ABOUT THE FIRM
A Boutique Practice Built on Integrity
27 years of retained executive search. One unwavering standard.
27+
Years of Experience
55+
Combined Partner Years
Top 100
Hunt Scanlon Ranking
OUR STORY
Magruder Executive Search is a boutique retained executive search firm which supports clients nationally across functions and industries. The firm assists with Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Financial Officers, HR Officers, Chief Investment Officers, Legal, Marketing, Operational, Technology and Supply Chain search assignments.
Since entering the search business with Ray & Berndtson in 2000, Mark and his partners have developed a generalist search practice. In 2017, Mark recognized the need for a boutique firm approach to represent private equity firms, family offices and growth oriented public companies. The alignment that the firm offers clients allows for expedited search execution.
The firm has broad industry experience assisting family offices, private equity and public companies. Firm partners have over 50 years' experience supporting retained executive search assignments. Recent experience includes supporting pre-IPO private clients, family offices, and active private equity clients as they evolve and mature.
"We believe that the right leaders retain the right teams that ultimately drive a business."
Coming out of the downturn of 2008, the growth of private equity firms exploded. We recognized the need for entrepreneurial leaders and managers within private portfolio companies who share a similar appreciation for operating with a sense of urgency. Our practice evolved to align ourselves with entrepreneurs who really value people.
As a result, Magruder Executive Search partners with clients who typically have a technology or innovative differentiator that is best supported with a boutique approach to introducing complementary talent.
MEET THE TEAM
President
Mark Magruder
Mark D. Magruder formed his boutique firm after entering the executive search business in 2000 with Ray & Berndtson, the fifth largest global retained executive search firm. Mark has 25 years' experience in the retained executive search business. Prior to entering search, Mark led ENSR's north Texas region from Dallas, Texas. ENSR is a Top 50 full-service environmental engineering and consulting firm based in Boston, MA. Mark's environmental consulting practice included buy and sell-side advisory services to industrial and commercial clients across North America. Mark received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Baylor University.
Partner
Kelly Mooney
Kelly Mooney joined Magruder Executive Search as a Partner in 2019 bringing more than 22 years of experience in retained executive search. At Magruder Executive Search she focuses on supporting public and privately-held companies across industries and functions with executive leadership placements. Her assignments include unique roles for family office and private equity clients. From 2011 – 2019, Kelly served as a Consultant and Principal for Leapfrog Executive Search where she focused on leading search execution and developing market relationships. Leapfrog specializes in HR leadership roles for a variety of industries and clients across the US, and her projects included placing HR leaders in technology, industrial, and healthcare industries. Kelly began her career in executive search with Ray & Berndtson, a global retained search firm, where she spent nine years. In this role, Kelly focused on clients in the energy, financial services, and industrial and consumer products industries.
WHO WE SERVE
Trusted by Discerning Organizations
The firm serves a two-sided market — hiring clients and high-caliber executive candidates — but leads with the client perspective. Our clients are sophisticated, discerning buyers who value discretion, track record, and a premium presentation.
Private Equity Firms
Supporting portfolio company leadership needs from pre-acquisition through exit.
Family Offices
Discreet, high-touch search for principals who demand confidentiality and precision.
Public Companies
Board and C-suite placements for growth-oriented public companies navigating transformation.
Start a Conversation
Whether you are filling a board seat or a C-suite role, we bring the same rigor, discretion, and boutique attention to every engagement.