PierceGray Seeking Chief Operating Officer for Consumer Safety Technology
January 9, 2024 – PierceGray has been retained by Consumer Safety Technology (CST) to lead in its search for a new chief operating officer. With the sponsorship of its investors, CST is now seeking to hire a new COO to take responsibility for product development (including hardware, firmware, and software), enterprise IT, THC detection technology development and supply chain. The ideal candidate will possess: Leadership experience in “connected device” technology businesses of relevant scale and complexity; functional expertise in engineering (HW/SW/firmware), supply chain, enterprise IT and customer service; prior success building and professionalizing the operational structure and performance of an organization; and the leadership attributes required for a C-suite leadership position in a high-growth, private equity backed environment. The new executive will lead a geographically disbursed team of ~50 employees and report directly to the CEO.
PierceGray is looking for candidates with at least 15 years of professional experience in “connected device” technology businesses with a mix of hardware, software, and firmware. Experience in highly regulated industries is preferred as well as a background in leading hardware, firmware, and software engineering teams developing relevant products for B2B and/or B2C end markets.
Candidates should also have experience leading large, cross-functional development projects and teams (up to $1 million). It is important for candidates to have a background managing a variety of third-party vendors and development partners, including contract manufacturers and component suppliers. Asia-based supply chain experience a plus. They must have demonstrated ability to envision, architect, and build technology solutions that meet business objectives. Candidates should also have knowledge of IT infrastructure for a company of appropriate scale, including: user applications; database administration; telecommunications; helpdesk and user support; data security; and hardware, storage, redundancy, and disaster recovery. Experience recruiting, developing, and retaining a high-performing team, including defining organizational structure is also desired.
Founded in 1988, Consumer Safety Technology is a direct-to-consumer provider of driving safety technologies that prevent impaired driving and offer services to support individuals through the license restoration process after a DUI. With more than 300,000 impaired drivers estimated on the road daily, the company has helped over 1 million consumers live and drive responsibly through brands such as Intoxalock and Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions. With operations in 46 states, the company provides a comprehensive suite of services including ignition interlock safety devices, insurance brokerage, roadside assistance, and substance detection, among other products. CST is headquartered in Des Moines, IA, and generates ~$250 million in annual revenue. In 2022, the private equity firm L Catterton acquired a majority stake in CST.
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PierceGray is a specialized, retained executive search firm focused on building leadership teams in investor-back environments. The firm is functionally-focused, hiring executives and building teams in the following disciplines: operations and supply chain, sales and marketing, finance and transformation, and general management. PierceGray’s clients include private equity firms and portfolio companies as well as publicly-held companies across North America. PierceGray has been operating since 2006 and serves clients in nearly every industry sector in North America.
Matt Hamlin is the managing partner of PierceGray. Based in New York, he leads the firm’s day-to-day operations as well as key client engagements, specializing in C-Suite placements in high-growth transformational environments. Prior to PierceGray, Mr. Hamlin was a management consultant focused on procurement and supply chain, gaining exposure to private equity during his time at Alvarez and Marsal. He has worked across nearly every industry sector, with search experience aligned to PierceGray’s functional offerings.
Recent Additions
In December, PierceGray expanded with the additions of Alyssa Quinn as managing director and chief commercial officer, and Matt Padberg as vice president. “PierceGray is excited to welcome two new senior hires to our team, Alyssa Quinn and Matt Padberg,” the search firm said. “We are looking forward to the unique experiences they each bring to the firm.” Ms. Quinn and Mr. Padberg are both be based in the firm’s Chicago office.
Ms. Quinn is focused on new business development and growth strategy. Prior to joining PierceGray, she spent almost 20 years in various sales and business development roles across multiple industries where she led significant revenue generation and sales organization development. Mr. Padberg focuses on recruiting senior executives into investor-backed environments. He has worked extensively in technology, financial services, manufacturing, and life sciences industries. Prior to joining PierceGray, Mr. Padberg spent over 10 years in management consulting.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
