Cowen Partners Executive Search

Firm Overview

At Cowen Partners, we stand at the forefront of the executive search industry, empowering companies to thrive and excel in their growth, revenue, and market presence. We specialize in identifying exceptional leaders and placing them in key positions to drive success. Our team of seasoned executive recruiters collaborates with organizations of all sizes, encompassing both public and private enterprises, pre-IPO ventures, and non-profit entities. Through a meticulous and discerning approach, we unite handpicked candidates, with companies in pursuit of the most exceptional executive talent, representing the top 1%. With the support of our experienced senior partners, we execute a diligent and efficient executive search process, ensuring leadership placements within a remarkable six-week timeframe. Our executive search placements span the entire C-suite: CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CMOs, CIO/ CTOs, CHROs, CLOs, and leadership roles including VPs, Directors, and more.

Off-Limits Policy

2 years

Average Time to Completion on Assignment

3 months

Recently Completed Assignments

News Briefings

Cowen Partners Places CEO at Signal Financial Federal Credit Union

Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Kenyahda Cahoon as the new CEO of Signal Financial Federal Credit Union. He succeeds Francois Verleysen, who served as president and CEO of Signal Financial since 2014. Mr. Verleysen retired from the organization in January 2025. “On behalf of the board of directors, we welcome...

Cowen Partners Retained by Signal Financial Federal Credit Union to Lead CEO Search

Credit unions face mounting challenges from stricter regulations, economic pressures, and industry shifts. Increased oversight from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and National Credit Union Administration on fees, lending, and cybersecurity is straining smaller institutions, while rising interest rates and inflation are impacting loan demand and deposits. At the same time, competition from fintech and...

Cowen Partners Appoints Director of Client Services

Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search has named Cheryl Nantang as director of client services. “Cheryl Nantang is an exceptional addition to our team at Cowen Partners Executive Search,” said Shawn Cole, president of Cowen Partners. “Her deep expertise across private, public, and non-profit sectors, combined with her passion for connecting organizations with transformative leadership, aligns perfectly...

Cowen Partners Assists Okland Construction with Chief People Officer Search

Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with...

Executives Prioritize Financial Rewards Over Job Titles

Despite evolving workplace trends emphasizing holistic motivators, reports continue to find that executives prioritize monetary incentives as a key validation of their efforts and value. Additionally, while company culture and alignment with organizational missions are important, Cowen Partners Executive Search’s Annual State of Executive Employment Survey found that executives place a stronger emphasis on competitive pay...

A Look at How Executive Search Continues to Evolve with the Times

As the business world continues to shift, so must the recruiting tactics of top companies and the executive search firms that assist them in finding top talent. In a recent survey, more than half of companies reported that they are making changes to their talent-sourcing strategy to close skills gaps and meet changing demands. A new report from...