ZRG Names Managing Director of the Financial Services Practice
March 19, 2024 – ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has expanded with the addition of Peter Goddard as the managing director of the financial officers practice. “Peter’s appointment further strengthens ZRG’s commitment to providing top-tier talent solutions and strategic guidance to our clients,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “His deep industry knowledge, collaborative approach, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes make him a valuable addition to our team.”
With a wealth of experience spanning local and international markets, Mr. Goddard has expertise in appointing chief financial officers, appointed actuaries, and senior finance executives across the Asia-Pacific region. Having led assignments for a diverse range of clients, including listed corporations across the ASX and other exchanges, private equity and venture capital firms, international entities, and large private firms, Mr. Goddard is an experienced senior name in APAC search. In addition to his professional achievements, he is a thought leader on subjects such as diversity, various leadership issues, and the aging workforce.
“I am thrilled to join ZRG, drawn not only by the trust I have in several of my esteemed colleagues with whom I have worked in the past but also by their innovative approach to executive search,” said Mr. Goddard. “ZRG’s data and technology-led strategies stood out to me, as did their commitment to transparent communication with clients. The absence of ‘smoke and mirrors’ was genuinely refreshing and aligns perfectly with my values as we embark on this exciting journey together.”
ZRG, founded in 1999, is a 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. ZRG is based in Rochelle Park, NJ.
Recent Expansion
ZRG recently expanded with the addition of Patrick Gray as managing partner. In this role, he will oversee the global aerospace, defense & government services practice group. Partnering with Phoebe Henderson, Kiel Towns, and the rest of our talented managing directors, principals, and associates, Patrick will strengthen our team,” said Samantha Foster, ZRG’s global industrial practice leader. “I know that the aerospace, defense & government services practice is in good hands.”
Related: ZRG Acquires Interim Education-Focused Search Provider The Registry
With a career spanning the military, investment, intelligence, and technology sectors, Mr. Gray brings over 20 years of executive search experience to ZRG. He formerly served as a U.S. army intelligence officer, undertaking assignments across the globe. He would later transition to the business world, co-founding and managing an investment company, providing consultancy services to an intelligence agency, and contributing to corporate development in the technology sector. Mr. Gray began his executive recruiting career at Korn Ferry and subsequently managed the aerospace, defense & government services practices at Heidrick & Struggles and two boutique firms. He has supported Fortune 1000 companies and led private equity firms through board and C-suite leadership changes.
ZRG Partners also expanded with the addition of a new office in Mexico City. The office is led by managing director Pablo Perella-Berdun and senior advisor Hugo Lara. “The new office of ZRG Partners Mexico SRL de CV is positioned to deliver their tech-enabled analytic suite of talent management solutions to clients with operations in this very important market,” the search firm said. “Mexico is the biggest trading partner of the United States,” said Nate Frank, president of ZRG executive search division. “As of July 2023, Mexico was the source of 15 percent of U.S. imports, compared to 14.6 percent from China, and comprises a growing share of U.S. imports in many manufacturing sectors where ZRG has strong relationships, such as the automotive, machinery, and medical devices industries. Mexico’s own market expansion has also been driving growing demand for our financial, professional services & technology, and education practices.”
Mr. Perella-Berdun has five years in executive search and talent development in Mexico and previously enjoyed a 27-year corporate career in consumer, medical device, hygiene & safety products, and specialty chemicals, including Kimberly-Clark where he led local, regional, and global roles for over 20 years. Prior to joining ZRG, Mr. Lara was a senior client partner, industrial and advisory leader, as well as the office managing director at Korn Ferry.
Related: ZRG Partners’ Swift and Strategic Road to Expansion
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
