Strategic Leadership in Uncertain Times - Redefining the Biotech CFO

This white paper distils insights from a closed-door roundtable with experienced biotech CFOs — Didier Blondel, Laurene Danon, Bart van Rhijn, and Peter Lang — exploring how financial leadership is evolving amid volatile markets, shifting policy, and unpredictable clinical outcomes. The discussion highlights how today’s CFOs operate far beyond traditional finance, acting as strategic co-pilots who balance discipline with agility while helping their organisations navigate uncertainty.

Core themes include decision-making with imperfect information, the trade-offs between financing and partnering, the dynamics of board and investor alignment, and the central role of the CFO–CEO partnership in maintaining organisational coherence. The paper also examines the qualities shaping the next generation of biotech CFOs — from scenario thinking and external storytelling to fostering internal clarity and confidence.

The result is a candid look at how modern CFOs translate complexity into direction, influence, and execution at the most pivotal moments for their companies.