Kaye/Bassman managing director recognized for leadership in pharmaceutical recruiting and Medical Affairs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Michael Pietrack has been named to the 2026 Talent 100
Kaye/Bassman managing director honored for excellence in pharmaceutical recruiting and Medical Affairs
PLANO, Texas, Aug. 26, 2026 — Kaye/Bassman International announced today that Michael Pietrack, managing director of its Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Practice, has been chosen as a 2026 Talent 100 award recipient.
Curated by Noon AI, the Talent 100 program acknowledges leaders and practitioners who are driving progress in talent acquisition and human resources. Honorees are chosen by independent committees based on peer nominations, evaluating the significance of their work, depth of expertise, and influence on recruiting’s future.
Pietrack brings nearly two decades of pharmaceutical recruiting experience to his role. He and his teams have successfully placed more than 1,000 professionals across the specialized fields of medical affairs, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.
“The riches are in the niches, and the more niched you are, the more you can become a celebrity in that space,” Pietrack shared with the Talent 100.
Pietrack launched his recruiting career at The Alpine Group, where he headed the Medical Affairs Search Practice. By 2013, he had become the top recruiter globally within MRINetwork, a network encompassing over 5,000 recruiters. Later, he co-founded TMAC Direct, an executive search firm dedicated to medical affairs.
His achievements have also garnered him distinction as one of the pharmaceutical industry’s 100 Most Inspiring People by PharmaVoice and membership in The Pinnacle Society, a North American organization of premier recruiters.
Pietrack joined Kaye/Bassman in 2023 to spearhead and grow its Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Practice. Today, he leads a team of specialized recruiters focused on distinct segments of the pharmaceutical sector.
His impact goes beyond executive search. In 2024, Pietrack launched the Pharmaverse Podcast to host genuine conversations with executives in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and Medical Affairs. The show has now released more than 60 episodes covering topics such as leadership, drug development, organizational strategy, career growth, and the evolving function of Medical Affairs.
The program has further broadened to include content tailored specifically for current and aspiring medical science liaisons (MSLs). Recent episodes have explored preparing for an MSL’s first 90 days, fostering effective relationships with key opinion leaders, and developing the competencies necessary to advance into Medical Affairs leadership roles.
Through the Pharmaverse Podcast and Inside MSL, Pietrack is also cultivating an interconnected professional community for MSLs and Medical Affairs professionals. Inside MSL offers twice-monthly live community gatherings, role-focused training, individual coaching, career-development resources, and employment opportunities. The community serves aspiring MSLs, experienced field professionals, emerging leaders, and organizations building Medical Affairs teams.
This blend of industry dialogue, practical learning, and professional networking reflects Pietrack’s broader dedication to enabling people to enter the MSL profession, enhance their skills, and build lasting careers in Medical Affairs.
Pietrack also contributes leadership articles to BioSpace and is the author of two novels, Legacy and Boon.
Access Pietrack’s complete Talent 100 profile, tune in to the Pharmaverse Podcast, or explore the professional community at Inside MSL for more information.
About Kaye/Bassman International
Established in 1981, Kaye/Bassman International is a Plano-based executive search and professional recruiting firm delivering global talent acquisition solutions. The company specializes by functional area, industry sector, position, and geographic market, with over 30 recruiting practice areas. Learn more at kbic.com.
About the Talent 100
Organized by Noon AI, the Talent 100 is an annual recognition of leaders advancing talent acquisition and human resources. Honorees are selected through peer nominations and independent selection committees. Selection is merit-based, with no nomination fees or pay-to-play requirements.
Media contact
Darren McDougal
Chief Marketing Officer
Kaye/Bassman International
972-931-5242
www.kbic.com
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Darren McDougal
Kaye/Bassman International Corp
+1 972-931-5242
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