SRI Acquires Marquee Search

July 22, 2021 – As consolidation continues in the executive search industry, London-based executive recruiting firm SRI recently acquired Marquee Search, an executive search firm serving the sports sector that has placed over 1,000 mid-senior executives. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The partnership brings together Marquee’s 20 years of North American sports expertise with SRI’s 20 years of serving the converging sport, media, entertainment and technology landscape across four continents.

“Jeff’s shared passion for building trusted long-term relationships with clients along with his deep experience of working in the sport and entertainment sectors make him an outstanding fit for SRI,” said Jay Hussey, SRI’s CEO, North America. “Tyler is a strong executive search operator, and they will both play a significant role in the expansion of SRI’s capability here in North America. Jeff and Tyler join Paul Chidley, SRI’s partner based out of Los Angeles. Jeff, Paul and Tyler bring the North American Sports market a powerful and highly effective team.”

The acquisition will see Jeff Yocom (formerly founder and president of Marquee Search) and Tyler Nelson (formerly director, executive search, Marquee Search) join SRI to bolster SRI’s global sports practice. They will both be based in Portland, OR, further strengthening the existing North American team.

Mr. Yocom, who becomes partner, sport, SRI, has spent the last 20 years as an advisor and has been responsible for placing leaders and professionals in new positions across the sports and live entertainment industries. Mr. Yocom is also a member of the Positive Coaching Alliance’s Leadership Council.

Mr. Nelson, who becomes associate, sport, SRI, is dedicated to providing insight-led executive search. “His consultative approach, rich knowledge of the sports and live entertainment industries, and track record of strong placements makes him a powerful and valuable resource for both clients and candidates,” SRI said.

Serving the Sports, Media and Entertainment Industries

“SRI’s commitment  to having a positive impact on the sports, media and entertainment industries, exceptional candidate care and global network make them an excellent fit,” said Mr. Yocom. “Their credibility and expertise in complementary sectors such as media, esports and technology will add additional value to our clients. We are thrilled to become  part of the team.”

David James, global head of sport, said: “Jeff and Tyler’s rigorous, results-focused approach combined with their significant depth of knowledge and experience in sport and entertainment, aligns perfectly with SRI’s business.  They are  great additions to our global sports practice and I’m looking forward to working with them as we deliver for clients right across the globe.”

SRI is a global executive search and consulting firm focused on the sport, esports, media and entertainment, fashion, and sporting goods industries. The firm’s services include executive search, emerging leaders search, hiring strategy, board assessment, succession planning, salary benchmarking, new market entry consulting and multi-vacancy projects.

Recent Acquisitions

Acquisitions and consolidations continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Here is a sampling from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:

Orlando, FL-headquartered healthcare-focused search firm Kirby Bates Associates (KBA) and Tyler & Company have merged business operations. The unified organization will operate under the Kirby Bates Associates brand. “Tyler & Company offers an exciting opportunity for Kirby Bates to strengthen its service and scope in healthcare executive leadership,” said Melissa A. Fitzpatrick, president of Kirby Bates Associates and Tyler & Company. “With its range of high-profile clients and service expertise, Tyler & Company’s complementary offerings are highly aligned to Kirby Bates’ strategy to lead the market by expanding services throughout the C-suite and across the continuum of care.”

Executive search firm ZRG has acquired Walking the Talk, a consulting and advisory firm focused on culture transformation. Hunt Scanlon Ventures facilitated the introduction and transaction between both organizations. Walking the Talk, headquartered in Amsterdam, specializes in enhancing performance results by aligning culture with strategy. Since the company was established 11 years ago, culture has landed firmly on the agenda of most executive teams and boards of directors.

A group of private investors led by majority partner CTR Group, a Virginia-based, family-owned employment services firm, has completed its acquisition of RM Nephew & Associates, an executive search firm headquartered in Boston, MA. Hunt Scanlon Ventures facilitated the introduction and the transaction. RM Nephew and Associates, with offices in Boston and New York, offers partnership-driven solutions to business leadership and recruitment challenges for a premier list of clients, primarily in the healthcare, technology, and professional services sectors.

Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product and design leader placements, has acquired Arete Partners. The Arete Partners team will form the foundation of Riviera Ventures and build upon its focus on Seed-to-B stage VC-backed startups. Eóin O’ Toole, co-founder and CEO of Arete Partners, will lead the new Riviera Ventures unit. Over the course of the past six years, Arete Partners has placed executive talent for Seed-to-B stage companies with “an understanding that the earliest leadership hires are of critical importance if startups are to reach their full potential,” Riviera Partners said in a statement.

Caldwell has signed an agreement to acquire IQTalent Partners. “For 50 years, Caldwell has been connecting clients with transformational talent. With this merger, we are setting our sights on transforming the world of talent,” said John Wallace, chief executive officer. “IQTalent Partners’ unique service model and innovative use of technology, paired with Caldwell’s expertise, network and resources will allow us to serve our clients in a more integrated fashion and allow us to have a greater impact on their long-term success, which remains our primary mandate.” Founded in 2009, IQTalent Partners provides talent acquisition solutions to 300 corporations from Fortune 500s to startups across a wide range of industries and functions throughout North America, Europe, Australia, Asia, and South America.

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media

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