Gerard Stewart Finds CEO for ettain group

November 9, 2018 – Atlanta-based executive search firm Gerard Stewart has placed Trent Beekman as the new CEO of staffing firm ettain group. The company’s past CEO Jeff Harris has taken on the role of chairman. The assignment was led by the firm’s founder and managing partner, Lisa Maxwell.

Previously, Mr. Beekman led Modis North America’s retail temporary staffing and permanent placement business. He was a leader within the Adecco Group’s North American finance and office organization for the past 15 years, most recently as senior VP, eastern zone, for the accounting principals Ajilon and Parker+Lynch brands.

“Trent’s experience will lead ettain group through its next pivotal phase of growth,” said Mr. Harris. “His personal philosophies and vision strongly align with the values-driven, competitive, quality-based culture and company ettain group is. We weren’t necessarily looking for someone with experience in our industry; we needed a great leader to keep the momentum going. We were fortunate that in Trent we got both.”

Founded in 1996 by Mr. Harris and Brian Deblitz and headquartered in Charlotte, NC, ettain group has eight offices in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and in Texas. With revenues exceeding $100 million, ettain is a leader in the industry, most recently ranking no.34 on Staffing Industry Analysts’ list of “Largest IT Staffing Companies.” The firm also won Inavero’s Best of Staffing Diamond Awards for both client and talent satisfaction earlier this year, winning in both categories for over five years in a row.

“After recapitalizing with New Mainstream Capital, ettain group was looking for someone who could preserve the company culture and values while leading them into their next phase of growth and expansion,” said Ms. Maxwell. “Trent Beekman’s wealth of experience in professional services, including having led a large portfolio of business for the Adecco Group, is exceptional. He’s a great fit for ettain group.”

International Recruiters

Gerard Stewart focuses on recruitment for C-suite executives in the human capital space, including for private equity firms, HR technology, HR services and talent solutions companies.

The team at Gerard Stewart advises client companies on recruiting and retaining leaders and helps mitigate the risks involved with senior-level appointments. The firm has completed engagements across the global human capital landscape. Its client list includes firms in staffing, workforce management, human capital consulting, information technology services, vendor management software, recruitment process outsourcing, managed service providers, professional services and outsourcing. Gerard Stewart has additional offices in London and Menlo Park, CA.

Here is a sampling of some of the Gerard Stewart’s search work:

  • The firm recruited Karen O’Boyle as chief commercial officer of RiseSmart, a provider of contemporary career transition services. “Because of the specialty of career transition and outplacement services, there are very few people who have Karen’s level of experience,” said Ms. Maxwell. “She brings the perfect blend of tried-and-true outplacement strategy and the more agile, tech-driven approach being implemented today by firms like RiseSmart. Karen has the right combination of knowledge and empathy that makes her exceptional at what she does.”
  • Gerard Stewart also placed Steve Heeg as CEO of GrapeTree Medical Staffing. “Steve has unparalleled expertise in strategic healthcare leadership,” said Tim Kinnetz, GrapeTree founder and board member. “GrapeTree has already experienced exponential growth and I have the utmost trust in Steve and the support of my New Mainstream Capital partners to lead our company into new levels of success.”
  • The firm also recruited Jim Hanrahan, an accomplished industry veteran, as executive vice president and chief financial officer of TalentWave, a provider of independent workforce engagement solutions. Mr. Hanrahan has nearly 20 years of experience in the talent ecosystem, holding executive-level financial and operating positions in both publicly-held companies and companies with private equity backing.
  • Lastly, Gerard Stewart placed Vincent Lombardo as CFO of Hospitality Staffing Solutions, a provider of supplemental and outsourced staffing solutions for the hospitality industry. “Gerard Stewart was asked to conduct the search for the CFO position based on our deep staffing expertise,” said Ms. Maxwell. “More private equity firms are coming to us with requests for CFOs with staffing experience for their human capital management portfolio companies. Private equity involvement in staffing continues to increase, and consequently is providing many opportunities for the industry, including more resources and flexibility to grow business. It’s an exciting time for the staffing industry.”

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

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