Posted by Sarah Barnes on Tue, Jul 27, 2010 @ 01:48 PM
Chicago, August 2010 – Kevin Logterman recently launched Family Matters, a talent management blog focused on the family business. Kevin is the Managing Director of the Family Business and Industrial Practices of Cook Associates Executive Search. With over 25 years of business and search experience, he has developed a strong understanding of the competitive challenges facing businesses today and how exceptional talent and cultural fit can impact an organization. As the son of an entrepreneur and someone who has worked in family business his entire career, Kevin has a deep appreciation for the challenges and opportunities that family businesses face in today's world.
When asked about the reason to develop his blog, Kevin responded, “Family businesses often struggle with talent management issues, for numerous reasons. It’s my goal to share what I know and, especially, what I learn from others, to help them find, keep and retain their top talent.”
Kevin posts to his blog every week. Follow his blog at Family Matters Blog
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Thu, Jun 17, 2010 @ 12:59 PM
Chicago, June 2010 - Jeff Leopold, Managing Director at Cook Associates Executive Search (
http://www.cookassociates.com/), will lead a panel discussion for Venture Summit East, one the preeminent entrepreneurship conferences in the United States. The three-day seminar will be held from June 21
st through June 23
rd, 2010, at Harvard Business School in Boston, MA.
Venture Summit East: Where the Big Money Meets the Big Idea, will feature the most influential institutional investors, venture capitalists, corporate buyers, investment bankers and research analysts in keynote presentations and panel debates. The conference will highlight the significant economic, political and technology trends impacting the global growth investor.
Leopold will be leading a panel discussion titled: "The Secret to Early-Stage Success: Building a Strong Management Team and Board." In this thought-provoking session, seasoned entrepreneurs will share their own experiences, addressing tough questions and realities such as:
- What are the signs that a company has outgrown any of the management team members?
- Lessons learned from mistakes-how to best increase the cohesiveness of the management team.
- How do you evolve a board from investor directors, founder and CEO to one that includes independents and perhaps no longer includes founder(s)?
- How should you leverage independent directors differently from investor directors?
- What are best practices around management team and board director evaluation?
Jeff Leopold is a Managing Director based in the firm's Boston office. For twenty-plus years, his career has been focused on the software, technology-enabled business services, and professional services industries. Jeff's prior operating experience with leading technology and professional services companies, as well as his extensive experience serving executive search clients, has helped him to earn a reputation for developing a deep understanding of client needs and delivering exceptional value.
Detailed information can be found online at Venture Summit East 2010.
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Mon, Jun 14, 2010 @ 09:50 AM
Chicago, IL – June 2010 – Cook Associates Executive Search is proud to welcome Four Corners Group, a well-respected, innovative and successful boutique executive search firm in Canada, to the worldwide network of executive search firms, InterSearch.
The partnership was initiated by John Kins, CEO of Cook Associates, the InterSearch member from the United States. After a comprehensive assessment of independently owned and operated executive search firms in Canada, Kins overwhelmingly endorsed Four Corners Group as the best choice for InterSearch. According to Kins, “Four Corners Group stood out as the most successful of the many firms we considered. They are very well-respected in Canada and have an impressive list of satisfied clients.” Kins was also impressed with the firm’s ability to offer innovative services and solutions not found at other search firms.
Mr. Andrew Norrie, Managing Partner and Co-founder of the Four Corners Group, comments, “The search industry has been stagnant in terms of offering new solutions; clients appreciate our innovation and the unique services and solutions that we offer – it is an approach that creates great results.” In May 2010, Norrie traveled to the InterSearch global conference in France to cement Four Corners Group as the Canadian member. “This is a great opportunity for our firm and our clients”, Norrie said, “the InterSearch brand is one that aligns nicely with our own values and focus on quality and we’re excited by this new partnership.”
This partnership creates a new search firm in Canada that is capable of executing executive search assignments on a global level and also gives the firm easy access to International candidates. As the exclusive Canadian member of InterSearch, Four Corners Group is now able to build on their existing national presence in Canada and partner with some of the best privately-held search firms in the world.
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Cook Associates, Inc. is a retained Executive Search and M&A Advisory Services firm. Our core business is creating value at the intersection where talent and opportunity connect, and we are uniquely positioned to help our clients capitalize on the brightest talent and best performing companies in the marketplace. Our client base ranges from multinational corporations to early stage entrepreneurial companies, private equity and venture capital firms. Brand name clients include American Express, The Blackstone Group, Canon, GTCR, Juniper Networking, Levi Strauss & Co., Pitney Bowes, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. For additional information, visit www.cookassociates.com.
Four Corners Group, a leading executive search and talent solutions firm, is located in downtown Toronto. Canadian owned and operated, the company has successfully completed search assignments in every Canadian province. With 35 years of combined executive search experience, the Partners have created a firm representative of their past success. Learn more at www.fourcornersgroup.com.
InterSearch Worldwide is a global network of search firms consistently ranked amongst the largest retained executive search practices in the world by Executive Recruiter News and search-consult magazines. InterSearch is currently represented in more than 40 countries, staffed by local professionals selected for their experience and reputation in their own markets and their ability to operate internationally. Further information on InterSearch can be found at www.intersearch.org.
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Mon, Jun 07, 2010 @ 03:00 PM
Chicago, June 2010 – Whether you are a top executive at a Fortune 500 company or just graduating from business school, Mary Kier’s blog, “Successful Careers in the Making,” offers priceless career advice and recommendations that can help make your career a success. Mary Kier is the Vice Chairman of Cook Associates Executive Search and has over 26 years of executive search experience. She is widely recognized as an expert in executive assessment and in the consumer markets industry.
When asked about the reason to develop her blog, Mary responded, “Cook Associates has always believed in the power of networking, coaching and development, and leadership development. We thought a blog might be the best way to reach out to a greater number of people in a style that is consistent with today’s world.”
Mary posts to her blog every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. Follow her blog here: http://www.cookassociates.com/Executive-Search-Blog/
Mary Kier began her career with the firm in 1984 and today oversees the executive search division. In addition to her own search practice in Consumer Products and Services, Mary leads the Consumer & Retail practice, managing an integrated team of consultants specializing in Consumer Services, Consumer Durable and Non-Durable Goods, CPG and FMCG. Mary is also the head of the Diversity practice and manages the InterSearch partnership.
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Fri, Apr 02, 2010 @ 09:20 AM
Chicago, April 2010 - Cook Associates Executive Search is excited to announce the expansion of its talented and experienced team with the addition of Kevin Parker as Managing Director of the Financial Services and Insurance practice, based in the firm's Chicago office.
Kevin brings twenty years of executive search, leadership assessment, talent management consulting and financial services industry experience.
Kevin has led search assignments for clients including Principal Financial Group, Wells Fargo, Aviva Investors, Fannie Mae, Wellmark Inc. and Principal Health Insurance. He has worked with these clients placing senior functional experts in Finance, M&A/ Corporate Development, Human Resources, Marketing, Investor Relations, Sales, Corporate Risk and Compliance and Information Technology.
"We are extremely pleased that Kevin has joined us to spearhead our new Financial Services and Insurance practice. Kevin's deep understanding of industry trends and executive talent as well as keen ability to identify "A" players for the client companies is invaluable to Cook. With Kevin on board, we are well positioned to grow this important sector nationally," states John Kins, the Chairman and CEO of Cook Associates.
Prior to joining Cook Associates, Kevin served as a Senior Engagement Director for a boutique executive search firm, where he focused on client development and recruiting top talent for financial services, insurance, mortgage, investment, and asset management companies.
Before becoming an executive search consultant, Kevin held the position of Vice President of Executive Recruiting at Wells Fargo, supporting multiple business divisions on a national basis to include mortgage, consumer finance, home equity and corporate and institutional trust. Working directly for the business CEOs and Presidents, Kevin led a team responsible for conducting senior level searches, building the recruiting process, and the selection and management of external search firms.
Previously, Kevin served as Vice President and Practice Leader for the Information Technology, e-Commerce and Operations divisions for Wachovia Bank's Executive Search Group. In this role, he personally conducted retained search engagements supporting both the Corporate CIO and CTO.
Kevin began his career in the management and leadership associate programs at Bank of America and The Associates Financial, where he held various positions including mortgage and consumer loan sales, change management, systems development and project management.
Kevin earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Virginia Tech. He is a mentor with the Big Brothers / Big Sisters organization and enjoys spending time with his family and competing in triathalons.
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Mon, Mar 08, 2010 @ 10:57 AM
Chicago, IL, March 2010 -Cook Associates Executive Search, Inc. is proud to see its clients among the World's Top 50 Most Admired Companies for 2009 listed recently by Fortune Magazine.
These companies, while not immune to the global economic unease and challenges of 2009, continued to inspire teams and lead their companies forward.
The world's most admired companies benefit from their market position and brand recognition when hiring at the senior and upper middle management levels.
"These are all extremely well-run companies and people want to join winning teams. Whether our client company is on Fortune's list or not, we employ rigorous, cultural-fit and competencies assessments before placing any new executive onto a client business unit or department team," states John Kins, CEO of Cook Associates. "These companies go to the outside only a few times a year and each occasion must be an outstanding fit for both employer and the newly hired executive," says Mr. Kins.
Within Fortune's Top 50, Cook has recruited for companies ranked in the top five among industry sectors including; Technology, Computers & Peripherals, Consumer Goods and Consumer Credit, General Merchandisers/Retail, Health Care Wholesalers, and Pharmaceutical.
Among the Cook clients included in Fortune's Top 50 Most Admired Companies are Apple, American Express, Johnson & Johnson and others.
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Tue, Feb 23, 2010 @ 04:53 PM
Cook Associates is excited to announce the following three promotions:
Corby Neumann is promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Prior to his promotion, Corby was the Vice President, Finance, responsible for the firm's G&A and accounting functions. In addition to his previous duties, Corby is assuming responsibility for all other facets of the day-to-day operations of the firm.
As Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Sarah Barnes will continue to define and develop marketing and communication strategies for the firm. Sarah joined the firm in 2008 as Director of Marketing & Communications.
Raya Pachevurova is promoted to Vice President, Information Technology, from Director, Information Technology. Raya will continue to manage the firm's information and technology support functions.
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Wed, Feb 17, 2010 @ 09:24 AM
InterSearch Worldwide, a leading global network in the executive search field, just revealed its updated corporate logo and new website.
The new logo was designed by Avant Design and Marketing Inc, Illinois, USA and was chosen from a shortlist of proposed designs by InterSearch Worldwide's General Assembly during the organization's recent annual conference in Budapest.
"InterSearch is quite a powerful name describing our core business in an excellent way, and we want our logo to give an instant recognition of what we successfully do in more than 40 countries worldwide. The old logo served us well for two decades but today we are implementing new ideas and strategies that need to be represented in our global and local branding. A clean and easy to read logo supports the image of InterSearch - an international organization represented by strong local partners, working in an integrated and efficient manner in order to offer the highest quality of services to our clients. Our brand is currently registered in over 60 countries" stated Patricia Epperlein, Chairwoman of InterSearch Worldwide.
InterSearch's global website, http://www.intersearch.org/, also underwent a major redesign in order to be in line with the contemporary brand image projected by the new logo.
InterSearch's US partner, Cook Associates, played a significant role in the website's redesign. "The InterSearch website is our 24/hour online business shop which should reflect InterSearch's identity and values: a dynamic and entrepreneurial organization ranked among the top international executive search firms, with international approach and expertise as well as an impeccable local reputation allowing us to act as a trusted extension of our clients" said Sarah Barnes, Director of Marketing/ Communication at Cook Associates.
All InterSearch partners will adopt the new logo by the next InterSearch Annual Conference and General Assembly, to be held in Marseilles, France, in May 2010.
InterSearch Worldwide is a global network of search firms consistently ranked amongst the largest retained executive search practices in the world by Executive Recruiter News and search-consult magazines. InterSearch is currently represented in more than 40 countries, staffed by local professionals selected for their experience and reputation in their own markets and their ability to operate internationally. For additional information, please visit http://www.intersearch.org/.
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Mon, Feb 15, 2010 @ 04:28 PM
On Wednesday, February 10, 2010, distinguished speaker and performance business coach, Clyde Lowstuter, provided valuable insights and recommendations for a stronger 2010 to Cook Associates Executive Search and M&A Advisory Services divisions.
Despite the reality that budgets are incredibly tight for many firms, Cook Associates' 2010 annual all-company meeting was a tribute to the fact that Cook's highest priority is its people. "In an economic time when some companies are eliminating what might be considered as "fluff" (i.e., an all-company meeting) Cook Associates believes in camaraderie, collegiate support and the renewed energy a meeting like this can bring," stated Mary Kier, Vice Chairman for Cook Associates.
"We were delighted to have Clyde Lowstuter, President and CEO of Robertson Lowstuter, a leading coaching, development and assessment firm, be the speaker at our 2010 corporate kick-off meeting. Clyde did an excellent job of preparing a tailored presentation to our meeting's theme and to directly touching each participant. Our employees came away invigorated with many new insights and ideas for 2010," said Kier.
The two-day company strategy meeting, which marked Cook's 49th year, was attended by all of Cook's employees. This year's theme, "Rev It Up! Driving the Top Line by Hitting on All Cylinders" was mirrored by thought-provoking strategy presentations given on February 11 by members of Cook's management team.
About Clyde Lowstuter:
Clyde Lowstuter is a seasoned peak performance business consultant, coach, and head of Robertson Lowstuter, his executive development firm he launched in 1981. He has been awarded the MCC, Master Certified Coach, from the International Coach Federation, the top certification awarded to less than 1% of coaches worldwide. Clyde is experienced in executive coaching, leading high performance teams, facilitating strategic planning and managing organizational change and he has worked extensively throughout Europe, Australia, Asia, and North America.
Clyde is particularly skilled in organizational problem diagnosis and in creating systems and approaches that promote productivity, profitability, and effectiveness. He is a prolific writer and professional speaker who enable individuals and teams to break through self-limiting roadblocks and achieve success.
Clyde is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and Human Resources Management Association of Chicago (HRMAC). He has an MA in Labor and Industrial Relations with an emphasis in Organizational Psychology from the University of Illinois and a BA in Psychology from Aurora University, where he received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2002. Clyde is the author of two acclaimed McGraw-Hill books, In Search of the Perfect Job: 8 Steps to the $250,000+ Executive Job That's Right for You, a best-selling 2007 edition, and Network Your Way to Your Next Job...Fast! as well as leading-edge audio programs, $ix Figure Networking, Power Interviewing, and Empower Your Career and Your Life.
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Thu, Jan 21, 2010 @ 05:09 PM
January 2010, Chicago, IL - Vice Chairman, Mary Kier, and Managing Director, Walter Rach, in partnership with InterSearch, were recently featured in "Family-Owned Businesses & The Executive Search Consultant" in the Search Consult magazine.
Click here to view the article.