Eastward Partners Acquires Press and Associates

July 17, 2024 – New York-based Eastward Partners has acquired executive search firm Press and Associates. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Press & Associates, founded by its namesake, Paul Press, in December 2016 to be a search firm that exclusively supports private equity firms, and their portfolio companies hire executive-level talent across the technology function. Prior to the acquisition, the firm became known for supplying tech leadership talent across PE-backed portfolio companies and building firm-level value creation teams for large cap private equity firms.

The alignment of the firm’s shared markets with differing functional focus was obvious to Eastward’s Adam Szepkouski, chief operating officer and board member, who made the introduction.

“Having admired Paul’s work from afar and referring each other’s services when a specialist hire was required for our clients, the time came when it made sense to join forces,” said Joe Carbone, CEO of Eastward Partners. We have a lot of commonalities among our network, and both share an unrelenting drive to provide exceptional service. Our operating models are similar, and we work extremely well together, so it made sense for both parties.”

“Eastward’s proprietary research tool, ECHO, and its human capital research function are where our clients will see so much value,” said Mr. Press. “There is no one out there in the search industry who leverages data like this. In addition to Press & Associates’ extensive experience serving our clients, we’ll be able to leverage comprehensive human capital data and analytics research to provide a market-leading and unparalleled executive search service. I’m delighted to be able to bring such value to my clients and join the Eastward journey.”

“We’re building an exceptional team to service our market and continue our ongoing expansion plans,” said Mr. Carbone. “This is the start of our roadmap to continue working with the best Executive Search Professionals and add value to a wider array of clients with our search and research capabilities.”

Eastward Partners is a venture backed, retained executive search, and human capital consulting firm with offices in New York City, Miami, Chicago, and London. It was founded with a focus on delivering talent acquisition solutions that lead to immediate and sustainable results within PE, PE backed, and privately held organizations. Approached through the lens of strategic human capital management, the firm partners with clients to optimize core business functions essential to long-term value creation.

Eastward Partners’ portfolio of work is focused on retained mandates for leadership positions as well as the building of high performing teams. They are on focused on building capabilities for clients within private equity, professional services and corporates.

Recent Deals

Acquisitions and consolidations continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Here is a sampling from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:

Hudson RPO, a global total talent solutions company owned by Old Greenwich, Conn.-based recruiting firm Hudson Global Inc., has acquired Striver, a Dubai-based executive search firm. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “With the new acquisition of Striver in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Hudson RPO is strongly equipped to partner with new and existing clients for their senior talent acquisition needs in the rapidly growing Middle East region,” the company said. “We are pleased to continue to expand and enhance our offering in the executive search space,” said Jake Zabkowicz, global CEO of Hudson. “This furthers our ability to become and remain a core strategic partner for our clients as we assist them in putting the right people in place at all levels of their organizations to develop and execute a winning business strategy.”

ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has acquired Ignata Finance Group, a U.K.-based executive search & finance recruitment and interim placement business. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Partnering with Ignata will enable our European growth strategy both in private equity but across our shared global customers, especially in the U.K.,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “Adding Ignata to the family of ZRG companies puts us another step closer to true global talent advisory.” Founded in 2017, Ignata partners with VC, PE, and listed organizations seeking chief financial officers and their teams. “We continue our commitment to build a world-class business, employing passionate consultants that are experts in their fields. The partnership with ZRG marks a pivotal moment in our global expansion,” said Ben Searls, founder of Ignata. “By joining forces with ZRG, we are not only enhancing our C-suite capabilities but also broadening our reach internationally.”

Paris-headquartered search firm Alexander Hughes has acquired Chicago-based DSML Executive Search. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The move marks a significant milestone in Alexander Hughes’ global growth strategy, positioning the firm as the global executive search and leadership firm of choice for businesses and corporations worldwide,” the search firm said. “The acquisition includes two new offices, one in Chicago and one in Boston.” In addition, Alexander Hughes will retain Myriam Le Cannellier, co-founder and director of DSML Executive Search, who becomes the managing partner of Alexander Hughes USA, and her team of experienced executive search professionals. “This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for our group,” said Julien Rozet, CEO of Alexander Hughes. “We are very proud to strengthen our presence in the U.S. and to have Myriam Le Cannellier and her team at the helm. Her expertise aligns perfectly with our commitment to deliver the highest standard of executive search and leadership advisory services globally.”

The Elevate Sports Ventures agency has acquired SRI and launched Elevate Talent, a new executive search and global talent advisory practice. The new firm will recruit senior leaders across sports, entertainment, media, lifestyle, technology, and gaming. Elevate is led by Al Guido, who also serves as president of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers.  Jim Chaplin, formerly CEO of SRI, will become global president of Elevate Talent. In his 14 years at the helm of SRI, Mr. Chaplin and his management team have spearheaded the firm’s transformation from a U.K.-based sports specialist firm to a global company in the executive search space, helping organizations with board structure, governance, and C-suite issues with talent and advisory solutions. “For the team at SRI, becoming part of Elevate feels like a perfect match,” said Mr. Chaplin. “We share a foundation in the world of sports and have used that particular vantage point to deliver for clients across a wide range of consumer-facing sectors. Our common experience, aligned to a rigorous, data-driven approach, gives us the tools to set organizations up for success.”

Related: Randstad Acquires Finite Group in Australia and New Zealand

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