Michigan exec search firm expands to region, names local leader

A Grand Rapids, Michigan executive search firm is expanding to the region, and added a new executive to run its Southwest Florida office. 

Jana Vanaman, after more than a decade with Fort Myers tech giant Gartner, most recently as vice president of talent acquisition, was named executive recruiting director of W Talent Solutions, focused on the Southwest Florida market. At Gartner and other roles before that, Vanaman oversaw hiring for hundreds of leadership and revenue-generating roles annually, according to a statement.

Southwest Florida has become an increasingly important region for W Talent Solutions, as privately held companies, family-owned businesses, construction firms, professional services companies and hospitality employers continue investing in leadership, the company adds. 

"Southwest Florida has become one of the country's most attractive markets for business growth," W Talent Solutions founder and CEO Ashley Ward says in the release. "Companies are expanding, leadership teams are evolving, and competition for exceptional talent continues to intensify. Having Jana based here allows us to build stronger relationships throughout the region while delivering the national executive search capabilities our clients expect." 

"Jana understands executive hiring from both sides of the table," Ward adds. "She has built world-class talent acquisition organizations herself, so our clients benefit from someone who understands not only how to find exceptional leaders, but how great organizations are built." 

Instead of opening offices and hoping relationships follow, the company places experienced leaders in the markets where its clients already operate, the release states. Working through a hybrid model, “those leaders collaborate as one nationally connected executive search team while bringing local market insight and trusted business relationships to every engagement,” the release states. 

"Southwest Florida has an incredible entrepreneurial spirit," Vanaman says in the release. "Many of these companies have reached a point where they're building leadership teams for the next chapter of their business. It's exciting to help organizations find leaders who can preserve their culture while preparing them for what's next." 

Founded in 2016, W Talent Solutions is a national executive search and talent advisory firm serving manufacturing, healthcare, construction, hospitality, consumer products, professional services and private equity-backed organizations throughout North America. Through its proprietary Smart Hire methodology, the firm helps organizations hire leaders who align both culturally and strategically with long-term business objectives.