Recruiting the right people into leadership positions is always critical for business success, and particularly so for a start-up company preparing for growth. At Pender & Howe, we’re proud to be allies to companies just emerging from conception. These founders are visionaries, and among our most fascinating and exciting clients. Both of our firm’s managing partners advise an early-stage venture capital fund, sharing leadership in talent strategy, best hiring practices, and general cultural advisory. This experience gives us unique insights into the talent needs of startup leaders and the best strategies to identify top candidates for these roles.
The executive search and recruitment space for startups provides a different set of challenges than more established or recognized global companies. These businesses need executives who can prepare for scale-ups while meeting their current business needs. They are also often responsible for, not just the execution of business policies, but their development and improvement. This makes it critical that leadership talent understands the mission and vision of the organization, as well as having deep industry expertise. We embed ourselves deeply within our clients’ organizations to ensure that their initial external leadership hires match the responsibilities and technical needs of the role along with the vital DNA of their startup culture.
Startups seek different skill sets than our global conglomerate clients. They search for bold sales leaders with the confidence and agility to take a product to market, often at a fast pace and under tight cost constraints. They demand inspired marketers who can develop and execute a brand new story, and financial leaders who can prepare companies for going public. At the same time, they require revenue experts who can prepare for an acquisition, if or when the opportunity might arise.
There is no better feeling of satisfaction than watching a startup client grow through the phases of Seed to IPO. At Pender & Howe, we’ve built a strong book of startup professionals with expertise in a variety of industries. With offices in major cities across the United States and Canada and a global candidate network at our disposal, our recruiters have access to the top startup executive hires in a range of locations. Our in-depth knowledge of the startup space makes us more than a staffing firm, serving as advisors to give our partner businesses guidance to meet their long-term hiring goals. Startup recruiting can be a challenge, but with Pender & Howe in your corner, you can hire the right leader who will grow your business to the next level.
Pender & Howe Executive Search was formed by a team of professionals with extensive experience in executive search services. We provide a fully streamlined boutique retained service for companies looking to bolster their executive leadership team.
With a strong presence in key cities across North America, Pender & Howe boasts a comprehensive reach that spans the continent. From venture capital-backed disruptors, recently acquired private equity portfolio companies, academic institutions, not-for-profits to global public companies, our diverse client portfolio showcases our ability to cater to organizations of all sizes and stages.
We understand that transparency, collaboration, and high-level service are paramount, and our recruitment team is committed to delivering these qualities consistently throughout every assignment we undertake. As a strategically low-volume recruitment firm, we ensure that all our clients receive a white-glove service, never diluting our efforts or compromising on quality.
At Pender & Howe, we go beyond mere recruitment; we forge strategic partnerships that empower businesses to excel. By leveraging our extensive network, expertise, and dedication to exceptional service, we guarantee that your team receives the utmost attention, guidance, and support throughout their executive search journey. Trust us to deliver results that propel your organization to new heights, backed by our unwavering commitment to excellence.
Travis is a co-founding Partner of Pender & Howe. He sits on the Executive Board of Directors for Kestria, the world’s largest executive search network. As an Advisor with Loyal VC, he also supports entrepreneurs in all aspects of key talent strategies.
Travis’ primary focus is partnering with investors and C-Suite leaders on complex executive searches. His latest projects have included a CEO search on behalf of a global family office, building a leadership team for a Series C VC-backed tech company and replacing a long-standing founder of a business that went public on the NASDAQ.
Travis is an avid competitive golfer passionate about international travelling, often trying to combine the two!
Leveraging an extensive network coupled with deep industry-specific knowledge gained through twenty years of direct pharmaceutical and healthcare experience, Céline is a Partner at Pender & Howe, advising clients on executive-level search strategies in the Biotech, Medtech, and Healthcare industries. A pharmacist by trade, Celine has accumulated more than 900 hours of practice in professional coaching (PCC certification). Celine is also the Leader of America’s life sciences practice in Kestria and a board member of Women in Bio (a volunteer organization that supports DEI practices in life sciences).
Mother of three, an avid runner who loves sailing and an active volunteer in a non-profit that gives children with motor disabilities the opportunity to achieve sporting challenges.
Natural curiosity, strong business acumen and an ability by means of a high EQ to connect with people are characteristics that make Ryan a trusted recruitment partner. Equipped with over two decades of Consumer-Packaged Goods and Sports Marketing experience, Ryan has quickly established himself as a trusted partner for companies operating in the private and public sectors.
Ryan has built commercial leadership teams and successfully placed several executives in every function across a variety of CPG industries.
When he’s not building relationships and feverishly working, you can find Ryan enjoying soul food in the outdoors with his family and friends.
A Co-Founder of Pender & Howe, Glenn brings over 25 years of targeted search experience to his Clients. As an Advisor with Loyal VC and a member of the JR Shaw School of Business Sales & Marketing Advisory Board Glenn enjoys being actively involved in the business community. Focusing on executive search within the C-Suite and Board space across the scientific, healthcare, artificial intelligence/machine learning and NPO sectors, Glenn and his team work diligently to source exceptional talent for top-tier organizations.
Glenn enjoys fishing although not always “catching”, excellent wine and is a foodie.
Michelle is a Consultant with Pender & Howe, serving clients throughout North America. Michelle’s ten years of experience includes leading executive search mandates and managing corporate Talent Attraction Strategies in high-growth markets with the Big 4.
Her latest accomplishments include identifying key leadership teams within the fintech space in Toronto, co-leading a CSO Search for an innovative Biotechnology company based in Vancouver and currently, identifying a Head of Canada HR search within the professional services landscape.
A lifelong learner, Michelle is currently completing her MBA. Her weekends are spent with her two children, her golden retriever Brady, and her husband.
Ronald brings over 10 years of retained executive search experience to the firm with vast experience focusing on both academic and administrative leadership searches. He has partnered with a wide array of institutions on searches for Presidents, Provosts, Deans, VPs, and a variety of other senior leadership positions. Ronald has been a long-time member of the American Marketing Association’s Board of Directors and has held several senior leadership and executive positions at both the Pittsburgh and Boston chapters, as well as serving on several search committees while working in Higher Education earlier in his career.
When Ronald is not in the office, he can often be found supporting the arts, trying new restaurants, or cheering on his local sports teams.
Tara-Lynn supports Pender & Howe’s North American operations, leveraging her Human Resources Management education and 10+ years of recruitment experience in the life science, healthcare, consumer, technology, and academic sectors. She collaborates with Pender & Howe’s Partners on emerging market trends, uncovers top-performing talent, and builds partnerships with clients and candidates. Tara-Lynn has a knack for finding needles in haystacks and a passion for discovering extraordinary leaders.
Outside of work, Tara-Lynn enjoys playing fetch with her Golden Retriever, listening to a new podcast, or training for her next marathon—sometimes all at once.
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