Buffkin / Baker Appoints Partner
January 28, 2026 – Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has named Jim May as partner in its technology/digital practice area, and executive corporate functional practice areas. “Jim’s expertise in human resources, finance, technology, and operations will strengthen our service to clients and enhance results,” said Tom Wilson, partner and practice leader. “We are delighted to name Jim as a partner in the firm, and we know that his network strategic recruiting, and consulting skills will provide significant value in every search.”
Mr. May joined Buffkin / Baker in February 2025 as part of the Buffkin / Baker acquisition of Gallagher’s U.S. Executive Search Practice, which included Frederickson Partners. With over a decade of experience in executive recruiting, he has established himself as a trusted advisor and a go-to resource for top-tier organizations seeking exceptional leadership talent.
A strategic partner focused on leveraging human capital to fuel long-term business growth, Mr. May has expertise in human resources, finance, technology, go-to-market , operations, and other senior leadership roles. Throughout his career, Mr. May has held various positions in talent acquisition and has managed searches for both U.S. and international organizations across a range of industries. His experience includes working with distinguished companies such as lululemon, Grail, Quantcast, InnovAge, Bluberi Gaming, Kyverna Therapeutics, Synaptics, Sirona Medical, Datavant, Clover Health, Schneider Electric, Mettler Toledo, and Total Quality Logistics.
“I am thrilled to join as partner and support our clients in securing the best talent,” said May. “Buffkin / Baker has a reputation for consistently exceeding expectations, and I’m eager to continue to contribute to a team so deeply committed to delivering transformational leadership solutions.”
Buffkin / Baker is a specialty boutique search firm composed of industry leaders in their respective fields and each has over a decade of retained search experience. Their focus as search professionals is to recruit leaders in digital marketing/advertising, technology, healthcare, media/entertainment, finance, higher education, and non-profit.
The firm serves public, private, venture, and private equity-backed companies. Its office locations include Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Cleveland, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Simons Island, Tampa, Washington, DC, and Winston-Salem.
Related: Managing Strategic Risk and Talent Search in 2026
Buffkin / Baker is a member of Panorama Search, an international federation of retained firms with 18 firms and over 30 offices globally. Buffkin / Baker formed in 2017 with the merger of the Buffkin Group and Baker and Associates LLC.
Past Acquisition
The deal for Gallagher Executive Search (Frederickson Partners) happened last February. “The acquisition of Gallagher’s U.S. Executive Search team enhances the depth and breadth of our capabilities and provide a more comprehensive national presence,” said Craig Buffkin, managing partner. “By leveraging synergies in our core industry verticals healthcare, private equity, technology, higher education and consumer as well as deepening a broad functional reach, we aim to deliver even greater value to our clients and candidates. We are excited to welcome these search professionals to our growing team.”
Gallagher’s executive search business in 2024 was pegged at $16.4 million and the firm ranked in Hunt Scanlon’s Top 50 roster of leading U.S. search firms. “From Fortune 500 corporations to private equity firms to non-profit agencies, Gallagher’s advisors they have the instinct and market intelligence to know which candidates will be successful in what culture or organization,” Buffkin / Baker said in a statement. Gallagher has completed more than 1,200 searches for a wide variety of senior roles across multiple industries and functions.
“Buffkin / Baker is a great fit for our U.S. executive search team,” said Steve Coco, global managing director of talent business line at Gallagher. “One of the reasons we selected Buffkin / Baker was their approach to managing business and cultivating an engaged workforce. Their excellent service is at the heart of everything they do and is behind the outstanding reputation they have gained in the marketplace. We look forward to working together to continue to service our mutual clients.”
Related: Six Steps to Sharpen Leadership Focus and Protect Performance in 2026
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
