Raines International Launches Security Officers Practice
September 11, 2020 – New York-based Raines International has launched a new security officers practice, co-developed with The Lake Forest Group, a strategic security services firm specializing in all aspects of security, safety, and compliance.
The practice will be led by Patrick Gray, managing director at Raines. His background in the executive search industry and as an intelligence officer, with a concentration on mission critical functions and market sectors, “are unique assets for clients seeking to elevate their security strategy and infrastructure,” the firm said. Mr. Gray, a graduate of West Point, spent five years as a U.S. Army intelligence officer focused on counterintelligence and force protection.
The practice will identify and recruit senior executives who specialize in all aspects of security – including physical security and cyber security, across industries and sectors. It will be focused on executive search, as well as leadership and organizational transformation services.
Mr. Gray said the COVID-19 pandemic and social protests have raised awareness of the importance of having a comprehensive program managed by a senior executive who understands all aspects of security. “In the last few months, clients have become increasingly committed to enhancing their level of security at every level,” he said. “In partnering with The Lake Forest Group, we have aligned our firm with the best resources in the industry.”
Michael Verden, CEO of The Lake Forest Group, said that the strategic alliance would expand Raines’ network of security professionals. “We look forward to working with the team at Raines to develop thought leadership content, and to recruiting uniquely qualified and highly experienced individuals to fill executive security positions,” he said.
With an extensive career as a police officer, secret service agent, director of security for the NBA, and security consultant, Mr. Verden offers insight from providing protective security for the private sector, such as Fortune 500 corporations, retail, high net worth, financial, healthcare, hotels, industrial, medical marijuana cultivation centers and dispensaries, casinos, and gaming and the public sector, such as government agencies, K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and hospitals. He employs methodologies learned in a 21-year career as an agent for the United States secret service protecting the President, First Lady, and other heads of state and large-scale events such as the Olympics and the Super Bowl to identify vulnerabilities and implement proper risk management techniques to offer the appropriate level of protection—without adversely affecting your culture.
Founded in 1969, Raines International conducts global searches for C-suite executives and their direct reports. With expertise in all major industry sectors and functional areas, its client base includes privately held companies, publicly held corporations, leading private equity and venture capital firms, and not-for-profits. The firm operates in New York City; Bentonville, AR; Boston; San Francisco; and Buenos Aires.
Recent Growth
In July, Raines expanded with the addition of Engy Lamour as senior vice president of its asset management practice. Based in New York City, Mr. Lamour has more than 10 years of experience in the asset management and alternative investments industry and is recognized for his extensive subject matter expertise and vast executive network.
Raines International Expands to Buenos Aires
Raines International opened an office in Buenos Aires to serve as its Latin American headquarters and to strengthen the firm’s research and analytics team. Duncan Piper, head of Buenos Aires operations, oversees the new office and is responsible for building Raines’ client service and search operations. Director Kare Hernandez, also based in the Buenos Aires office, leads Raines’ global research and technology function. The team focuses on executive search and leadership consulting in the industries of private equity, healthcare, industrial, technology and consumer goods.
As a member of Raines’ financial services executive search team, Mr. Lamour focuses primarily on clients in the hedge fund, private equity, real estate investment and venture capital sectors. “A champion of diversity and inclusion, Engy is a proven difference maker for clients seeking more diverse leadership teams that lead in their market areas,” the firm said.
In March, Raines opened a new office in Chicago led by SVP Bryan Burg. Mr. Smith said the firm is committed to expanding business both in the industrials sector as well as in the Midwest. “We have done high-level assignments in a variety of industries across the Midwest, and we see significant opportunity to grow our team in that market,” he said. “In Bryan, we have found the perfect example of our culture and work product. He is a fantastic executive and foundation for us to build upon in Chicago.”
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
