Noto Group Opens Office in London
March 7, 2025 – Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Noto Group has opened a new office in London and the appointed of John Copeland as senior partner. The firm explained that this strategic expansion strengthens Noto Group’s ability to serve its growing international client base while bringing its proven search and selection approach to the European market. “The opening of our European office under John’s leadership marks a significant milestone in Noto Group’s evolution,” said Roy Notowitz, founder and CEO of Noto Group. “His experience and track record of success in placing values-aligned leaders positions us to better serve our global clients while expanding our client base in the UK and European markets.”
With nearly three decades of executive search experience across global consumer markets, Mr. Copeland brings European industry expertise. Beginning his recruitment career in 1995, he established himself as a partner in placing senior leadership talent for prominent brands including Adidas, Marks & Spencer, Levi Strauss, and Nike. Most recently, Mr. Copeland was partner at Fusion Associates, where he served purpose-led organizations through executive placements with sustainability-focused clients. Before that, he was a director at The Copeland Partnership.
“Joining Noto Group is an exciting opportunity to be part of an exceptional team committed to building enduring leadership teams,” said Mr. Copeland. “Their innovative approach to executive search and leadership development, combined with their deep expertise in the active lifestyle, outdoor, and sustainable products sectors, aligns perfectly with my values and vision.”
Supporting this growth, Noto Group also announces several internal promotions. Adolfo Portillo has been promoted to operations manager after nearly four years of significant contributions to the firm.
Additionally, Jake Collie and Anuhea Panui have been promoted to associate recruiter roles, recognizing their three and two years of service respectively. Mr. Collie joined Noto Group as a researcher in November of 2021. In his role, he collaborates closely with the research and recruiting team to cultivate and maintain a robust network of candidates for each search. Mr. Collie manages various aspects of the recruitment cycle for manager and director level positions including candidate management, client communication, and sourcing.
Ms. Panui joined Noto group in April of 2023 as a researcher, where she assists with the sourcing strategies and helps to support the overall recruitment process from beginning to end. In addition, she is also actively networking with viable candidates and staying up to date on the overall job market.
Related: Hiring Confidence Slows as Employers Steer Economic Headwinds
“These promotions reflect Noto Group’s commitment to developing internal talent and building a strong foundation for continued expansion,” the firm said.
Expanding International Presence
“As our international presence expands, we remain committed to nurturing and advancing the exceptional talent within our organization,” said Sara Spirko, managing director of Noto Group. “These promotions strengthen our operational capabilities and reinforce our ability to deliver outstanding service.”
Executive Search 2025: Balancing AI Innovation with a Human Touch
The executive search industry is entering one of its most transformative eras, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and shifting client needs and expectations. In 2024, firms faced many challenges marked by economic uncertainty, evolving workforce dynamics, and increasing demand for specialized leadership roles. While internal talent mobility and cautious hiring strategies were dominant themes, the need for resilient, adaptable leaders capable of driving innovation has positioned the industry for a pivotal shift in 2025, recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media. Firms are stepping up to meet these demands by integrating cutting-edge technology into their workflows while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human expertise.
Technology, particularly AI, is reshaping how firms identify, evaluate, and connect with top talent. From automating routine tasks to uncovering deeper insights into market trends and candidate fit, these tools enhance efficiency and precision. However, as industry leaders emphasize, the human element remains central to success in this relationship-driven field. By leveraging AI to scale capabilities without sacrificing the personalized touch, executive search firms are not only redefining their processes but also reimagining their role as strategic talent advisors. As 2025 unfolds, the firms that can balance technological innovation with a deep understanding of leadership and culture will set the standard for the future of the industry.
Noto Group is an executive search and consulting firm with expertise in recruiting for director, vice president and C-level roles. Its executive searches span business functions and channels within the outdoor, active performance, sporting goods, food and beverage, fashion and natural products.
Mr. Notowitz founded Noto Group in 2009. He advises his team as well as entrepreneurs, founders, executive teams, investors and boards of fast-growing mission-driven consumer brands and retailers nationwide. Mr. Notowitz maintains a pulse on trends in business strategy, leadership, recruiting and talent selection. His experience spans a wide range of disciplines, including: executive leadership, marketing, strategy, operations, finance, product creation, design, innovation, merchandising, supply chain and human resources. Prior to Noto Group, he was founder and managing partner of executive search firm Generator Group.
Related: Predicting Talent Acquisition Trends for 2025
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
