Diversified Search Group Names Vice Chair and Leader of Global Corporate Practice Group

June 16, 2021 – Diversified Search Group has appointed Aileen K. Alexander to the newly created position as vice chair and leader of the firm’s global corporate practice group. “Aileen Alexander is an innovator,” said founder and chair Judith M. von Seldeneck. “Her exceptional experience and industry insights will contribute significantly not only to our rapidly growing firm, but also to our clients as we cultivate new leadership for a changing world.”

“Our firm is – and always has been – focused on building authentic, long-lasting relationships with leaders,” said Dale E. Jones, CEO. “Aileen’s reputation as a leader in the industry who puts people first will help us to drive even greater collective impact for our clients. We are delighted that she has chosen Diversified Search Group to help further our mission of shaping the recruiting industry for the next generation of leaders.”

Ms. Alexander joins the firm from Korn Ferry, where she co-founded and co-led the firm’s global cybersecurity practice and was managing partner and leader of its Philadelphia office, where Diversified Search Group is headquartered. She brings with her a sterling reputation, according to colleagues, as one of the most well respected and influential talent leaders across the technology, digital, security, and regulatory landscape. Her clients included large, global corporations, and high growth entrepreneurial outfits, spanning a diverse array of industries.

With a background in international security and defense policy, Ms. Alexander is a graduate of The Johns Hopkins University, and earned a masters from the Harvard Kennedy School. She has held positions in government in the Defense Department and on the Armed Services Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a military veteran, having served as a captain in the U.S. Army.

In her new role with Diversified Search Group, Ms. Alexander will be working within several key practice areas, including: life sciences, energy, technology, financial services, private equity, consumer & retail, supply chain, industrial, and sports, media & entertainment. She will also be serving on the board of AltoPartners, the firm’s global alliance.

“Diversified Search Group’s foundation and purpose inspire me,” Ms. Alexander said. “They are pioneers in the industry with a long track record of delivering diverse and inclusive leadership across industries. I’m energized to join the company at this moment and look forward to contributing to their momentum and growth.”

Diversified Search Group is a family of recruiting firms serving specialized sectors. The firm was founded almost five decades ago by Ms. 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.

Recent Growth

Diversified Search recently added three managing directors – Steve Edwards, Robin Goolsbee and David Kuguru – to its burgeoning non-profit, corporate and life sciences practices. Following an accelerated demand for new leadership in the wake of the pandemic, the search firm says it has seen a 30 percent surge in business and market growth in all sectors. Mr. Edwards joins the firm’s non-profit and connected leadership practices, based in Chicago. Before joining Diversified Search Group, Mr. Edwards served as chief content officer of WBEZ Chicago Public Media, Chicago’s NPR News station. Ms. Goolsbee joins the corporate and life sciences practices, also based in Chicago. For the last eight years, Ms. Goolsbee has served as a senior principal with Business Talent Group, the largest network of independent consultants in the U.S. Mr. Kuguru joins the corporate practice, based in Washington, D.C. He joins Diversified Search Group following time with T-Mobile/Sprint, serving as director of internet of things sales.

Earlier this year, the firm added veteran search executive Margaret Resce Milkint as a managing director and leader of its global insurance practice, in Chicago. “Margaret brings not only a wealth of experience, but also so much more,” said Mr. Jones. “Her strategic thinking, unparalleled market knowledge, and emotional intelligence will be invaluable assets as we recruit and place tomorrow’s leaders in healthcare and insurance.”

“As someone who has been a strong advocate for women in business since the founding of the firm, I am always thrilled to welcome an outstanding, accomplished woman into our company,” said Ms. von Seldeneck. “Margaret’s key leadership abilities and experience – and her commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, which mirror our own – will be invaluable.”

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