Signium Adds New Member Firm in Michigan
February 6, 2025 – Executive search consortium Signium has added Ann Arbor, MI-based Sigred Group. Together, Sigred’s senior partners Kristi Stepp and Mike Dergis each bring over 25 years of experience in human resources, organizational effectiveness, and executive development. “The world of leadership has undergone a profound transformation in recent years,” said Annelize van Rensburg, global chair of Signium. “Organizational structures have become more fluid, leadership styles have evolved, and the global business environment is more complex and interconnected. I’m confident that Mike and Kristi’s knowledge of the ever-changing leadership landscape, combined with Signium’s global reach and resources, will enable us to deliver even greater value to our clients around the world.”
Bill O’Callaghan, managing partner at Signium’s Philadelphia office and founding partner at Discovery Search Partners, was instrumental in forging the relationship with Sigred Group. “At Signium, we actively seek out collaborations where strategic synergy is found in purpose and values,” he said. “Our partnership with Kristi and Mike is a natural fit, as they have a clear purpose and a set of principles that align with Signium’s aspirational identity and long-term goals. Kristi and Mike’s in-depth expertise and hands-on approach to leadership development make them ideal partners for our growth into the U.S. market.”
As Signium’s new managing partners in Michigan, Ms. Stepp and Mr. Dergis will provide strategic, tailored leadership solutions to organizations experiencing changing business landscapes and uncertain markets.
Ms. Stepp’s professional career includes leadership roles at international recruitment and automotive companies. Her focus on executive development, organizational effectiveness, and harmonizing leadership practices across diverse. “Her global experience, especially in Asia and Australasia, has shaped her understanding of the cultural nuances of leadership in multinational organizations,” Signium said in a release. Ms. Stepp formerly served as global head of talent development and Head of Human Resources for Thermal Systems North America at Valeo.
“We’re thrilled to join forces with Signium, with its truly global perspective and enduring commitment to excellence,” said Ms. Stepp. “The U.S. market presents significant opportunities, and we’re confident that our combined expertise in executive search and leadership consulting will provide transformative value to growing businesses looking to flourish in today’s competitive environments.”
Mr. Dergis has had a diverse career journey in strategy consulting and leadership roles in the manufacturing and automotive sectors. As a former chief operating officer of Ternes Packaging Company and partner in boutique recruitment firms The Hunter Group and Podium Partners, he specializes in organizational development and driving performance through leadership and operational improvements.
“The opportunity to collaborate globally is a key driver for this partnership,” said Mr. Dergis. “In my previous experiences, the ability to engage in cross-border collaboration has proven invaluable, and we’re excited to leverage Signium’s extensive international network and excellent reputation. We believe this partnership is a perfect fit, and we’re eager to apply our skills to address the diverse challenges U.S. companies face today.”
Related: Signium Expands in France
Signium has 38 offices in 30 countries serving clients in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific regions. The firm delivers talent acquisition and management solutions for global companies across industry sectors, including consumer goods, financial services, technology, industrial, life sciences, and professional services.
New Office in Dubai
Signium recently opened a new office in Dubai, UAE. This expansion strengthens Signium’s presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, complementing its existing Dubai leadership consulting office, led by managing partner Hisham El-Badawy since 2006. The new office is led by search veterans Jon Ashcroft and Mark Holdich, who have joined as managing partners. Together with Mr. El-Badawy, they will operate under the unified branding of Signium GCC, offering specialized services tailored to the region.
“The GCC economies demonstrated resilience during 2024, achieving steady growth despite global challenges,” Signium said. “While the oil sector remains vital, the region’s focus on economic diversification has driven significant contributions from non-oil sectors such as tourism, trade, finance, construction, and manufacturing. This transformation has opened doors for business leaders across various industries.”
Mr. Ashcroft emphasizes the UAE’s role as a world-leading economy: “The UAE is a hub of innovation and investment, attracting talent and businesses from across the globe,” he said. “As sectors like fintech, real estate, and manufacturing flourish in Dubai and surrounding areas, the demand for highly skilled leadership is on the rise.”
“This collaboration creates synergies between our deep local expertise and the global reach of Signium,” said Mr. El-Badawy. “By combining our networks and resources, we’re in a favorable position to deliver comprehensive talent solutions for the GCC market.”
Related: Signium Adds Former HR Executive in Dublin, Ireland
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
