Cornerstone International Group Names Managing Partner for Middle Eastern Region

October 28, 2020 – Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has unveiled a new executive search and leader advisory team in the Middle East with the addition of Stelios Pigadiotis as managing partner and founder of Cornerstone Dubai.

“We are delighted to welcome Stelios to Cornerstone International Group,” said Simon Wan, chairman. “Stelios is widely known and respected in the Middle East and has a comprehensive background of experience also in North America, Europe and Asia. He is a great addition to the team.”

Mr. Pigadiotis is an experienced professional in enabling leaders and organizations to grow and reach their potential. He has more than 25 years of expertise in executive search, executive assessment, leadership advisory, HR consulting, executive coaching, and leadership and development.

Previously, Mr. Pigadiotis was partner for consumer products and life science and healthcare for Middle East and Greater China. His focus was on C-suite placements, executive assessment and HR consultancy assignments. For 10 years prior he was a member of Dynargie International, a Swiss multinational firm specializing in leadership and development and coaching. Mr. Pigadiotis has coached and trained more than 3,000 professionals in more than 20 countries in the sectors of finance, industrials, consumer products, telecoms, government, pharma, healthcare and education.

Mr. Pigadiotis has also been an investment banking professional with a strong track record in mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings and board advisory on business growth and financial restructuring strategies in Greece and Thailand. Early in his career he was with Accenture’s strategic services division based in the Boston office.

Mr. Pigadiotis holds an MBA from Alba Graduate Business School, The American College of Greece, and a bachelor’s degree in international business and international politics from Northeastern University. He has also completed the general management program of Harvard Business School and is a member of the HBS & Harvard Club GCC alumni association. He holds the position of the HBS GMP ambassador for the MENA region as well as that of regional director of HBS Healthcare Alumni Association for the Middle East. He is a member of the executive committee of Northeastern University Alumni Club of UAE.

Serving the Middle East

From a base in United Arab Emirates, Cornerstone Dubai will serve clients in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.

Dubai is the capital city of the Emirate of Dubai and a busy regional business hub residing in the intersection between Middle East, Africa and Asia. It has been a center for regional and international trade since the early 20th century. 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.

“I am delighted to be joining Cornerstone,” said Mr. Pigadiotis. “I have spent many years in the industry and admire the way they conduct business and add value to their clients. I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues from around the world and joining the Cornerstone family.”

Growing Global Search Provider

Cornerstone International Group provides executive search and leadership development services to global roster of clients. Both before (with psychometric assessment) and after (onboarding) its search process, the organization ensures the highest possible chance of success in filling talent needs, the firm said. Cornerstone has 66 experienced member firms in both developed and emerging markets worldwide.

Earlier this year, Cornerstone International Group launched a new specialization group focused on non-profit organizations. The firm will concentrate its new service first in North America to meet market opportunities. Cornerstone pointed out that non-profit companies often face distinct challenges recruiting senior-level leaders, ranging from limited budgets to a shortage of experience in assessing and evaluating talent. Its new specialist team, the firm said, is focused on custom solutions to address these needs.

“Step one for any non-profit is to work with a retained search firm,” said Linda Gray, senior vice president, executive search at Cornerstone Cleveland, who leads the specialist group. “Retained search offers a unique and custom approach to securing top talent by becoming a true extension of the organization through in-depth understanding of the motivational, cultural and organizational ‘fit’ required for long-term success of the chosen candidate.”

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media