Allen Austin is a Houston-headquartered retained executive search and leadership advisory firm, founded in 1996, with partners managing client engagements from offices across North America and Europe. In 30 years of continuous operation, the firm has completed more than 4,000 retained engagements without abandoning a single assignment — a record that reflects a fundamental commitment to seeing every engagement through to a successful outcome.
The firm’s approach to executive search is governed by Foresight™, a proprietary evidence-based process developed and refined over three decades. Unlike conventional search, Foresight™ begins with a rigorous Organizational and Position Needs Analysis — defining culture, performance expectations, and measurable success criteria before a single candidate is sourced. The result is a 92% placement retention rate at the two-year mark, compared to a 55% industry average, and a 97% offer-to-acceptance ratio, compared to a 70% industry norm. Every placement above $250,000 in total compensation is backed by a full two-year guarantee.
Allen Austin’s capabilities extend beyond search to include leadership assessment through its proprietary VantagePoint™ platform, executive coaching, organizational culture and performance advisory, founder and board advisory, and interim and fractional leadership placement. These capabilities are designed as an integrated system that supports the full leadership lifecycle — from organizational health diagnostics to executive placement, onboarding, and long-term leadership development.
Every engagement is led by a senior partner from start to finish. There are no junior handoffs. Clients engage the firm for a single search and frequently return for broader leadership challenges that arise in the course of that search.
Rob Andrews, Chairman and CEO, founded Allen Austin after a career as an operating president with P&L responsibility for enterprises of up to $2.4 billion in revenue and 10,600 employees. He is the author of High-Performance Human Capital Leadership and has been published in several professional publications, including the National Association of Corporate Directors’ Directorship Magazine on board governance and leadership risk. He is currently completing doctoral work in organizational leadership at the University of Texas.
Executive search firm Allen Austin has placed Angelique Grado as chief information security officer of MRC Global Inc., a global industrial distributor of pipe, valves, fittings and related products and services to the energy industry. Partners Namrata Banga and Kevin Stewart led the assignment. Ms. Grado brings 20 years of information security, system architecture and project management
Executive search firm Allen Austin has named Michael Catlow as managing partner of the firm’s business in Asia Pacific. In this role, he will lead the firm’s activities across Asia Pacific with an immediate focus on the key hub markets of China, Singapore, Indonesia and Australia. Mr. Catlow has over 25 years of experience working across APAC
Search firms continue to expand into new areas whether it be via acquisition, alliance or launching new services. The trend has been seen at large recruiters and small boutiques alike as recruiters hope to provide clients with best-in-class services for finding, assessing, onboarding and retaining their senior level talent. The latest meeting of the minds?
Executive search firm Allen Austin has added Paul Moran as managing partner and global technology practice leader. He will be based in the firm’s Boston office. Mr. Moran has over 25 years of experience in executive search and leadership solutions servicing clients on a variety of projects across functions, including board selection, general management, professional services, sales, marketing, finance,
Insights & Thought Leadership
What Apple’s CEO Transition Got Right And Why Most Boards Overlook This Lesson – boardmember.com
Why leadership assessments are failing HR leaders—and how to fix them – HR Executive Magazine
Why Execution Risk Fails to Show Up in Board Materials – National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Online