DHR Global Names Partner in the Washington, D.C. Region
April 13, 2026 – Talent advisory firm DHR Global has named Jessica Bayer to managing partner, Washington, D.C. In this role, she will lead the firm’s continued growth and market presence in the Washington, D.C. region, while maintaining her responsibilities as managing partner of the corporate affairs & communications practice. “Washington, D.C. is a uniquely complex market where corporate affairs, communications, and policy intersect,” said Priya Taneja, CEO of DHR Global. “Jessica’s expertise in advising organizations through high-stakes, multi-stakeholder environments makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead our growth in the region.”
Ms. Bayer brings deep expertise advising organizations on senior-level talent across corporate affairs, communications, and public affairs functions. Since joining DHR, she has played a central role in building and expanding the firm’s corporate affairs & communications practice, partnering with clients to identify leaders who can navigate complex stakeholder environments and drive organizational impact.
Ms. Bayer has more than two decades of experience in executive search and talent acquisition, with a focus on corporate communications, government affairs, investor relations, and marketing leadership roles. Prior to joining DHR Global, she spent over five years as an executive director at a communications-focused executive search firm Patino Associates. Earlier in her career, she served as vice president of U.S. talent acquisition at a leading global public relations agency, where she led senior-level recruitment across multiple sectors, including corporate, healthcare, technology, financial, and consumer.
Throughout her career, Ms. Bayer has worked across a wide range of industries, advising clients on talent strategy in areas including media relations, internal communications, public affairs, corporate social responsibility, and crisis communications.
“I’m excited to expand my role supporting the Washington, D.C. market while continuing to grow our corporate affairs & communications practice,” said Ms. Bayer. “This is a critical time for organizations navigating complex regulatory, reputational, and stakeholder landscapes, and we are focused on helping our clients build leadership teams equipped to meet those challenges.”
Related: DHR Global Partners with Illuma Search
Since 1989, DHR Global has been a leading, privately held provider of executive search solutions with more than 50 wholly owned offices spanning the globe. The firm’s consultants specialize in all industries and functions, providing senior-level executive search, management assessment, and succession planning services.
Expansion in Seoul
DHR Global recently expanded with the addition of David Cho as a partner in the industrial, technology and private equity practice groups, based in the Seoul office. “We are delighted to welcome David back to DHR Global,” said Philippe Tirault, managing partner, Korea. “His ability to advise clients across technology, industrial, and private equity sectors, combined with his deep relationships in the Korean market, strengthens our platform and brings added value to both local and global clients.”
DHR Global Appoints First Woman, Nonfamily Member as CEO
DHR Global has marked a historic milestone with the appointment of Priya Taneja as CEO, making her the first nonfamily member — and the first woman of color — to lead the firm in its 36-year history. In an exclusive interview with Hunt Scanlon Media, Ms. Taneja shared her strategic vision for DHR’s next chapter, including thoughtful global expansion, investment in talent, and the integration of innovative technologies to enhance client service. Her appointment signals not only a new era of growth for the firm but also a significant step forward for diversity and representation in the executive search industry.
Mr. Cho advises clients on building leadership teams that drive organizational growth and improve retention, with a focus on aligning talent strategies to business objectives. “By immersing himself in each client’s culture, he develops solutions that strengthen organizational infrastructure and create long-term stability,” DHR said. “He brings the same passion for career development to his client work, guiding top talent as they navigate their professional journeys.”
Prior to rejoining DHR, Mr. Cho worked with a local search firm in Korea, recruiting executives across finance, sales, marketing, and engineering in industries including web technology, global information technology, and consumer and retail. Earlier in his career, he served as CEO of Forza Motors Korea (FMK), an importer of Italian luxury auto brands, and as country manager of Double A.
Related: DHR Global Appoints Leader for Houston Office
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
