HTP Group Adds New Partners
January 23, 2026 – HTP Group has expanded with the additions of Francesco D’Aniello as partner for Germany and Els Van de Water as partner EMEA. Mr. D’Aniello brings more than 25 years of experience in executive search, consulting, and human resources. His core expertise lies in the identification and selection of senior executives and highly qualified specialists for national and international organizations, across a wide range of industries.
“Francesco’s entrepreneurial background, international experience, and long-standing expertise in executive search make him a strong addition to our partner team,” said Ineke Arts and Raffaele Jacovelli, managing directors of HTP Group. “His appointment reflects our ambition to continue strengthening our presence in Germany and to support our clients with high-impact, cross-border executive solutions.”
Prior to joining HTP Group, Mr. D’Aniello was a partner at a Frankfurt-based executive search firm, where he led high-profile mandates across sectors including consumer goods, automotive, professional services, and management consulting. Since 2020, he has also advised international consulting firms and financial services clients, while acting as co-founder and partner of a digital HR consulting start-up. Over the years, Mr. D’Aniello has founded and managed consulting businesses, led international projects, and built specialized executive search boutiques, particularly within healthcare and professional services. He is fluent in German, Italian, and English.
At HTP Group, Mr. D’Aniello will focus on further developing the firm’s executive search activities in Germany, working in close collaboration with HTP’s international partner team to support clients facing complex leadership and organizational challenges. He is based in Frankfurt and Berlin and works closely with clients in Germany and internationally.
“I am delighted to join HTP Group as partner for Germany,” said Mr. D’Aniello. “HTP’s entrepreneurial spirit, international collaboration, and strong reputation in executive search resonate strongly with my own approach. I look forward to working closely with clients to support them in building strong, future-ready leadership teams.”
EMEA Expansion
Ms. Van de Water brings more than 25 years of experience across human resources, consulting and executive search, working with organizations across technology, healthcare, financial services and other sectors. She is passionate about leadership development, organizational transformation and helping leaders and teams thrive. A Belgian national, Ms. Van de Water has lived and worked in across Europe and the Middle East, speaks six languages, and is a professor at Collège des Ingénieurs and Luiss Business School. She previously served as global head of people for patient safety and quality at Philips, leading the people strategy.
Related: Hightech Partners Expands Senior Staff
“Els’ extensive international experience, deep expertise in leadership and executive search, and strong academic and coaching background make her a valuable addition to our partner team,” said Ms. Arts and Mr. Jacovelli. “Her appointment reflects our ambition to further strengthen our presence across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and to support our clients with integrated leadership and executive search solutions in an increasingly complex, cross-border environment.”
At HTP Group, Ms. Van de Water will play a key role in further developing the firm’s leadership consulting offering alongside executive search, helping clients build high-performing, future-ready leadership teams.
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“I am thrilled to be joining HTP Group,” said Ms. Van de Water. “HTP’s borderless philosophy, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong culture of international collaboration resonate deeply with me. I’m excited to work closely with clients and colleagues to help build strong, future-ready leadership teams together.”
HTP Group is a European executive search and leadership advisory organization, born from three specialized firms: Hightech Partners, focused on digital executive search and leadership consulting; Hoffman & Associates, a generalist executive search and interim management firm; and Ataya & Partners, a search firm focused on cybersecurity and digital governance. With offices in Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva, Milan, Paris and Rotterdam, and a network of local partners, HTP Group operates across Europe.
Related: HTP Group Expands in Spain
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
