Raines International Names Head of Marketing and Communications Practice
October 8, 2019 – New York-based Raines International has announced that Matt Seiler, previously president of brand solutions with Dentsu Aegis Network, has joined the executive search firm in dual roles. Mr. Seiler will serve as both managing director of the firm’s marketing and communications practice and as its first executive-in-residence. He will split his time between the firm’s Boston and New York City offices.
In addition to Dentsu Aegis, Mr. Seiler also formerly served as chairman and CEO of IPG Mediabrands and CEO of Omnicom’s phd. He further served as chairman of the board for Effie Worldwide, and he currently is on the boards of The8App and Stax Media Holdings. Mr. Seiler has been a frequent speaker at media industry events such as Cannes, CES and DMEXCO.
“Anyone who knows Matt knows he is an inspirational change agent who has lived his career on the leading edge of business innovation,” said Dan Smith, CEO of Raines International. “As ad agency strategist, he changed the trajectories of client companies by reinventing their advertising, marketing, and digital agendas. As president and CEO of the most respected global media agencies, Matt disrupted industry standards and inviolable business models while doubling firm revenues.”
“We are beyond excited to have Matt lead the charge for our firm on dual tracks, as he helps clients prepare for and execute marketing and advertising leadership changes, and as we build and launch new businesses in the human capital realm,” he said.
“There is no doubt this a time of real change,” said Mr. Seiler. “One in which the current models are being more than tested. I have attempted to reshape our delivery one agency or agency group at a time. I am thrilled to be stepping up to an industry level challenge, one in which my team and I can help make significant impact.”
“In Dan and the good people of Raines, I have found a real like-mindedness,” he said. “A rejection of the status quo. And a determination to truly make a difference for all involved, client and candidate alike.”
Search Firms Adding Marketing Leaders to Guide Brands, Create Buzz
Marketing and branding professionals are playing increasingly vital roles at executive search firms as recruiting outfits push into new lines of business, evolve their brands and rev up their social media presence. Two of the latest: ZRG Partners and the Human Capital Group have appointed new marketing leaders.
In his new role, Mr. Seiler will lead the firm’s marketing and communications practice and working closely with Mr. Smith on the development of future capabilities which will include the harnessing of tech and AI to reshape the future of executive search.
Veteran Search Firm
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 currently operates in New York City, Bentonville, AR, Boston, MA, San Francisco, CA, and Buenos Aires.
This March, Raines appointed Mr. Smith as its new president and CEO. Founder and current CEO Bruce R. Raines remains with the firm as senior managing director, focusing his full-time efforts on client and search management.
“The past year has been enormously rewarding for me on both personal and professional levels,” said Mr. Raines. “While I shall remain fully active going forward, these milestones suggest it is the right time to transition the leadership of our firm to the next generation.”
“Our firm brings a strong focus on succession planning in serving our clients as well as ourselves. I have worked closely with Dan in preparing him to assume the roles of president and CEO, which ensures a seamless transition within this important leadership position for our company,” Mr. Raines said. “Dan brings the required client focus and deep search expertise of our business to lead the firm into the future.”
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Andrew W. Mitchell, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
