Heidrick & Struggles Launches Government & Defense Tech Practice
May 5, 2025 – Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has launched its government & defense tech practice. “It is estimated that governments account for roughly 10 percent of total spend on technology and IT services globally—highlighting a growing opportunity for frontier tech and government entities alike to realize a more innovative future,” Heidrick said. “With more than 200 completed engagements, this practice reinforces the firm’s commitment to the sector, bringing expertise from decades of client work, to ensure the right leaders are leading in the right way for these organizations providing technology solutions to governments at the national, state, and local levels globally.”
“As technology has become integral to government and society, it is critical that technology solution providers have the talent necessary to help governments address their biggest challenges and opportunities – from resolving technical debt to continuing digital transformation, to incorporating next-generation technologies which better serve and protect citizens around the world,” said Jason Schmucker, partner, Heidrick & Struggles and leader of the government & defense tech practice. “Our proven track record of guiding government & defense tech clients through periods of significant growth and transformation — by placing new leaders, coaching and developing existing leaders, and enabling top teams and organizations to operate more effectively — uniquely positions Heidrick & Struggles to continue supporting clients in today’s fast-changing, ever-evolving, and interconnected world.”
As governments lean on technology solution providers now more than ever – for capabilities ranging from cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity to AI and robotics – the new practice brings together more than 30 experienced search and consulting partners from Heidrick’s technology, IT services, aerospace & defense, energy, private equity, and venture capital practices across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia markets.
Related: Heidrick & Struggles Unveils 2025 Global and Regional Leadership Appointments
“Our ever-evolving geopolitical and technological landscape, coupled with broader workforce shifts, has created a pressing need for next-generation, agile leadership and workforce ecosystems in what’s traditionally been an insular industry,” said Sam Burman, global managing partner, frontier tech at Heidrick & Struggles. “We have a strong foundation to build on and are excited for what we will continue to accomplish alongside our clients. Our global, cross-industry expertise will be crucial in helping clients navigate market dynamics and gain a competitive, tech-driven edge.”
Newly Appointed CFO
Heidrick recently appointed Nirupam Sinha as its new CFO. “Nirupam Sinha is a proven financial leader with a passion for strategy, transformation, and people leadership across professional services, financial services, and technology,” said Mr. Monahan. “Throughout his career, Nirupam has helped lead transformative financial management and value creation, all while advancing organizational growth, making him the ideal leader to create value for clients, colleagues and shareholders. Nirupam has the strategic insight, leadership skills and deep experience to support Heidrick & Struggles as the world’s most trusted partner in leadership and critical talent decisions, focused on building differentiated, deep and durable relationships with the world’s most leadership-obsessed companies.”
Heidrick & Struggles Taps Outsider as CEO; Other Leadership Moves Announced
Heidrick & Struggles has announced that president and CEO Krishnan Rajagopalan has decided to retire, after more than 23 years with the firm. Following a planned succession process, the board has appointed Thomas L. Monahan to succeed Mr. Rajagopalan as CEO and member of the board, effective March 4. Mr. Monahan currently serves as managing partner of Norton Street Holdings and was previously president and CEO of DeVry University. Mr. Rajagopalan will step down, effective March 4, 2024, and will retire from the firm as of April 1, 2024, after which he will continue to serve as an advisor. “Search firms are highly focused on trying to leverage data, innovative technology, analytics, and IT to not only lift their client’s performance, but also their own,” said Scott Scanlon, CEO of Hunt Scanlon Media. “Bringing in this outsider at this time makes a whole lot of sense.”
Mr. Sinha is a tested leader with extensive experience across professional services, financial services, and technology. He previously served as CFO of Checkout.com, a global payments company, where he oversees a team of more than 200 across accounting, treasury, tax, FP&A, investor relations, and strategy as well as other groups.
“We are in a pivotal time when people and leadership can make or break a business, making the work at Heidrick & Struggles ever more important,” said Mr. Sinha. “Heidrick & Struggles has long served at the heart of talent strategy and continues to innovate and expand its offerings in an increasingly transformative market. I believe we have an exciting road ahead as a firm and I’m honored to be a part of it. As Heidrick & Struggles continues to grow, I look forward to helping the company continue to scale and deliver strong performance for our clients and shareholders around the world.”
Related: Heidrick & Struggles Elects New Board Members
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
