Diversified Search Group Appoints Practice Leader
February 9, 2024 – Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has named Caitlin Iseler as practice leader and managing director, software technology. She is based in Philadelphia, PA, and Jackson Hole, WY. “As a VC-backed founder and talent advisor Caitlin approaches every client and engagement with a listen-first approach to ensure the best long-term fit for investors, companies and executives alike,” said Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of Diversified Search Group. “We’re so thrilled to welcome Caitlin to our team and to leverage her expertise for the benefit of our clients and candidates.”
Ms. Iseler most recently served as a partner at Korn Ferry, the founder of a software-focused executive search firm, and the founder of Happyly, an HR tech software business, which is a partner to DSG. Happyly’s tools help users accomplish personal wellness goals – from improving mental and physical health to strengthening teammate connections.
“In addition to her role leading the practice at the firm, Iseler brings her passion for employee engagement and company culture to share internally and externally with clients through Happyly, a corporate engagement platform designed to unite teams through volunteerism and wellness activities,” the search firm said. “DSG is excited to partner with Happyly to streamline the process of bringing teams together in meaningful ways.”
“The opportunity to join Aileen and DSG is a full circle moment bringing together my experience in executive search, passion for working with technology companies and creating exceptional cultures,” said Ms. Iseler. “It’s a gift when you can work with people you respect and have an impact in ways that connect to your personal purpose. I’m blown away by the collective brands that make DSG special and the teams’ commitment to making a difference in the world and elevating diverse leadership. I’m also enthused about Happyly’s partnership with DSG and how the collective expertise and passions can win together.”
Ms. Iseler has a concentration in general management (CEOs, CFOs, CHROs/CPOs and go-to-market) leadership. She has spent the past 20 years both as an executive search founder and as a partner in a large global consulting firm working with PE backed software companies.
“Caitlin is an experienced founder, entrepreneur, and advisor with proven experience working with leadership teams focused on culture as a performance driver,” said Megan Shattuck, vice chair and global managing partner, corporate practice leader at Diversified Search Group. “As DSG continues to focus on our ambitions in the Technology sector, Caitlin’s leadership will be instrumental to our next phase of growth.”
Five Decades of Finding Senior Leaders
Diversified Search Group is a family of recruiting firms serving specialized sectors. The firm was founded almost five decades ago by Judith von Seldeneck for the express purpose of placing diverse candidates in client organizations. It is today the largest U.S. female-owned and founded firm in the executive recruitment industry. It is comprised of a combination of specialty practices with deep industry expertise under industry recognized brands, including Alta Associates, BioQuest, Koya Partners, Grant Cooper, and Storbeck Search.
Related: Diversified Search Group Appoints Leaders for Education Practice
Diversified Search Group recently appointed Lauren E. Smith as co-head of its board and governance practice. She is helping to expand the firm’s impact in the boardroom. Ms. Smith shares leadership of the practice with Veronica Biggins. “Lauren’s passion for how our firm can make a difference in the boardroom is infectious. I am thrilled to have her join Veronica Biggins, who founded our practice, and is a widely recognized and highly regarded leader in the industry,” said Ms. Alexander. “Working together in this growing area will enable us to expand our reach to have an impact in even more corporate boardrooms.”
Ms. Smith joined Diversified Search Group in 2008 as managing director and has recruited senior executives from a broad range of industries for C-suite and boardroom positions. She conducts senior-level executive search assignments for clients ranging from high-growth early-stage organizations to multinational corporations, specializing in working with companies that are growing and/or transforming into new markets and businesses.
Diversified Search Group also recently named Megan Shattuck as global managing partner of its corporate business. Drawing on over 25 years of experience in media, journalism, and advising Fortune 500 public and private company CEOs and boards, she will lead Diversified Search Group’s global corporate business across executive search, board advisory and governance, corporate affairs, client development, and the expansion of products and partnerships contributing to the growth of the firm. Ms. Shattuck, who will be based in New York, joins as a member of the executive management team and will work closely with Ms. Alexander.
Ms. Shattuck has a track record of advising leadership teams with advice across performance, culture, and talent advisory. She has conducted hundreds of board director and executive search assignments representing a range of industries spanning Fortune 10 to pre-IPO. She has expertise in company transformation, board advisory, corporate governance, corporate affairs, and reputational risk management.
Related: Diversified Search Group Appoints CEO
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
