EXECUTIVE SEARCH CASE STUDIES

      Case Study: President Search for a Family-Owned Powersports Dealership in Interior Alaska

      Finding the right President for a family-owned, multi-location powersports dealership is demanding under any circumstances. Finding one willing to relocate to Fairbanks, Alaska, lead a first-of-its-kind enterprise leadership role, and relocate required a search built on precision, creativity, and genuine consultative partnership. Cowen Partners Executive Search delivered exactly that leader. Company Background Delta Powersports is

      Case Study: CMO Search for One of America’s Largest Direct-to-Consumer Ammunition Retailers

      Target Sports USA had spent nearly two decades building something genuinely rare in the firearms industry: a direct-to-consumer eCommerce platform with a loyal subscription member base, a reputation for exceptional customer service, and the scale to compete with anyone in the market. What they needed next was a marketing leader who could help take all

      Case Study: Global CFO Search for a Post-Merger Food and Beverage Platform

      When two legacy organizations become one, the finance function either holds the integration together or becomes its greatest obstacle. Finlays Solutions and Leahy IFP needed a Global CFO who could do far more than manage the numbers. They needed a financial architect capable of unifying two organizations and building scalable infrastructure. Cowen Partners Executive Search

      Case Study: CEO Succession at a NASDAQ-Listed Semiconductor Company

      Amtech Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASYS) needed to solve its chief executive succession. As a small cap public company with SEC reporting obligations and an active investor base, it had to do so without a gap in operational leadership and without signaling instability to the market. Amtech engaged Cowen Partners Executive Search to run a succession

      Case Study: Finding the Right CFO for Galderma’s Growing U.S. Operations

      The Challenge Galderma Group AG (SIX: GALD) is a global leader in dermatology, headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with a newly announced U.S. headquarters in Miami. Its portfolio spans three high-growth areas: Injectable Aesthetics (Restylane, Dysport/Azzalure/Alluzience, Sculptra), Dermatological Skincare (Cetaphil, Alastin), and Therapeutic Dermatology (Differin, Epiduo, Soolantra, Oracea). Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange in March

      Case Study: First-Ever CFO Placement for a Founder-Led Defense Technology Company

      MODTECH Solutions had built something genuinely rare: a founder-led defense and government technology company delivering mission-critical C5ISR solutions to the U.S. military, Department of Defense, and partner nations across the globe. They needed a financial leader capable of building the infrastructure to match that ambition. Cowen Partners Executive Search delivered exactly that person, in roughly

      Case Study: Elevating Financial Leadership for a Family-Owned American Icon

      TNT Fireworks had built something most companies never achieve: a brand that millions of Americans recognize and trust. What they needed next was a financial leader who could match that legacy with the strategic horsepower to take the business forward. Cowen Partners Executive Search found exactly that leader. Company Background TNT Fireworks is one of

      Case Study: Building Strategic People Leadership for a $600M+ Multi-Site Services Platform

      When SMS Holdings came to Cowen Partners Executive Search, they were not just filling a vacancy. They were rethinking the role of HR entirely. The company had outgrown a transactional people function and needed a CHRO who could bring credibility in the field, strategic influence in the boardroom, and operational instincts to hold both together.

      Case Study: National Wealth Management Firm Secures Rare Partner-Level Tax Talent in Hyper-Competitive Market

      When TFO Wealth Partners came to us, they faced a recruitment challenge that had stumped traditional hiring approaches: finding partner-level tax professionals with Ultra High Net Worth expertise in a market where the best candidates aren’t looking, and competition from Big 4 firms is relentless. This wasn’t about posting a job and waiting. The talent

      Case Study: Reframing Operational Leadership to Support Scalable Growth

      Company Background Spruce Builders is a vertically integrated construction and development firm with operations spanning preconstruction, procurement, construction execution, and sales. As project volume and complexity increased, the organization entered a critical growth phase. One that required stronger operational alignment, faster execution, and clearer accountability across its core functions. The Challenge Initial Assumption: The Need

      Case Study: Strategic CFO Placement for a Private Family Office

      Cowen Partners was engaged to conduct a discreet, highly targeted search for a CFO who could operate at the intersection of financial operations and investment strategy. The engagement demanded rigorous stakeholder alignment, thoughtful outreach, and a nuanced evaluation framework to ensure both technical excellence and cultural fit. This case study outlines how our process delivered

      From Stabilization to Scale: Placing a Growth-Ready COO for a Physician-Led Healthcare Group

      Company BackgroundFlorida Digestive is a physician-owned and operated gastroenterology group with 22 locations across Florida. The organization has several service lines, including surgery centers, anesthesia services, pathology, infusion therapy, and a nutrition program. A board of physicians governs the company, electing one member to serve as the active CEO. THE CHALLENGE The Leadership TransitionThe outgoing

      Case Study: Building Leadership in Threes at TaborStreet

      Company Background TaborStreet is an innovative, entrepreneurial-minded team dedicated to helping partners build and operate businesses in the industrial services landscape. The company provides customizable solutions across talent management, branding and communications, data and analytics, legal and compliance support, finance and accounting, training and development, risk management, and strategic guidance. The Challenge Tabor Street needed

      Case Study: Building a Marketing Function from Scratch: San Antonio Area Foundation CMO Placement

      Company Background The San Antonio Area Foundation (SAAF) is the designated community foundation for San Antonio and South Central Texas, managing $1.3 billion in assets across 500+ charitable funds, including a landmark $605 million bequest from philanthropist John L. Santikos. Since 1964, SAAF has awarded over $ 800 million in grants and scholarships to close

      Case Study in Strategic Leadership Acquisition: Securing Global Sales Excellence for a Technology Pioneer in Autonomous Mobility

      MicroVision had a problem. The NASDAQ-listed pioneer in MEMS-based laser beam scanning technology had world-class technology but couldn’t convert it into sustainable revenue growth. Their previous executive search firm had struck out completely. They needed someone who could walk into the autonomous vehicle and industrial automation markets and immediately start opening doors—specifically, doors at Tier-1 automotive

      Building Economic Sovereignty: Cowen Partners Executive Search Places First CEO for Cowlitz Economic Authority

      The Cowlitz Indian Tribe was breaking new ground. After achieving federal recognition in 2000, they’d built an impressive portfolio of business enterprises—including the Ilani Casino Resort, tobacco outlets, and other ventures. But these operations had grown organically, each running somewhat independently. Now they wanted something different: a cohesive economic enterprise division with real strategic direction.

      Case Study: Global Fresh Produce Leader Secures Critical North American Expansion Executive

      When T&G Global came to us, they had a problem that many growing international companies face: their North American operations had outpaced their leadership structure. This 127-year-old New Zealand company, now a subsidiary of German agricultural giant BayWa, had built an impressive market presence with premium apple brands like Envy, Jazz, and Joli. But managing

      Case Study: Precision Search for a High-Impact Tax Leader at DT Midstream

      Company Background DT Midstream (NYSE: DTM) is a $1B publicly traded midstream natural gas company spun off from DTE Energy in 2021. With approximately 570 employees (expected to exceed 600 by year-end), DTM operates pipelines, storage, gathering, and processing assets across major U.S. basins, including the Haynesville, East Texas, and Appalachian basins. The company targets

      Case Study: Hands-On CFO for Renewal by Andersen

      Company Background Renewal by Andersen is a leading provider of replacement windows, patio, and entry doors, with over 100 locations across North America. Known for delivering quality products and exceptional customer service, Renewal by Andersen continues to expand its footprint and market presence. The Challenge Two primary Renewal by Andersen offices recognized that, as their

      Case Study: Guided by Culture, Driven by Mission: UAII CEO Placement

      Company Background United American Indian Involvement, Inc. (UAII) was founded in 1974 by Marian Zucco (Paiute) and Babba Cooper (Lakota) in response to the challenges created by the Indian Relocation Act of 1956. Based in Los Angeles, the city with the largest American Indian population in the U.S., UAII remains the only Urban Indian health

      Case Study: Scaling Operations for Wool & Company with Transformative Leadership

      Wool & Company is one of the fastest-growing independent yarn retailers in the U.S. Founded and led by passionate entrepreneurs, the business has become a beloved brand with a loyal and engaged customer base. With a strong e-commerce presence, a 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse, and a retail storefront in South Elgin, IL, Wool & Company

      Case Study: Propelling Retail Analytics Leadership for Market Performance Group (MPG)

      Market Performance Group (MPG), a recognized leader in business consulting and services, identified a critical need for visionary leadership to revolutionize their Retail Insights Division. Cowen Partners met the challenge head-on in record time, placing an accomplished executive with a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and strategic transformation. This new leader is poised

      Case Study: CEO Search for Signal Financial Federal Credit Union

      Signal Financial Federal Credit Union, chartered in 1947, has grown into a leading financial institution with over $400 million in assets, serving more than 23,000 members. The credit union provides financial services to individuals and over 250 small- to medium-sized businesses across the Washington, D.C. metro area. Signal Financial is dedicated to empowering members with

      Case Study: Fruitist – Head of Tax

      As a rapidly scaling global enterprise, Fruitist faced a pivotal moment in strengthening its leadership team. With growth spanning multiple markets and increasingly complex international operations, the company needed specialized executive talent to navigate evolving challenges. This case study explores how Cowen Partners Executive Search partnered with Fruitist to identify and secure a Head of

      Case Study: Bluum – Chief Operating Officer

      Company BackgroundBluum is a leading provider of technology solutions for K-12 schools across North America, empowering over 20 million students daily through innovative educational technology. Partnering with educators, Bluum specializes in planning, purchasing, deploying, and supporting technology that improves learning outcomes and bridges the digital divide. Owned by H.I.G. Capital since 2013, Bluum operates at

      Case Study: Tulalip Tribal Federal Corporation, Chief Executive Officer

      Company Background The Tulalip Tribal Federal Corporation (TTFC) serves as the economic development engine for the Tulalip Tribes, driving a sustainable Tribal economy through strategic diversification and investment in non-gaming sectors. TTFC is dedicated to fostering economic independence, creating jobs, and generating long-term growth for the community it serves. The Challenge TTFC faced a significant

      Case Study: Private Equity Portfolio Company Boards

      Client Background Ronin is a forward-thinking investment firm that structures its Boards of Directors differently from most private equity firms. Each portfolio company Board includes at least six external industry executives and only one Ronin Partner. This unique structure ensures a wealth of industry expertise and operational insights for each portfolio company. To align with

      Case Study: ESOP Board Refresh

      Client: Wausau SupplyIndustry: Manufacturing / DistributionObjective: Recruit new board members with industry-leading experience in the building supply space to guide the strategic direction of a billion-dollar ESOP. Background Wausau Supply, a 100% employee-owned company and a leader in manufacturing and distribution within the building supply industry, sought to refresh its board of directors. Challenge The

      Case Study: Unico Properties – Head of Tax

      Company Background Unico Properties LLC, a subsidiary of Unico Investment Group LLC, is a premier real estate investment and operating firm managing approximately 17 million square feet of primarily office and multifamily properties across dynamic markets in the United States. Since 1996, Unico has sponsored over 55 investment vehicles, reflecting its longstanding commitment to innovation,

      Case Study: Okland Construction’s Chief People Officer

      Discover how Cowen Partners Executive Search successfully placed a visionary Chief People Officer at Okland Construction, aligning people strategies with business goals to drive growth and innovation. Learn more about our tailored executive search approach for top HR leadership roles. Company Background:Founded in 1918, Okland Construction has remained a family-owned and privately held company, steeped

      Case Study: Roundstone’s Chief Marketing Officer Search

      Company Background Roundstone Insurance is a leader in health benefits management, specializing in self-funded solutions for small to mid-sized employers. By operating a self-funded medical group captive, Roundstone bands these employers together to fund their benefits similarly to larger Fortune 500 companies. Initially a stop-loss reinsurer, Roundstone has evolved into a pioneering force in the

      Case Study: Strategic Recruitment of VP of Marketing

      Storable, a leader in providing integrated technology solutions for the self-storage industry, including customer record management software, sought to enhance its market positioning and outreach. To achieve this, Storable collaborated with Cowen Partners Executive Search to recruit a seasoned VP of Marketing. This strategic hire was aimed at bolstering Storable’s marketing efforts specifically tailored to

      Case Study: Roof Doctors Strategic Head of Sales Recruitment

      Roof Doctors, a prominent roofing service company, faced a pivotal moment in its growth trajectory. To achieve its ambitious goals of increasing revenue and expanding territory, Roof Doctors required a dynamic and experienced Head of Sales. Recognizing the critical nature of this hire, Roof Doctors retained Cowen Partners Executive Search, a leading national executive search

      Case Study: Executive Search for Photonis Defense, Inc.

      Overview of Photonis Defense Photonis Defense, Inc. is a rapidly expanding company with a strong focus on two significant business areas. Known for its innovation and energetic approach, Photonis specializes in manufacturing that demands high precision and quality. The company is on a quest to enhance its operational capabilities and leadership team by recruiting an

      Case Study: Executive Search for Wesco’s Chief Information Officer

      Client Profile Company: WescoIndustry: Paint and Equipment SupplyEstablishment: Over 45 years agoHeadquarters: North AmericaLocations: 200+ across North AmericaAnnual Revenue: Over $1 billion Business Challenge Wesco, a leading supplier of paint and equipment in diverse markets including automotive, industrial, and aerospace, faced the challenge of modernizing its IT infrastructure to support its rapid expansion and diverse

      Case Study: Executive Recruitment for Global X ETFs

      Client Profile Company: Global X ETFsIndustry: Finance (Exchange-Traded Funds)Founded: 2008Headquarters: New York City, USAGlobal Presence: North America, Europe, Asia, Latin AmericaAssets Under Management: $38 BillionSpecialization: Thematic Investing, Income Solutions, International AccessNumber of Funds: Over 100 Business Challenge Global X ETFs, a pioneer in thematic investing with a vast portfolio of over 100 funds, sought to

      Case Study: Executive Search for Chief Financial Officer at Wausau Supply

      Client: Wausau SupplyIndustry: Manufacturing / DistributionObjective: Recruit a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with extensive experience in Fortune 100 manufacturing environments. Background Wausau Supply, an employee-owned company known for its innovative manufacturing and distribution solutions, faced the challenge of managing its continued growth while maintaining its commitment to employee ownership values. The company sought a CFO

      Case Study: CFO Executive Search for Addition Financial

      Client: Addition Financial Credit UnionIndustry: Financial Services/ BankingObjective: Recruit a proven industry-experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to support and guide financial strategies for the billion-plus asset institution. Background Addition Financial, a prominent billion+ asset credit union based in Lake Mary, Florida, sought to enhance its leadership team by recruiting a Chief Financial Officer with a

      Case Study: Recruiting an Operations Counsel for Adapt Health

      Client: Adapt HealthIndustry: HealthcareObjective: Hire an Operations Counsel to support the company’s multi-state, multi-division operations. Background Adapt Health, a prominent provider in the healthcare sector, operates across multiple states and divisions, delivering comprehensive home medical equipment and services. As the company expanded, managing legal complexities related to healthcare regulations, mergers, acquisitions, and operational compliance became

      Case Study: Recruiting a Government Affairs Professional for Total Wine

      Client: Total Wine & MoreIndustry: Retail (Specialty – Alcoholic Beverages)Objective: Recruit a proven Government Affairs Professional with expertise in local, state, and federal regulations. Background Total Wine & More, America’s largest independent retailer of fine wine, spirits, and beer, is expanding its operations across multiple states. As such, navigating the complex regulatory environment associated with

      President Commercial Real Estate

      The Need  One of the east coast’s largest multi family real estate companies, Beacon Communities based in Boston, was in need of a highly experienced President of Property Management when a long term executive of the company announced their retirement. This position was highly transformative, overseeing seven regional SVPs, a growing portfolio of 140 diverse

      Head of Capital Markets – Solar Energy

      The Need  As the nation’s first consumer lending platform for solar energy, Sungage’s proprietary platform was scaling quickly and the CEO needed to diversify their capital sources to the fuel the rapidly growing residential solar loan program while providing consumers the most competitive rates available. The Solution Working with the CEO and executive staff, Cowen

      Global Head of Tax

      The Need: Tax Leadership Paradigm, the world’s largest Web3, Crypto, and Blockchain venture capital firm needed to address the evolving crypto and blockchain tax climate for their funds and portfolio companies globally. Cowen Partners Executive Search was identified as a strategic partner due to our deep understanding of global tax, tax laws, lobbying, and venture

      Global NGO Chief of Staff

      The Need BOMA is a U.S nonprofit organization and Kenyan NGO that provide the people and governments of Africa’s drylands with economic inclusion programs that increase resilience to multiple crises. BOMA retained Cowen Partners to find a Chief of Staff reporting into the CEO. BOMA is implementing a new strategic growth plan and needed a

      Case Study: CEO Succession Search for Bi-Mart by Cowen Partners

      Executive Summary Bi-Mart, a leading employee-owned retailer with over 70 stores and a legacy spanning back to 1955, faced a significant transition challenge with the retirement of its long-serving CEO. Recognizing the need for a strategic approach to find a suitable successor, Bi-Mart enlisted Cowen Partners, a prominent executive search firm. This case study outlines

      CFO Billion+ Energy Provider

      The Need Vicinity Energy, the nation’s largest district energy provider, had just been spun off from Veolia, one of the world’s largest public service providers, and they needed a CFO. Now owned by a French private equity group and with significant financial reporting, acquisitions, and integrations on the horizon, the CFO needed to have significant

      Case Study: Executive Recruitment for Ocean Beauty

      Introduction Ocean Beauty Seafoods, recognized as one of the nation’s largest seafood providers, recently expanded its operations with the construction of a new, state-of-the-art processing facility. To manage this critical expansion, Ocean Beauty sought to recruit a highly qualified General Manager capable of steering the new facility towards operational excellence and increased profitability. This case

      Pre IPO Sales, Marketing, and Finance

      The Need Fast growing and privately held Consumer Edge is one of the nation’s leading providers of alternative data to the world’s largest hedge funds and consumer brands. Lead by its CEO and Chief Revenue Officer, the company contacted Cowen Partners to help build out enterprise sales, data partnerships, demand generation marketing, and finance functions.

      Chief Technology Officer Search & IPO

      The Need The largest privately owned coffee chain in the U.S., owned by TSG Consumer Capital, was rapidly scaling to go public and needed an experienced Chief Technology Officer to modernize the company’s information technology systems, including fulfillment, inventory, POS, app, and drive through systems, with the goal of supporting continued growth. Ultimately, they tasked

      Enterprise Sales Leadership Recruiting

      The Need One of the nation’s largest performance management and business analytics consultancies was having trouble identifying, retaining, and recruiting qualified sales leadership. The company had relied unsuccessfully on referrals, job ads, and third-party recruiters for years without success. Experiencing high turnover and declining revenue, eCapital Advisors retained Cowen Partners to recruit a new board

      COO for National Fitness Chain

      The Need Svetness Fitness, one of the fastest growing in home personal training companies in the United States, retained Cowen Partners to find their first Chief Operating Officer. Svetness was experiencing double digit growth and had obtained the capital, and expertise of a private equity group to expand operations and they needed a COO who could

      General Counsel Supporting Sales

      The Need  ETR (Enterprise Technology Research) needed a General Counsel to support their enterprise sales team in negotiations with some of the world’s largest technology companies, be a data privacy compliance and regulatory planning subject matter expert, and a strategic business partner to the CEO and Board. The Solution Cowen Partners met with each of

      Global Human Resources Leader

      The Need  Sciforma, an award-winning provider of portfolio and project management software, retained Cowen Partners to find a global leader of human resources. As Sciforma planned for future growth across the United States, Europe, and India, they needed a strategic HR Executive that could elevate the function and be a key business partner the executive team.  The Solution

      COO & CFO for Fast-Growing CPG Company

      The Need Fast-growing consumer packaged goods company, LadyBoss Health & Weight Loss, had become a $200 Million business, ranking #4 on the Inc. Fastest Growing 500 list. Managed entirely by husband and wife co-founders it was time to hire some professional management to take the company to the next level. Including operations, finance, and marketing.

      REIT VP of Tax

      The Need  Unico Properties, one of the West Coast’s largest commercial real estate investment companies was right sizing and internalizing their strategic tax function when they contacted Cowen Partners for help identifying the right person.   The Solution In partnership with the CFO, CHRO, and head of Talent Acquisition Cowen Partners profiled Unico’s ideal candidate,

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