Capital Markets Strategy

• Serve as a primary relationship lead for institutional investors, crossover funds, and strategic capital partners
• Actively support the Series B fundraising process — opening doors, making introductions, and lending credibility to the company’s investor narrative
• Advise management on capital markets strategy, investor positioning, and the timing and structure of future financing rounds
• Maintain and develop relationships with key healthcare-focused venture capital firms, family offices, and sovereign wealth funds with oncology investment mandates
• Support preparation of investor materials — providing strategic perspective on how the company and pipeline are positioned for the investment community

Strategic Advisory & CEO Partnership

• Serve as a senior strategic advisor to the CEO on corporate strategy, pipeline prioritization, and organizational development
• Provide guidance on business development opportunities — partnerships, licensing, and potential co-development arrangements with larger pharma organizations
• Advise on executive recruiting and senior leadership development as the organization builds its team
• Represent externally at select investor conferences, scientific forums, and industry events as appropriate

Clinical & Scientific Oversight

• Engage with the scientific and clinical leadership team on pipeline strategy, clinical development priorities, and regulatory approach
• Provide governance oversight of the company’s R&D investment decisions and program prioritization
• Leverage relationships with key opinion leaders, clinical investigators, and scientific advisory board members to strengthen the company’s scientific positioning

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Background

• Current or former CEO, President, or C-suite executive of a publicly traded or late-stage private oncology biotech — with a demonstrated track record of guiding a company through Series A/B financing, clinical milestones, and strategic transactions
• Alternatively, a senior partner or managing director at a leading life sciences venture capital or crossover fund with direct portfolio governance experience in oncology
• Board experience is required — preference for candidates who have served as Chairman or Lead Independent Director of a clinical-stage biotech

Fundraising & Investor Credentials

• Proven ability to open, cultivate, and close relationships with institutional healthcare investors — crossover funds, dedicated biotech VCs, family offices, and strategic pharma
• Track record of supporting or leading successful Series B, C, or follow-on financing rounds in the $50M–$200M+ range
• Respected in the life sciences investment community — someone whose involvement signals quality and conviction to institutional investors
• Deep understanding of how biotech companies are valued, positioned, and financed at the clinical stage

Oncology Domain

• Meaningful oncology experience — either as an operator, investor, or board member — including familiarity with clinical development timelines, regulatory strategy, and the competitive landscape
• Relationships with key oncology KOLs, academic medical centers, and clinical development talent a significant plus

Leadership & Character

• A collaborative, high-integrity leader who earns trust quickly and builds it over time
• Genuinely motivated by patient impact — oncology is personal
• Willing to be actively engaged — this is not a passive board role
• Comfortable navigating the ambiguity and speed of a Series A company without the resources of a larger organization

COMPENSATION

This is a compensated Chairman role. Compensation includes an annual cash retainer and equity grant, structured competitively for a Series A oncology company. Details available upon request and mutual interest.