ZRG Appoints Sector Head for AI and Data

April 17, 2025 – ZRG has expanded its data and AI expertise with the addition of Deepali Vyas as managing director, sector head of AI and data. “AI and data are no longer future considerations—they’re shaping business strategy right now,” said Nate Frank, president of executive search at ZRG. “Deepali’s arrival marks a significant step forward in our ability to serve clients who are building data-centric, AI-enabled organizations. Her track record, credibility, and insight will help our clients find the leaders they need to navigate an increasingly complex digital future.”

Ms. Vyas brings more than 25 years of experience at the intersection of data, analytics, artificial intelligence, and executive leadership. She joins ZRG from Korn Ferry, where she served as senior partner and global leader for data, AI, and FinTech. Before that, she held senior roles at Heidrick & Struggles and has worked across financial services, healthcare, technology, consumer, and industrial sectors. Throughout her career, Ms. Vyas has built and placed senior leadership teams, advising global enterprises, venture-backed companies, and private equity firms on executive hiring and strategy. Her expertise spans positions such as chief data officer, chief AI officer, chief analytics officer, and more.

With a strong following on social platforms and a regular presence in Bloomberg, CNBC, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal, Ms. Vyas is also widely recognized as a thought leader and career strategist in emerging technologies. She will continue to share insights and trends in AI, data science, and the future of leadership as part of her work at ZRG.

ZRG’s growing focus in AI and data is in direct response to market demand. “Clients are grappling with how to structure teams, where AI should sit in the organization, and who is best equipped to lead these evolving mandates,” the firm said. “From data privacy to generative AI governance to building internal AI engines, companies are searching for answers—and talent to lead the way. This move underscores ZRG’s commitment to serving the leaders building the future—and ensuring talent strategy keeps pace with technology.”

This expansion also complements ZRG’s broader investments in technology. Through the firm’s proprietary Zi platform and data-enabled search process, ZRG continues to deliver smarter, faster talent solutions. The addition gives ZRG a deeper bench in AI and data.

ZRG, founded in 1999, is a fast-growing global talent advisory firm with the financial backing of private equity investor RFE Investment Partners. 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. ZRG is based in Rochelle Park, NJ.

New Co-Head for the Healthcare & Life Sciences Practice

ZRG just recently appointed Joni Noel as co-head of its healthcare & life sciences practice alongside Brian McGowan, who has guided ZRG’s healthcare efforts with a focus on executive search. Together, they will partner closely to expand ZRG’s impact across the talent spectrum, from C-suite placements to interim leadership, embedded recruiting, and consulting. Ms. Noel will primarily focus on interim and project consulting, expanding ZRG’s capabilities across the full suite of talent advisory solutions for healthcare and life sciences clients. “Our goal is to be the most trusted partner in healthcare and life sciences talent,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “Joni’s arrival strengthens our ability to deliver fully integrated solutions, and her track record speaks for itself. This is a key step forward as we expand our capabilities for clients in this critical sector.”

Inside The Deal: CEO Larry Hartmann Opens Up On ZRG’s Latest Strategic Acquisition

Larry Hartmann is a seasoned veteran of the people business. As the chief executive of ZRG, he leads one of the fastest growing, global talent management hubs in the human capital sector. It wasn’t always this way. Larry founded ZRG 24 years ago on the core principle of building a better recruiting platform. Simple enough. Today, that vision has extended to a $230 million data-driven suite of talent and consulting offerings, including culture transformation, leadership assessment, executive coaching, strategic communications, RPO, and interim solutions.

“Joni is a force—strategic, deeply embedded in the industry, and relentlessly focused on client outcomes,” said Mark Viner, president of ZRG interim solutions & project consulting. “Her arrival signals our continued commitment to helping healthcare and life sciences clients solve their biggest challenges—not with static solutions, but with the right expertise at the right time.”

“Joni brings a new dimension to our team,” said Mr. McGowan, managing director. “Her leadership in interim and consulting is exactly what our clients need as the industry evolves—and I’m thrilled to partner with her in this next chapter.”

Ms. Noel brings over 25 years of experience leading healthcare consulting engagements, building high-performing teams, and partnering with private equity to deliver transformation in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Most recently, she served as global healthcare industry vertical leader and head of private equity at RGP, overseeing more than 500 new engagements annually across health systems, payors, life sciences companies, and health tech innovators.

Related: ZRG Acquires Jamesbeck

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media

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