Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles launched a new global Government & Defense Tech Practice targeting the growing intersection of technology providers and government agencies, the company announced Wednesday.
The new practice will leverage the firm’s experience in placing leaders at companies that deliver technology solutions to governments worldwide, with more than 200 completed engagements in the sector to date.
Governments account for approximately 10% of global technology and IT services spending, creating significant opportunities for technology companies serving public sector needs, according to Heidrick & Struggles.
“As technology has become integral to government and society, it is critical that technology solution providers have the talent necessary to help governments address their biggest challenges and opportunities,” said Jason Schmucker, partner at Heidrick & Struggles and leader of the new practice.
The practice will focus on helping clients navigate leadership needs in areas ranging from resolving technical debt to digital transformation and incorporating emerging technologies that serve government functions.
More than 30 experienced partners from across the firm’s technology, IT services, aerospace and defense, energy, private equity, and venture capital practices will contribute to the new specialty. The team spans North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Sam Burman, global managing partner for Frontier Tech at Heidrick & Struggles, cited changing geopolitical and technological landscapes alongside broader workforce shifts as driving factors behind the new practice.
“Our ever-evolving geopolitical and technological landscape, coupled with broader workforce shifts, has created a pressing need for next-generation, agile leadership and workforce ecosystems in what’s traditionally been an insular industry,” Burman said.
The new practice builds on Heidrick & Struggles’ previous work in talent recruitment and organizational consulting for government technology providers. The firm has been in operation for more than 70 years and is publicly traded on the Nasdaq exchange.
