Joel Schlesinger © Postmedia Network Inc.
Calgary continues to grow in importance for DHR Global, one of the world’s largest and most respected executive search firms, with more than 50 offices in 22 countries.
“Canada, overall, has been a growing market for DHR since I joined in 2016, and Calgary is really at the centre,” says Bryan Arthur, managing partner for Canada at DHR Global in the city.
The company expanded its profile in the city with the acquisition of an equally experienced and respected executive search firm — Boyden Calgary, with offices in Calgary and Saskatoon.
“This was not an acquisition for growth’s sake, but rather driven by unique synergies between two executive search teams with great reputations,” Arthur says.
“Our diverse expertise complements one another and strengthens our services to clients.”
Officially announced in December 2022, the acquisition adds Boyden Calgary’s experience in the oil and gas industry, the public sector, post-secondary institutions and board practice to DHR Global’s strengths that include serving Calgary’s fast-growing technology sector.
“We have also done a lot of work in oil and gas and broader energy, helping with the energy transition, sustainability and ESG (environmental, social and governance).”
Given the many synergies, DHR Global has no plans to reduce its workforce, Arthur notes.
“The executive search business is very high touch,” he explains. “And those years spent building relationships matter immensely.”
Arthur points out that executive position openings are often not advertised. Top companies don’t simply wait for the right people to apply.
“Our job involves discreetly finding top talent already working in their field and enticing them to make a move to a new, better opportunity,” he says. “That requires our people having deep connections founded on trust that can’t be built overnight.”
DHR Global does not merely measure success by its strong ties within the corporate community. The firm is also focused on building deep-rooted connections in Calgary overall.
Indeed, many DHR team members serve on several non-profit boards while volunteering for fundraising and other initiatives. After all, helping others is what DHR Global truly does, Arthur says.
“Our business is founded on helping people, right down to the grassroots of the community in which we live.”
This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Calgary Economic Development.