Posted by Sarah Barnes on Wed, Aug 18, 2010 @ 09:08 AM
Boston, MA, August 2010 – What do C-level tech-sector execs and members of the Private Equity community think about who ought to succeed Mark Hurd at HP?
Cook Associates Executive Search asked over 1000 top executives about their thoughts on who should be the next leader of the world’s largest technology and services company. Some of the findings were predictable, while others were surprising.
One key finding was that of the 20 largest public companies based on market capitalization, only six were represented on the list. When asked why this was significant, Seth Harris, EVP and Managing Director of the Technology Practice at Cook Associates said “I am left wondering what lessons the tech sector learned from the notable success of Lou Gerstner, who had no previous tech industry experience. He was one of the most successful CEOs of his time.”
The most frequently cited companies outside of HP from which the next CEO should come were Apple, Boeing, Dell, EMC, IBM, Motorola, and Oracle. In particular, nearly 43% of respondents felt the most qualified person to lead HP would be internal (from HP) or from IBM. Jeff Leopold, Managing Director at Cook Associates commented “The wisdom of the crowd suggests that HP’s current strategy is sound and that an internal executive would be the most able to keep the company on its path. IBM’s significant presence on the list was to be expected.” Harris added, “There are few companies in the tech sector other than IBM that match the scale scope, and complexity of HP.”
Just over 11% of respondents proffered the names of female execs as the next leader. Harris said, “Women continue to play a prominent role in the tech sector. Had we conducted this research when Gerstner retired in 2002, I doubt the number would have been in the double digits.”
While the executives solicited were all based in North America, most had extensive European and Asian business operations exposure. Yet very few European or Asian execs were cited. Leopold suggested, “With its extensive operations outside North America, I would think an international executive from an company like Philips, General Electric, or Samsung would be worthy of consideration.”
A large contingent—25%—believes an existing HP executive or Board member would be the best choice. The most frequently cited executive at HP to lead the company was Todd Bradley. Harris opined, “Bradley could indeed be a logical choice. With stints at General Electric, FedEx, and Palm prior to his leadership role at HP, he has the breadth of operating experience to run HP. Plus, while he understands HP’s culture, he has not spent his entire career at HP as was the case for some of the other HP names suggested.”
Perhaps the most jarring insight from the survey results was that Mark Hurd was tied for second place with Ann Livermore among the HP execs cited to be next CEO of HP. Respondents who picked Hurd frequently questioned the HP Board’s judgment in terminating him.
Leopold, who leads Cook’s Board Director practice, noted the importance of succession planning. “It’s crucial for every public company to have a documented plan in place so it can avoid shareholder concerns.”
At one point last week, HP had lost over $10B in market cap, due in some portion to the leadership vacancy.
About the Technology Practice: The Technology Practice at Cook Associates Executive Search has a track record of identifying inspiring leaders and partnering with organizations around the globe to build exceptional management teams. Our search consultants have personally held prior operating roles in general management, sales and marketing and understand the inner-workings of high technology companies. Their relationships with multi-nationals, venture capital investors, and global leaders in private equity provide an expanded network and unparalleled access to senior executives. Click here to learn more about the Technology Practice.
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Tue, Aug 17, 2010 @ 02:12 PM
The recent HP CEO survey conducted by the Technology Practice at Cook Associates Executive Search was featured in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal.
The survey reached over 1,000 tech and finance industry executives, asking them to predict Mark Hurd's successor.
Complete results will be published soon.
Read here: HP, IBM seen as source of new HP chief Read more: HP, IBM seen as source of new HP chief - Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Mon, Aug 09, 2010 @ 10:25 AM
Chicago, August 2010 – Cook Associates, a leading executive search and M&A advisory services firm, announced that it has named Mary Kier to serve as the CEO for the Executive Search Group. Cook Associates’ former CEO, John Kins, will remain with the firm as Chairman. The promotion comes at a time of celebration for Cook Associates as it will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011.
In her new role, Mary will manage the day-to-day operations of the Executive Search group. Additionally, she will continue to manage the Consumer Products and Services practice, Diversity practice, as well as the global partnership with InterSearch, one of the top international executive search organizations in the world.
In promoting Mary to CEO, John Kins stated, “I am pleased to turn over the day-to-day operations of our search group to Mary Kier, a veteran of executive search and one of the top consultants in the industry. Mary is highly respected by her clients, candidates and Cook personnel. She has demonstrated a strong and passionate commitment to the success and longevity of Cook Associates Executive Search and I am confident she will continue do an incredible job.”
Mary Kier remarks on her recent promotion, “I feel honored to have been chosen as the next CEO for the Executive Search group of Cook Associates. To follow in John Kins’ footsteps and to continue to build this organization is a wonderful challenge. Our Executive Search group has always held as its hallmark to strive for quality in everything that we do, and to delight our clients with a truly engaged search process. Our clients have come to expect a passionate approach to securing talent, and to being their best ambassadors. I intend to foster this in the years ahead and I look forward to working with the leadership team to ensure that we always make a positive contribution to our clients’ success.”
Be sure to follow Mary’s popular Executive Search blog, “Successful Careers in the Making”: Click here.
About Mary Kier
Mary began her search career with the firm in 1984 and has been promoted several times to her current position of CEO of Cook Associates Executive Search. 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.
In addition, Mary serves as the firm's Diversity & Inclusion practice leader. She is passionate about building diverse teams and has successfully worked with members of senior management teams to develop high performance plans to build best-in-class diverse organizations. Cook Associates recognizes the value in a team comprised of diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. The Diversity & Inclusion Practice believes that organizations with a strong belief in diversity recruitment will be prepared to take the lead in their respective industry for years to come.
Mary is also actively involved in the firm's partnership with InterSearch - one of the top ten worldwide executive search consortiums. Mary coordinates relationships with the international search partners and speaks at annual global summits.
Throughout her search career at Cook Associates, Mary has been recognized for bringing unique value to every search initiative and for passionately delivering on her promises. She measures her success on personally contributing to the face of corporate America, uniting the best and brightest talent to her client companies. She is respected for her comprehensive understanding of the strategies, operations and management of companies in the Consumer marketplace and for her grasp of the cultural nuances of companies and executive leadership teams. Her search work encompasses CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CMOs, Divisional Presidents as well as functional heads of Sales, Marketing, Finance, HR, and Operations.
Mary received her BS degree in Management and Industrial Relations with high honors. She is a member of several industry organizations.
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Mon, Aug 09, 2010 @ 09:26 AM
Seth Harris, Managing Director within the firm's Boston office, was quoted in the Wall Street Journal regarding the recent resignation of HP's Mark Hurd.
Click here to read the article: H-P Chief Quits in Scandal
About Seth Harris:
Seth Harris is an Executive Vice President & Managing Director. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Boston office, and leads Cook's global Technology & Communications practice. Seth's expertise is helping growth companies build elite management teams. His clients range from prominent multinational corporations to portfolio companies of leading venture capital firms. Read more about Seth Harris.
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Fri, Aug 06, 2010 @ 09:26 AM
Chicago, August 2010 – Walter Rach, Managing Director of the Food and Beverage search practice for Cook Associates Executive Search, announces the launch of his Blog, Food for Thought. Each week, Walter posts thought-provoking commentary about topical issues arising in the Food and Beverage industry.
Walter comments on the purpose of his blog, "My goal for this blog is to offer opinions regarding interesting industry happenings and to provide a forum for others to respond. Since my involvement in Food and Beverage is focused on executive search, I anticipate that my commentary will primarily lean towards related issues, such as executive hiring, organizational development and talent management within the industry."
With over 25 years of executive search experience for Cook Associates, Walter has become an expert in all areas of Food and Beverage search. He has a strong and proven reputation for his consultative approach to search strategy and management and his impressive executional abilities are validated by on-going and repeat client business.
Walter posts to his blog every Tuesday. Follow his blog at Walter Rach's Food and Beverage Industry Blog.
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 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.