SYNEXA LIFE SCIENCES SECURE A CHIEF FINANCIAL/OPERATIONS OFFICER TO HELP TRIPLE REVENUE
March 4, 2021
The Appointed Executive
Gilde Healthcare was in the later stages of due-diligence on a life sciences contract research organisation (CRO), Synexa Life Sciences. They needed a CFO/COO with a strong M&A background to complete the senior management team.
CFO
Emile Lens is an accomplished financial executive and private equity professional with a diverse background in investment strategy, M&A, and business transformation. As CFO and co-owner of Factory CRO for Medical Devices, he played a pivotal role in executing a buy-and-build strategy, completing multiple acquisitions, and significantly scaling the company. Previously, as CFO of Maxeda DIY Group, a €1.5Bn KKR-backed retailer, he led financial restructuring efforts and exit preparations. Emile also co-founded Albacore Partners, advising multinational clients on corporate finance and M&A transactions. With experience at ABN AMRO as Co-Head of Global M&A, where he was involved in over €50Bn in transactions, Emile brings deep expertise in investment management, operational restructuring, and value creation in private equity-backed businesses.
2x
revenue growth
4
acquisitions done in prior role
REASON FOR THE SEARCH
The company's ongoing efforts to finalize a crucial deal created an opportunity to bring on a new CFO/COO.
THE PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM
Gilde Healthcare.
THE PORTFOLIO COMPANY
Synexa Life Sciences was founded in 2003, an early pioneer in the emerging field of biomarker science. The business had growth plans to triple the revenue, relocate the headquarters from South Africa to the Netherlands, and identify and secure strategic acquisitions globally.
The business was $15M in revenue and was led by the 3 founders of the company who planned to stay on post the sale to Gilde Healthcare. The firm lacked proven Private Equity-backed experience, M&A capabilities, and a proven but weak financial and operational structure. Hence, the requirement and urgent appointment of a CFO/COO.
THE SEARCH REQUIREMENTS
The company needed a very specific profile with the following skills and experience:
- Previously worked as a CFO in a life science business
- Previously worked in a private equity or venture-backed business
- Strong financial systems, reporting, and operations experience
- Extensive M&A transaction and integration experience
- Located in the Netherlands
- Proven in a fast-growing business
- Strong operations background
WHY RAW SELECTION
This was a reasonably urgent search as the purchase was due to close within 50 days of Gilde Healthcare approaching Raw Selection with the search requirements.
Raw Selection’s Managing Partner, Alex Rawlings, took down a detailed brief with Gilde Healthcare, understanding the urgency and confidentiality required for this search.
With the niche nature of the search and the small candidate pool of profiles that met the revenue, M&A, and industry requirements, Raw Selection began the search following our 15-step process.
After following our extensive 15-step search process, we identified over 45 potential profiles, which was then cut down to a shortlist of 17. All of them had been fully interviewed and measured for culture fit.
CANDIDATE'S THOUGHTS ON THE SEARCH
"I have come to know Alex and his team to be very efficient and they have definitely been crucial in getting to a successful match."
Emile Lens, Chief Financial Officer / Chief Operating Officer, Synexa Life Sciences
GET IN TOUCH
Raw Selection favors a meticulous approach to talent research. Our process for selecting the right talent means we can boast a 100% success rate for all our retained and engaged C-Suite clients, with 96% of placed candidates still in their roles after 12 months.
If you are looking for new talent, please contact Alex today, at alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com
Get in Touch
Raw Selection favors a meticulous approach to talent research. Our process for selecting the right talent means we can boast a 100% success rate for all our retained and engaged C-Suite clients, with 96% of placed candidates still in their roles after 12 months.
If you are looking for new talent, contact us now.

March 17, 2025
Case Study
GENERAL MANAGER - PORTFOLIO SEARCH - RESIDENTIAL SERVICES - USA
March 7, 2025
Case Study
GENERAL MANAGER - PORTFOLIO SEARCH - COMMERCIAL SERVICES - USA
February 3, 2025
Case Study
PRINCIPAL – PRIVATE EQUITY SEARCH – MASSACHUSETTS, USA
January 13, 2025
Case Study