Willard Powell Unveils Newly Established Executive Search Group
October 31, 2022 – Ridgefield, CT-based talent acquisition firm Willard Powell has launched its Executive Search Group and has added Mike Lynch, who will manage the company’s division as managing director. The new search division will focus on the recruitment needs of Fortune 100 multinational companies, mid-sized firms and high growth startups seeking executive-level talent.
“In today’s competitive market, it’s never been more difficult for companies to attract and hire high-level talent,” said David McInnis, founding partner and president of Willard Powell. “Unlike large firms that typically offload the bulk of the recruiting work to junior staff, we are a boutique firm with partners that are intimately involved with all phases of the search process, from start to finish. We are known as solvers of business problems, not just a firm that fills an opening. With Mike at the helm, we are well-positioned to meet the unique demands of each assignment, creating a win-win for our clients.”
With over 25 years of executive search experience with C-suite/executive leadership teams and board level advisory work, Mr. Lynch’s will serve a diverse range of executive-level searches. Experienced in executive search, client management, and candidate engagement, he has a track record of leadership and success primarily across the financial services industry within HR and talent acquisition.
Mr. Lynch was previously senior director of executive recruiting at TIAA, where he created the structure and strategy for the ESG team and served the recruiting needs of the executive committee. With an understanding of talent and in-depth knowledge of diverse industries, Mr. Lynch helped build TIAA’s internal leadership team across all areas of the business including asset management, retirement services, banking solutions, technology, and operations. Prior to his 11 years at TIAA, he held financial recruiting and consulting positions at HGI Executive Search, Wells Fargo, The Hunter Group International, and Management Advisors International.
“In working with Mike, organizations will have a trusted advisor who can speak truth to power,” said Stewart Sloan, partner, engagement manager at Willard Powell. “Having spent the last decade on the client side with a Fortune 100 financial services company, he is a problem solver of business issues through diligence, rigor, and human compassion.”
“I’m thrilled to join the dynamic and talented Willard Powell team,” said Mr. Lynch. “Having been in this industry for nearly three decades, I’m most excited to help organizations steer the direction of their business by hiring the best possible talent to advance their strategic goals. I am also excited to be working with the incredibly ethical, professional, and generous partners and team at Willard Powell.”
Offering Talent Services
Willard Powell offers talent services that leverage proprietary sourcing technologies. They are dedicated to organizational development and prosperity for employees, clients, shareholders, and trusted advisors. Willard Powell is a division of Via Trust USA, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB). Mr. McInnis has 20 years of global recruitment experience. Prior to founding Willard Powell, he worked with Leathwaite International, a global executive search firm. Before that, Mr. McInnis worked for Wachovia Securities (now Wells Fargo securities) supporting the firm’s investment banking & capital markets technology group.
Earlier this year, Willard Powell added Laurena Mitchell and Bryan Ward as managing directors. “I couldn’t be happier about having Laurena and Bryan join the Willard Powell team,” said Mr. McInnis. “They each bring a wealth of knowledge, experience. and integrity to their respective roles, but it is their personal commitment and passion for diversity in both the workplace and in society at large that make them the perfect additions to our culture. I’m confident that Laurena and Bryan will make an immediate impact in helping organizations find and retain key talent.”
Ms. Mitchell has experience both at technical recruiting firms and leading technology brands. She spent four years at Microsoft where she worked exclusively with key stakeholders to acquire essential talent for the organization. Mr. Ward has spent decades as an executive in the financial services and business development sectors, having spent the majority of his career at Morgan Stanley and Legg Mason.
Related: 10 Tips for Networking with Executive Recruiters
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
