Eastward Partners Recruits CEO for Living Earth – Mulch, Compost, Soils
April 25, 2024 – New York-based Eastward Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Manny Rodriguez as the new CEO of Living Earth – Mulch, Compost, Soils in Dallas, TX. The search was led by Brett Vecchio and Lonia Zylberman. “Eastward Partners is pleased to announce the appointment of Manny Rodriguez as chief executive officer for Living Earth – Mulch, Compost, Soils,” the search firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Manny will be playing a critical role in Living Earth’s continued market expansion and will drive the strategic finance initiatives at the company. We are thrilled about the partnership between Manny and the Living Earth team and are excited to see continued growth for the company.”
Mr. Rodriguez is an experienced executive leader that has rebuilt and unified teams to grow market share, increase profits and reduce cost. He has a track record in increasing profitability, driving continuous improvement and leading change. Previously, Mr. Rodriguez was a director with Service Experts Heating & Airconditioning. Before this, he was CEO of The Collaborative Realm. During his career, Mr. Rodriguez gained experience with Schneider Electric, TIGERFLOW Pumps, Xylem, and Waste Management. He is also a former Army aviation officer who excels in leading teams through change and adversity.
“I’m thrilled to share that I’ve assumed the role of chief executive officer at Living Earth – Mulch, Compost, Soils,” said Mr. Rodriguez. “Also known as Living Earth Technology Company and the LETCO Group, Living Earth has over 30 production and distribution locations, making it the largest company of our kind in the USA. I am extremely grateful to the Board and our ownership for entrusting me with our amazing teammates and customers. I look forward to years ahead as we cement our leadership role in sustainability.”
Eastward Partners is a venture backed, retained executive search, and human capital consulting firm with offices in New York City, Miami, and Chicago. 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.
Portfolio of Work
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.
Eastward Partners Names Equity Partner
Eastward Partners has named Brett Vecchio as an equity partner. He will now head the New York office and continue to support Eastward’s private equity search capability. “Brett and I have worked together for the better part of a decade, so to be part of his ascension from a staff member in one of my practice areas 10 years ago to a partner today, standing shoulder to shoulder is an incredible experience for me and more importantly, a testament to his dedication over the years to his craft,” said Joe Carbone, founder and CEO. “I look forward to continuing the partnership with Brett.”
“A well-earned promotion has seen Vecchio utilize his specialist expertise to expand Eastward’s market share in private equity,” the search firm said. “Partnering with some of the world’s most prestigious private equity, venture capital, and financial advisory companies, Vecchio advises on human capital and executive search engagements.”
Ms. Zylberman is an accomplished professional with a diverse background and a track record in executive search and recruitment. Currently serving as a director at Eastward Partners, she works in the firm’s PE practice, driving strategic hiring initiatives for top-tier investors. Her expertise lies in candidate research, pipeline development, candidate management, and client consultation, ensuring a seamless and successful hiring process.
Mr. Vecchio has spent the past decade partnering with some of the world’s most prestigious private equity, venture capital, and financial advisory companies, advising on a widespread area of human capital and talent engagements. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, he joined forces with founder and managing partner, Joe Carbone, to help start Eastward Search Partners.
Related: 7 Ways to Unlock Value with Executive Search Firms
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
