In today’s fiercely competitive landscape, attributes such as rapid speed to market, impressive fulfillment rates, and a robust global reach have emerged as crucial competitive advantages. These factors are not merely beneficial; they are essential for companies striving to outperform their rivals.
Consequently, organizations must actively seek out supply chain and operations leaders who possess not only a profound understanding of intricate business dynamics and sound financial principles but also demonstrate formidable risk management skills and invaluable international experience. These leaders are instrumental in maneuvering through the multifaceted challenges of contemporary supply chains, paving the way for organizational success.
In recent years, adept supply chain executives have showcased their indispensable value during a series of supply chain disruptions, skillfully enabling their organizations to not just survive but thrive in serving their customers with effectiveness and efficiency.
At Buffkin/Baker, our dedicated partner-led teams are passionate about identifying extraordinary leaders in supply chain management who are prepared to confront the escalating complexities of modern logistics. With a deep appreciation for the diverse challenges organizations face within their supply chains, we recognize the paramount importance of visionary leadership. Our mission is to empower organizations by securing remarkable leaders who can enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and adeptly navigate the ever-evolving landscape of supply chain dynamics.
Our Team in Consumer
David Alexander
Partner
David Alexander
Partner
David Alexander is Partner in the firm and the Consumer Practice Leader. With more than 30 years of executive recruitment and talent management experience, David is passionate about helping organizations find people who will thrive in their unique business and operating culture.
He has served as a senior human resources executive for such world-class firms as SAP, AT&T, Washington Mutual, Allied Signal, Gateway and Compaq. Most recently, David served as the Chief People Officer for Raising Cane’s, which grew from 10,000 to 20,000 global employees under his leadership.
After working in public and private companies across multiple industries, David understands the challenges that both high growth and high turn around environments pose for organizations. That experience drives his mission to find, strengthen and grow transformational leaders for clients, both as an executive search consultant and executive coach.
David is a graduate of Texas A&M University and has served as an officer in the United States Air Force. He and his wife Meri live in New Braunfels, Texas, enjoying their children and 2 grandchildren. When not supporting clients and spending time with his family, David enjoys hunting, fishing and serving his church as a worship musician.
Ian Turnbell
Principal
Ian Turnbell
Principal
Ian Turnbell serves as a Principal in the firm, specializing in executive searches in the Consumer Practice and focuses on finding outstanding candidates for director level to c-suite level positions.
Ian enjoys working with a team to discover top-tier candidates, while assisting those candidates in discerning and pursuing new opportunities. He has experience recruiting within a variety of industries and functions, including accounting, construction, consumer packaged goods, financial services, higher education, healthcare, industrial/manufacturing, nonprofit, private equity, retail and restaurant/food & beverage.
A servant leader, Ian strives to help others achieve their professional goals. Colleagues and clients alike recognize Ian's enthusiasm and willingness to help.
Originally from Bowling Green, Ohio, Ian moved to Nashville in 2006. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Miami University and earned a MBA from Belmont University. He and his wife live in Nashville with their daughter and two sons. In his free time, Ian and his family enjoy hiking, music, and travel.
- Email:ian@buffkinbaker.com
Evan Wescott
Principal
Evan Wescott
Principal
Evan Wescott serves as a Principal and member of the Consumer Practice where he works with clients across a variety of industries nationally.
Evan brings a passion for making human connections. As a recruiter, his goal is to build those connections with both clients and candidates. By partnering with consultants, coworkers, and clients, he identifies candidates' career strengths and interests, matching them with clients' business and leadership opportunities. Ultimately he strives to help organizations attract and sustain the right leaders in the right roles.
Evan earned a BA degree in theology and mathematics from Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. He moved to Nashville in 2019, where he married his wife Elizabeth. He enjoys a variety of interests including Ultimate Frisbee, reading, board games, and canning.
- Email:evan@buffkinbaker.com
Jennifer Conkle
Senior Associate
Jennifer Conkle
Senior Associate
Jennifer Conkle serves as a Senior Associate where she is a strategic team member focused on leading search execution in the Consumer Practice.
Jennifer previously served as a Search Consultant for Leapfrog Executive Search where she focused on leading search execution and developing market relationships. Leapfrog specializes in HR leadership roles for a variety of industries and clients across the US, and her projects included placing HR leaders in consumer goods, restaurant/retail, hospitality, banking, technology, industrial, and healthcare industries. Jennifer began her career in executive search with Ray & Berndtson, a global retained search firm. In this role, sher focused on placing technology executives across industries.
Jennifer graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Master of Science in Social Work and from Northwestern State University with a Bachelor of Arts. Jennifer resides in Texas with her husband, Troy, and their three children, Caroline, William and Matthew.
Glen Friedman
Senior Associate
Glen Friedman
Senior Associate
Glen Friedman is a Senior Associate at the firm, serving as a key member of the Consumer Practice. With over 20 years of experience in executive recruitment, he prides himself on fostering genuine partnerships with both clients and candidates. His expertise lies in identifying top talent, driven by a profound understanding of the specific needs and desires of the clients and industries he serves.
Previously, Glen owned a recruiting company for 15 years, focusing on C-Level, VP, and Director placements across various sectors, including Public Safety, Federal Government Software/Hardware, Healthcare, Cybersecurity, and Renewable Energy.
Glen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Florida International University in Miami. A passionate musician, he has been performing for the past 30 years, playing the piano, trumpet, and bass guitar on many recordings and in bands across the country.
- Email:glen@buffkinbaker.com
Grace Watts
Project Coordinator
Grace Watts
Project Coordinator
Grace Watts serves as a Project Coordinator supporting the Healthcare Practice to ensure the needs of each search assignment are successfully achieved.
Grace graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in Human Relations. She was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority.
- Email:grace@buffkinbaker.com
LeadersFirst Career Portal
As a retained, specialty boutique search firm leader, each partner in the firm has expertise in their respective fields and each has over a decade of retained search experience. Combined, our partners have over 300 years combined executive search experience and 400 years of operating experience with our partners. Our job as search professionals is to recruit leaders in Healthcare, Higher Education, Private Equity, Technology/Digital, Consumer, and Non-Profit.
Our Consumer Clients
Talk to Our Team
Contact our partner-led team of executive search professionals. We are a boutique recruitment firm connecting leading organizations with trusted professional candidates who have the experience to lead your vision.