Volker Wacheck, SVP at Taiho Oncology in Speaking Up, Asking vs. Accusing and Why Culture is So Important

In this episode, I talked with Volker Wacheck, SVP & Head of Clinical Development at Taiho Oncology, where he shared how a PI role in Vienna led him into industry, and why the hardest part wasn’t leaving academia, but learning the unseen sides of drug development: regulatory, compliance, and CMC.Volker talked about the risks of hiring KOLs straight into VP or CMO roles, and why some thrive while others struggle. He also mentioned Taiho’s unique setup—anchored in Princeton, embedded in Otsuka’s Japanese holding—and how that cross-cultural mix shapes everything from decision-making speed to communication style.He also shares his most personal leadership lessons: the regret of staying silent in work, the “ask, don’t accuse” method he uses now, and how to manage egos when science and careers collide. From Taiho’s pipeline to his views on hiring, recruiters, and why impact often starts only after 18–24 months, this was a candid look at the realities of building teams and drugs that last.(Find out more in the episode.)Here’s What You’re In ForKOLs jumping straight to VP/CMO—when it’s transformational vs. a risky mis‑fit.Over‑prepared vs. under‑prepared interviews: what signals actually predict success.Recruiters who stick the landing: investing time upfront and optimizing for tenure, not just speed.Timestamps:01:26 – Why he left academia and looked to industry03:12 – Learning the “other side” of development: regulatory, compliance, CMC05:00 – KOLs jumping to VP/CMO: when it works and why it’s risky11:31 – Working US/EU/Japan: direct vs. indirect communication; shared principles14:00 – Why candidates might love Taiho: “small enough to feel personal, big enough to win,” plus stability16:20 – The biomarker‑assay story: when not speaking up backfired23:22 – Hiring: over‑prepared vs under‑prepared—what Volker actually looks for26:29 – Good vs excellent recruiters: the time they put in before the searchAbout VolkerVolker Wacheck is Senior Vice President and Head of Clinical Development at Taiho Oncology. A medical oncology background and now over two decades of industry experience its fair to say he knows a lot about cancer research.Taiho is known for its cancer drug development including, Futi-Ba-tinib their FG-FR inhibitor and Zipa-Ler-tinib which targets EGFR Mutations.Volker is also someone who comes highly recommended, Michael Lahn, Ilaria Conti and insert other great person in the field all know and respect Volker. We spoke a few weeks before ASCO, met at ASCO and now doing this - and of course its a pleasure to have him on here.Connect with Volker:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/volker-wacheck-b173248/Website: https://www.taihooncology.com/us/About meMy name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment, I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate.In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH.Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/Website: https://www.discera-search.com/Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own.