Kaye/Bassman Names Leader of North Division, Construction and Real Estate Practice
July 13, 2026 – Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has named Lee Martin as managing director and practice leader of the north division within its construction and real estate practice. In this expanded leadership role, he will lead the continued growth of the firm’s commercial real estate, building construction, and construction technology practices across the northern United States, further advancing KBIC’s integrated built environment capabilities.
Over the past year, Mr. Martin has expanded the reach of the construction north division beyond its Midwest foundation, building relationships and delivering senior-level talent across the Northern United States. “His track record of client partnership and market expertise has positioned him as a key leader within the firm’s construction and real estate practice,” the firm said.
“Our clients are no longer operating in silos, and neither are we,” said Mr. Martin. “Commercial real estate, construction, and technology are deeply interconnected, and our goal is to bring that expertise together to better support how clients build and operate.”
The division’s capabilities have been further strengthened through the integration of Chris Rose, who brings broad commercial real estate experience across advisory and investment services, and Alex Gillespie, who leads the firm’s construction technology practice, expanding Kaye/Bassman’s ability to serve clients at the intersection of construction and emerging technologies.
Additionally, the acquisition of Huey Enterprises in September 2025 added industry veteran Scott Huey and his established commercial real estate practice, further expanding the firm’s Midwest presence and market coverage.
Under Mr. Martin’s leadership, Kaye/Bassman will continue expanding its construction and real estate practice, delivering specialized executive search solutions across commercial real estate, building construction, and construction technology.
Related: Kaye/Bassman Grows Higher Education Practice
Kaye/Bassman is a global search and recruitment solutions firm. It offers expertise in a number of industries, including construction and real estate, banking, insurance, private wealth management, healthcare, energy, security, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and medical device. During the last two decades, Kaye/Bassman has conducted nearly 5,000 mid- to senior-level searches.
Newly Appointed Practice Leader
Kaye/Bassman also recently named Ashley Richards as practice leader for the South division. “Ashley’s leadership, consistency, and track record of performance have made her one of the most respected partners within our organization. Her ability to build deep client relationships, while delivering exceptional talent solutions, has been instrumental to our growth in the construction and real estate sectors,” said Ryan Lange, president of Starfish Partners. “We are excited to see her step into this expanded leadership role, where she will bring alignment, momentum, and strategic direction across our construction practice’s South division.”
The Select Guide to America’s Top 250 Executive Search Firms
Hunt Scanlon Media proudly presents the Select Guide to America’s Top 250 Executive Search Firms.
This comprehensive online directory is your definitive resource for finding the best executive search firms to serve your talent needs.
Our guide is meticulously curated to connect you with leading firms that specialize in various industries and functions, ensuring you find the perfect match for your executive recruitment needs.
In this expanded role, Ms. Richards will oversee the firm’s recruiting operations across Texas, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. She has been a member of KBIC’s construction & commercial real estate practice since joining the firm in 2010. Over the past 16 years, Ms. Richards has built a successful recruiting business, partnering with general contractors, developers, specialty contractors, and end-users to place talent across all levels. Her work has spanned disciplines including operations, business development, safety, finance, marketing, human resources, and preconstruction, supporting some of the most recognized and respected organizations in key growth markets.
After just four years with the firm, Ms. Richards earned managing partner and ownership status, demonstrating her ability to build, scale, and lead a high-performing search practice. In addition to her recruiting success, she has played a key role in new client development and strategic marketing efforts across the region.
Related: Kaye/Bassman Integrates Ambulatory Surgery Center & Surgical Hospital Recruiting Practices
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
