Rick Wargo

Rick Wargo combines extensive executive search experience with a decades-long career in technology as an executive and entrepreneur. This background gives him an in-depth understanding of leadership demands and team dynamics in the hypercompetitive technology industry. He possesses exceptional ability to make nuanced, fact-based assessments of candidates for senior-level and director roles.

Professional Focus

Over 15 years’ experience in executive search, along with more than 20 years’ executive management and founder experience in the tech sector, primarily in software and IT services
Successful track record of recruiting for CEO, COO, CFO, CIO, president, partner and board director roles, as well as senior management roles across functions: human resources, business development, international operations, sales & marketing
Broad business expertise and experience spanning operations, human capital management, strategic planning, business development, sales & marketing, and global team building
Experience working with companies at all stages of development, from startups to major multinationals

Business Expertise

Founder and CEO of a boutique executive search firm focused on the IT industry
Vice President, Strategic Executive Search Accounts at Bullhorn, developer of the Invenias cloud-based executive search software platform
Owner and President of Resource Development Company, an e-learning solutions provider
Global Managing Partner, Software and IT Services Practice for a top 5 global executive search firm
Founder and CEO of Debis IT Services North America, a subsidiary of Daimler-Benz-owned global IT services provider Debis Systemhaus
Vice President and Co-Head, Global High-Tech Practice of a top 10 global executive search firm
Managing Director, US Telecom Practice of a top 5 global executive search firm
President & CEO, European Disaster Recovery Services Division of Comdisco, global financial and IT services provider (sold to Sungard)
SVP, Sales & Marketing at Sytek, an early LAN systems hardware and services provider later acquired by Hughes
Started career with IBM as a Regional Marketing Manager, and subsequently moved into a District Sales Manager role at StorageTek, a leading IT data storage equipment supplier

Additional Expertise

Energy
Fintech
IT Services
Software & Applications
Telecom

Areas of Expertise

Education & Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Bradley University

Affiliations & Awards

Served as a member of several corporate and non-profit boards

Seattle

601 108th Ave NE
19th Floor
Bellevue
United States

Case Studies

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Strategic Board Renewal for a High-Growth Cybersecurity Leader

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.

Fiduciary Oversight Strengthened: Independent Board Director Enhances Pension Fund Governance

Boyden identifies a highly credentialed investment professional to join the board of a $10B+ pension fund, reinforcing strategic oversight and fiduciary leadership.

Elevating Market Expansion: A Strategic Leadership Search for a Social Media Technology Firm

Identifying and securing a visionary leader to drive U.S. market entry and long-term growth for a fast-scaling social media technology startup.

Thought Leadership

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Survey

Talent-led transformation in a post-pandemic world: North America

How can global business leaders deliver on ambitions of growth and reinvention?

Boyden Report Series

Decoding Tech Trends and Leadership in the Digital Age

Technology Report 2024: Analyzing markets, studies, and trends reshaping business with expert insights from Boyden's Global Technology Practice Members