Hudson Global RPO Appoints CEO
November 29, 2023 – Hudson RPO, a global total talent solutions company owned by Old Greenwich, Conn.-based recruiting firm Hudson Global Inc., has named Jacob Zabkowicz as global chief executive officer. “I am excited to welcome Jake to the Hudson RPO team,” said Jeff Eberwein, CEO of Hudson Global. “Jake’s growth orientation and winning mindset will help Hudson RPO achieve its aggressive growth goals. Over the course of his career, Jake has developed a reputation for delivering outstanding client service, building loyal and high-achieving teams, and driving exceptional growth. We look forward to leveraging his expertise to aggressively grow our RPO business and, ultimately, shareholder value.”
Mr. Zabkowicz is a seasoned, growth-minded executive who brings to Hudson RPO extensive global leadership as well as operational and business development experience in the talent acquisition industry. Most recently, he was senior vice president, global RPO at Korn Ferry, where he was instrumental in building and growing the firm’s global RPO business during his 10-year tenure. Prior to that, Mr. Zabkowicz served as director, solution design & implementation at Pinstripe (now Cielo). His experience and insights have been quoted in publications including Bloomberg, Forbes, and USA Today.
As global CEO for Hudson RPO, Mr. Zabkowicz will lead the vision, strategy, and execution of Hudson RPO’s growth plan. Mr. Eberwein will remain CEO of Hudson Global and will continue to focus on capital allocation, acquisitions, corporate strategy, and maximizing shareholder
“I am thrilled to join the Hudson RPO team and honored to lead such a respected organization towards advancing and cementing our position atop the global RPO market,” said Mr. Zabkowicz. “I have been impressed both by the talent on the Hudson RPO team and the depth of the relationships this team has forged with prestigious clients. Leveraging these attributes, along with Hudson RPO’s strong reputation in the market, I am confident we can drive rapid organic growth globally. This global focus will be squarely at the forefront of Hudson RPO’s go-to-market strategy under my leadership, and I’m particularly eager to target new business in several large and fast-growing markets including healthcare, technology, and life sciences. We have a tremendous opportunity in front of us and I’m excited for the challenge ahead.”
Leadership Appointments Rising at Recruiting Firms
Top leadership appointments, of men and women, have been gaining traction at executive search firms over the past year. Here’s a look at several examples taken from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:
Brentwood, TN-headquartered recruiting firm Vaco has appointed Kevin Witt as president. Mr. Witt joined Vaco in 2004 from his previous role as a senior manager in Ernst & Young’s tax consulting practice. He has held a variety of leadership positions throughout the nearly 20 years he has been with Vaco. Mr. Witt most recently was chief operating officer. Vaco also named Sid Mitchener to the newly created position of executive VP of strategy and operations. In addition, Vaco promoted Kyle Allen to the newly created position of executive VP of sales and recruiting. Mr. Mitchener joined Vaco in 2004, starting as a managing partner in its Raleigh, NC office. He was promoted over the years to more senior roles, the most recent being senior VP and executive partner.
Executive search firm Gilman Partners has appointed Angel Beets as chief executive officer and Marci Pfeifer as chief operating officer. Tom Gilman, who has served as CEO since purchasing the firm in 2004, will take the role of chairman. “I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last 19 years,” said Mr. Gilman. “We have a great team that is known and well-respected in the business community, and consistently acts in our clients’ best interests to strengthen leadership teams and elevate the talent in our communities. I’m most proud of the client and community relationships we have built and our role as a trusted confidant on talent related matters. It’s time to let Angel and Marci lead us to the next level.”
Boyden has named Chad Hesters as its president and CEO, effective immediately. He succeeds Trina Gordon, who retires after 12 years as CEO, three years as chair, and more than 30 years as a managing partner at the firm. “Our global search for a leader to succeed our highly successful retiring CEO, Trina Gordon, has led us to another global executive, Chad Hesters,” said Craig Stevens, chair. “He has worked in over 20 countries and brings a comprehensive track record leading a complex leadership advisory business. His hallmark is a keen understanding of strategy while remaining close to clients and their evolving needs.” “I would like to pay tribute to Trina Gordon for her inspirational, values-driven leadership,” said Mr. Stevens. “As the first female CEO of a global executive search firm, Trina blazed the way for women leaders in our industry. While other professional services firms have taken a top-down corporate approach to strategy.”
Related: Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints New CEO
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
