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George Kafes
Global Talent Acquisition at BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Professional Background
George Kafes is an innovative and results-oriented corporate talent acquisition professional who has made significant contributions to recruitment strategies over the past two decades. With a wealth of experience in both domestic and international recruitment, George has earned a reputation as a trusted Talent Advisor among business leaders. His extensive background encompasses a variety of roles, particularly in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, where he has excelled in delivering on aggressive hiring commitments and improving the overall talent acquisition process.
Throughout his career, George has worked for several esteemed organizations, including BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where he currently serves as the Global Talent Acquisition Director. His role involves creating and implementing impactful talent acquisition strategies that enhance the quality of hiring while aligning with business objectives. He has a proven track record in recruitment planning, execution, and is known for exceeding hiring goals.
Before joining BioCryst, George served as the Director of Talent Acquisition at Novartis Gene Therapies, a position he held after working as the Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition at AveXis, Inc. His expertise in talent acquisition has also seen him take on leadership roles at Thermo Fisher Scientific, LORD Corporation, Biogen, and Spherion, where he honed his skills in candidate sourcing and behavioral interviewing, making him a subject matter expert in the field.
George's ability to shape workforce planning and strategy has made a significant impact on each organization he has been associated with. His passion for recruitment and talent acquisition is reflected in the dedication he puts into each facet of his work, from employment advertising to public speaking engagements.
Education and Achievements
George Kafes earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Georgia, a foundation that has equipped him with the skills necessary to effectively mentor and guide others in the talent acquisition space. His educational background is complemented by specialized training; he also holds a certificate in BioWork from Wake Technical Community College. This combination of education and training has provided George with a unique perspective on the intersection of talent acquisition and the life sciences, particularly within biopharmaceutical settings.
Throughout his career, George has contributed to various initiatives to improve recruitment strategies, which has led to a better alignment between organizational goals and talent acquisition processes. His proactive approach and continuous drive for improvement have positioned him as a key player in aligning workforce needs with business objectives.
Achievements
In his extensive career, George Kafes has achieved remarkable successes in the talent acquisition arena:
- Global Talent Acquisition Director at BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Leading the talent acquisition strategies for a cutting-edge biopharmaceutical company, where his insights have been invaluable in recruiting top-tier talent necessary for innovation and growth.
- Director of Talent Acquisition at Novartis Gene Therapies: Successfully implemented a comprehensive talent strategy that supported the growth of gene therapy initiatives, showcasing his ability to adapt recruitment strategies to industry innovations.
- Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition at AveXis, Inc.: Oversaw talent acquisition efforts that contributed to significant organizational growth and the successful launch of new programs.
- Executive Talent Acquisition Director at Thermo Fisher Scientific: Played a pivotal role in attracting high-caliber talent to support various scientific disciplines and foster collaboration across departments.
- Building a Diverse Talent Pipeline: At each organization, George emphasized the importance of diversity in talent acquisition, greatly enhancing workplace inclusion and innovation.
George's journey exemplifies the profound impact that a skilled talent acquisition professional can have in shaping the workforce of the future. His commitment to excellence in recruitment and his innovative approach to workforce strategies have set a benchmark in the industry that others strive to achieve.
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