Head of Strategic Partnerships
for European Society of Endocrinology (ESE)
The brief
Moon Executive Search was appointed by the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) to lead the search for a new Head of Strategic Partnerships, a pivotal leadership role responsible for developing ESE's policy and advocacy presence across Europe, strengthening strategic partnerships, and supporting the organisation's long-term sustainability and growth. The role is a key member of ESE's leadership team, charged with expanding engagement with European institutions, partner societies, patient advocacy groups and industry stakeholders.
The search arose following the planned retirement of the incumbent, creating an opportunity to identify an exceptional leader capable of building upon ESE's growing reputation as the voice for endocrinology across Europe.
As a new client relationship for Moon Executive Search, it was essential that we delivered a recruitment process that reflected ESE's values while identifying a candidate with the strategic vision, stakeholder management capability and European policy expertise required for this unique position.
The search challenge
While ESE is headquartered in Bristol and registered in the UK, the organisation's strategic focus is increasingly centred on influencing European policy and advocacy agendas through its presence in Brussels and engagement with European institutions. The successful candidate therefore needed to possess deep experience within the European policy environment, ideally with established networks and credibility across mainland Europe and Brussels-based stakeholder communities.
This significantly broadened the geography of the search and required Moon Executive Search to undertake an extensive international campaign, combining executive search methodologies with targeted advertising to ensure maximum reach across multiple European territories.
The successful individual also needed to demonstrate the ability to lead and inspire teams, build coalitions across diverse stakeholder groups, navigate complex policy landscapes, and contribute to commercial and organisational growth.
Our approach
Moon Executive Search conducted a comprehensive search campaign led by Simon Quinn, Director of Search, combining proactive headhunting with a carefully targeted advertising strategy.
Drawing on our international networks and sector expertise, we developed an extensive longlist of candidates from across Europe, identifying individuals working within health policy, scientific societies, advocacy organisations, NGOs, international institutions and membership bodies.
Beyond candidate identification and assessment, Moon acted as a trusted adviser throughout the assignment, supporting ESE with the development of recruitment documentation, interview design, assessment criteria and candidate evaluation. We worked closely with the leadership team at every stage, ensuring a robust, transparent and inclusive recruitment process.
The strength and diversity of the longlist provided ESE with access to high-calibre candidates from multiple European jurisdictions, demonstrating Moon's ability to reach talent pools well beyond conventional UK-based networks.
The appointment
Following a highly competitive selection process, Bénédicte Walter was appointed as Head of Strategic Partnerships.
Bénédicte brings more than 20 years of experience in policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement and international partnership development, including six years working within Brussels-based European civil society and institutional environments. This provides her with direct experience of the complex policy ecosystem central to ESE's future ambitions.
Bénédicte has worked in global health for over ten years, including six years as a consultant with the World Health Organization.
Her track record of convening senior policymakers, researchers, healthcare leaders and institutional stakeholders stood out throughout the process. She demonstrated an approach closely aligned with ESE's evidence-based advocacy model.
Alongside her policy expertise, Bénédicte demonstrated exceptional strengths in team leadership, coalition building, and cross-cultural collaboration. Fluent in French and English, she brings a genuinely international perspective and a leadership style founded on trust, listening and partnership.
Her ability to translate technical expertise into compelling policy narratives and to align diverse stakeholders around shared objectives made her an outstanding fit for ESE's strategic ambitions.
“This was a particularly challenging brief, requiring a unique blend of European policy expertise, stakeholder engagement, advocacy leadership and commercial awareness. Bénédicte emerged as an outstanding candidate whose international experience, including senior leadership within the World Health Organization, aligned exceptionally well with ESE’s strategic ambitions.”
“Moon Executive Search managed a highly professional and engaging recruitment process from start to finish. Simon took the time to understand my experience and aspirations, while providing excellent communication and support throughout each stage. I knew what the next step was, what to expect and by when. The process gave me a clear understanding of ESE’s ambitions and culture, and, thanks to Simon, felt like an actual conversation about the role and the organisation. I am delighted to be joining the organisation at such an exciting point in its development.”
“Moon Executive Search delivered an outstanding search process for this important leadership appointment. We were particularly impressed by the breadth and quality of the candidate longlist, which demonstrated Moon’s ability to reach exceptional talent across multiple European markets. Simon acted as a trusted adviser throughout the assignment, providing guidance at every stage, from drafting recruitment materials and designing interview processes through to final appointment. Bénédicte is an excellent appointment for ESE, and we are delighted with the outcome.”
Outcome
The successful appointment of Bénédicte Walter provides ESE with an accomplished European policy and partnership leader at a critical stage in the organisation's growth. The assignment demonstrates Moon Executive Search's ability to conduct complex international searches, access senior talent across Europe, and deliver exceptional outcomes through a combination of executive search expertise, market insight, and trusted client partnership.
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