The Alexander Group

Tag: Completed Search

Reed Smith LLP enhances global client engagement with the appointment of Gillian Ward.​

Gillian Ward Headshot B&W Reed Smitch LLP

Client: Reed Smith LLP | Role: Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer | Candidate: Gillian Ward

Search Consultants: Amanda K. Brady, Sarah Mitchell, Pam DeLuca​

Overview

Reed Smith LLP, a dynamic international law firm with over 1,700 attorneys across 30 offices worldwide, partnered with The Alexander Group to identify a strategic leader for the Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer role. The firm sought an executive capable of unifying its global marketing and business development strategies to support continued growth and integration.​

Key Leadership Need

The firm required a seasoned professional to align marketing, client development, and operational initiatives across its global platform. The ideal candidate needed extensive experience building integrated strategies across jurisdictions, supporting firm-wide growth, and serving as a key executive partner to the firm’s leadership.​

The Alexander Group’s Approach

The Alexander Group’s executive search team—led by Managing Director and Chief Client Officer Amanda K. Brady, Director Sarah Mitchell, and Associate Pam DeLuca—conducted a comprehensive international search focusing on senior marketing executives with a proven track record in global law firm environments.​

Our Tailored Approach:

  • Developed a tailored search strategy aligned with Reed Smith’s vision for worldwide integration and client-centric growth​
  • Identified senior leaders experienced in marketing transformation and operational execution across multiple geographies​
  • Assessed candidates for executive presence, strategic capability, and alignment with firm leadership​

Successful Placement and Impact

“Gillian is a key strategic hire for our firm as we focus on growing client relationships and expanding our presence in new and existing markets.

– Nick Bagiatis, Chief Operating Officer, Reed Smith LLP

Gillian Ward, formerly the Global Chief Marketing Officer at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP (US), was appointed Reed Smith’s Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer. She previously held senior leadership roles at Baker Botts LLP and brings extensive expertise in market development, client growth programs, and strategy formulation.​

Immediate benefits:

  • Unified Global Marketing Strategy: Gillian will oversee the integration of marketing and business development functions across Reed Smith’s 30 international offices.​
  • Strategic Growth Leadership: She brings a data-driven, client-focused approach to marketing that supports Reed Smith’s continued platform expansion.​
  • Executive Collaboration: As a key partner to the firm’s leadership, Gillian will contribute directly to high-level strategy and decision-making.​

Insights from the Executive Search Team

“Gillian brings broad experience helping global law firms design and integrate marketing and business development initiatives across practices and continents, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic approach to support growth. She will be a key member of Reed Smith’s executive team and the ideal partner to Chair Casey Ryan and COO Nick Bagiatis as they lead the firm through continued strategic growth of its global platform.”

— Amanda K. Brady, Managing Director and Chief Client Officer, The Alexander Group​

About Reed Smith LLP

Reed Smith LLP is a global law firm known for its deep industry knowledge, collaborative culture, and innovative approach to legal service delivery. With offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, the firm advises leading businesses on complex litigation, regulatory matters, and high-stakes transactions. Reed Smith is recognized for forging long-term client relationships and delivering forward-thinking legal solutions that support business growth.

About The Alexander Group

Specializing in executive search for law firms and financial leadership roles, The Alexander Group delivers strategic, results-driven placements tailored to each client’s needs.​Interested in learning more about our executive recruitment services? Contact The Alexander Group today.​

Hecker Fink LLP enhances its operational leadership with the appointment of Aurelie Binisti.

Aurelie Binisti HR Director Hecker Fink LLP

Client: Hecker Fink LLP | Role: Human Resources Director | Candidate: Aurelie Binisti

Search Consultant: Sarah Mitchell​

Overview

Hecker Fink LLP, a premier litigation boutique known for its high-stakes legal work and commitment to public interest, partnered with The Alexander Group to identify a Human Resources Director. The firm sought a strategic leader to oversee and enhance its human resources functions, supporting its continued growth and dynamic work environment.​

Key Leadership Need

As Hecker Fink LLP expanded its team of elite litigators and staff, the firm required a human resources executive capable of managing complex HR operations, fostering a collaborative culture, and aligning HR strategies with the firm’s mission of delivering exceptional legal services and advocacy.​

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Director Sarah Mitchell led the search, focusing on candidates with extensive experience in human resources leadership across diverse industries. The search emphasized finding a professional with the adaptability and emotional intelligence to thrive in Hecker Fink’s fast-paced and mission-driven environment.​

Execution Highlights:

  • Developed a tailored search strategy aligned with Hecker Fink’s organizational goals and culture.​
  • Identified candidates with a proven track record in strategic and operational HR management.​
  • Assessed candidates for cultural fit, leadership capabilities, and the ability to contribute to the firm’s continued success.

Successful Placement and Impact

Aurelie Binisti, a seasoned human resources professional with over 15 years of experience in media and financial services, was appointed as Hecker Fink LLP’s Human Resources Director. Prior to joining the firm, she served as Executive Director of Human Resources at OMD for Omnicom. Aurelie holds a master’s degree in human resources from SUP RH in Paris, France.​

Immediate benefits:

  • Strategic HR Leadership: Aurelie brings a wealth of experience in developing and implementing HR strategies that support organizational objectives.​
  • Operational Excellence: Her background ensures efficient management of HR operations, contributing to the firm’s overall performance.​
  • Cultural Alignment: Aurelie’s interpersonal skills and adaptability make her well-suited to foster the firm’s collaborative and high-achieving culture.​

Insights from the Executive Search Consultant

“Aurelie combines the right mix of functional skills with high emotional intelligence and adaptability to lead and thrive within this growing, dynamic environment.”

— Sarah Mitchell, Director, The Alexander Group​

About Hecker Fink LLP

Hecker Fink LLP is a formidable litigation boutique specializing in high-stakes legal matters, including white-collar criminal defense, complex appellate litigation, and public interest cases. The firm is dedicated to achieving the best possible results for clients through fierce advocacy, creative strategies, and forward-looking advice.

About The Alexander Group

Specializing in executive search for law firms and financial leadership roles, The Alexander Group delivers strategic, results-driven placements tailored to each client’s unique needs.​Interested in learning more about our executive recruitment services? Contact The Alexander Group today.​

Tony Capecci has joined Haynes and Boone, LLP as Director of Practice Innovation.

Mr. Capecci is an experienced legal technology leader with two decades of experience in legal technology and more than a decade of experience spearheading the procurement, development, and implementation of legal systems in fast-paced environments.

Prior to joining Haynes & Boone, Mr. Capecci was Associate Director, Litigation & Practice Delivery at Kirkland & Ellis. Mr. Capecci received a Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Multimedia from Columbia College Chicago.

Director Sarah Mitchell and Senior Associate Michael Doering conducted and completed this search.

“Tony has a deep understanding of the technology needs of a practicing lawyer, coupled with the leadership, intellectual curiosity, and passion for innovation needed to succeed in this role,” said Mitchell.

Haynes and Boone, LLP is a highly respected American Lawyer top 100 law firm, with more than 600 lawyers and 425 non-lawyer employees in 18 domestic and three international offices, and over 40 major practices.

The firm has grown from a two-person firm in 1970 to a global leader through its client-first focus, which informs its decisions and processes, and the collaborative nature of its people, which makes the work environment healthy and pleasant.

The firm’s culture focuses on teamwork, an environment of mutual respect, and a long-term view that supports investing in the future.

Global law firm Morrison & Foerster enhances operational leadership with the appointment of Brian Gross as Chief Operating Officer.

Headshot of Brian Gross for Morrison & Foerster LLP

Client: Morrison & Foerster LLP | Role: Chief Operating Officer | Candidate: Brian Gross

Recruiters: John Lamar, Managing Director and Sarah Mitchell, Director

Overview

Morrison & Foerster LLP (MoFo), a premier global law firm recognized for its work in technology, life sciences, finance, and litigation, partnered with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a Chief Operating Officer (COO). As Morrison & Foerster continues to scale its international operations and deliver innovation-driven client service, the firm sought an experienced leader to optimize its business functions, drive operational excellence, and support long-term strategic growth.

Key Leadership Need

The firm required a Chief Operating Officer who could oversee the firm’s operational, financial, administrative, and marketing functions on a firmwide basis. The ideal candidate would enhance collaboration across practice groups and business services, strengthen internal systems, and align firm operations with Morrison & Foerster’s global growth strategy while maintaining its culture of innovation and service excellence.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Managing Director John Lamar and Director Sarah Mitchell led a targeted executive search, focused on identifying operational leaders from top-tier law firms and professional services organizations.

Key priorities included:

  • Proven leadership across finance, HR, IT, marketing, and administrative operations
  • Expertise in driving business growth, operational transformation, and strategic initiatives
  • Success leading cross-functional teams and fostering collaborative, high-performance cultures

Brian Gross was selected for his strategic leadership at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he served as COO for North America and Managing Director and Partner, as well as for his proven ability to build high-performing teams and operationalize firm-wide growth strategies.

Successful Placement and Impact

Brian Gross joined Morrison & Foerster LLP as Chief Operating Officer. With over two decades of leadership experience across professional services, including BCG and prior business development and recruiting leadership roles, Brian now leads MoFo’s financial, operational, marketing, and administrative functions globally.

Immediate Impact:

  • Strengthening alignment of business operations with firmwide strategic initiatives
  • Optimizing internal processes to support cross-office collaboration and client service delivery
  • Building operational teams and infrastructure to sustain long-term growth and innovation

Insights from the Recruiters

“Brian’s extensive experience as a senior operations executive, his demonstrated ability to build and lead teams, and his strong strategic skills will serve Morrison Foerster well as the firm continues to expand its global platform.”

 — John Lamar, Managing Director, and Sarah Mitchell, Director, The Alexander Group

About Morrison & Foerster LLP

Morrison & Foerster LLP is a leading global law firm with more than 1,000 attorneys across 17 offices worldwide. The firm is widely recognized for its innovation, diversity, and outstanding client service across sectors including technology, life sciences, finance, and litigation.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is a global executive search firm and an executive search firm in Houston. The firm serves industries including legal services, life sciences, healthcare, financial services, energy, technology, consumer goods, and nonprofit organizations, delivering strategic, results-driven leadership placements tailored to each client’s needs.

Interested in learning more about our executive recruitment services? Contact The Alexander Group today.

Washington, D.C.–based law firm, Wiley Rein LLP, strengthens financial leadership with the appointment of Brad Bonneau as CFO.

Headshot of Brad Bonneau as CFO for Wiley Rein LLP

Client: Wiley Rein LLP | Role: Chief Financial Officer | Candidate: Brad Bonneau

Recruiters: Managing Director/Chief Client Officer Amanda K. Brady and Senior Associate Michael Doering

Overview

Wiley Rein LLP, a nationally recognized law firm renowned for its expertise in regulatory, litigation, and government affairs, has partnered with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). As the firm continued to expand its national footprint and practice capabilities, it required a seasoned financial leader to optimize financial operations, implement scalable processes, and drive data-informed decision-making.

Key Leadership Need

The firm needed a CFO who could oversee all financial functions, including budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, client funds management, billing and collections, and audit oversight. Wiley sought a leader capable of strengthening financial performance, modernizing internal accounting systems, and supporting strategic growth initiatives across multiple practice groups.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

The Alexander Group conducted a targeted national search for finance executives with deep expertise in professional services operations, particularly within the legal sector.

Search strategy highlights:

  • Identified CFOs experienced in budgeting, projections, client pricing models, and audit oversight
  • Prioritized candidates with a strong background in law firm accounting systems and financial reporting
  • Emphasized leadership skills in managing financial teams and driving operational improvements

Brad Bonneau emerged as the top candidate based on his extensive financial leadership experience at Chapman and Cutler LLP, where he served as CFO, and his proven ability to modernize finance functions while mentoring and developing professional accounting teams.

Successful Placement and Impact

Brad Bonneau joined Wiley Rein LLP as Chief Financial Officer. He brings over two decades of financial leadership experience in the legal sector, including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, client fund management, tax compliance, and optimization of accounting systems.

Immediate Impact:

  • Initiated upgrades to financial reporting and internal accounting processes
  • Strengthened budgeting and forecasting accuracy across the firm
  • Developed streamlined models for client billing and alternative pricing strategies
  • Enhanced collaboration between finance and practice leadership teams

Insights from the Recruiters

“Brad is the ideal strategic business partner to Wiley’s forward-thinking executive team.”

-Amanda K. Brady, Managing Director/Chief Client Officer at The Alexander Group.

About Wiley Rein LLP

Wiley Rein LLP is a Washington, D.C.–based law firm with more than 240 attorneys practicing in areas such as telecom, insurance, government contracts, and public policy. Known for its focus on regulatory and litigation matters, the firm has earned a strong reputation for delivering strategic client solutions.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is a global executive search firm with offices in Houston and other U.S. cities. Serving industries including legal services, life sciences, healthcare, financial services, energy, technology, consumer goods, and nonprofit organizations, The Alexander Group specializes in delivering strategic, results-driven leadership placements tailored to each client’s needs.

Interested in learning more about our executive recruitment services? Contact The Alexander Group today.

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP strengthens firmwide talent strategy with the appointment of Lisa Featherson.

The logos of The Alexander Group and Katten with a headshot of Lisa Featherstone.

Client: Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP | Role: Chief Talent Officer | Candidate: Lisa Featherson

Executive Search Consultants: John Lamar, Sarah Mitchell, Pamela DeLuca

Overview

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, a leading international law firm with a strong presence across eight global offices, engaged The Alexander Group to lead the search for a Chief Talent Officer. The firm required a proven executive to drive firmwide strategic initiatives related to executive search, retention, professional development, and overall talent performance.

Key Leadership Need

Katten sought a high-impact executive capable of elevating its talent function across legal and business services. The firm needed a leader with experience managing talent strategy at scale, aligning cultural values with firm objectives, and fostering a best-in-class experience for attorneys and staff alike.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Drawing on deep expertise in legal executive search, Managing Directors John Lamar, Sarah Mitchell, and Pamela DeLuca launched a national search focused on candidates with a demonstrated ability to lead transformational talent strategies in global law firm environments.

Key steps included:

  • Developing a customized search strategy aligned with Katten’s firmwide talent and leadership development goals.
  • Conducting comprehensive market research to identify proven talent executives with experience in global law firm environments.
  • Evaluating candidates for strategic leadership capability and cultural fit, ensuring alignment with Katten’s entrepreneurial and client-centric culture.

Successful Placement and Impact

Lisa Featherson, previously Chief People and Development Officer, US at Norton Rose Fulbright, was appointed Katten’s Chief Talent Officer. She brings extensive experience in strategic human capital initiatives across law firms, focusing on recruiting, professional development, and retention.

Immediate benefits:

  • Unified Leadership Across Talent Functions: Lisa oversees talent development and acquisition, human resources, performance management, professional development and training, leadership programming, and other areas, ensuring a cohesive strategy across all offices.
  • Alignment with Firm’s Strategic Objectives: Her role includes spearheading the creation and implementation of a human capital strategy that syncs with Katten’s strategic objectives, enhancing overall organizational effectiveness.
  • Enhanced Employee Satisfaction and Retention: Lisa is responsible for maintaining employee satisfaction by managing benefits, fostering a positive cultural environment, and leading compensation efforts, contributing to improved retention and morale.

Insights from the Executive Search Director

“Lisa is a dynamic, strategic, and high-energy talent executive with an exceptional track record of success in large law firm environments. She is the ideal leader to continue elevating Katten’s talent function.”

 — Sarah J. Mitchell, Director, The Alexander Group

About Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is a prestigious and dynamic international law firm with approximately 670 attorneys across eight global offices. The firm provides full-service legal counsel to a third of the Fortune 100, as well as government entities, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. Katten is recognized for its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to aligning legal service delivery with each client’s business goals.

About The Alexander Group

Specializing in executive search for law firms and financial leadership roles, The Alexander Group delivers strategic, results-driven placements tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Interested in learning more about our executive search services? Contact The Alexander Group today.

Martina Owens has joined Milbank LLP as Chief Administrative Officer.

Ms. Owens is an innovative administrative and operations executive with strong facilities, real estate, and staff management experience.

For more information about Ms. Owens, click here.

Director Sarah J. Mitchell conducted and completed this search.

Wendela von Munching has joined Clifford Chance as Chief People Officer.

Ms. von Munching has more than 25 years of strategic and operational human resources leadership experience with major multinational firms. Previously, she served as the worldwide Chief People Officer for Freshfields.

Learn more about Ms. von Munching here.

Managing Director John Lamar, Director William Lepiesza, and Senior Associate Anthony Ott conducted and completed this search.

White & Case LLP appoints Jason Hill to lead firmwide marketing, brand strategy, and client engagement.

Headshot of Jason Hill with the White & Case logo

Client: White & Case LLP | Role: Chief Marketing Officer | Candidate: Jason Hill

Recruiters: John Lamar, Managing Director; William Lepiesza, Director; Pam DeLuca, Associate

Overview

White & Case LLP — one of the world’s leading international law firms — partners with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a Chief Marketing Officer. As the firm continues its global expansion, it seeks a marketing leader capable of strengthening its brand and driving firmwide growth through client engagement, data, and creativity.

Key Leadership Need

White & Case seeks a Chief Marketing Officer to oversee global marketing strategy, brand positioning, client development, communications, and marketing operations. The role requires a dynamic leader who can unify complex marketing functions across international offices while elevating the firm’s market presence and client experience.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

The search team — led by John Lamar, William Lepiesza, and Pam DeLuca — focuses on senior marketing executives with extensive experience building and scaling integrated marketing organizations across global professional services or financial institutions.

Search priorities included:

  • Strategic leadership in global brand development and campaign execution
  • Expertise in marketing transformation, team building, and digital enablement
  • Deep understanding of client-centric marketing in complex, B2B environments

Jason Hill emerges as the ideal candidate, bringing over 20 years of leadership in brand marketing and global media strategy at Goldman Sachs, GE, and BlackRock. His experience in unifying marketing functions across international markets and designing award-winning brand programs positions him as a transformative addition to White & Case’s leadership team.

Successful Placement and Impact

Jason Hill joins White & Case as Chief Marketing Officer. He leads the firm’s global marketing efforts, aligning brand, creative, communications, and business development teams under a unified growth strategy.

Immediate Impact:

  • Oversees global brand positioning and firm reputation strategy
  • Leads data-informed client development programs and marketing innovation
  • Builds a unified global marketing infrastructure across geographies and disciplines
  • Strengthens White & Case’s competitive positioning across global legal markets

Insights from the Recruiters

“Jason has been a key senior executive, driving revenue, market growth, and functional innovation with [the] leading multinational financial services and professional services firms.” 

– John Lamar, Managing Director, The Alexander Group

About White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP is a global law firm with lawyers in 30 countries. Recognized for its strength in cross-border legal work, the firm serves clients across various sectors, including finance, technology, energy, and infrastructure. With a reputation for innovation, client service, and strategic advisory, White & Case is a leader in global legal services.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is a global executive search firm headquartered in Houston. With a reputation for precision and discretion, the firm helps law firms, financial institutions, and multinational organizations recruit senior leaders who drive brand growth and market expansion.

Brand matters — especially in global law. The Alexander Group helps firms find marketing leaders who bring clarity, creativity, and commercial growth.

Frost Brown Todd LLP appoints Truda Chow to lead strategic operations across its national platform.

Headshot for Truda Chow with Frost and Brown Logo

Client: Frost Brown Todd LLP | Role: Chief Operating Officer | Candidate: Truda Chow

Recruiters: John C. Lamar, Managing Director; William V. Lepiesza, Director

Overview

Frost Brown Todd LLP, a full-service law firm with offices across the United States, partnered with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a Chief Operating Officer. As the firm continued its strategic growth across key markets, it sought a proven operational leader to unify systems, elevate performance, and guide it through the next phase of scale.

Key Leadership Need

Frost Brown Todd sought a candidate with a global mindset and deep law firm operational experience. Their role required a leader able to manage firmwide strategy, optimize cross-office performance, and serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on infrastructure, client service delivery, and growth planning.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Led by John C. Lamar and William V. Lepiesza, the search targeted operational leaders with experience across law firm management, consulting, and professional services. The focus was on candidates with cross-functional expertise and the ability to lead in complex, distributed organizations.

Search priorities included:

  • Proven success leading national or global operations at law or professional services firms.
  • Experience in legal process improvement, operational alignment, and firm scalability.
  • Strategic insight into business growth, M&A, and systems modernization.

Truda Chow emerged as the standout candidate, having served in COO roles at Clyde & Co and Michael Best and senior consulting roles at LawVision and Hildebrandt International. Her cross-industry background—from legal to global consulting to high-tech—gives her a unique lens on optimizing firm operations across borders and functions.

Successful Placement and Impact

Truda Chow will lead operational performance, firm integration, and strategic execution across a 14-office footprint. She will partner with firm leadership to drive scalable solutions in service delivery, infrastructure, and internal operations.

Immediate Impact:

  • Aligns firmwide operational strategy with business and client priorities.
  • Modernizes administrative systems and workflows for performance and efficiency.
  • Strengthens internal leadership collaboration across practice and business units.
  • Supports scalable infrastructure as the firm continues national expansion.

Insights from the Recruiters

“Truda is a highly accomplished, senior executive who has led significant growth, innovation, and business transformation for major law firms throughout her career.” 

– William Lepiesza, Director, The Alexander Group.

About Frost Brown Todd LLP

Frost Brown Todd LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 575 attorneys across 14 offices nationwide. The firm serves clients in key industries including financial services, energy, technology, health care, and manufacturing. Known for a strong commitment to collaboration, client service, and forward-thinking legal solutions, the firm is consistently recognized as one of the top firms in the U.S.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is a global executive search firm based in Houston. With a strong track record of placing operational and strategic leaders across Am Law 200 firms and professional services organizations, the firm specializes in helping clients build the leadership infrastructure needed to grow and compete.

Operational clarity starts with executive alignment. The Alexander Group helps law firms find the leadership that powers performance.