The industrial talent market is running hot

Friends, happy Q4:

As we closed out Q3 2026, a few things stand out in the talent management space. These are:

Demand remains robust. In our little world of industrial talent management, the market for talent is hot.
PE continues to fuel much of this demand. For Holden Richardson, PE firms focused on middle-market manufacturing and industrial services are the busiest reshuffling management to drive top-and bottom-line growth, all with an eye toward a near-term exit.
This level of “froth” has made a “seller’s market,” driving up executive compensation packages.
High-performing talent has multiple opportunities from which to choose. Buyers need to move fast or risk losing talent to other opportunities. This means giving up interviewing three to four candidates. Forgetaboutit.
If you have a known PE leader engaged on a position, ACT FAST! He/she will not be on the market very long. This is where market knowledge, referencing, and candidate assessment can provide the confidence to forgo a lengthy search.
As exits get pushed out, executives are increasingly willing to consider leaving behind unvested equity in exchange for new or founder’s equity.
But unvested equity and extended exit timing are holding talent in place - shrinking the talent pool and further tightening the market.

The good news is that the economy remains strong enough to support investment in talent and capital. As Jack Welch famously said, “It’s easy to make change when you have money!” Let’s all hope it remains strong.

We're here when you need us,

Brad & Alex

Heard on the Street

Exits are increasingly hard to come by, and the use of continuation funds is growing.
The cost of capital is crushing smaller suppliers. Sustained high interest rates, combined with tariff costs, slowing new car demand, and constantly changing trade regulations are challenging the ability of smaller suppliers to ride out the storm.
AI adoption continues with enthusiasm, tempered only by the need to spend time making sure that what AI produces make sense and is factual.

2026 Automotive Hall of Fame Inductees

Akio Toyoda

Transformed Toyota through a human-centered vision that elevated quality, innovation, and performance.

Giampaolo Dallara

Pioneered advanced chassis engineering that shaped modern motorsport and performance car design.

TomTom Founders

Harold Goddijn, Corinne Vigreux, Peter-Frans Pauwels, and Pieter Geelen revolutionized revolutionized navigation by bringing digital mapping and GPS technology into everyday life.

Tom Barrett & Russ Jackson

Elevated global collector-car culture by creating the premier, community-driven automotive auction experience.

Congratulations to

Mark Reuss!

The General Motors' President received the Hall’s

Industry Leader of the Year Award.

Recent Executive Placements:

Ryan Aalund joined Symbotic as Director of Reliability Engineering and System Test. His background spans hardware reliability, product quality, systems engineering, and failure analysis. He previously served as Director of Hardware Reliability and Quality at Samsara.

Brad Hazen joined American Trim as Vice President of Sales and brings extensive experience in global sales, engineering, program management, and business development within the automotive industry. Previously, he served as Global Key Account Manager and Customer Director at Marelli.

Walter Rentzsch joined MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, as Vice President, Market Intelligence. His career has centered on strategic planning, contract negotiation, revenue growth, and automotive and industrial transformation. He previously served as Strategy Director at Roland Berger.

Dan Dressler joined Crestview Partners’ automation portfolio company, Convergix, as Vice President of Purchasing & Supply Chain Management. Dan brings extensive integrated supply chain experience, including operations management, from American Axle and Ingersoll Rand, along with several PE-backed manufacturing companies.

Chris Vosler joined IDEX as Sites Director, MSS - MI, NH, and brings extensive experience in operational excellence, Lean/80-20 transformation, multi-site operations, and P&L ownership. Previously, he served as Global Operations Director at ITW.

Nick Riemer joined Bodycote as North America Sales Director, Aerospace, Defense & Energy, and brings extensive experience in B2B sales, account management, and business development across the aerospace and defense markets. Previously, he served as Global Director of Sales & Strategy, Aerospace & Life Science at Omniseal Solutions.

Cassidee Jacobsen joined Bodycote as Regional Sales Manager, Aerospace, Defense & Energy, and brings extensive experience in business planning, contract negotiation, and strategic account management within the aerospace and defense industry. Previously, she served as Senior Global Strategic Account Manager, Aerospace Solutions at Regal Rexnord.

Michael Lazich joined Shaw Development as Strategic Account Manager. Over his career, he has built a track record in product development, international sales, business development, and OEM account management. He previously served as Sales Account Manager at Parker Americas.

Clint Connelly joined JOST International as Senior Director of Operations. He brings a background rooted in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, and Multi-site P&L leadership. He previously served as Director of Operations at Motus Integrated Technologies.

Arcelia Torres joined Alamo Group as Senior HR Director, North America Industrial Division. Her focus areas include HR strategy, organizational design, talent management, and M&A integration. She previously served as Global Human Resources Director at Henkel.

Asad Butt joined M&D as Director of Customer Experience. His expertise covers customer experience, contact center operations, BPO, business development, and operational excellence. He previously served as Customer Service Center Manager at Lyte Fiber.

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