Kirk Palmer Associates is a global executive search partner to the world’s leading consumer brands. Founded in 1987, we are industry specialists with a focus on retail, fashion, beauty, and consumer companies of all sizes and stages.
No one knows this talent community better than we do. With thousands of placements to show for it, we have spent the last forty years building deep and trusted relationships with the industry’s top executives, and many consider us to be career-long advisors and friends. This depth enables us to access, assess, and reference candidates in a way no other firm can.
Our work spans a broad range of CEO and C-Suite through VP-level roles across a vast array of functions, categories, and geographies.
Our partners are recognized for delivering exceptional service, constant momentum, a disciplined process, 24/7 responsiveness, and complete transparency.
In addition to our executive search services, we play a vital role in connecting our global retail and consumer brand community through the publication of our Daily News Brief.
Our values:
Trust
The work we do changes lives. That’s why our relationships and reputation within the industry are so vital to our work. We put extraordinary care into continuously earning the trust that has been the foundation of our business for almost four decades.
Respect
The way we treat people differentiates us. We’ve built a powerful brand around the simple philosophy that everyone we engage should be treated with dignity, respect, and an appreciation for differences.
Tenacity
With hard work as our firm-wide ethos, we’re relentless about doing the right thing in the right way. We communicate constantly, we seek far beyond the obvious, we follow up tirelessly, and we hold each other to the highest standards of quality and truth-seeking throughout each step of every search.
Inclusion
We know inclusion is an action, and it doesn’t happen without intention. As part of our longstanding commitment to present the right candidates – not just the obvious ones – we continuously grow our community with diverse talent that brings a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and perspectives.
Passion
We’re more than industry experts – we’re customers, advocates, and fans. Our love of brand and the industry infuses each partnership with palpable energy and momentum from beginning to end. We adhere to the highest professional standards, and we also have fun.
Expertise With Charisma
Clients describe us as authentic, knowledgeable, and fun industry experts. Candidates say our genuine care for the people we place sets us apart.
To learn more about our full team please click here
We are industry specialists with a broad and deep network of relationships spanning every channel and category of retail, fashion and beauty.
We work at the intersection of people and commerce, placing leaders in brands at every stage of growth.
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Rafeh Masood as chief commercial officer of The Aspen Group, one of the largest retail healthcare support organizations in the U.S. The search team consisted of Lindsay Stevens, Courtney Schluender, Brian Busse, and Sarah Basto. In his new role, Mr. Masood is responsible for brand strategy, go-to-market, patient
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Salima Popatia as president of Bare Necessities, a division of Delta Galil Industries. The search was led by Dana Levine and Jennifer Riemer. “Salima is a disciplined operator who thrives in complex digital-first environments,” said Isaac Dabah, CEO of Delta Galil. “She brings the accountability and
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Stephen Stanton as chief financial and operating officer of BRUNT Workwear. The search was led by Dana Levine, Suzannah Brown, and Jennifer Riemer. “As we head into our sixth year of business, the opportunity in front of us is bigger than ever,” said
Kirk Palmer Associates (KPA) an independent executive search firm dedicated exclusively to retail and consumer brands, this past July appointed search industry veteran MaryJeanne (MJ) Scott as its new CEO. A seasoned leader with more than 25 years in retail and executive search, Ms. Scott brings expanded capabilities to KPA’s global operations with a focus
The Aspen Group, one of the largest retail healthcare support organizations in the U.S., has appointed Rafeh Masood as Chief Commercial Officer, responsible for brand strategy, go-to-market, patient acquisition, digital platforms, and commercial performance across TAG’s portfolio of healthcare brands, which include Aspen Dental, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, WellNow Urgent Care, Chapter Aesthetic Studio, and
A.L.C. named Jennifer Somer as Chief Executive Officer. Somer brings over 20 years of experience to the fashion brand, with demonstrated results driving growth, transformation, and brand building across the consumer industry. She has led global brands through strategic initiatives spanning omnichannel marketplace management, digital transformation, product strategy, and brand positioning, with a focus on
Pura Vida Miami, a premier wellness and lifestyle brand backed by TSG Consumer, has named Andrew McCaughan as Chief Development Officer. In this role, McCaughan is responsible for driving thoughtful expansion into new markets, strengthening development capabilities, and ensuring each new location delivers the brand’s signature hospitality experience while supporting long-term growth. Andrew brings more
Ulta Beauty named Mia Young as SVP Cosmetics, overseeing fragrance, makeup, and private label and helping to drive the company’s merchandising strategy to launch, build, scale, and globalize the most exciting brands in beauty. Young is an experienced executive with almost 20 years of experience in beauty and a deep track record of brand development.
Kirk Palmer’s Daily News Brief
Thought Leadership
The Founders’ Guide to Building an Executive Leadership Team
Executive Search in the Age of AI
How AI Is Refining Today’s Leader
How Western Brands Can Leverage Asia’s Employers’ Market To Level up Their Executive Talent Pipeline
The Executive Formula for Scaling a Founder-Led Beauty Brand
4 Critical Challenges to Attracting Top Executive Talent in China
How Hospitality is Reshaping Luxury Retail Leadership
Weighting Prior Experience in the CEO Selection Process
What It Takes to Be a Beauty Leader Amid the Global Disruption
Why Attempts to Hire Diverse Executives Fail
What PE Firms Look for in Hiring Retail Leaders
The Talent Next Door: Hiring Executives from Neighboring Industries
Who to Hire for New Chief Roles
The Founder’s Guide to Hiring a CEO
Media Coverage
How to Get Hired in the Age of AI
What Makes a Successful Retail and Fashion Turnaround CEO?
Brands Are Turning to Chief Product Officers To Reignite Innovation
How Retail Leaders Should Approach Their Careers This Year
What’s Driving Footwear’s Recent Leadership Shuffle?
Do Board Rooms Reflect China’s Importance?
Fashion’s Evolving CEO Profile
Latest Insights on the Industry:
kirkpalmer.com/insights/perspectives/