Mintz Group Names Co-CEOs
November 26, 2024 – Mintz Group, a global provider of investigative services, specializing in uncovering the truth for corporations, law firms, and other organizations, has appointed Peter Lagomarsino and Christopher Weil as co-CEOs. The two were appointed interim co-CEOs in November 2023, and together have spent more than 50 years at the firm. “Chris and Peter have been key leaders of the Mintz Group for well over a decade,” said Jim Mintz, the firm’s founder and a member of its board. “They’ve demonstrated outstanding leadership in their interim roles, and I have full confidence in their ability to continue to drive growth and steward the legacy of the firm. Peter and Chris share a commitment to Mintz Group’s employees, diverse offerings, and high level of client service. As leaders, they are prioritizing forward-thinking proprietary technologies to better serve all clients and keep pace with their ever-changing needs.”
“They have also brought renewed focus to our mission, vision, and values, which drive us to provide clients the information they need to make critical decisions, assess risks, and maximize opportunities,” said Mintz Group chairperson Lloyd Metz in an announcement to employees about the appointment.
Mr. Lagomarsino and Mr. Weil joined the firm in 1998 and 1999, respectively, and developed complementary areas of expertise over the past two-and-a-half decades. Prior to becoming interim co-CEO, Mr. Lagomarsino was managing partner of the firm’s San Francisco office and global head of the firm’s executive diligence practice, which vets candidates for high-level executive and board placements. Under his leadership, Mintz Group became the exclusive due diligence partner to the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants, and the industry leading expert on emerging trends such as academic integrity, online reputations and artificial intelligence in background checking.
Mr. Weil was previously managing partner of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and global co-head of the firm’s disputes practice, with a focus on developing evidence to support complex litigation and international asset tracing and enforcement. Since 2016, he has been recognized as a leading practitioner in Lexology Index (previously Who’s Who Legal) Asset Recovery Experts.
Kelsey Froehlich, another long-time Mintz Group leader, has stepped into the role of chairperson of the executive committee. She also co-heads the firm’s corporate diligence practice and previously led its intellectual property practice. As chairperson, she will lead the committee in representing all practices and helping the co-CEOs execute the strategic vision for the firm.
Founded in 1999, ICV Partners is an experienced private equity firm that supports management of lower middle market companies to facilitate transformational growth. The principals of ICV have worked together for many years and crafted a strong track record of helping companies improve performance over the long term and across a variety of industries. ICV seeks to make control investments in strong businesses with $25 million to $250 million in revenue.
Related: Background Checking Candidates with Social Media
Mintz Group, backed by ICV Partners, is a global investigations firm with more than 280 people and 12 offices worldwide. The company specializes in helping clients vet prospective hires, diligence potential deals and navigate their way through disputes, among other things. Mintz Group is headquartered in New York City and was established in 1994.
Search Firm Helps to Find CPO
Just recently, Mintz Group used The Christopher Group (TCG) to hire Cynthia Cherry as its chief people officer. Managing partner Pam Noble and recruiting director Kristen Perez led the assignment. “We are thrilled to have partnered with Mintz Group on this critical search for their chief people officer,” said Ms. Noble. “Cynthia Cherry is a dynamic leader whose expertise and vision will significantly impact the organization’s growth and HR strategy. This role is pivotal in supporting Mintz Group’s expansion and in shaping a cohesive and forward-thinking HR function across its global operations. We look forward to seeing Cynthia drive Mintz’s HR initiatives and build a strong foundation for future success.”
A Look at the Importance of Proper Background Checks for Executive Search
Background checks are an important part of the hiring process. They can help confirm that candidates have the experience and education they claim to have. This includes verification of education, employment history, professional licenses, and certifications. Background checks can help identify candidates with a history of financial irresponsibility or fraudulent activities. This is important when hiring for senior positions that involve financial responsibilities or access to company funds.
“Background checks are essentially like insurance – it’s a relatively small fee to pay to save you from a much bigger problem down the road,” says Doug Chisholm, partner and practice head of transaction diligence Mintz Group, a corporate investigations firm that gathers information before hiring, before transactions, during litigation disputes and after frauds, all over the world. “But if they’re done right, that problem never materializes. And we hope it never does. Unfortunately, some of our clients came to us that way – they got burned by former employees they failed to background, sanctioned by regulators for failing to conduct proper diligence, or stuck with a toxic portfolio company that they used an unreliable, lower-cost investigator to review.”
Ms. Cherry is an accomplished HR leader with experience across fintech, SaaS, publishing, media, and professional services industries. Most recently, as CHRO at MarketWise, she played a pivotal role in scaling the company from 300 to 1,000 employees and positioning it as a NASDAQ-listed public company.
“Working with Pam Noble and Kristen Perez at The Christopher Group was an exceptional experience during my executive placement process,” said Ms. Cherry. “They were highly professional, extremely communicative, and offered invaluable, candid advice. Their approach went beyond simply making connections—they genuinely represented my interests, ensuring I was matched with the right executive role, not just any position. Their responsiveness and commitment to aligning candidates with opportunities where they can excel and add value made all the difference.”
Related: M&A Dealmakers Intensify Focus On Founders’ Background Checks To Help Mitigate Risk
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
