Bench International’s journey began in academia, with founder and CEO Denise (DeeDee) DeMan’s background as a researcher in auditory pathology. Frustrated by her job search in a tough economy, DeeDee pivoted to executive search and, in 1974, founded Bench International. She quickly identified a crucial gap: companies were paying for retained search but were dissatisfied with the results. “Bench was literally built on the feedback of frustrated clients,” DeeDee recalls.
- Pfizer R&D Program: Bench helps build Pfizer’s R&D and post-doc programs, expanding later to Merck, Monsanto, and Dow.
- Exxon Oil Spill: Bench’s expertise supports environmental recovery efforts, opening future roles in data science and environmental management.
- Silicone Breast Implant Case: Bench recruits scientists to affirm the safety of silicone implants, strengthening its influence in healthcare and life sciences.
- New Verticals: Bench pioneers occupational health and disease management, bridging healthcare, life sciences, and industrial sectors.
- Growing portfolio: Bench International drives executive placements in biotech and pharma, prioritizing diverse talent to tackle industry challenges and fuel innovation.
- Team Building & Organizational Culture: Bench’s team-building work with clients like Sandoz (now Novartis) has strengthened collaboration, leading to breakthroughs like pivotal drug approvals.
- Innovative Services: With advanced talent mapping and gap analysis, Bench helps clients build inclusive, effective leadership teams. Our global reach across North America, Europe, and Asia strengthens our reputation in DEI-driven leadership for C-suites and Boards.
– 2021: Launch of the Bank of Women®, an initiative to promote women’s leadership across life sciences and beyond.
– 2022: The Bench International Technology Team was created to meet a rapidly growing demand for technology expertise within life sciences organizations.
– 2023: Bench launches the Life Sciences Tech Innovation Award, celebrating innovation in technology within life sciences.
– 2024: Bench announces a strategic alliance with Ashton Tweed, expanding access to interim talent options for clients.
– Bank of Inclusion™: Bench launches the Bank of Inclusion™, underscoring our steadfast dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion for all underrepresented populations.
“Celebrating Bench International’s 50 years of excellence, I am reminded of their key role in helping us to shape the leadership and management for the companies and teams we’ve built over 4 decades. Bench’s commitment to shape, and identify our needs — linked to their uncanny ability to attract and present excellent leaders, managers and technical experts — have been among the key drivers for our success. We are proud to congratulate DeeDee and the Bench team as they celebrate this remarkable milestone.”
“Reflecting on my journey at Bench International, one of my most cherished memories is seeing the direct impact of our placements—whether by strategically guiding a company through critical leadership transitions or adding incredible value at pivotal times. I’m particularly proud of the work we did to support a major client’s evolution from founder-led leadership to a re-focused, innovative CEO and Board structure. This level of dedication, along with our resilience through industry challenges—from the financial crisis to the pandemic—demonstrates why Bench has been a trusted partner for 50 years. I look forward to seeing our influence continue to shape life sciences for decades to come.”
“Bench International, and the team of wonderful women who I was fortunate to work with, ultimately changed the course of my life. Placing me as the CEO of Mammogen, Inc. not only introduced me to one of the highest impact opportunities of my career, but it also forged the path for my partnership with Marty Keiser at IVBH, which has shaped me as a professional and human in ways I could have never imagined. For that, I will be eternally grateful.
I could not be more proud to celebrate their well-deserved success and massive contribution to their community, to our industry, and to the millions of lives that their work has so positively impacted over the past 50 years!! They do not simply place candidates into complementary roles. This team creates dreams, unlocks potential, and changes the world around them. For that, they should be celebrated!”
“I first connected with Bench International as a candidate. I was impressed by their professionalism and expertise, with a clear commitment to transparency and meaningful placements. Once I joined Neurvati and needed a trusted partner to build out our team, choosing Bench was an easy decision. The team understood our goals and tailored the search to our unique needs without the hard sell of “perfect” candidates one often experiences with other recruiters. Their ability to identify exceptional talent has proven invaluable. Congratulations to Bench for 50 years of transformative leadership in executive search!”
“Throughout my career in life sciences, I have never partnered with a company that can uniquely address the needs of a company across all stages of its growth, from startup to Fortune 500, quite like Bench International. Bench is a cherished partner across all of my endeavors and has always ensured that each and every placement exceeds expectations while enriching the core values of the company and preserving that ‘something special’ when it comes to corporate culture — a winning formula that has resulted in Bench’s industry-defining dominance over the last five decades.”