L.Maxwell Global Appoints New CEO
September 13, 2024 – Executive search firm L.Maxwell Global has named Kevin P. LeCompte as CEO. “As a private equity operating partner and former CEO of one of the country’s largest private equity backed staffing and professional services firms, Kevin LeCompte understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing leaders in human capital,” said Lisa Maxwell, founder of L.Maxwell Global. “He has an insider’s perspective on the demands of the C-suite, and draws on his deep experience to bring insight to the realities CEOs and boards are facing. Kevin will be instrumental in helping L.Maxwell’s clients navigate the complex and ever-changing talent solutions space while guiding the firm’s own plans for growth.”
Mr. LeCompte brings over two decades of experience in consulting, global outsourcing, and staffing to L.Maxwell. “His operational expertise leading and advising private equity backed talent solutions firms on strategy, hiring and value creation aligns with L.Maxwell’s specialization in placing C-suite and executive talent for private equity backed companies,” the search firm said.
Mr. LeCompte joins L.Maxwell from Atlanta-based private equity firm, Georgia Oak Partners, where he serves as operating partner and led efforts to build their human capital practice. Previously, he was president and CEO of Global Employment Solutions (GES), where he shaped the company’s culture and oversaw its growth for more than a decade. Mr. LeCompte steered GES through several strategic acquisitions and divestitures during a period of increased demand and expansion. He integrated the combined businesses of Fahrenheit IT, GES, and ITEC, with a successful exit to ettain group, an IT talent solutions provider, ultimately acquired by ManpowerGroup.
“As companies navigate leadership transitions at the executive level, it is vital to employ deliberate and integrated approaches to tackle these complex transitions,” said Kevin LeCompte. “I am eager to build on L.Maxwell’s steadily growing momentum in executive search and leadership advisory, to maximize our expanded service offerings, and to capitalize on opportunities for leading the firm, and our clients, forward.”
Established in 2005, L.Maxwell Global is a retained search for executives in human capital and professional services. The firm has offices in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Silicon Valley. Ms. Maxwell is a 20 year veteran of the human capital industry with a track record for placing CEOs, C-level executives, and board members for professional service firms globally.
Leadership Appointments at Search Firms
Top leadership appointments have made headlines in recent months. Here’s a look at several examples taken from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:
Toronto-based Caldwell has appointed Chris Beck as president and CEO. He will succeed John Wallace, who will assume the role of executive chair. Additionally, the independent directors of the board have selected John Young as lead independent director. “The board and I have tremendous confidence in Chris, and we know that his combination of experience, skills and vision uniquely prepares him to lead Caldwell,” said Mr. Wallace. “He has had a tremendous impact as president and CFO, helping us navigate the unprecedented challenges of the past few years while positioning the company for long-term success. We have the right leadership team, strategy, and financial foundation in place to ensure a bright future for Caldwell and IQTalent. It has been a privilege to serve this great firm as CEO, and I look forward to working alongside Chris and the Caldwell board of directors to continue to deliver on our mission to connect our clients with transformational talent.” Mr. Beck is a veteran of Caldwell and has served in multiple leadership roles over the last 11 years at the firm.
Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has appointed Doug Trout as its new CEO succeeding Jennifer Dunlap, who has served as president and CEO since the organization opened its doors in 2001. Ms. Dunlap will continue to serve as an advisor to the CEO and to work with a limited number of clients until her retirement from the organization in January 2025. She will serve on the board of directors as founder and vice chair. “DRiWaterstone is in excellent hands with Doug Trout,” said Ms. Dunlap. “His extensive experience in, and passion for, the nonprofit industry coupled with the relationships he has built throughout his four years as a senior consultant and most recently a managing director, make Doug the right person to drive the company’s growth and success moving forward. I’m confident that DRiWaterstone, its clients, and its team will thrive under Doug’s leadership.”
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has announced a strategic leadership transition and the reorganization of its senior leadership team. Effective immediately, Bianca Coulter, co-founder and current CEO, will assume the full-time role of executive chair; Nicholas Green will take up the reins as CEO; Joe Coulter, co-founder, will take a broadened chief operating officer role; Charlotte James becoming chief of staff and operations; and James Bichener will serve as chief financial officer. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together at Coulter Partners over the last 20 years,” said Ms. Coulter. “With extraordinary growth opportunities ahead for the next decade, and as we continue our drive into new markets and innovation sectors, it’s an opportune time to enhance our SLT, to help us achieve our ambitious goals.”
DeWinter Group, a provider of temporary and permanent staffing solutions with expertise in finance, accounting and information technology, has appointed Derek DeWinter as its new CEO. “We are thrilled to welcome Derek as our new CEO,” said Judson Samuels, board member. His vision, leadership, and industry acumen make him the ideal person to lead the DeWinter Group into the future. We are confident that under Derek’s guidance, the DeWinter Group will continue to excel in delivering top-tier staffing solutions to our clients nationwide.” Mr. DeWinter is a founding partner of the DeWinter Group and previously served as CEO from 2000 to 2019. In 2019, he stepped aside into the role of president to elevate the role of the company’s previous CEO, Shane Oberg. Mr. Oberg stepped down from the position in May of 2024 after a great five-year stint as the organization’s leader.
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has appointed Dan Heiman as its new president. His appointment is effective January 1, 2025. “This strategic move is part of our leadership succession plan, initiated in 2021, and marks a significant milestone in our 35-year history,” Cornerstone said. “Mr. Heiman’s extensive experience and proven track record make him the ideal candidate to lead us into the future.” Simon Wan, chairman and CEO of Cornerstone, extends his heartfelt gratitude to Larry Shoemaker for his transformative leadership. “Larry’s unwavering dedication and visionary approach have been instrumental in establishing Cornerstone as a global enterprise,” he said. “In recognition of his invaluable contributions, Larry will assume the role of vice chairman, effective January 1, 2025, supporting our marketing and member development initiatives for the next three years, ensuring a seamless transition and continued growth.”
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has appointed Francesco Buquicchio as its new CEO, effective November 1. He succeeds Edilson Camara, following a strategic leadership transition and succession planning process. Mr. Buquicchio will be the seventh person to serve as CEO in Egon Zehnder’s 60-year history. The process to appoint a new CEO was headed by chair Michael Ensser with the support of the board and an advisory committee. It also included input from the entire partnership. “We thank Ed for his leadership over these past six years—he laid a strong foundation that enabled the firm to accelerate its growth. We are pleased to share that he will continue with the firm, returning to client work,” said Mr. Ensser. “As we begin our seventh decade, Francesco will leverage our expertise in discovering leaders, developing leadership, unlocking transformations, shaping successions and advancing governance to craft more distinct client and candidate experiences, prioritizing innovation, sustainability and long-term value creation.”
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
