Slayton Search Partners Appoints Senior Vice President
July 8, 2025 – Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Dan Plourde as senior vice president and principal. He will focus on supporting the firm’s industrial and consumer practices, bringing nearly two decades of executive search and recruitment experience to the team. “Dan’s extensive experience in executive search, combined with his proven track record of building and scaling operations, makes him an excellent addition to our team,” said John Nimesheim, senior managing director and president at Slayton Search Partners. “His expertise in the industrial and consumer sectors will strengthen our ability to serve clients across these critical markets.”
Throughout his career, Mr. Plourde has built a reputation for delivering senior talent at the director through C-suite levels. “Known for his strategic acumen and operational execution, he brings a combination of P&L management experience, high-impact team development, and a client-first approach to every engagement,” Slayton said.
Mr. Plourde joins Slayton from a consulting role with a private equity firm, where he led searches at both the fund and portfolio company level. Prior to that, he spent close to 17 years with global recruitment firm PageGroup, where he held a series of senior leadership roles across the Midwest and West Coast. In that capacity, he managed multiple practice areas, launched and scaled new offices, and delivered retained and contained searches for director, VP, and C-suite roles across procurement & supply chain, sales & marketing, finance, and real estate & construction.
“I’m excited to join the talented team at Slayton Search Partners,” said Mr. Plourde. “The firm’s reputation for excellence and commitment to delivering outstanding results for clients aligns perfectly with my approach to executive search. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the industrial and consumer practices.”
Established in 1985, Slayton Search Partners is an executive search firm serving clients across multiple industry verticals including consumer, distribution, financial services, industrial, insurance, private equity, and retail. The firm specializes in C-level executive placements and leadership functions including CEO and P&L, diversity, finance, human resources, marketing and sales, supply chain, strategy, sustainability, and technology. Founded with a commitment to delivering exceptional talent solutions, Slayton Search Partners maintains offices in Chicago and serves clients nationally.
Recent Promotions
Slayton Search Partners recently announced strategic promotions within its leadership team. John Nimesheim has been promoted to senior managing director, expanding his role after 26 years with the firm. In this position, he will oversee daily operations while spearheading initiatives to expand the firm’s executive search capabilities.
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Molly Hull has been promoted to managing director and executive vice president, becoming the first woman to join the firm’s core executive leadership team. Ms. Hull, who joined Slayton in 2008, will oversee search operations and performance, leading the candidate development and research teams.
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John Ratliff has been promoted to executive vice president, with the firm recognizing his commercial abilities and dedication to client service. Since joining the firm in 2018, he has led searches across consumer and industrial practices for Fortune 500, family-owned, and private equity-backed organizations.
“These leadership appointments represent a pivotal moment in our firm’s evolution,” said Richard Slayton, managing partner and CEO. “John Nimesheim, Molly Hull, and John Ratliff have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities and deep commitment to our clients’ success. Their expanded roles will strengthen our ability to serve clients while positioning us for continued growth. I’m particularly proud to welcome Molly as the first woman to join our executive leadership team, marking an important milestone in our firm’s history.”
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
