As Chief Business Officer, Michael Castleman plays a central role in ensuring that WittKieffer continues to lead the industry in delivering high quality and innovative executive search and advisory solutions to its clients. Based in South Florida, Michael works with senior leaders across all areas of WittKieffer to propel commercial growth and operational effectiveness aligned to the firm’s strategic vision. In addition to driving overall strategy, his specific responsibilities include managing the For-Profit and Investor-Backed Healthcare and Interim Leadership practices, as well as the finance, technology, marketing, and commercial strategy and insights functions.
Michael is a proven leader of business transformation, bringing to WittKieffer and its clients a unique blend of financial expertise, operational experience, and growth orientation. Prior to joining WittKieffer, Michael founded Inference Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm focused on business strategy, transformation, M&A, and financial excellence. Previously, he served as CEO and CFO of CDI Corporation, a $1+ billion staffing and professional services company focused on engineering and information technology. At CDI, he led a multi-dimensional transformation under both public and private equity ownership. Additionally, Michael was President of the Kenmore, Craftsman & DieHard business unit of Sears Holdings, responsible for market and product management of these iconic brands. Before moving into business leadership roles, Michael held nearly fifteen years in alternative investing, which included co-founding Lehman Brothers’ venture capital affiliate, building the business from inception to more than $900 million of committed capital across four fund generations. Currently, he is a board director for MRI Network Holdings and a board member of venture-backed boodleAI.
