The Christopher Group Leading Chief People Officer and VP of Talent Acquisition Searches for Vertex Service Partners
February 7, 2024 – Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top flight HR experts? Corporate leaders want HR leaders who are sophisticated, proactive, and strategic-minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they would a P&L, according to executive recruiters. CEOs, in particular, want their HR leaders to proactively recommend a host of forward-thinking initiatives that will provide a competitive advantage. The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by Vertex Service Partners in Charlotte, NC, to lead in its searches for a chief people officer and vice president of talent acquisition. Managing partners, Nat Schiffer and Ayla Maloney are leading these assignments.
“We are privileged to partner with Vertex Service Partners, a leader in home improvement services,” said Mr. Schiffer. “Leading the search for their chief people officer and vice president of talent acquisition is an honor, as these pivotal roles will shape the future of talent management and growth within the company. Together, we will build a workforce that drives success and innovation in the home services industry.”
The chief people officer will be a key member of the executive team, responsible for overseeing all aspects of talent management and development within the company as well as having tactical responsibility for transactional HR. This role will have a strong emphasis on M&A integration, talent acquisition, as well as training and development and be tapped to build a M&A playbook, as well as a talent acquisition and training engine that builds and maintains a high-performing workforce driving sales and business growth. They serve as the strategic leader in creating and executing a comprehensive talent strategy that aligns with the company’s significant growth objectives.
The Christopher Group explains that the vice president of talent acquisition is a greenfield opportunity that has a direct correlation to the company’s growth initiatives and success. This role will be responsible for designing, implementing, and executing the playbook and engine for talent acquisition to support the management roles to include, GM’s, regional managers, and area managers as well as building a high-volume machine to fill commissioned in-home sales roles. This executive will be called upon to be a player-coach.
Vertex is a residential home improvement services platform with a focus on roofing and other exterior services. Vertex aims to create a best-in-class group of industry leaders who can share resources, best practices, and expertise to deliver unparalleled service to residential homeowners. Vertex was formed in partnership with Alpine Investors, a top-performing private equity fund with $15 billion of assets under management and a philosophy of winning through people, culture, and values.
Founded in 1998 by Tom and Paula Christopher (former HR executives with GE, Pepsi, Progressive Insurance, and Citigroup), The Christopher Group is a leading boutique HR executive search and staffing solutions firms. TCG is staffed by former HR professionals and trained search practitioners who use proprietary, scientific and industry-leading systems, tools, and processes. The firm has offices in Willoughby, OH; Sarasota, FL; and Kansas City, MO.
Mr. Schiffer, CEO of the firm, specializes in all levels of HR search but frequently leads the firm’s most senior-level searches including CHRO, VP, and other levels. He has recently completed searches across multiple industries and HR verticals for organizations including Phillips 66, Lamb Weston, Parker Hannifin, Air Products, Altria, SC Johnson, Cal State Fullerton, and Acorn start-ups.
Related: The Christopher Group Recruits Chief People Officer for Clayton Homes Building Group
Ms. Maloney, who is also The Christopher Group’s chief development officer, has been with the firm for eight progressive years and sits on the leadership team. Before joining TCG, she spent over a decade in the food service industry as a divisional and organization-wide leader of culture, leadership development, and training. With TCG, she has partnered with clients such as Lamb Weston, Phillips 66, Quantum Health, California State University, Altria, Parker Hannifin, and others on opportunities across the HR spectrum, ranging from heads of HR to specialist roles. She also spearheads off-desk searches for finance, sales, and operations executives.
New Ownership
The Christopher Group was acquired by a group of managing partners led by Nat Schiffer on March 31, 2023. The acquisition allows the firm to continue its growth trajectory while ensuring a smooth ownership transition. “The acquisition of The Christopher Group by its managing partners is a testament to the strength, depth, and resilience of our company,” said Mr. Christopher. “We are excited to have all of the partners take the reins and continue our legacy of excellence in the HR industry we support.”
The transition of ownership will be virtually seamless for the clients and candidates that TCG serves. Mr. Schiffer will serve as president and managing director; Pam Noble as managing partner, head of recruiting operations; Ayla Maloney as managing partner, head of people operations; and Tobin Anselmi, as managing partner, head of interim and consulting services operations.
“The acquisition brings a new level of energy and focus to The Christopher Group, with a renewed emphasis on innovation, client service, and operational efficiency,” the firm said. “The new leadership team is committed to building on the company’s incredible foundation while igniting new chapters of growth and innovation.”
“We are thrilled to be taking ownership of such a dynamic and successful company,” said Mr. Schiffer. “We are committed to capitalizing on the ever-growing demand for human capital solutions. With that said, I would be remiss if I did not thank Tom and Paula Christopher for their 25-plus years of contribution, innovation, financial support, and so much more. Additionally, they both will play important roles going forward as advisors and consultants, and Tom and I will continue our partnership in critical business development opportunities.”
Related: The Christopher Group Recruits Director of Global Talent Acquisition for STERIS
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
