Céline Chabée
Partner @Pender & Howe
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WORK HISTORY
Partner @Pender & Howe
Pender & Howe is a North American talent advisory firm specializing in leadership recruitment and consulting. I joined to build our Life Sciences & Healthcare desk from the ground up, and today it’s one of our core practice areas. From defining our positioning in a crowded market to leveraging the global reach of Kestria, the world’s largest executive search alliance, and earning trust in the market, I’ve shaped—and continue to shape—a practice that delivers C-suite and board leadership across North America.Highlights: Advised global diagnostics companies on critical leadership builds—delivering first U.S. executive hires, recalibrating leadership teams, and driving commercial expansion across the U.S. and Canada to support strategic growth and international scale.Partnered with the board and CEO of a Series A/clinical stage cell therapy company to develop governance structures and secure key appointments, aligning human capital with financial strategy.Placed leaders for VC backed biotechs in early stage drug discovery and health tech, fueling innovation pipelines.Positioned emerging AI and health tech platforms for U.S. market growth by advising on executive builds.Led CEO and board appointments for CDMO and CRO organizations during growth phases—conducting full market mapping exercises and executing dual mandates to appoint both commercial and operational leaders to drive scalable global expansion.
EDUCATION
Université de Bordeaux
Master Marketing, Management and Law in Health Industries
Coaching de Gestion
PCC (ICF professional certification in coaching), Business Coaching
Université de Bordeaux
Pharm. D, Pharmacy
SKILLS
ABOUT CÉLINE CHABÉE
Scaling a life sciences company is thrilling, and unforgiving. The science can be breakthrough, the funding in place… but without the right leadership, growth stalls.I work with life sciences companies—from venture-backed startups to clinical and commercial-stage organizations—partnering with leadership teams navigating complexity and growth.With 25+ years in Life Sciences & Healthcare and a foundation as a pharmacist by training, I bring a dual lens:Operational insight from my early career in product and consultingDeep executive search expertise across CEO succession, board composition, and complex C-suite searchesMy reach extends globally through Kestria, where I lead the Life Sciences & Healthcare Practice Group. I also actively support Women in Bio’s Executive Access program, helping to open doors for first-time board directors and championing diversity in leadership.What drives me is creating impact that lasts—through diverse boards, inclusive leadership teams, and coaching leaders that drive positive change. Rooted in a deep interest in philosophy, psychology, and well-being, I bring a reflective lens to every conversation—asking the questions that spark clarity, growth, and deeper understanding in both life and leadership.Outside of work, I recharge through trail running and sailing—pursuits that demand endurance, adaptability, and focus. I bring that same long-runway mindset and exploratory agility to my work: navigating complexity with curiosity, resilience, and purpose.I’d love to connect if you’re preparing for your next pivotal hire, exploring board composition, or seeking a partner who can connect you to global life sciences leadership.
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