In the Media
Why the CFO mindset can clash with CEO demands
Dan Kepler is an executive search leader with over two decades of success advising organizations on critical leadership appointments. He has led C-suite, board, and senior functional searches for companies ranging from family‑owned businesses to multinationals. Clients value his ability to align talent with their strategic needs and unique culture, while also engaging leaders who drive lasting impact.
Professional Focus
- More than 20 years of experience in executive search, including leadership positions with prominent global firms
- Extensive track record of successful searches for CEO, COO, CFO, board, and senior functional leadership roles in finance, operations, supply chain, human resources, sales and marketing, and IT
- Deep industry expertise in industrial, consumer products, transportation, and food
- Partners with organizations of all sizes and ownership structures, including family-owned, privately held, and PE-backed businesses, as well as major multinationals
Business Expertise
- Founding Partner of an executive search firm specializing in the consumer and industrial sectors
- Partner and Owner of a boutique executive search firm focused on consumer and industrial; created and led family-owned/privately held business and private equity practice
- Partner and Owner of a highly successful boutique executive search firm
- Partner, Industrial at another of the world’s top global executive search firms
- Executive Director at a global leadership advisory and executive search firm
Additional Expertise
- Industrial
- Manufacturing
- Transportation
- Consumer Products
- Food
- Privately Held and Family-Owned Businesses
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- MBA from DePaul University
- Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) in economics management from Ohio Wesleyan University
- Hogan Assessments Certification
Case Studies
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Strategic Resurgence: Driving Growth Through Business Transformation and Financial Innovation
Boyden partners with a Fortune 1000 industrial company to strengthen its transformation journey through the placement of high-impact FP&A leadership.
The Transformation of Atlas-SSI: Leading the Market in Specialty Equipment Manufacturing for Industrial and Municipal Water Applications
Private Equity investor hires a CEO to integrate acquisitions and build a growth platform in manufacturing specialty equipment for water infrastructure creating the largest manufacturer of traveling water screens and bulk material handling in North America
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
The CFO to CEO Pathway: What Boards Look for in Leader
From financial steward to enterprise leader—seen at Signal Energy and measured by what boards value most.
Articles & Papers
Private Equity's Role in Powering the Energy Transition
As energy markets transform, private equity is driving the transition with diversified portfolios and leaders who can master both legacy and renewable systems.
Articles & Papers
Boyden in Malta: Momentum in the Mediterranean
A look at Malta’s most vibrant industries and economic successes with insights from local Partner Dr. Vassilis Trochalidis of Boyden Greece, Cyprus and Malta.
Blog
Navigating the Executive Talent Paradox: Strategies for Differentiation
Explore the challenges and opportunities organizations face in aligning talent with strategic objectives to drive growth and success
Media
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Executive Search Insights: How CPG & Retail Companies Find the Right Leaders
Podcast
Boyden CEO Chad Hesters Joins Dr. Amy Athey on the Still Evolving Podcast
Podcast
Boyden CEO Chad Hesters Joins Candice Bourne on 'The Journey of a Search CEO' Podcast
Podcast
Breakfast with Boyden: Jeanie Kim & Kathy Ash
Video
News & Events
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In the Media
CFO-to-CEO pipeline will likely taper on economic upswing: Boyden
CFO‑to‑CEO promotions recently hit their highest level in a decade, but Boyden’s Craig Stevens explains why this pipeline may narrow as economic conditions improve and leadership needs shift.
In the Media
CFOs, CHROs and COOs — Why So Many Boards Are Revamping the C-Suite
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