DHR Global Partners with Illuma Search
April 28, 2025 – Talent advisory firm DHR Global has announced that Grant Zallis, founder and CEO of Illuma Search Partners, has joined the firm as managing partner, emerging technology. “This strategic partnership brings Illuma’s exceptional track record in emerging tech and its impressive client base of venture- and private equity-backed companies into the DHR platform,” DHR said. “It combines DHR’s global reach, technology focus, and partner community with Illuma’s hands-on, results-driven approach to executive search.”
“Joining DHR Global is an exciting opportunity to combine our combined strengths and deliver even greater value to our clients,” said Mr. Zallis. “DHR’s mission to provide unparalleled executive search services aligns perfectly with my commitment to client success. Together, we’ll continue to drive innovation and excellence in leadership hiring.”
Mr. Zallis began his career as a C-level executive, serving as chief operating officer and chief human resources officer for venture-backed companies. “With firsthand experience leading teams through periods of transformation, he brings an operator’s perspective to every search,” DHR said. “In 2018, Mr. Zallis founded Illuma Search Partners and served as its CEO for seven years. Together with a team of exceptional partners, he built Illuma into a boutique firm recognized for its business-focused approach to executive search. The move to DHR allows Grant and the Illuma team to continue offering trusted, expert-led search while expanding its reach and resources through a global platform. Zallis has a proven track record of helping companies hire transformational leaders who drive growth and scalability. He’s led hundreds of executive searches, with a strong emphasis on CEO, revenue, technology, and product leadership roles.”
Based in Chicago, Mr. Zallis specializes in working with venture- and private equity-backed technology companies experiencing high growth or transformation.
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.
Recent Promotions
In February, DHR named Pratibha Jindal and Kenny Gregor as partners and Suvankar Banerjee as managing partner. Ms. Jindal, who has been with the firm for three years, plays a key role in recruiting top talent for industrial companies throughout India. She has been an integral part of DHR’s industrial practice Group, specializing in attracting senior talent to lead industrial and manufacturing companies. Before joining DHR, Ms. Jindal was a principal consultant at Indian boutique search firm 3P Consultants, leading searches in the automotive, packaging, and engineering fields.
Related: DHR Global Expands New Bangalore Office
Mr. Gregor, who becomes a partner in the firm’s board & CEO and non-profit practices, has more than 12 years of executive search experience, specializing in leadership placements within education, non-profit, and healthcare and board placements across a variety of sectors. He has worked closely with post-secondary institutions in Western Canada such as the University of Alberta, Mount Royal University, NAIT, and Bow Valley College among others to source and place top senior administrators.
DHR Global Adds New PartnersDHR Global expanded with the additions of Sarah Zielke and David Morgenbesser as partners. Ms. Zielke, who joins the firm’s Chicago office will also be member of the healthcare services & solutions and private equity practice groups. She brings more than 25 years of experience in executive search and leadership consulting, with a deep focus on healthcare and private equity. Ms. Zielke’s expertise lies in identifying C-suite executives for leading organizations, helping to drive senior leadership across industries. Before joining DHR, she was a partner at a boutique executive search firm, where she specialized in private equity and supported healthcare organizations in finding senior leaders.
Based in the firm’s Delhi, India, office, Mr. Suvankar has been instrumental in attracting senior talent to industrial companies across India. With a career spanning executive consulting and leadership roles in the engineering and energy sectors, his expertise encompasses advanced materials; chemical, energy, and renewables; and engineered products. Mr. Suvankar also works with single-family offices and their portfolio companies, advising on leadership strategies and talent acquisition. Before joining DHR, he was director and energy practice head at Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.
Related: DHR Global Expands New Bangalore Office
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
