At Search Group of San Diego, LLC (SGSD), our strength lies in the integration of communication, a global network, and enduring relationships supported by an unparalleled work ethic and recruitment acumen. With this, we can quickly identify talent tailored to our clients' specific position requirements.
SGSD orchestrates an exhaustive yet efficient search process crafted to each client's unique needs and leverages long-term relationships with both candidates and clients. Our team operates from a single office, ensuring maximum efficiency and productivity while maintaining minimal overhead costs.
Our search model prioritizes selectivity, allowing us to cater to a limited number of clients and specific search assignments, complemented by competitive pricing and a performance-based fee model. This approach grants us rapid access to an extensive talent pool, connecting our clients with top-tier candidates across all the drug discovery and development spectrum. Having completed over 500 search assignments ranging from Associate Director to C-level executives, our expertise spans all therapeutic areas and modalities.
Active participation in scientific organizations such as AMWA, AACR, AAPS, ACT, ASCPT, and others enhances our network, ensuring we remain at the forefront of industry advancements. While primarily catering to US-based clients, our reach extends globally, servicing international clients in Europe and China.
MEET THE TEAM
KEN ISRAEL
In 1996, Ken began his career as an executive recruiter specializing in the life sciences servicing the pharmaceutical and biotech industries and in 2006, founded Search Group of San Diego (SGSD). Ken is a "people person" who genuinely enjoys meeting new people, learning about their scientific interests, building relationships, and talking about science.
Ken's 25-year career and success placing executive-level candidates in the life sciences are because of his unwavering commitment to his clients, dedication to following industry trends, and ability to build long-term relationships based on trust and transparency. To read about individual experiences working with Ken, please see: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethisrael
Ken is a California State University, San Marcos graduate with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Ken is a San Diego resident in the 4S Ranch area with his wife and two children. He is an active participant in his community, with a particular interest in environmental activism. Besides his family, Ken is passionate about the environment, attending concerts, eating fine chocolates, and spending time with his Havanese dogs.
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 as an Executive Recruiter and since then has filled niche roles across all phases of research and development including all modalities and therapeutic areas.
Darrin has built a reputation of honesty, transparency and integrity providing clients and candidates with exceptional service. He believes effective communication is the foundation of relationships in particular to understand clients’ objectives to help them attract top talent in a competitive environment.
Darrin received his Bachelor’s in Communications at San Diego State University and completed a 3-year mentorship with MAP, Executive Management for team building, recruiting, goals and controls. Darrin is a San Diego resident living in Carmel Valley. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 boys doing outdoor activities.
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.