Kingsley Gate Expands International Presence
May 21, 2025 – Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate has expanded its international presence with the additions of five new partners across key regions. Dan O’Donovan joins the firm’s Chicago office, Spencer Knibbe joins the New York office, Tatyana Freitas and Loreto Montoya strengthen the Latin American presence in São Paulo and Santiago respectively, while Alejandro Salazar-Simpson enhances the firm’s European capabilities from Madrid. “These strategic appointments reflect our commitment to expanding our global footprint and delivering world-class executive search and advisory services to our clients across diverse markets,” said Andrew Holmes, CEO of Kingsley Gate. “Each of these accomplished professionals brings unique expertise and deep regional knowledge that will be invaluable as we continue to help organizations identify and secure high-impact decision makers. Their collective experience across technology, industrial, consumer goods, private equity, risk management, financial services and transformation initiatives significantly enhances our ability to serve clients with increasingly complex talent needs in today’s evolving business landscape.”
Mr. O’Donovan joins Kingsley Gate as a partner specializing in advising private equity firms and family offices on executive talent acquisition for their portfolio companies. With a consultative approach characterized by curiosity, candor, and the pursuit to add value, he has led over 100 searches across various functions and industries including manufacturing, distribution, business services, food & beverage, consumer, and healthcare services. Prior to Kingsley Gate, Mr. O’Donovan served as a partner at Randall Partners and previously consulted with organizations from startups to Fortune 500 companies on payroll, HR, insurance, and recruiting. He is based in Chicago.
“I decided to join Kingsley Gate because of their innovative approach to leveraging technology to transform the executive search industry,” said Mr. O’Donovan. “Their commitment to creating exceptional client experiences aligns perfectly with my vision for delivering unparalleled value through strategic talent acquisition.”
Mr. Knibbe joins Kingsley Gate as a partner specializing in executive search for risk, compliance, and audit leadership roles for financial services firms. With over 20 years of hands-on industry experience in governance, risk management, and compliance, he founded MBK Search to establish a specialized practice focused on GRC recruiting after organizations sought his expertise in building high-performing teams. Prior to his search career, Mr. Knibbe held senior leadership positions including head of operational risk management at Bridgewater Associates and head of risk – Americas at ICAP. His client-centric approach spans multiple sectors including banking, asset management, insurance, fintech, and corporate environments, specializing in C-suite placements such as chief risk officers, chief compliance officers, and heads of audit. He is based in New York.
“I chose Kingsley Gate for their exceptional global platform spanning multiple industries and their team of highly driven professionals,” said Mr. Knibbe. “Their collaborative culture and commitment to excellence made this the perfect place to leverage my risk and compliance expertise in executive search.”
Ms. Freitas joins as a senior partner bringing nearly two decades of experience in executive search and leadership assessment to Kingsley Gate, with particular expertise in the technology, consumer, professional and financial services sectors. Based in São Paulo, she previously co-led the technology & digital practice in Latin America at Russell Reynolds Associates and headed the DE&I practice for the region. Her career includes leadership roles at Caccuri Consultores, Korn Ferry, and Interbrand, where she led brand strategy & valuation projects across Latin America and Europe. Earlier in her career, Ms. Freitas held positions at General Electric and Procter & Gamble. She is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
International Network and Global Capabilities
“Kingsley Gate offers a unique combination of an extensive international network and global capabilities with a boutique approach,” said Ms. Freitas. “The team is both experienced and entrepreneurial—a rare combination that creates a distinctive market positioning. The firm’s growth mindset and collaborative culture embedded in its DNA were key factors in my decision to join.”
Ms. Montoya joins Kingsley Gate as senior partner specializing in executive search and leadership development. Her experience includes eight years as a senior client partner at Korn Ferry U.S.-Chile within their technology & digital practice. Previously, she served as commercial sales lead for Microsoft, where she led digital transformation, data and analytics, artificial intelligence, and IOT solutions for Chile’s top 100 enterprises. Ms. Montoya’s career also includes leadership positions at Sodexo B&R Mexico, GTD, Entel, and Ernst & Young. She is fluent in Spanish and English and based in Santiago.
Related: Kingsley Gate Names Leader of Financial Services Practice for the Middle East and Asia-Pacific
“I’m thrilled to be joining such an exceptional team at Kingsley Gate,” said Ms. Montoya. “The firm’s unwavering client-centric approach and the significant growth opportunities ahead create an ideal environment where we can collaboratively expand our presence while delivering outstanding value to our clients.”
Mr. Salazar-Simpson joins Kingsley Gate as a senior partner based in Madrid, bringing expertise to the private equity, venture capital, consumer & retail, and commercial banking sectors. With a background in investment banking, strategic consulting, and retail leadership, he has advised major retailers, consumer brands, and family-owned businesses on expansion strategies, digital transformation, and talent development. Prior to joining Kingsley Gate, he served as director of transformation of home and fashion at El Corte Inglés, leading key optimization and growth projects. His career includes positions at Deloitte and William Blair in investment banking, where he advised companies and PE firms on mergers and acquisitions in the consumer and retail sectors. At Talengo, he led the PE and venture capital practices, while at Egon Zehnder, he conducted leadership search and assessment processes for IBEX 35 companies. He is fluent in Spanish, English, and German.
“What drew me to this firm is the unique combination of deep partner experience and a bold commitment to innovation,” said Mr. Salazar-Simpson. “Kingsley Gate is redefining executive search by blending the art of human insight with the power of innovation.”
Founded in 2015, Kingsley Gate recruits senior leadership for private equity and venture capital portfolio businesses and Fortune 100 companies. Headquartered in New York, the firm employs consultants and recruiters with expertise in private equity, life sciences, financial services, technology, manufacturing, and professional services. Kingsley Gate has completed searches with over 1,700 clients in 33 countries.
Related: Kingsley Gate Expands in London
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
