Member Article

Rowan Executive Search expands into life sciences sector with Claro swoop

Rowan Executive Search has acquired a specialist recruiter in the life sciences sector to accelerate its ambitious growth strategy.

Claro Search & Selection is Rowan’s first acquisition and the deal comes after the group received backing from strategic investor LCap Group last year.

Warrington-based Claro will be rebranded as Rowan Life Sciences. Claro founder Josh Guest, who has nearly a decade’s experience in the industry, is heading the division.

Before setting up Claro, Josh ran the life sciences practice at Recruitment Management Group, placing senior executives in privately owned and AIM-listed businesses.

Rowan, which is based in Manchester and Lancashire, works with business owners to secure top talent to drive their growth. It specialises in strengthening the boards and leadership teams of privately and family-owned SMEs as well as those backed by private equity.

Managing director Paul Waite said Rowan remains on the takeover trail, with a focus on search and selection businesses specialising in the technology, e-commerce and wholesaling sectors.

He said: “With LCap’s backing we are well placed to develop the business significantly over the coming years and we are excited to welcome Claro to the group.

“We had identified the potential of life sciences as a key high growth market, and we jumped at the opportunity to acquire Claro.

“Josh and his team will benefit from working under the Rowan brand and the support of our wider team to develop our presence in the sector, which we can see from the private equity and SME markets has enormous growth prospects.”

Rowan Life Sciences will operate nationwide, with a particular focus on key life science hubs such as those in the north west, Oxford, Cambridge and London.

The newly formed division will specialise in recruiting for senior, niche sector roles such as chief medical officers, chief technology officers and heads of research and development, as well as positions in critical functions such as innovation and intellectual property.

Rowan’s experts in areas including finance, HR, operations and sales and marketing will support the life sciences division to provide an expanded offering to clients.

Paul added that Rowan would seek to further strengthen its life sciences offering by recruiting staff in the north west and London over the coming months and establishing a satellite office at a key life sciences location in the north west, such as Alderley Park in Macclesfield or Daresbury in Warrington.

Josh said: “Already a key pillar of the UK economy, life sciences is now under an increased spotlight as a result of the COVID pandemic. As a result, there is increased investment and interest in the sector, and the appetite for growth is significant.

“I’m thrilled that Claro has joined forces with Rowan. Life science is a great strategic fit for the group, as many of the companies in the sector are seeking funding, are IP-rich and hungry for growth.

“By combining Claro’s deep industry knowledge with Rowan’s strong reputation, years of experience and innovative approach, we are well placed to make a significant contribution to this important industry sector as it continues to drive forward through possibly its most exciting phase yet.”

The terms of the acquisition are undisclosed.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rowan Executive Search .