At Search Group of San Diego (SGSD), we know recruiting is all about people. It’s about listening, understanding, and finding the right fit for both our clients and candidates. Our strength comes from an unmatched work ethic and industry-exclusive expertise, with each of our team members averaging around 20 years of experience directly in biotech and pharma executive search.
With a global network built on relationships that we have nurtured for years, and a mission to constantly track talent markets and trends across R&D, we are able to quickly identify top talent who are not just qualified, but truly the right fit. We know where to look, who to contact, and what great talent looks like. We combine open, transparent communication to understand your needs, and together create a tailored plan to hit the ground running and quickly deliver top-tier talent for your most important hires.
At SGSD, every team member is hands-on, and your search is never handed to an inexperienced recruiter. We operate out of a single office, which keeps us efficient and lowers our overhead so we can offer competitive pricing. What differentiates us in terms of our pricing is that we operate on a performance-based fee structure. Unlike agencies that bill on rigid time-based contracts, we tie our fees to our performance. This means our reputation is on the line with every search, and we must deliver real results. It’s high stakes for us, but it’s just how we do good business. We actually deliver.
We are selective with our clients and choose to work with a limited number of clients and search assignments where we are confident we can truly make an impact. With more than 500 successful searches under our belt, from Associate Director roles to C-level positions, our experience spans all therapeutic areas and modalities.
We stay engaged with scientific organizations like AMWA, AACR, AAPS, ACT, ASCPT, and more, keeping our network sharp and our insights current. While most of our work is U.S.-based, our reach is global, connecting clients with exceptional candidates in Europe, China, and beyond.
MEET THE TEAM
KEN ISRAEL
Ken brings more than 25 years of executive search experience in the life sciences, partnering with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations to recruit senior-level scientific and business leaders. As Founder of Search Group of San Diego (SGSD), he has built a reputation for professionalism, transparency, and long-term client relationships rooted in trust.
Known for his curiosity and people-first approach, Ken genuinely enjoys connecting with scientists, understanding their work, and helping organizations grow through talent. His success is driven by a deep knowledge of industry trends and a commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for both clients and candidates.
Ken earned his B.S. in Business Administration from California State University, San Marcos. A longtime San Diego resident, he’s active in his local community and environmental causes. Outside of work, Ken enjoys live music, fine chocolates, and spending time with his family and two Havanese dogs. To learn more or read recommendations, visit linkedin.com/in/kennethisrael
CHRIS COREY
Chris joined SGSD in 2008 and has built a reputation for having his finger on the pulse of the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. Chris takes a highly strategic and research-intensive approach to every search he leads. This approach is rooted in the principles of active listening and a sincere interest in building long-term relationships with clients and candidates.
Chris works diligently to thoroughly understand each client's unique needs and preferences to launch the most effective search possible and accurately convey information to candidates, thus reducing inefficiencies and miscommunications. In addition to Chris' meticulous search practices, he believes it is paramount to make himself accessible to candidates throughout the recruitment process - from CV submission to offer acceptance. Chris strives to maintain transparent and open-ended communications and takes the time to truly understand candidate credentials, career aspirations, and personal situations. This overall approach has proven to be mutually beneficial to clients and candidates time and again.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Chris finds joy in spending time with his wife and daughter. Beyond family moments, Chris is an accomplished drummer with over 25 years of practice. Chris also takes pleasure in nurturing his garden, which boasts a collection of over 100 trees.
BURT ISRAEL
Burt Israel has over 35 years of executive recruiting experience in the Pharmaceutical and Hi-Tech Engineering industries. Since 2006, he has worked with The Search Group of San Diego, placing senior-level Ph.D. scientific staff across a multitude of scientific disciplines for both large Pharma and emerging biotech clientele.
Prior to SGSD, he was Vice President of Telecommunications at National Search Associates for 15 years, one of the largest search firms in San Diego. There, he was responsible for placing Engineering professionals, including SW and Embedded Engineers, ASIC and DSP designers, RF and Microwave Engineers, and Engineering and Manufacturing Managers.
For 10 years prior, he was employed with Robert Half International in Hartford, CT as Head of Engineering Recruiting, and later as the General Manager of the Robert Half office in San Diego. In Hartford, Burt worked for 10 years for IBM as a Sales and Systems Engineer working with Insurance, Manufacturing, and Utility Companies selling and installing large IBM Mainframe computers.
He has a BSME from Carnegie Mellon and an MBA from The University of Hartford. In his free time, Burt enjoys time with his five grandchildren, golfing, and world travel.
DARRIN BAKER
Darrin joined SGSD in 2011 and leads executive searches across the life sciences industry, partnering with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies developing cutting-edge therapeutics. His work spans discovery through clinical development, conducting searches across scientific, clinical, tech ops, regulatory, and program leadership functions.
Recognized for his integrity, transparency, and industry insight, Darrin is dedicated to helping organizations attract and retain top-tier talent in an increasingly competitive market. He believes effective communication and alignment are essential to building lasting partnerships and delivering exceptional outcomes for both clients and candidates.
Darrin earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from San Diego State University and completed a three-year Executive Management mentorship with MAP, focused on leadership, recruiting, and performance management. A long-time San Diego resident based in Carmel Valley, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and family time with three children.
KAREN DAQUESIAN
Karen joined the SGSD recruitment team in 2017. Karen is a “people person” who enjoys learning about other’s interests and motivations, making her transition to executive search ideal. Prior, Karen held various leadership and administrative roles across multiple industries, including Legal, Construction, and Manufacturing.
Karen graduated from the University of Hartford with a B.A. degree in Communication. Karen is a resident of Connecticut and in her free time, enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking and baking, exercising, and spending time at the beach.