Micrima is an award-winning, equity backed MedTech business based in Bristol, specialising in breast imaging and has developed a ground-breaking, CE mark approved radio-wave breast imaging system. They were founded in 2006 to develop and commercialise microwave radar breast imaging technology initially pioneered at the University of Bristol in the UK.
Their mission is to develop a breast imaging system that can aid earlier detection and thereby reduce the number of women who die of breast cancer. They have created proprietary imaging technology which uses harmless radio waves to make breast cancer detection safer, more comfortable, more accessible, and more economically viable.
Through clinical trials, its technology has already been shown to be particularly effective at detecting cancers in younger, pre-menopausal women. Moon Executive Search were appointed to lead in the search for a new CEO who could bring further growth and development, both in the UK and Internationally.
The opportunity comes at a pivotal time for the business, with Micrima having secured a long-term distribution relationship with Hologic, as well as having contracts with major players in the market.
The Challenge
From speaking with the client at length, the team at Moon firmly understood that the board wanted a CEO who could bring MedTech sector experience, either in diagnostic imaging or broader medical technological experience.
The incoming CEO would bring leadership and have a key input into the strategic vision for the business moving forward, identifying the necessary measures required for continued growth and success, and the capability to drive their implementation and execution.
The person sought by Micrima also needed to bring Senior Board level experience as well as exposure to working with high growth private equity funded businesses, be comfortable with investor relations and at presenting in all scenarios - from sales pitches and conferences to investor boards and panels.
Finally, it was vital that the candidate would be comfortable in forging and maintaining relationships with large corporations and upholding the values of Micrima and its excellent, international reputation in clinical technology and specificity.
Our Approach
Upon instruction, Moon Executive Search sought to gain a detailed insight into the requirements from the role – covering both the technical and soft skills sought. Tio achieve this, we spoke to all the key stakeholders to understand their ambitions for the business and also to appreciate the key cultural considerations in appointing the CEO.
We then began to map the existing market sector across the UK, considering c-suite professionals from high growth technology backgrounds. Our research was extensive and due to the very niche nature of this appointment, we targeted only a select number of potential candidates.
By longlisting in this way, we were also able to ensure the high level of confidentiality sought by our Client. We adopted a two-stage call process – firstly our researchers scoped the opportunity and the candidates’ broad alignment and then our Directors moved to a deep dive conversation encompassing a more detailed discussion to check suitability and career motivations.
The Solution
Moon pursued both traditional and modern search methods to deliver against this brief, as well as exploring our established network of experienced MediTech professionals and those potential targets in our network with capability to offer experience of global market share growth and transformation. As a result of this multi-faceted approach to market, we were confident that our network could bring a quality shortlist for Micrima.
We conducted a national search of candidates and worked with the utmost confidentiality, considering the sensitivity of the market and the requirements of the shareholders when communicating with prospective candidates.
After consideration, the Board appointed Adrian Waller to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Adrian brings extensive medical device experience together with a technical background (aerospace engineering) and for the last six years he had been General Manager of Fujifilm Medical’s medical-imaging, informatics and invitro diagnostics businesses in the UK.
Adrian said in a brief statement to investors, “I’m incredibly excited about joining Micrima at such a key stage of its development. The potential of the MARIA® system to transform the diagnosis of breast cancer is clear and the opportunity to work with the team to accelerate the products adoption and continued development was something that I had to get involved with. I’m really looking forward to joining the team in the new year and using my market knowledge, network, and business management skills to help Micrima make a difference to the ~600k ladies that die of breast cancer every year”.
Vanessa Moon and Simon Quinn jointly led on this campaign and Vanessa commented:
‘This was a fascinating campaign for a phenomenal business who are leading the fight against breast cancer. We were thrilled to identify a CEO who offers real gravitas and market knowledge, such that they can lead this growing and thriving business to even greater heights.’
Nick Randall, Non-Exec Chair said:
‘We were pleased with the shortlist of candidates for the role that Moon Executive Search presented. Vanessa and Simon were incredibly thorough in their approach and presented an outstanding selection of candidates with national and international backgrounds.’
Nick Simmonds from Technology Venture Partner said:
‘This was a multi-faceted campaign, as we were seeking a candidate with strong technical skills and understanding as well as someone capable of working with Private Equity Investors. We have a great relationship with Moon and were delighted with the appointment.’
News, Insights and Trends
Find out more about Moon Executive Search and the articles, roles and thought-leadership from the business and non-profit landscape.