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Global Executive Search Firm Expands International Footprint With Office in Madrid

Rocío Rufilanchas and Alberto Terron Join Kingsley Gate Partners as

Kingsley Gate, a leading global, executive search and human capital advisory firm, today announced the continued strengthening of its international presence with the appointment of five new partners across key regions. Dan O’Donovan joins the firm’s Chicago office, Spencer Knibbe joins the New York office, Tatyana Freitas and Loreto Montoya strengthen the Latin American presence in São Paulo and Santiago respectively, while Alejandro Salazar-Simpson enhances the firm’s European capabilities from Madrid.

“These strategic appointments reflect our commitment to expanding our global footprint and delivering world-class executive search and advisory services to our clients across diverse markets,” said Andrew Holmes, CEO of Kingsley Gate. 
Andrew Holmes, CEO of Kingsley Gate
“Each of these accomplished professionals brings unique expertise and deep regional knowledge that will be invaluable as we continue to help organizations identify and secure high-impact decision makers. Their collective experience across technology, industrial, consumer goods, private equity, risk management, financial services and transformation initiatives significantly enhances our ability to serve clients with increasingly complex talent needs in today’s evolving business landscape.”

Rocío Rufilanchas and Alberto Terron Join Kingsley Gate Partners as Vice Presidents

Kingsley Gate Partners, the leading firm in global executive search which helps ensure a lasting fit between its clients and placed candidates through its proprietary framework, Synchronous Fit, today announced their expansion into Spain. Rocío Rufilanchas and Alberto Terron have joined the company as vice presidents based in Madrid.

Umesh Ramakrishnan, Office of the CEO, stated, “Despite the difficult times Spain and the rest of the world are currently going through, the expansion in Madrid demonstrates Kingsley Gate Partners’ commitment to growth and to our ability to serve our clients internationally.”

These hires represent Kingsley Gate Partners continued expansion of its global footprint and client base.

“I am very pleased to have Alberto and Rocío join our team and expand our global capabilities in Europe. Their respective expertise in verticals like consumer, leisure and entertainment will help us to make an impact in Madrid.“ stated Eduardo Antunovic, senior partner. “Spain is an important investor in Latin America and other regions around the globe. We are eager to bring value to this market, which will be important for the international development of our firm.”

Rocío stated, “After years observing the impact of technology on most industries, I was looking forward to a real transformation of the executive search business. Now the moment has come and the big change is in our hands. I feel privileged for the opportunity to be part of this exciting adventure.”

“I am thrilled to join Kingsley Gate Partners as we are three steps ahead of other executive search firms due to our focus on technology.“Alberto added. “I anticipate a return on our investment in the Iberian market, as we demonstrate our approach to executive search.”

Alberto brings over 15 years of executive search experience to the firm, with a specialization in professional services, private equity and financial services. Before joining Kingsley Gate Partners, Alberto served as country manager for Randstad, where he participated in the startup and development of their executive search business in Spain and Portugal. Prior to Randstad, he oversaw the establishment of an international boutique executive search firm in Sao Paulo.

Rocío has garnered decades of experience in executive search, having placed executives within the consumer retail, leisure and entertainment, and luxury industries. Rocío has substantial experience in recruiting senior-level leadership. Formerly, Rocío was a partner at Eurosearch, where she provided executive search, leadership consulting, coaching and interim executive management services to her clients. Rocío was a principal with Heidrick & Struggles and spent eight years in human resources at Sanofi-Aventis, Spain and as the global talent management director at Loewe (Grupo LVMH).

About Kingsley Gate Partners
Transforming the world of retained executive search, Kingsley Gate Partners leverages the scientific interviewing approach of its Synchronous Fit® framework, deep industry insights of a world-class cadre of consultants and state-of-the-art technology to deliver greater accountability, accuracy, velocity and transparency that ensures a lasting strategic fit between executives and clients. Headquartered in Dallas, the partnership employs search consultants worldwide with expertise in private equity, life sciences, financial services, technology, manufacturing and professional services. The firm works with best of breed organizations in over 29 countries. For more information, go to staging3.bryanw137.sg-host.com/.

Editorial contact:
Natalie Bennett
Kingsley Gate Partners
Phone: +1 216.930.4895
Email: [email protected]

About the Consultants

Spencer

Vice President

Dan joins Kingsley Gate as a Partner specializing in advising private equity firms and family offices on executive talent acquisition for their portfolio companies. With a consultative approach characterized by curiosity, candor, and the relentless pursuit to add value, Dan has successfully led over one hundred searches across various functions and industries including manufacturing, distribution, business services, food & beverage, consumer, and healthcare services. Prior to Kingsley Gate, he served as a Partner at Randall Partners and previously consulted with organizations from startups to Fortune 500 companies on payroll, HR, insurance, and recruiting. Dan holds a Biology degree from Marquette University and is based in Chicago.

“I decided to join Kingsley Gate because of their innovative approach to leveraging technology to transform the executive search industry,” said O’Donovan. “Their commitment to creating exceptional client experiences aligns perfectly with my vision for delivering unparalleled value through strategic talent acquisition.”

David O’Brien

Vice President

Spencer joins Kingsley Gate as a Partner specializing in executive search for risk, compliance, and audit leadership roles for Financial Services firms. With over 20 years of hands-on industry experience in governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC), Spencer founded MBK Search to establish a specialized practice focused on GRC recruiting after organizations sought his expertise in building high-performing teams. Prior to his executive search career, Spencer held senior leadership positions including Head of Operational Risk Management at Bridgewater Associates and Head of Risk – Americas at ICAP, Plc. His client-centric approach spans multiple sectors including banking, asset management, insurance, fintech, and corporate environments, specializing in C-suite placements such as Chief Risk Officers, Chief Compliance Officers, and Heads of Audit. Spencer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government, Cum Laude, from Harvard University. Spencer is based in New York.

“I chose Kingsley Gate for their exceptional global platform spanning multiple industries and their team of highly driven professionals,” said Knibbe. “Their collaborative culture and commitment to excellence made this the perfect place to leverage my risk and compliance expertise in executive search.”

Tatyana Freitas

Vice President

Tatyana joins as a Senior Partner bringing nearly two decades of experience in executive search and leadership assessment to Kingsley Gate, with particular expertise in the Technology, Consumer, Professional and Financial Services sectors. Based in São Paulo, she previously co-led the Technology & Digital practice in Latin America at Russell Reynolds Associates and headed the DE&I practice for the region. Her career includes leadership roles at Caccuri Consultores, Korn Ferry, and Interbrand, where she led Brand Strategy & Valuation projects across Latin America and Europe. Earlier in her career, she held positions at General Electric and Procter & Gamble. Tatyana holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of São Paulo and a postgraduate degree in Business Administration from Fundação Getúlio Vargas, and is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

“Kingsley Gate offers a unique combination of an extensive international network and global capabilities with a boutique approach,” Freitas commented. “The team is both experienced and entrepreneurial—a rare combination that creates a distinctive market positioning. The firm’s growth mindset and collaborative culture embedded in its DNA were key factors in my decision to join.”

About Kingsley Gate

Kingsley Gate is a leading global executive search and human capital advisory firm that puts decision making at the center of its approach to identifying, evaluating, and selecting executive leaders and building high-performing teams. Kingsley Gate has helped thousands of organizations across all industries, functions, and geographies, to hire effective, high-impact decision makers.

Headquartered in New York, the firm’s consultants have helped over 1,700 client organizations to successfully hire and onboard thousands of decision-making executives across all industries, functions, and markets.

The firm is backed by the private equity firm Crescent Cove Partners LP. For more information, please visit www.KingsleyGate.com

Editorial contact:

Natalie Bennett
Email: [email protected]