LSS Strategic Partners Launches ECB STAR Group
February 26, 2025 – LSS Strategic Partners (LSS), an A&M Inc. company, has launched ECB STAR Group, a retained executive search firm specializing in executive, board, and C-suite appointments. As a key component of LSS’s strategic expansion, ECB enhances the firm’s suite of leadership and legal talent solutions alongside SHP Legal Services (SHPLS) and NomosFIT.
Led by Tom Wilkinson, co-founder and CEO of ECB STAR Group, the company employs an approach to executive placement across publicly listed corporations, private firms, sponsor-backed companies, and global law firms.
“ECB STAR Group is designed to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive talent market,” said Peter Sacripanti, CEO of LSS Strategic Partners. “With its data-driven methodology and unwavering commitment to client success, ECB is setting a new benchmark in executive search.”
“Our clients operate in high-stakes, high-growth industries where securing top-tier leadership is essential,” said Mr. Wilkinson. “ECB STAR Group is uniquely positioned to deliver transformative talent solutions, ensuring our clients remain competitive and future ready.”
“At ECB STAR Group, agility is at the heart of everything we do,” said Gabrielle Shakeshaft, COO of ECB STAR Group. “By combining deep industry expertise with a highly customized, data-driven process, we deliver leadership solutions that align seamlessly with our clients’ strategic priorities. Whether supporting multinational corporations, sponsor-backed firms, or top-tier law firms, our focus remains on precision and impact.”
“Today’s leaders must navigate increasingly complex and dynamic landscapes,” said Darin DeWitt, a partner at ECB. “Our mission is to match world-class talent with opportunities that not only fit their expertise but also empower them to drive meaningful transformation within their organizations.”
“The launch of ECB STAR Group is a defining moment for LSS Strategic Partners as we continue to expand our leadership in talent management,” said Mr. Sacripanti. “Our founders’ leadership philosophy is embedded in our approach. ECB STAR Group, like SHPLS and NomosFIT, brings a more sophisticated, technology-driven approach to their industry, ensuring our clients gain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving business environment.”
Recently Launched
In the past year, a handful of new search firms have been launched. Here’s a look at a recent sampling from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:
Search industry veteran B.J. Berrettini has launched executive talent solutions firm, Orchard Executive Search, serving the banking, credit unions and financial/technical services industries. Based in Pittston, PA, the firm offers a human-centered, personal and detailed approach to hiring solutions, executive talent acquisition and retention, leadership consulting, cultural fit assessments, diversity and inclusion, career development and advancement, succession planning and overall organizational growth. “Our approach at Orchard Executive Search is rooted in collaboration, authenticity and a deep commitment to understanding each client’s unique challenges and opportunities,” said Berrettini, the firm’s founder, owner, and lead consultant. “Whether we are partnering with and advising companies seeking talent or individuals advancing their career paths, we focus on identifying and matching skills, values, leadership styles and organizational compatibility.”
Executive search and recruitment veteran Julie Biber launched search firm JBR Executive Search & Succession. The firm will offer services in executive level searches, both for agencies and in-house roles, and succession and pipelining for organizations. It will focus on the tech, CPG, food and beverage, healthcare, financial communications and services and public affairs industries. Ms. Biber explained to PRWeek that owning a search firm has always been a dream of hers. However, she noted that, after a 26-year tenure at Edelman, she believes that she’ll always be “part of the fabric” of the agency. “It’s exhilarating,” Ms. Biber said. “It is charting a bit of the unknown, but I’m very blessed and really grateful for so many in my network who’ve already reached out.”
Venture-backed executive search firm Archer Search Partners has been launched by Alexis DuFresne and Fraser Trimble, specializing in aligning human capital strategies with business goals for asset managers. The firm places investment and distribution professionals at alternative asset management firms. Clients include private equity, credit, and hedge fund firms. The firm also offers fractional human resources advisory and customized data and mapping services on a subscription basis. “Recognizing a gap in the market, Archer Search Partners addresses an underserved segment of asset management clients who need focused recruitment support,” the search firm explained. “As most larger publicly traded search firms pivot to management consulting, Archer’s strategy is to go an inch wide and a mile deep, providing top-tier talent for highly specialized roles.”
John Moon and Han Liou have launched executive search firm Miner Lake Partners. “I’m proud to announce Miner Lake Partners, an executive search firm focused on the building products and industrial industries,” Mr. Moon said in a LinkedIn post. “My business partner Han Liou and I are building this firm on a foundation rooted in execution and industry expertise. I’ve worked closely with Han in various capacities over the last 20 years. Our values have always been consistent – we have an unwavering commitment to our clients and are dedicated to being masters of our craft. We bring a unique, business-centric perspective to clients with a relentless commitment to quality, innovation, and results.”
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
