What CEOs Wish CMOs Knew

Kartik Krishnan joined OncoNano Medicine as their first CMO in June of 2022. He has over 20 years of experience with experimental therapeutics in cancer as both an investigator and sponsor. Prior to OncoNano, Dr Krishnan was CMO of Arcus Biosciences, a discovery and clinical development company focusing on combination therapies in immuno-oncology. At Arcus, Dr Krishnan oversaw a portfolio of agents including both biologics and small molecules at multiple phases of development from first-in-human to Phase 3 and led a diverse group of functions. Prior to Arcus, Dr Krishnan had spent time in clinical development and pharmacovigilance at Astex, FivePrime Therapeutics, BioMarin, Genentech Roche and Amgen. Before joining the biotechnology industry, Dr Krishnan held a faculty position in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Arizona, with both clinical and primary research responsibilities. Dr Krishnan received his BA in History (with Distinction) from the University of Virginia. He completed his MD and PhD in Cellular, Molecular and Biophysical Studies at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. His PhD studies were completed in the lab of Dr John Krolewski, focusing on JAK/STAT signaling in the interferon pathway. Dr Krishnan trained in pediatrics at UCLA and in pediatric hematology and oncology at Johns Hopkins University and the National Cancer Institute.

Donna Higgins is Founder and CEO of The Higgins Group, Inc., one of the oldest and most successful search firms in the life sciences. Founded in 1998, the firm has grown exclusively through referrals as a result of Donna’s simple but powerful business philosophy: to develop lasting relationships with a select group of clients by doing great work. This drive for excellence infuses every aspect of the firm’s work due to a culture that values superior results, exceptional teamwork, and doing the right thing. Although her team has diverse backgrounds and experiences, all of The Higgins Group consultants, researchers, and associates share Donna’s energy, optimism, integrity, and grit. Over her 30 years in the life sciences, Donna has gained a global reputation for her insight, expertise, and integrity. Prior to starting her own firm, Donna was Vice President & Life Science Practice Lead for Howard Fischer Associates International where she rapidly built the life science practice by consistently exceeding her clients’ expectations. Before becoming a search professional, Donna worked on commercial teams at both ends of the life sciences spectrum, dividing a decade between Abbott Laboratories, a Fortune 50 pharmaceutical company, and Immunex, an emerging biotech company at the time. Donna holds an MBA from Drexel University and a BA from Penn State University. Committed to lifelong learning, she joined the Coaching Certification Program at Columbia University to continue sharpening the strategic coaching she provides to clients and candidates. She is an Advisory Board member for Life Sciences Cares and the Association of Women Entrepreneurs, and a Board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region and ACHIEVEability. She also serves as adjunct faculty at the Center for Positive Leadership, where she is a frequent speaker on women in business. Donna divides her time between the company’s Philadelphia and Boston offices.

Daniela embodies leadership and expertise in Life Science Recruiting, with an impressive 21-year tenure marked by continuous success and industry accolades. Daniela’s career reflects her commitment to excellence and client satisfaction, making her a standout leader in the industry. Daniela’s background in executive management across Organizational Development, Process Improvement, Human Resources and Finance, combined with her academic credentials— a BS in Business Administration and an MA in Organizational Management—provide a solid foundation for her strategic approach to solving the challenges her clients face. Her comprehensive methodology, which integrates deep market understanding with client-candidate alignment, has solidified her reputation as a trusted advisor and valued partner. Specializing in startup to midsized Life Sciences companies, Daniela has built enduring relationships with clients and candidates, many of them spanning decades. Her ability to identify and secure impactful executives who drive organizational success and shape company culture is unmatched, positioning her as a reliable mainstay within her sector.

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