Rick DeRose, Co-Founder + Managing Partner, Acertitude Executive Search

“

If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.

”

— Saint Thomas Aquinas

The catalyst

Inspired by one of the laws of organic chemistry, we see Rick as a catalyst that effects a transformation on his surroundings. Without fanfare and in his easy way, he consistently pushes beyond convention to find innovative solutions. Sparks fly when this has a contagious impact on others. And thankfully, Rick surrounds himself with ambitious people who are a source of his constant inspiration. In co-founding Acertitude, Rick continues, with quiet confidence, to provide, nurture, and mine resources of the market.

Rick’s journey to founding Acertitude was fueled by his passion for helping people achieve goals beyond their wildest dreams. An entrepreneur at heart, Rick is driven to chart a new course, challenging the traditional business models that were failing to address the increasing risks clients’ face with outside hiring and executive performance.

As founder + managing partner, Rick leads our team’s delivery of a superior experience for global business leaders in their search for executive talent and sustainable talent solutions. He brings a track record of helping companies align future business goals to their talent strategy to ensure the ultimate satisfaction of every client.

Rick offers proven expertise in telecommunications, technology, private equity, and professional services. As technology continues to transform our world at a rapid pace, he advises clients across a range of industries on leadership selection for their IT function, consulting on how influential trends in digital, mobility, cloud, big data, security, and the customer experience are redefining the skills and expertise needed.

This new chapter expands on Rick’s 20-year role as the Founder and Managing Partner of Technology Executive Group (TEG), a leadership selection and integration partner to clients in fast paced and highly specialized telecommunications, technology and technology-enabled companies. Prior to founding TEG in 1995, Rick spent 8 years progressing through an array of leadership roles at Cable & Wireless Communications.

Rick serves on several boards of telecom and technology companies throughout the US and has been a guest speaker at The World Executive Search Congress. Previously, he served as managing partner of ITP Worldwide, a global network specializing in senior level searches for multinational high technology organizations. His charitable interests are many and include Food for the Poor, The MS Society, and The Ronald McDonald House.

When he’s not at work, Rick relishes family time with his wife and their two sons. Weekends are active, filled with running, training, and sports; Rick has spent hours on the sidelines of his sons’ hockey and basketball games, cheering like a fanatic. When there’s a break in the action, they pack their bags and hit the road for their shared love of travel.