Boyden Announces Major Expansion in California

Boyden, a leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 65 offices in over 40 countries, announced that the highly regarded Bialla Partners team in California has joined the organization, further expanding Boyden’s U.S. presence.

Jeff Hodge and John McCrea will serve as Managing Partners and lead the expanded Boyden California team. Vito Bialla, Founder of Bialla Partners and Chip Novick join as Partners, with Chris Crowe joining as Principal. All are highly respected talent and leadership advisors with a full portfolio of blue-chip clients from Bialla Partners, a 47-year-old national boutique.

“The addition of this outstanding group of professionals to Boyden California supports our strategy in the United States and globally to provide clients with world class leadership advisory solutions,” said Trina Gordon, President & CEO of Boyden. “This new team brings substantial expertise, enabling Boyden to continue to expand our client advisory services while enhancing our footprint in several sectors for Board and C-suite assignments in Technology, Financial Services, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Consumer & Retail and Professional Services."

Hodge has been active in the executive search industry for more than three decades, holding leadership roles with other top firms and founding his own boutique. He specializes in board and C-level assignments in Healthcare & Life Sciences, Financial Services, Professional Services, Technology and family businesses. He has served as Founding Director of the National Association of Corporate Directors, Northern California Chapter, and Board Member of the Association of Executive Search Consultants.

McCrea’s expertise spans a 17-year career in executive search, focused on board and C-suite roles in critical sectors including Consumer & Retail, Technology, and Private Equity & Venture Capital. Prior to executive search, he served as General Manager and CMO with successful startups such as MarketTools and Egreetings. McCrea also held leadership roles with premier communications agencies including J Walter Thompson, where he led the Global Technology Group.

“Boyden’s global reach and the quality of Boyden’s offices were key factors in our decision to join the firm,” said Hodge and McCrea, speaking on behalf of the new partners and team members. “Boyden’s resources and tailored offerings also played a significant role in our decision and we are looking forward to working closely with our new partners in the Americas and globally.”

Neil Sims, Managing Partner, and Trevor Pritchard, Partner, will continue as part of the expanded new team, focusing on growth in the California market.