Slayton Search Partners Expands Consumer Practice
February 3, 2026 – Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of David Turner as executive vice president in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are thrilled to welcome David to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, managing partner and CEO. “His extensive experience in food and agriculture, combined with his proven track record in executive search and his global perspective, makes him an invaluable addition to our consumer practice. David’s expertise will enhance our ability to serve clients who are shaping the future of food and agriculture, and his commitment to finding transformational leaders aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”
Mr. Turner brings more than two decades of distinguished leadership in executive search, operations, and strategic consulting within the food and agriculture sectors. His career spans significant accomplishments in both executive search and operational leadership.
Mr. Turner spent 14 years at Kincannon & Reed, a global search firm specializing in food and agriculture, where he advanced from principal to president before being appointed chairman of the board in 2024. His work focused on identifying and placing transformational leaders who drove innovation and strategic growth across the food and agriculture value chain.
Before his executive search career, Mr. Turner built substantial operational expertise as leader of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Canadian agribusiness practice and through multiple domestic and international leadership positions at Cargill. “This hands-on experience provides him with unique insights into the operational challenges and opportunities facing organizations in the sector,” Slayton Search Partners said. Mr. Turner currently serves as a global board director for the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC).
In his new role with Slayton Search Partners, Mr. Turner will provide strategic guidance to organizations navigating transformation in food and agriculture, with a particular focus on innovation, sustainability, and leadership alignment. He will work closely with clients to secure executive talent capable of addressing evolving market dynamics and capitalizing on emerging opportunities in these critical industries, the firm noted.
Related: Slayton Search Partners Expands Senior Staff
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.
Past Appointment
Last year, Slayton added Dan Plourde as senior vice president and principal. He focuses on supporting the firm’s industrial and consumer practices, bringing nearly two decades of executive search and recruitment experience to the team. 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.
The Select Guide to America’s Top 250 Executive Search Firms
Hunt Scanlon Media proudly presents the Select Guide to America’s Top 250 Executive Search Firms.
This comprehensive online directory is your definitive resource for finding the best executive search firms to serve your talent needs.
Our guide is meticulously curated to connect you with leading firms that specialize in various industries and functions, ensuring you find the perfect match for your executive recruitment needs.
Mr. Plourde joined 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.
Related: Slayton Search Partners Announces Promotions
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
