ZRG Appoints Global Head of Financial Services
September 24, 2021 – ZRG has named Mina Ames as global head of financial services. “This is a great time for us to further expand our global presence in the financial services space. We have had a strong presence in North America for decades, but Mina will bring a truly global perspective to the practice in her role as leader of the sector,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “Under Mina’s leadership, we will look to continue to expand our team in Europe, Australia and Asia-Pacific to support our global client base in deeper ways.”
Ms. Ames previously worked at Russell Reynolds Associates, where she co-led the firm’s global fintech practice and was a member of its global financial services practice, and Egon Zehnder, where she focused on board, CEO and senior executive leadership positions. She has completed numerous global searches at the chair, non-executive director, C-suite, and senior executive levels across all financial services verticals in addition to front-line and functional roles including technology, digital transformation, and data and analytics.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Ames was vice president, HSBC, for global key accounts with Mastercard in Australia. Prior to that, she was head of partnerships, credit cards and consumer lending at Citibank and was instrumental in driving the organization’s partnership growth strategy. Earlier, she held marketing and business development roles with American Express Global Network Services based in the U.K., Singapore, and Australia.
“I am very excited to join ZRG at this time of remarkable growth. I have followed its emergence in the industry during the past few years and am truly excited to lead an important sector for the firm,” Ms. Ames said. “ZRG’s commitment to data and technology through its Zi platform technology is disrupting how companies are making hiring decisions. Being part of a mid-sized global firm, which does not have the access restrictions that can limit the ‘Big Five,’ will create even better search outcomes.”
ZRG, founded in 1999, is a progressive mid-sized global executive search firm and one of the fastest growing in the search industry. It provides a full suite of executive, middle-management, and customized search solutions through its offices in North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. The firm finds leaders across a broad spectrum of business markets, including aerospace, consumer, education, healthcare services and solutions, industrial, life sciences, non-profit, private equity and venture capital, and technology.
Fast Growing Firm
“ZRG has organically grown its business and added five strategic acquisitions to its portfolio,” said Michael Rubel, managing director of RFE Investment Partners, which financially backs ZRG. “ZRG will continue to expand globally with hires such as global financial practice leader Mina Ames and board member James Caan.”
Recruiting Entrepreneur Makes Seven-Figure Investment in ZRG
ZRG, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has elected Hamilton Bradshaw CEO James Caan to its board of directors. Mr. Caan has made a personal seven-figure investment in the company. “We are thrilled to add James Caan to our board of directors,” said CEO Larry Hartmann. “He brings a global aspect to our board that is important as we continue our expansion. James will be a valuable resource to me in my role as CEO as someone who has successfully grown and scaled a global recruitment business. I look forward to his involvement in our future growth.”
In July, ZRG acquired Walking the Talk, a consulting and advisory firm focused on culture transformation. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, based in Greenwich, Conn., 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. “Hiring top talent that aligns with a client’s culture objective has been a key success factor for ZRG,” said Mr. Hartmann. “With the addition of Walking the Talk, we will expand our consulting and talent solutions capabilities, helping our clients address challenging topics like change management and culture transformation.”
Related: Hunt Scanlon Media Launches M&A Advisory Service for Recruiters
In June, ZRG acquired Sucherman Group, a media and entertainment focused executive search firm. Founder Stuart Sucherman and CEO Erik Sorenson, both former media executives, will continue to lead the organization. “We are thrilled to add the premier team in the media space to the ZRG family,” said Mr. Hartmann. “They have built an incredible team and are content sector experts who bring clear value to every engagement. With our recent acquisition of Turnkey Sports, the boutique leader in the sports sector, adding the No. 1 boutique in media and entertainment broadens our market expertise and provides strong access to crossover talent in both areas.” The combination provides both organizations with access to new industries and products.
Earlier this year, ZRG made a major move into the sports, entertainment and media sectors by acquiring Turnkey Search, giving ZRG a competitive edge in the hunt for sports, media and entertainment talent. Mr. Hartmann called the deal a “blockbuster acquisition.” Hunt Scanlon Ventures also facilitated this transaction.
Related: New State Capital Partners Takes Equity Stake in Klein Hersh
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
