Kaplan Partners Recruits CHRO for Northwest Bank
February 22, 2021 – With the coronavirus crisis disrupting the world economy, HR leaders are stepping up at businesses across the country, playing a vital role in helping organizations navigate what is looking to be an even greater challenge than the Great Recession. Kaplan Partners, which specializes in conducting searches for C-level executives primarily in the financial services, corporate financial, private investor and technology sectors, recently placed Kyle Kane as chief human resources officer (CHRO) of Northwest Bank. “At Northwest, our people are our greatest resource and the key to our success,” said Ronald J. Seiffert, president and CEO of Northwest. “Kyle’s proven leadership in managing HR strategy to align with business objectives will be indispensable as we evolve our company culture and customer experience.”
Throughout his 25-year career, Mr. Kane has gained knowledge and experience in designing the human resources agenda for complex businesses within multifaceted global organizations. Most recently, he served as VP of global HR for Diebold Nixdorf, an American multinational financial and retail technology company specializing in the sale, manufacture, installation and service of self-service transaction systems such as ATMs. During his tenure with Diebold Nixdorf, he led several strategic HR initiatives including organizational transformation, cultural change management and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to that, Mr. Kane served as SVP and the head of human resources for global business services at Fidelity Investments. In this role, he led an HR organization supporting over 6,000 employees across India, Ireland and China.
New Position
In his new role with Northwest Bank, Mr. Kane will be responsible for the development and execution of the bank’s strategy for talent acquisition, development and retention and will manage all key functions of its human resources department, including employee inclusion and engagement, compensation and benefits, succession planning, compliance and operations.
“Building a high-performance culture where employees can contribute and grow – and feel valued — is critical to becoming a company that sets itself apart,” said Mr. Kane. “I’m thrilled to join the impressive team at Northwest to help lead its transformation.”
Founded in 1896, Northwest Bank operates across Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana and Ohio. Northwest is a full-service financial institution offering a complete line of business and personal banking products, employee benefits and investment management, as well as personal and business insurance services. It operates 162 full-service community banking offices and eight free standing drive-through facilities.
Respected Recruiters
Based in Philadelphia, Kaplan Partners specializes in conducting searches for C-level executives primarily in the financial services, corporate financial, private investor and technology sectors. The firm has completed numerous assignments for financial institution CEOs. In recent years, it has recruited top leaders for financial institutions, including placing the president and chief executive officer of 1st Colonial Bancorp and its subsidiary, 1st Colonial Community Bank, in Collingswood, NJ; chief financial officer for Severn Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiary, Severn Bank, in Annapolis, MD; and CEO and president of United Bankers’ Bank (UBB) and its holding company, United Bankers’ Bancorporation Inc., in Bloomington, MN.
Pandemic Changes CHRO Role for Good
The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized the role of CHROs at companies everywhere. The crisis has demanded a new set of skills for the position as well as new responsibilities, according to a report by IMSA Search. It’s conclusion: the role of CHROs shouldn’t be overestimated. “At a time when new risks and second thoughts have emerged practically overnight, these leaders have had to create a new work culture, maintain morale and empower their employees,” the IMSA report said.
“And this is and will continue to be a massive task. The CHROs who are effectively dealing with it while avoiding harming staff performance have gained not only a new set of skills but also new responsibilities and duties.” To keep their performance at the highest level, however, CHROs must stay focused and be aware of changes in key areas. Here’s the latest.
Alan Kaplan launched Kaplan Partners in 1994 after beginning his corporate banking career with First Pennsylvania Bank and Meritor/PSFS. Since then he has built Kaplan Partners into a nationally recognized boutique executive search and talent advisory firm. Kaplan Partners has been named five times to the Philadelphia 100 as one of the region’s fastest-growing private companies and is a member of The Philadelphia 100 Hall of Fame.
Related: Conducting Executive Searches During a Pandemic
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
