CAA | Hanold Associates Executive Search & Leadership Advisory

Golden State Foods has appointed Everton Harris as Chief HR Officer, reporting to CEO Brian Dick. Congratulations to Everton and our clients at Golden State Foods! As CHRO, Everton will build upon and elevate the company’s HR function, continuing to support associates while building a plan for the future of the company. Everton will serve as a strategic business partner and trusted advisor to CEO Brian Dick, the Senior Executive Team and Board of Directors. CAA | Hanold Associates’ Jason Hanold, Katrina Maione and Eleanor Tetreault led the search for this role. Golden State Foods is one of the largest diversified suppliers to the quick-service restaurant and retail industries, providing a range of products and solutions across five main businesses: logistics, liquid products (sauces and toppings), dairy and beverages, protein products and produce. Headquartered in Irvine, California, the company has 6,500 employees, driving nearly $6 billion in revenue per year. GSF services more than 200 leading brands and 125,000 stores across the globe from its 50 international locations. In August of 2024, Lindsay Goldberg, a family and founder-focused PE firm, acquired a controlling interest in GSF, joining the Wetterau family, who maintains a significant ownership interest. This investment will provide the company with additional resources and capabilities to advance its mission to provide unmatched solutions and services to its customers and pursue growth throughout its global business operations. #management #humanresources #culture #leadership #executivesandmanagement Image Credit: McShane Construction Company

Wella Company has appointed Mallory Martino as Chief People Officer, reporting to CEO Annie Young-Scrivner. Congratulations to Mallory and the team at Wella Company! As CPO, Mallory will oversee the company’s People function and global HR team. CAA | Hanold Associates’ Jason Hanold, Meg McElroy, and Eleanor Tetreault led the search, and Neela Seenandan also served as the Interim CPO during the New York-based search. Wella Company is an innovative global leader in the beauty industry, with a portfolio of iconic professional and retail hair, nails and beauty tech brands including Wella Professionals, OPI, ghd, Briogeo, Nioxin, Sebastian Professional and Clairol. With a vision to enable individuals to look, feel and be their true selves, Wella Company is built on its iconic 140+ year history creating legendary beauty. The brand portfolio reflects this spirit: professionally endorsed and many, founder-created. This fusion of science, technology and artistry produces performance-led products, often further distinguished by patented technology. In just four years, the company has transformed its business and brand portfolio: Now the #1 Salon Color Brand in the world with Wella Professionals and #1 Salon Nail Brand in the world with OPI. Its diverse global community of 5000+ employees lead with an Owner’s Mindset; guided by Values; an entrepreneurial spirit and One Team accountability that drive results. A shared desire to positively impact our community inspires the Wella Family. Wella Company’s ambition: To become the best beauty company in the industry. One to last for generations to come. Image Credit: Wella Company 

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) has appointed Robert Shorty as its inaugural Vice President for People, Equity & Culture. Congratulations to Robert and our clients at GVSU! GVSU is a public institution with campuses in Allendale and Grand Rapids, Michigan, along with five regional centers across the state. Established in 1960, GVSU serves over 22,000 students from 78 countries, offering 100 undergraduate and 43 graduate degrees. With a mission to empower learners and enrich society through teaching, equity, and public service, GVSU is guided by its Reach Higher 2025 strategic plan. This plan focuses on creating an empowered educational experience, fostering lifelong learning, and advancing educational equity, all while striving to be a national model for inclusion. As VP for People, Equity & Culture and reporting directly to President Mantella, Robert will oversee and connect the university’s people-centered operations including human resources, inclusion and equity support, Office for Civil Rights and Title IX and the employee ombuds. CAA|Hanold Associates’ Valerie Lopez and Ashley Schiele led the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based search. #management #humanresources #culture #leadership #executivesandmanagement #equity #education Image Credit: Amanda Pitts/ GVSU University Communications

U.S. Soccer Federation has appointed Matthew Garey as Vice President of HR, reporting to Lisa Bettinger-Buckingham. Congratulations to Matt and our clients at the U.S. Soccer Federation! As VP of HR, Matt will focus on enhancing both HR operations and talent strategy to support U.S. Soccer’s evolving needs. Reporting to Chief HR Officer Lisa Buckingham, he will play a central role in strengthening the organization’s HR foundation and building a dynamic team ready to advance the Federation’s mission. CAA | Hanold Associates’ Mayank Parikh and Catie Nelson led the search for this critical role. The U.S. Soccer Federation, serving as the governing body of soccer in all forms in the United States, has played an integral part in charting the course for the sport for over a century. The Federation’s mission has always been to make soccer, in all its forms, a preeminent sport in the United States and to continue the development of soccer at all levels. The organization comprises 27 total teams, including the US Men’s and Women’s National Teams, and also governs Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League in the US. The next decade will be a momentous time for soccer in this country with the United States hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympic Games. #executivesandmanagement #leadership #culture #business #sports #commercial #soccer

We are thrilled to announce that Hanold Associates Executive Search has been acquired by Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a global leader in talent representation across entertainment and sports. This exciting partnership marks a pivotal moment in our journey as we integrate into CAA's industry-leading Executive Search division, expanding our capabilities and global reach. Since our founding in 2010, Hanold Associates has had the privilege of partnering with CEOs and boards from startups to Fortune 100 companies, recruiting diverse Corporate Officers and Board Directors with a focus on Chief People and HR Officers. “We continue in our longstanding efforts to innovate growth opportunities across all facets of CAA that further our commitment to providing unmatched resources to our esteemed clients worldwide,” said Paul Danforth, CAA Managing Director and President, CAA Sports. “CAA was the first talent agency to launch an executive search division, and we are thrilled with the incredible success that Joe Becher, Asher Simons, and their team consistently deliver to their clients across sports and entertainment. The addition of Hanold Associates, and its unique expertise, will amplify our efforts in this important service area and we are excited to see what these two teams can accomplish together.” "We are thrilled to join forces with such an outstanding team at CAA, who share our values, commitment to talent, and a great culture,” said Jason Hanold, now President of CAA Executive Search. “This partnership allows us to serve our clients more broadly, bringing the full reach and relationships of CAA into our client service offerings.” Neela Seenandan, now President of CAA Leadership Advisory, added, “We look forward to expanding our leadership advisory services and working with the exceptional talent at CAA to elevate our client offerings.” Together, we’ll bring unmatched expertise in executive search and leadership advisory across sports, entertainment, media, and beyond. Thank you to our clients, colleagues, and partners for your continued support as we embark on this exciting new chapter. The best is yet to come! Creative Artists Agency (CAA) is a global leader in entertainment and sports, offering expertise across filmed and live entertainment, digital media, publishing, sponsorship sales, endorsements, media finance, consumer investing, fashion, brand management, and consumer product licensing. With a distinguished reputation for collaboration and exceptional client service, CAA's diverse team is dedicated to identifying, innovating, and amplifying opportunities for the individuals and organizations that shape culture and inspire the world. Additionally, CAA provides specialized services in executive search and philanthropy, further expanding its impact across industries. #management #humanresources #culture #leadership #executivesandmanagement #recruiting

Syndigo has appointed Alex Kewney as Vice President, Human Resources. Hanold Associates’ Valerie Lopez, Heather Khoury and Adam Watson led the search. Syndigo, PE-backed by TJC and Summit Partners, is a software-as-a-service company that provides its client companies with a way to manage all of their products’ data and web content. As VP, HR, reporting to Chief Operations and HR Officer Nikki Grigsby, Alex will manage the people aspects of Syndigo’s growth, increasing efficiency throughout its operations and setting it up for continued success. #management #humanresources #culture #leadership #executivesandmanagement #software #tech #data 

US Foods has appointed Robert Alama as Head of Sales Incentive Compensation. Hanold Associates’ Kile Hanold and Katrina Maione led the search. US Foods is one of America’s great food companies and a leading food-service distributor with a national footprint. As Head of Sales Incentive Compensation, Robert will play a critical role in aligning US Foods’ sales compensation strategy with the company’s growth objectives, ensuring that the sales team is empowered to drive expansion. #management #executivesandmanagement #humanresources #leadership #culture #foodindustry 

Riddell has appointed Matthew Liegl as Human Resources Director. Hanold Associates’ Jordan Blackmon and Catie Nelson led the North Ridgeville, Ohio based search. As a premier designer and developer of football helmets, protective sports equipment, head impact monitoring technologies, apparel, and accessories, Riddell is committed to innovation and excellence. In his new role, Matthew will be pivotal in aligning HR strategy with the company’s business goals, focusing on enhancing staffing and operational effectiveness at the North Ridgeville facility. #management #humanresources #culture #leadership #executivesandmanagement #design #manufacturing #technology #sports #football

KKR-backed Simon & Schuster has appointed Julie Neimat as Chief HR Officer. Hanold Associates’ Jason Hanold, Heather Khoury and Catie Nelson led the search for this New York City-based role. Simon & Schuster, recently acquired by KKR from Paramount Global, is a global leader in general interest publishing, offering readers a wide range of quality books across various genres in both print and digital formats. As Chief HR Officer, Julie will be instrumental in aligning the HR strategy with the company’s overall business goals, while focusing on maintaining Simon & Schuster’s innovative and creative culture during this time of transition. #management #humanresources #culture #leadership #executivesandmanagement #publishing

Thorne has appointed Jaime Weiss Latzman as Chief People Officer, reporting to Thorne’s CEO Colin Watts. Hanold Associates’ Jordan Blackmon, Katrina Maione and Catie Nelson led the Summerville, South Carolina-based search. Over its 40-year legacy, Thorne has remained steadfast in its mission to empower individuals to take an active role in their health and wellness. Backed by L Catterton, Thorne leverages cutting-edge science and data to provide personalized solutions. Trusted by over five million customers, more than 47,000 healthcare professionals, thousands of athletes, and over 100 sports teams, Thorne is a leader in the wellness industry. In her role as Chief People Officer, Jaime Weiss Latzman will enhance Thorne’s HR strategy, build on its strong foundation, and help drive its expansion into new consumer markets. #management #humanresources #culture #leadership #innovation #HealthTech #sciencedriven #HRStrategy #executiveleadership #corporategrowth