NEW YORK (May 16, 2024) – Acertitude, the global executive search firm unleashing human potential, is honored to have the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) recognize Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Rick DeRose, with the 2024 Award of Excellence at their annual global conference in New York.

The AESC Award of Excellence honors individuals at the height of their careers who have made significant, outstanding contributions to the executive search and leadership consulting profession. Since 2000, this award has been given to recipients who promote the AESC’s commitment to the highest professional standards through its Professional Practice Standards at their firm and within the profession.

Throughout his 25+ year career in the executive search industry, Rick has founded and built two reputable firms, brought new consultants into the profession, provided a great place for high-achieving people to do meaningful work, and elevated the profession’s reputation through a deep commitment to clients.

In 2015, DeRose, together with Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Kevin O’Neill, launched Acertitude driven by their mutual dedication to evolving client experiences and outcomes in the industry. With a vision to redefine executive search, the firm prioritized investments in a team of motivated professionals, developed an innovative, adaptable platform, and established a purpose-driven brand committed to unlocking human potential.

In 2018, Guy Barnes joined as the third managing partner to spearhead the firm’s European expansion. This move broadened Rick’s impact on the profession as the firm expanded its client-centric founding philosophy, “The Acertitude Way” abroad.

“Rick’s impact in the executive search and leadership consulting domain has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Ed Meyercord, President & CEO of Extreme Networks. Rick has worked closely with the organization on 14 executive appointments in the last six years. “His high standards and commitment to the industry are not merely compliance, but a testament to his unwavering belief in the value of helping people unleash their human potential and building high-quality relationships.”

“Rick exhibits a client-for-life mentality when serving his clients, candidates, and the profession,” echoed Jack Callison, Chief Executive Officer of Sunrise Senior Living. Rick has been integral in helping Jack transform Sunrise Senior Living’s C-level leadership, acting as a true extension of the brand and team.

Acertitude offers an array of services across the investment lifecycle, from pre-deal to pre-exit. The team’s expertise lies in conducting searches for Board & CEO, Financial & Corporate Officers, GTM Officers, Operations Officers, Technology Officers and more at private equity firms, public corporations, global enterprises, fast-growing mid-sized businesses, and innovative startups.

“I am honored to receive this year’s AESC Award of Excellence, yet the credit truly belongs to our remarkable clients, candidates, and team members,” said DeRose. “At Acertitude, we are committed to consistently delivering excellence at a global scale and developing life-long partnerships. Witnessing our clients’ successes in the marketplace fills us with excitement, and in my view, this award is a testament to our collective efforts and our capacity to collaborate towards unleashing human potential.”

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