AltoPartners Elects New Global Chair
June 2, 2025 – AltoPartners, an international alliance of boutique executive search and leadership consulting firms, has appointed Santiago Solis Arias as new global chair. He becomes the first global chair from the Americas, marking a new chapter for the global executive search partnership. Mr. Solis Arias succeeds Sonal Agrawal, who has served with distinction and led the partnership through a period of strong growth, cohesion, and increased member collaboration. “Having a leader from the Americas in this role reflects the truly global nature of our partnership,” said Ms. Agrawal. “Santiago brings not only deep insight and regional strength, but also a collaborative spirit that will help AltoPartners grow while remaining closely connected. Santiago Solis Arias has an impressive track record in the global executive search industry holding high-level positions across the leading executive search entities.”
“As we look to the future, I am deeply honored to serve as global chair of AltoPartners,” said Mr. Solis Arias. “Building on the exceptional work of my predecessor Sonal Agrawal, my focus will be on advancing the global growth of our global group, while continuing to nurture the culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual support that defines AltoPartners. On behalf of AltoPartners, I thank Sonal Agrawal for her outstanding leadership and her valuable contribution as global chair in building the global group since 2020.”
Mr. Solis Arias is general manager of Executive Connection. He was previously partner for the Andean Region based in Bogota of Heidrick & Struggles for four years. Currently, Mr. Solis Arias leads search processes within the sectors of automotive & manufacturing, board practice, financial services, infrastructure & utilities, leadership consulting, natural resourcing and technology & telecoms. His experience is especially focused on first and second level positions. Prior to joining Heidrick & Struggles, Mr. Solis Arias was a consultant at Spencer Stuart and Boyden in Bogotá, as well as managing director of a leading executive search company in Lima, Peru. Prior to his career in executive search, Mr. Solis Arias spent several successful years in management leadership roles within recognized companies in the finance and construction sectors.
With 64 offices in 37 countries, AltoPartners maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. The organization was established in 2006 by a group of entrepreneurial companies.
New Members
AltoPartners recently added Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search and leadership solutions firm Headlight International AB as a member firm. Led by Peter Gullström and supported by experienced Swedish search partners, Headlight International AB boasts a robust multi-national client base across various industry sectors in Sweden. “Identifying and onboarding a new partner is a meticulous process,” said Sonal Agrawal, AltoPartners global chair. “It requires extensive due diligence to ensure we uphold the high standards of integrity, quality, and authenticity that our clients expect from AltoPartners. Headlight International AB not only shares our values but also brings deep local knowledge and insights into the Swedish market, which is a significant advantage for our clients worldwide.”
“We are delighted to join AltoPartners and thereby get access to a global network of like-minded search professionals,” said Peter Gullström, founder and managing partner at Headlight International AB. “Our membership will clearly be beneficial for our internationally oriented clients and we look forward to contributing to the forthcoming expansion of AltoPartners in both Norway and Finland.”
Related: How Search Firms Make the Most of Their Global Reach
Headlight was founded in 2000 as a new alternative in the Scandinavian executive search market. Today, the firm’s seven partners focus on executive search but also provide interim management solutions. They work closely with local and international companies of all sizes and in all industry sectors.
AltoPartners also recently added Evermonte Executive Search in Brazil as a member firm. “Brazil is a key player in international business and is strategically positioned, geography-wise,” said Sonal Agrawal, AltoPartners global chair. “There are abundant natural resources and a growing consumer market of over 215 million people. Add in a vibrant innovation ecosystem and you have a gateway to global trade, which offers opportunities for businesses seeking long-term growth in the region. We are delighted to welcome the team from Evermonte to AltoPartners and we are excited to engage, share best practice and grow with the firm.”
“We are excited to announce our partnership with AltoPartners, a move that underscores our commitment to providing comprehensive international solutions to our clients,” said Guilherme Abdala, partner at Evermonte Executive Search. “This alliance is particularly aimed at addressing the growing demand for global support from family-owned businesses. By joining forces with AltoPartners, Evermonte is diversifying its portfolio, offering enhanced advisory services, and gaining strategic insights into the dynamic Brazilian market. This partnership will enable us to better connect leaders and organizations worldwide, supporting foreign companies in their strategic endeavors within Brazil. We look forward to the opportunities this collaboration will bring and are dedicated to continuing our mission of connecting executives and board members with opportunities on a global scale.”
Related: AltoPartners Adds New Member Firm in Ireland
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
