Pacific International Grows Advisory Board
January 29, 2026 – London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International has added Tony Milando to its advisory board, following its formation earlier last year. He joins existing advisory board members Bjarne Sandager, Nielsen, Sameer Pagnis, and Eric Alström. “Tony’s experience in global operations, water technology, and large-scale mergers & acquisitions strengthens the strategic insight we provide to clients navigating their most complex leadership challenges,” said Adam Nuzie, chief commercial officer at Pacific International. “His appointment enhances our ability to identify and assess transformational executives for mission-critical C-suite roles.”
“As leadership demands evolve, our clients rely on us not only for exceptional executive search capabilities but also for strategic guidance,” said Manuel Preg, group director and managing director, Germany, at Pacific International. “Tony’s operational depth and board-level perspective further elevate the value our advisory board brings as a trusted partner in global leadership advisory.”
Pacific’s advisory board brings together accomplished industry leaders whose strategic insights directly enhance the success of clients’ C-suite and executive appointments. “Their deep operational expertise and decades of senior leadership experience, combined with Pacific’s proven executive search methodology, provide clients with a decisive advantage in identifying high-impact leaders while significantly reducing the risks associated with critical executive hiring decisions,” the firm said.
Mr. Milando is a seasoned C-suite executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience across industrial, consumer, and technology-enabled sectors. Most recently, he served as a senior executive at Xylem, where he advised the board on global supply chain strategy, manufacturing operations, and acquisition planning, and represented the company at major investor conferences.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Milando held senior operational and finance leadership roles at Black & Decker and later at Stanley Black & Decker. He co-led the landmark Stanley–Black & Decker merger, delivering more than $500 million in annual cost synergies, and in 2023, oversaw the integration of Xylem’s $7.5 billion acquisition of Evoqua Water Technologies. In addition to joining Pacific’s advisory board, Mr. Milando currently serves on the board of GBMC HealthCare, where he is vice chair of the executive committee and chair of the compensation committee. He is also a strategic advisor to Assert AI.
“I’ve learned that real leadership isn’t just about strategy; it’s about resonance,” said Mr. Milando. “When leaders connect meaningfully with their teams, they create trust, clarity, and forward momentum. Success, in my experience, comes from surrounding yourself with people who consistently deliver on their commitments, people with a strong say-do ratio that builds credibility across the organization. I’m excited to bring this perspective, along with my experience shaping high-performing cultures, to the advisory board at Pacific International and to work with a team that truly shares these values.”
Pacific International is a retained executive search firm that is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams. Since 1997, the firm has had a track record of successful C-suite and mid- to senior-level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally. With regional offices in Philadelphia, PA, and Düsseldorf, Germany, Pacific International also offers services beyond executive search such as diversity and inclusion strategies, leadership skills assessment, and succession planning.
Related: Policy Six Steps to Sharpen Leadership Focus and Protect Performance in 2026
Pacific International’s practices include: Automotive & aerospace; banking, financial services and insurance; electronics and semiconductors; consumer goods; chemicals and process industries; industrial goods and engineering; pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences; renewable energy and cleantech; professional services; technology, media and telecommunications; and transportation and logistics.
New Advisory Board
Last year, Pacific International formed a new advisory board. The initial members, Bjarne Sandager Nielsen and Sameer Pagnis, with deep industry expertise and years of C-suite experience, will enhance Pacific’s executive search capabilities by helping clients identify and attract transformative C-suite leaders while minimizing the risks associated with executive hiring. “With the establishment of the advisory board, we are reinforcing our commitment to helping our clients build exceptional executive leadership teams,” said Mr. Howells. “Combined with Pacific’s proven executive search track record, Bjarne and Sameer exemplify the insight, experience, and integrity we bring to every engagement, and we are thrilled to welcome them to the Pacific team.”
Pacific International Adds Former President of Danfoss Power Solutions to Advisory Board
Pacific International has appointed Eric Alström to its advisory board. “With the continued expansion of Pacific International’s advisory board, we are reinforcing our commitment to helping our clients build exceptional executive leadership teams,” said David Howells, CEO of Pacific International. “Eric Alström brings world-class insight from the industrial technology, electrification, hydraulics, and climate solutions sectors, exemplifying the expertise, experience, and integrity we bring to every engagement. We are delighted to welcome him to the Pacific team and as a new member of the advisory board.”
“As more of our long-term clients turn to us for support with their most complex senior leadership challenges, we continue to strengthen our ability to deliver,” said Mr. Nuzie. “The formation of the advisory board is a natural extension of our commitment to excellence, bringing in outside expertise to deepen our insights, sharpen our approach, and ensure we consistently identify transformational leaders for our clients’ most critical C-suite roles.”
“As the business environment evolves, Pacific International remains dedicated to delivering strategic, data-driven, and people-centered executive search solutions,” Mr. Preg. “The advisory board will play a key role in enhancing Pacific’s value to clients and expanding its reach as a trusted leadership advisor.”
Related: Pacific International Partners with LSG Sky Chefs Americas
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
