Caldwell Opens Office in Dubai
September 29, 2025 – Toronto-headquartered Caldwell has opened a new office in Dubai. Rob Wilder was appointed managing partner of the office. He will be joined in Dubai by Simon Hall, partner in Caldwell’s financial services practice. The launch marks Caldwell’s entry into the Middle East and North Africa region. “With more than 25 years of experience advising organizations on board and executive succession, leadership assessment and development, and executive search, Rob has established himself as a trusted advisor to clients in the Middle East and globally,” said Paul Heller and Glenn Buggy, global managing partners of Caldwell’s financial services practice. “His deep knowledge of the region, combined with his extensive experience across financial services, fintech, and private equity, will be a tremendous asset to our clients and our practice.”
“This strategic expansion into Dubai is an important milestone for Caldwell as we continue to build a truly global platform,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer. “Rob’s leadership, regional expertise, and global perspective will enable us to better serve clients in the Middle East and North Africa, and his appointment underscores our commitment to investing in markets that are critical to our clients’ success. With a truly global perspective, Wilder brings extensive cross-cultural expertise to leadership evaluation, having lived and worked across three continents.”
Mr. Wilder has been connected with the Middle East since 2007, supporting sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, asset managers, global and local banks, FinTechs, insurers, real estate investors, and family-owned enterprises. His work spans listed companies, private equity–backed businesses, and public institutions, as well as their portfolio organizations. Before joining Caldwell, Mr. Wilder spent over 15 years with Spencer Stuart across two tenures, helping to establish its Dubai office and serving clients throughout Europe and the Middle East. He also served as president, search, Asia Pacific, for a global organizational consulting firm, based in Singapore. Earlier in his career, he worked in marketing and sales at General Electric Company (GEC).
The Middle East economy is shaped by abundant energy resources, diversification efforts, and geopolitical tensions. While some nations rely heavily on oil and gas, others are focusing on expanding sectors like tourism, finance, and technology. The region faces challenges such as unemployment, inflation, and political instability, but ongoing reforms and investment strategies signal a push toward greater economic resilience and transformation.
Related: Caldwell Appoints CEO; Makes Other Senior Management Changes
One of the world’s fastest growing economies, Dubai’s current gross domestic product is projected at $107.1 billion. The Persian Gulf and its coastal areas are the world’s largest single source of crude oil, and related industries dominate the region, making it a hotbed of activity for search firms with an eye on expansion.
Recent Growth
In June, Caldwell announced that Simon Hall and Michelle De Biolley have joined the firm, bolstering its capabilities in board governance and financial services leadership. Mr. Hall joins as a partner and key member of the firm’s board & CEO and financial services practices, while Ms. De Biolley joins as a partner in the financial services practice.
“Simon and Michelle bring an incredible track record of success in executive search, particularly in financial services and board governance,” said Mr. Beck. “Their expertise, client-first approach, and history of delivering transformational leadership solutions align perfectly with Caldwell’s values and commitment to quality. Their joining is an exciting development as we continue to invest in world-class talent to meet the evolving needs of our clients.”
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Mr. Hall brings more than 30 years of experience advising boards and senior executive teams on leadership strategy, succession planning, and executive search. He has worked extensively with global and boutique investment banks, private equity firms, and financial institutions, placing top-tier talent in CEO, board, and senior leadership roles. Prior to joining Caldwell, Mr. Hall founded and led Stonehaven International, a London-based boutique executive search firm specializing in financial services and board governance.
Ms. De Biolley brings more than two decades of experience in executive search and leadership advisory across investment banking, private banking, and private equity. She began her career in banking, working in project finance and M&A, and has since served as a trusted advisor to financial institutions across Europe.
Related: Caldwell Launches Academic Healthcare Practice
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
