NEW YORK (June 16, 2025) – Acertitude, the leading global executive search firm and leadership consultancy unleashing human potential, today celebrates its 10-year anniversary and a decade of building leadership teams that drive transformation, growth, and lasting value.

Founded in 2015 by Kevin O’Neill and Rick DeRose, the firm set out to redefine executive search as a deeply human, high-performance partnership — built on trust, delivered with agility and discipline, and anchored in purpose to make a lasting impact. Fittingly, the Acertitude website quietly went live at 6:16 p.m. on 6.16.2015, marking the start of something bold.

The firm’s mission is to unleash human potential by discovering, connecting, and empowering brilliant people at work around the world.

“We didn’t set out to build an ordinary search firm,” said Kevin O’Neill, Co-Founder and Managing Partner. “We built a place for the extraordinary—where relationships are the engine, performance is the expectation, and trust is everything. We’re here to help ambitious people do the most meaningful work of their lives.”

Purposeful partnerships

What began as a bold idea has become a trusted model for transformational partnership. Acertitude now works alongside the world’s most ambitious CEOs, value creation leaders, and deal teams — from iconic enterprises to the emerging companies shaping what’s next. Its team of genuine partners and determined doers recruit board, C-level, and senior executives who accelerate growth and lead change.

Acertitude’s consultants have partnered with thousands of companies globally and more than 150 private equity firms. Sixty-six percent of the firm’s searches are tied to the global investment ecosystem.

These are not transactions. They’re mission-critical collaborations built on shared ambition and trust. For example:

  • For one PE client, the firm has delivered 500+ portfolio leaders and 50+ operating partners.
  • For another, more than 150 portfolio executives and 30+ fund-level leaders.
  • And for a single portfolio company, Acertitude placed 40+ executives to lead a transformation that took the business from the brink of bankruptcy to a successful, strategic exit.

Track record of trust

Since launching in 2015 and expanding into Europe in 2020, Acertitude has scaled to six core industry practices: Consumer, Healthcare, Industrial and Infrastructure, Private Equity, Business and Professional Services, and Technology. The team has grown by more than 300%, a reflection of its investment in top talent to deliver world-class outcomes for world-class clients.

“We’ve had a front-row seat to some of the biggest moments in our clients’ journeys, scaling, turning around, leading through complexity,” said Rick DeRose, Co-Founder and Managing Partner. “It’s a privilege and a gift we don’t take lightly.”

He added, “What matters most is staying true to our values, doing exceptional work, and showing up as a partner our clients can count on. We’re deeply proud of the team behind it all — and grateful to the clients who’ve trusted us to help shape their leadership.”

Earned elevation

Acertitude's high-impact work and client dedication have earned consistent recognition:

  • Forbes Best Executive Recruiting Firms
  • AESC Award of Excellence, presented to Rick DeRose in 2024 for outstanding contributions to the executive search and leadership consulting profession
  • Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Company
  • Inc. B2B Power Partner
  • Hunt Scanlon Top 50, PE Power 100, NY Power 60, London Power 50

These accolades reflect the firm's consistent ability to exceed expectations as it helps clients scale, navigate transitions, and create enterprise value.

Evolving edge

As it enters its second decade, Acertitude will deepen its specialization in high-growth sectors and harness AI and data to power sharper execution and insights. The firm will also expand its advisory capabilities and continue building the most capable and connected team in the business — all to support clients’ evolving needs across the leadership and investment lifecycle.

“We’re just getting started,” said O’Neill. “We’ll always be about connecting extraordinary leaders and helping companies soar through people. The next 10 years? Deeper partnerships. Bolder ideas. Smarter ways to work. We’re embracing innovation, using AI to deepen trust, and powering every decision with sharper insight. All while staying true to what sets us apart: our people, our clients, our candidates, and the human relationships we build together.

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