Ben Stickney

Ben Stickney is an executive search partner with a 20-year track record of building high-impact leadership teams and deep experience supporting venture-backed and private high-growth tech companies. He is also a seasoned leader with substantial operations experience, which he draws on to help clients scale with discipline, strengthen GTM execution, and develop leadership capabilities that endure.

Professional Focus

C-level and VP searches across GTM, operations, and corporate functions, including CEO, COO, CFO, CRO, CMO, and Heads of Marketing, Operations, Sales, and Customer Success
Deep focus on investor-backed growth companies, from Series A startups to private equity-backed platforms and multi-billion-dollar category leaders
Defense tech and national security expert, with domain experience across deep tech, AI/ML platforms, enterprise SaaS, fintech, health tech, and cybersecurity, as well as broader digital and technology-enabled services
Experienced executive coach and leadership advisor to founders, CEOs, and senior operators navigating rapid growth, organizational change, and culture-building
Active in veteran advocacy and mentorship, helping military leaders transition into executive roles in venture-backed and high-growth companies

Business Expertise

Partner in a boutique Silicon Valley executive search firm advising venture-backed and growth-stage clients on senior leadership hiring across enterprise and consumer markets.
Executive operations leader at public, private equity, and venture-backed brands, including Amazon and The Honest Company, with accountability for teams of more than 2,000 people, complex national distribution networks, and significant P&L and supply chain oversight. 
Decorated U.S. Navy fighter pilot serving in front-line fighter squadrons and leading complex, multinational operations around the world, flying over 100 combat missions. As a reservist, he supported US Embassies in Europe and served with SEAL Team 17.

Additional Expertise

Defense & National Security 
Private Equity & Venture Capital 
Technology 
AI, Cloud, & Software 
Industrial 
Supply Chain & Logistics 
Consumer  & Retail

Areas of Expertise

Education & Certifications

MBA from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) in aerospace engineering from the United States Naval Academy
Certified leadership and training facilitator, The Arbinger Institute

Affiliations & Awards

Member of Rotary International

California

4000 Bridgeway
Suite 201
Sausalito
United States

Case Studies

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Identifying the Next Leader:
CEO Succession in the Industrial Services Sector

The successful identification and recruitment of a new CEO for an industrial services business in the Midwest was critical to ensuring a smooth transition as well as continued growth after the founder CEO’s retirement.

Product Management VP for an
Auto-tech that Belongs to a Private Equity

In this project, Boyden completed a critical placement at the C-suite level with global responsibility for product management for vehicle lifecycle management.

Strengthening Financial Leadership in Private Equity-Backed Manufacturing and Energy Logistics

In the complex landscape of energy logistics, our private equity client was seeking a visionary financial leader to steer its ambitious growth trajectory. Here, we explore how Boyden navigated this challenge, securing a strategic VP Finance and Accounting equipped to fortify financial foundations and drive operational excellence.

Thought Leadership

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Articles & Papers

Navigating Uncertainty: AI Drives an Inflection Point for the Global Economy

In this edition of Navigating Uncertainty, explore how AI is reshaping the global economy, while private equity reveals the truth about AI ‘bubble mania’.