Savannah Group Names Head of Board & CEO Practice
February 27, 2018 – U.K.-headquartered executive search firm Savannah Group has expanded with the addition of Damian Walsh as a partner in its industrial practice and head of its board and CEO practice.
“I am delighted that Damian has decided to join Savannah Group at this critical next stage in the firm’s development,” said John Ellis, executive chairman. “Having re-branded the firm as Savannah Group in 2017, we are keen to consolidate our position as a leading challenger to some of the more traditional international executive search brands. A crucial ingredient for our future development is having a successful board and CEO practice and Damian adds strength and depth to our existing team.”
Mr. Walsh’s wealth of board experience and track record of working with organizations to transform board effectiveness will make him an invaluable player for the firm, said Mr. Ellis. “We believe that the move towards a more digital based economy and the realization of the benefits that can be achieved through a more diverse team, boards will continue to look for new skill sets and different backgrounds to maximize their opportunity to succeed in this rapidly changing market,” he said. “Going forward, they will not solely rely on the churn of more traditional candidates offered by some executive search firms and Damian and I both believe that Savannah offers a fresh and compelling alternative.”
Veteran Search Consultant
During his international career of 30 years, Mr. Walsh has worked with leadership teams across multiple geographies and sectors including natural resources, manufacturing & distribution, technology, infrastructure, media & entertainment and professional services. He brings insight into effective leadership, management and governance and a strong point of view about the keys to success in business, particularly in challenging environments, said Savannah Group.
Mr. Walsh recently left Heidrick & Struggles where he was a partner and a member of its global industrial and board & CEO practices. Before that, he was managing director at a global management consultancy supporting many of the world’s largest companies in large-scale strategy execution. Earlier in his career, he spent more than 20 years as a partner in Ernst & Young.
Recruiter Rankings: London Top 60
London’s need for talent has transformed it into the second largest executive search market in the world after New York. Hunt Scanlon has selected the most prominent leadership solutions providers in this dynamic marketplace, settling on 60 of the most influential and innovative.
| Top 60 |
“I am thrilled to be joining Savannah Group and to have the opportunity to work with John and a dynamic team of leadership professionals with deep, global research expertise and a keen understanding of leadership dynamics, especially at this time of economic, technological and geo-political risk and opportunity,” said Mr. Walsh.
Newly Launched Firm
Savannah Group was launched last year by the U.K. office of global search firm Boyden. Savannah’s team of 50 includes 20 partners that are specialists in their fields, including board and corporate functions, financial services, hospitality travel & leisure, industrial, digital and media, sport & entertainment industries. Corporate functions filled by the firm include: finance, human resources, IT / digital and sales & marketing.
Savannah Group Launched by Former Boyden U.K. Team
The U.K. office of global search firm Boyden has launched a new executive search and interim management business called Savannah Group. The girm said that companies increasingly want to support and enhance their in-house capabilities by aligning them with specific parts of the search process.
“We’re offering a bespoke service, not trying to force a one size fits all solution on businesses that increasingly value a more modern, flexible way of working,” said Mr. Ellis. “Independent and more agile, Savannah believes it is well placed to deliver the tailored experience organizations are seeking, without clients having to compromise on quality or global reach.”
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Will Schatz, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
