PIR International supports appointment of Chief Business Officer at Slingshot Therapeutics
Recruiter PIR International has successfully appointed Dr. Bobby Soni as Slingshot’s Chief Business Officer of Slingshot Therapeutics.
Launched in 2024, Slingshot Therapeutics is an innovative UK-based biotechnology accelerator created by Syncona Investment Management Limited, Europe’s leading builder of sustainable life science businesses. Slingshot was founded to bridge a critical gap: while academic researchers generate groundbreaking insights in disease biology, chemistry and therapeutic innovation, they often lack the industry expertise required to translate these discoveries into transformational medicines. Recognising this unmet need, Syncona established Slingshot to identify, shape and advance academically derived drug discovery programmes to clinical readiness and beyond.
Slingshot is building a pipeline of first- and best-in-class assets by sourcing exceptional ideas from academia, financing them, and guiding their progression toward value-creating transactions. To deliver on this ambition, the company has assembled a team of seasoned drug developers, scientists and project leaders executing focused discovery plans.
In Q2 2025, Slingshot initiated a critical search to appoint its first Chief Business Officer (CBO). Given the centrality of business development to Slingshot’s model, spanning asset sourcing, in-licensing, strategic partnerships and out-licensing, the company required a seasoned executive capable of shaping and executing its partnering and transaction strategy.
To support this pivotal hire, Slingshot chose to partner with PIR International, a leading life sciences executive search firm. Working closely with the Chair and senior leadership team, PIR International deployed its rigorous research methodology and extensive transatlantic network across the US, UK and Europe. Led by Sally Hope, Stuart Penney and Paul Hoey, the team conducted a comprehensive cross-border search for a CBO with world-class business development credentials, scientific depth, a proven deal sheet, and the ability to build senior-level industry relationships while contributing to corporate strategy and asset sourcing.
After an extensive cross-border search, PIR International successfully appointed Dr. Bobby Soni as Slingshot’s Chief Business Officer. With more than 25 years of experience across biotech, pharma, venture capital and start-up acceleration, and a track record of deploying capital, building companies and leading high-performing teams, Bobby brings the ideal blend of expertise and leadership.
Bobby’s appointment marks a pivotal milestone for Slingshot as it accelerates its mission to translate breakthrough academic research into clinic-ready therapeutics.
