DeWinter Group Names CEO

June 12, 2024 – DeWinter Group, a provider of temporary and permanent staffing solutions with expertise in finance, accounting and information technology, has appointed Derek DeWinter as its new CEO. “We are thrilled to welcome Derek as our new CEO,” said Judson Samuels, board member. His vision, leadership, and industry acumen make him the ideal person to lead the DeWinter Group into the future. We are confident that under Derek’s guidance, the DeWinter Group will continue to excel in delivering top-tier staffing solutions to our clients nationwide.”
Mr. DeWinter is a founding partner of the DeWinter Group and previously served as CEO from 2000 to 2019. In 2019, he stepped aside into the role of president to elevate the role of the company’s previous CEO, Shane Oberg. Mr. Oberg stepped down from the position in May of 2024 after a great five-year stint as the organization’s leader.
Mr. DeWinter has over three decades of experience in leading strategic growth initiatives and creating hiring solutions for industry-leading companies. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to client satisfaction. As CEO, he will leverage his experience to enhance service offerings, expand market presence, and drive the firm towards new heights of success.
In 2020, New Heritage Capital, a Boston-based private equity firm, made an investment in DeWinter Group. The transaction was structured using Heritage’s unique private IPO solution, which leaves operating control in the hands of the reinvesting owners while providing them the desired liquidity and financial flexibility to accelerate future growth.
DeWinter Group is a San Francisco and Silicon Valley-based provider of accounting, finance and information technology professionals. It provides services on a consulting, contract, and executive search basis. Established in 2000, the DeWinter Group has built a reputation for quality, integrity and trust across the greater Bay area.
New Heritage Capital is a private equity firm with a 20-year history of partnering with growing, middle market, founder-owned businesses. With its innovative investment structures like the Private IPO, Heritage provides founders with a combination of liquidity and growth capital while allowing founders to maintain control of their business. With decades of experience at managing growth, Heritage gives its partners the strategic, operational and financial guidance to help its companies reach their growth objectives.
Leadership Appointments at Search Firms
Top leadership appointments have made headlines in recent months. Here’s a look at several examples taken from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has appointed Dan Heiman as its new president. His appointment is effective January 1, 2025. “This strategic move is part of our leadership succession plan, initiated in 2021, and marks a significant milestone in our 35-year history,” Cornerstone said. “Mr. Heiman’s extensive experience and proven track record make him the ideal candidate to lead us into the future.” Simon Wan, chairman and CEO of Cornerstone, extends his heartfelt gratitude to Larry Shoemaker for his transformative leadership. “Larry’s unwavering dedication and visionary approach have been instrumental in establishing Cornerstone as a global enterprise,” he said. “In recognition of his invaluable contributions, Larry will assume the role of vice chairman, effective January 1, 2025, supporting our marketing and member development initiatives for the next three years, ensuring a seamless transition and continued growth.”
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has appointed Francesco Buquicchio as its new CEO, effective November 1. He succeeds Edilson Camara, following a strategic leadership transition and succession planning process. Mr. Buquicchio will be the seventh person to serve as CEO in Egon Zehnder’s 60-year history. The process to appoint a new CEO was headed by chair Michael Ensser with the support of the board and an advisory committee. It also included input from the entire partnership. “We thank Ed for his leadership over these past six years—he laid a strong foundation that enabled the firm to accelerate its growth. We are pleased to share that he will continue with the firm, returning to client work,” said Mr. Ensser. “As we begin our seventh decade, Francesco will leverage our expertise in discovering leaders, developing leadership, unlocking transformations, shaping successions and advancing governance to craft more distinct client and candidate experiences, prioritizing innovation, sustainability and long-term value creation.”
Chicago-based Ferguson Partners has appointed Graham R. Beatty as president. “As president, Graham is the ideal candidate given his deep expertise in the real assets industry, unwavering commitment to exceptional client service, and great respect by clients and colleagues alike. We are thrilled to have him on board,” said William J. Ferguson, co-chairman and CEO of the firm. “With a track record of success and unique understanding of today’s complex market, Graham is fully prepared to lead our company into the future by building upon Ferguson’s current strengths and further expanding our proven talent management solutions.”
New York City-based executive search firm Heyman Associates has appointed Jessamyn Katz as its new chief executive officer. Founder and CEO Bill Heyman, who established the firm in 1989, will be retiring at the end of the year. Ms. Katz has served as president since 2019. Mr. Heyman will remain as an advisor to the firm. “My life’s joy for the last 35 years has been building relationships and truly getting to know the incredible talent, leaders, and organizations we have served,” said Mr. Heyman. “Our firm has been responsible for filling top communications and corporate affairs roles for some of the world’s leading brands, corporations, foundations, academic institutions, and professional associations.”
Odgers Berndtson has named Kennon Kincaid as its new CEO for its U.S. business, succeeding Steve Potter, who has held the position for the past 12 years. Mr. Potter, who will remain an active board member, has grown the firm to become No. 12 on the Hunt Scanlon Top 50 Recruiters ranking in the U.S. “He has built a strong team, and a particular achievement has been hiring and developing Kennon as his successor,” Odgers Berndtson said. “They have worked closely together for five years as COO and CEO preparing for this transition.” Mr. Kincaid has spent the past four years as the Odgers Berndtson U.S. chief operating officer, where he oversaw its people, processes, and operations.
Related: Search Firms Bolster Their Own C-Suites to Broaden Push Into Talent Ecosystem
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media