UK-based executive search firm Praeva Partners has appointed Josh Guest as a partner to lead a new life sciences practice, as the firm marks its first anniversary. The Praeva Partners life sciences practice will work with both privately owned and equity-backed organisations in the sector.
Guest previously worked at DRAX, as did Praeva’s founder and chief executive, Mark Sherman. Praeva launched in November 2025 with backing from Jigsaw Equity, which is described in the announcement as a boutique specialist sector investor.
Praeva Partners life sciences focus
As lead of the practice, Guest will be responsible for building the firm’s profile among specialty pharma, pharma outsourcing and medical technologies clients. In pharma outsourcing, the remit covers clinical research organisations, contract development and manufacturing organisations, and advisory bodies.
Guest said: “Life sciences companies within the private equity ecosystem operate at a specific intersection, balancing innovation, regulation and commercial urgency. As a result, leadership decisions in this market are nuanced and require knowledge-led advice.”
He added: “I’m really excited to be joining Praeva, a firm that has focused first and foremost on building a collaborative team and equipping them with the tools and technology to give more time back to their clients, where it is most needed. Praeva offers the search model that these companies, and the investors backing them, need. I can’t wait to get started.”
Expansion into private equity
Since its launch, Praeva has supported private businesses with senior leadership hiring across sectors including consumer, tech and property. Alongside the new practice, the firm is expanding more generally into private equity, working with both funds and their portfolio companies to find board and C-suite talent from pre-deal and value-creation phases through to exit readiness.
Sherman said: “Praeva has had an incredible first year, performing well above expectations and delivering projects for some of the most exciting private businesses in the UK and Europe. It’s fitting that, as we mark our first birthday, we’re also announcing our own ambitions for growth – both expanding into the life sciences sector under Josh’s leadership, and making a strategic step into working with private equity firms and the businesses they nurture.”
He continued: “Our first year has reinforced my view that the search market needs to operate differently. There is huge unclaimed value in working with a partner where the model is integrated. This means we can build deep expertise, but also work cross-team to get the right expertise on each project, with a sole focus on quality delivery and client experience.”
Sherman described the move into private equity as “a natural continuity”, adding: “Many of our customers are in their first years of growth and are ready to seek a new investment partner to ramp up that growth. We have a wealth of experience on both sides of the deal, which I believe massively increases our relevance in the private equity market.”
Founder on the new partner
Sherman said of the appointment: “Josh brings a wealth of experience in the life sciences sector, working with privately owned and equity-backed organisations alike to partner them with the right leadership to drive success. His experience and reputation speak for themselves and having worked closely with him previously I know that he will be the right cultural fit for Praeva and for our clients. He’s a real asset to the business and I have every confidence that he’ll develop a thriving life sciences practice at Praeva.”
Senior consultant appointment and operating model
Heather Napier has also joined Praeva as senior consultant, supporting the senior team in search delivery. She has a background in two global search firms and experience in the industrial sector, broader business operations and project management, and will help develop and improve delivery processes.
The company said its model is built around a collaborative internal culture, the use of AI and technology to help practitioners spend time where it has most impact, and transparent feedback cycles intended to maintain quality. It also said it measures client satisfaction using net promoter scores and offers flexible delivery models.
Michael Goodwin, co-founder of Jigsaw Equity, said: “Praeva Partners has had an exceptional first year and its move into private equity is a natural next step. Under Mark’s leadership, the business has been carefully designed to meet the needs of both founder and investor, delivering a premium, seamless service that helps ambitious and growing businesses turn their growth visions into reality.”
Frequently asked questions
Who is leading the Praeva Partners life sciences practice?
Josh Guest, formerly of DRAX, has joined Praeva Partners as a partner to lead its new life sciences practice.
Which life sciences clients will Praeva Partners focus on?
The practice will target specialty pharma, pharma outsourcing and medical technologies clients. Pharma outsourcing covers clinical research organisations, contract development and manufacturing organisations, and advisory bodies.
Is Praeva Partners moving into private equity?
Yes. The firm is expanding into private equity, working with funds and their portfolio companies to find board and C-suite talent from pre-deal and value-creation phases through to exit readiness.
When was Praeva Partners founded and who backs it?
Praeva Partners launched in November 2025, founded by former DRAX chief executive Mark Sherman, with backing from Jigsaw Equity.
Who else has joined Praeva Partners?
Heather Napier has been appointed senior consultant to support the senior team in search delivery and help develop and improve delivery processes.
