Global Boyden CEO Chad Hesters explains why leadership success in the past no longer guarantees the future, highlighting adaptability, AI fluency, curiosity, and humility as essential traits for today’s executives.
Based in the New York Metro Area, Managing Partner Gary Kastenbaum has substantial background in a wide range of industries. His senior HR expertise gives him unique insight, which he leverages to deliver high-impact results for a diverse client roster. In particular, Gary has an exemplary track record in helping domestic and international organizations identify key talent and build effective leadership teams.
Professional Focus
- Extensive experience in international executive search, sales leadership and human resources management
- Focuses on C-suite leadership roles across diverse industries—including construction, life sciences, and human resources—while integrating a strong leadership consulting component
- Specific expertise in sales leadership assignments
- Sector-specific expertise in industrial, as well as professional and financial services (advisory, audit and tax, insurance, risk management, wealth management), technology (consumer electronics, high tech electronics and instrumentation), pharmaceuticals (drug development and manufacturing), and medical devices
- Specializes in candidate assessment, management consulting, executive coaching, executive-level search engagements and succession planning
Business Expertise
- Managing Director for another international executive search firm
- Chief Human Resources Officer for the advisory practice and member of the executive leadership team at KPMG
- Senior human resources leadership roles at BASF, Abbott Laboratories, Ohmeda Medical Devices, Sociétée Générale de Surveillance, Bowne Global Solutions, and Hughes Aircraft Company
Additional Expertise
- Construction
- Financial Services
- Industrial
- Professional Services
- Technology
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- BS in education and psychology from the City University of New York
- Certified Myers-Briggs facilitator (ESTJ)
- Hay-trained competency developer
Affiliations & Awards
- Provides pro bono HR consulting to local non-profits
- Awarded the Charles Lee Hamilton Tribute Award by Morris Habitat
A family-owned construction company partnered with Boyden to fill a pivotal new leadership role, aiming to drive innovation while maintaining their tradition of excellence.
Through collaboration with Boyden, the Chief People Officer of a PE-backed company secured two pivotal leaders, a Vice President of Human Resources and a Head of Talent Acquisition, to elevate human capital strategy, drive transformation, streamline recruitment, and strengthen enterprise alignment.
Boyden partnered with a publicly traded cybersecurity firm to appoint a transformative director whose reputation and leadership experience amplify the company’s strategic ambitions and market position.
Discover why MedTech leadership succession is a strategic imperative—and how these companies can build strong, future-ready executive pipelines.
To cope with high turnover and severe financial pressures, learn what healthcare CFOs prioritize in their successors and the need for CFO succession planning in healthcare.
The US senior population is booming, driving explosive growth in home and post-acute care. Programs like PACE are expanding fast, offering innovative, in-home solutions and digital health advancements. This shift presents huge opportunities for healthcare providers to lead the future of senior care.
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.
Unilever’s potential exit from its Foods division could reshape Big Food, triggering supply‑chain shifts, leadership changes, and major competitive realignment.
Contact Gary Kastenbaum today and let's get started