Riviera Partners Expands AI, ML & Data Practice
February 11, 2025 – San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Joe Ghory as a partner within its AI, ML & data practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Joe as we expand our practice,” said Kyle Langworthy, head of the AI, ML & data practice at Riviera Partners. “His deep expertise in AI, advanced analytics, and digital transformation is unparalleled, and his ability to recruit game-changing leaders aligns perfectly with our mission. As AI continues to revolutionize the competitive landscape, Joe’s experience, insights, and guidance will be instrumental in helping our clients build teams that harness technology to achieve next-level growth.”
“With Joe’s addition, Riviera further strengthens its AI, ML & Data practice, underscoring the firm’s commitment to helping companies navigate the complexities of AI-driven transformation and secure the leadership needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape,” Riviera Partners said.
A recognized thought leader in AI-driven strategy and digital transformation, Mr. Ghory specializes in recruiting transformative executives at the convergence of AI, technology, product, and innovation. In this role, he will partner with private equity investors, their portfolio companies, and leading organizations to build senior teams that drive competitive differentiation and technology-led growth.
Prior to joining Riviera, Mr. Ghory served as the global head of the AI, advanced data, and analytics practice at Russell Reynolds Associates, where he advised boards and C-suite executives on leveraging technology to unlock strategic opportunities.
“I’m excited to join Riviera Partners as a partner focused on executive search and strategic advisory for artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and impactful technology leadership,” said Mr. Ghory. “Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping organizations harness talent, culture, and transformation to drive growth through AI and technology. At Riviera, I look forward to continuing my work with private equity firms, their portfolio companies, and market leading companies to build exceptional leadership teams, accelerate technology transformation, and solve their most pressing challenges.”
Riviera Partners is a global recruiting firm specializing in the technology industry. The firm provides clients with optimal placements by combining recruiter interactions and experience with data-driven findings about candidates. Riviera Partners has recruited for key executive roles at Pinterest, Postmates, Tinder, Twilio, Uber, Asana, Dropbox, GitHub, DoorDash, Hulu, and partnered with venture-backed concerns, including Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia, Benchmark, Accel, Menlo Ventures, KPCB, Greylock, and General Catalyst.
Related: Riviera Partners Adds Veteran HR Executive
Through machine learning algorithms, Riviera Partners identifies specialized, highly qualified candidates that fit an organization’s needs from 600,000 professionals across tech geographies. Riviera can often provide a short list of candidates in 30 days and has a success rate of over 95 percent.
Recent Growth
Riviera Partners recently named Mike Flood as a partner, where he will lead the expansion of the firm’s financial services practice. “With a distinguished career spanning over two decades in executive search and leadership advisory, Mike’s expertise will enhance the firm’s capabilities and broaden the scope of its offerings in financial services,” the search firm said. “We are thrilled to welcome Mike Flood to the Riviera team,” said Michael A. Morell, managing partner and co-founder of Riviera Partners. “Mike’s track record in financial services, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit and extensive network, will be instrumental in broadening our reach and impact within this important sector. His expertise aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver the best leadership talent to drive transformational outcomes for our clients.”
Riviera Partners Launches Gaming, Entertainment, Media, and Sports Practice
Riviera Partners has launched its gaming, entertainment, media, and sports practice. The new practice will be led by Greg Sherman, who joins the firm as a partner, and Matt Skiba, who returns to Riviera as a partner after a decade in executive talent leadership. “The launch of our gaming, entertainment, media, and sports practice marks a significant milestone for Riviera Partners as we expand our expertise into some of the most dynamic sectors in technology,” said Michael A. Morell, co-founder and managing partner at Riviera Partners. “With the rapid advancement of technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and blockchain, the gaming, entertainment, media, and sports industries are undergoing transformative changes. There has never been a more critical time for visionary tech leadership to navigate these innovations and drive growth.”
Mr. Flood brings deep industry expertise to Riviera. He is the founder of Calibration Talent Advisors and previously served as the co-founder and managing partner of Westwood Partners LLC, a financial services-focused retained search boutique. In that role, Mr. Flood interviewed and assessed hundreds of analysts and portfolio managers. His entrepreneurial acumen led to the launch of a venture business within Westwood, and he remains a partner at Connectivity Capital Partners LLC and the Connectivity Ventures Fund.
Riviera Partners also recently launched its dedicated cybersecurity practice. The practice will focus on meeting the growing demand for CISOs and cybersecurity leaders across all industries, as well as technical leadership at companies in the digital security space. The practice is led by Sean Cleary, who joined Riviera Partners earlier this year as a partner. Supporting him in this new practice are Matt Stravitz and Chloe Kataev, both who bring deep expertise in cybersecurity recruitment.
“As cybersecurity continues to grow in importance, both for enterprises and the security technology companies leading the charge, finding the right leaders is critical,” said Mr. Morell. “Under Sean Cleary’s leadership, our new practice will deliver on Riviera’s commitment to helping our clients secure top talent in an increasingly competitive market.”
Related: Riviera Partners Acquires Arete Partners, Creates Riviera Ventures
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
