Susan Oliver, a managing director in WittKieffer’s global Life Sciences Practice, has a long and successful record of accomplishment in the retained executive search profession, with more than 25 years of experience, including more than 15 at the partner level. Her expertise ranges across the spectrum of biotech, pharmaceutical and medical technology companies, with particular knowledge of early stage and clinical stage venture-backed companies. Based in Orlando, Florida, Susan ensures success in her recruitments by building strong, trusting relationships with clients and maintaining an extensive network of executive contacts in the life sciences.
Prior to joining WittKieffer, Susan was a partner with a respected New York-based search firm, where she placed clinical, regulatory, commercial and operations executives across the life sciences. She obtained an excellent understanding of specialties that are of critical importance to life sciences companies, including regulatory and clinical affairs, clinical development in specialty pharma and the growing arena of drug/device combination therapies. Prior to that, she was the managing partner of the life sciences practice of a global recruiting firm, where she advised clients on a range of human capital needs. She was also a founding partner and senior executive search consultant of Oliver John Partners, where she conducted numerous senior-level assignments for pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare services companies.
Early in her career, Susan worked for numerous firms in and around the San Francisco, California. She was director of talent acquisition for a specialty pharmaceutical distributor and subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb, and a principal with the venture capital and executive search firm 54th Street Partners. Susan began her career as a high school history teacher.