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JM Search Launches Team Dedicated to Serving the Aviation, Aerospace & Defense Sector
JM Search, the leading retained executive search firm for private equity, and other growth-oriented private and public organizations, announces the launch of a dedicated team of recruiting experts focused on supporting the Aviation, Aerospace & Defense (AA&D) sector. In a sector that has experienced strong financial performance in recent years, JM Search is seeing increased demand from both investors and executives for key leaders within this growing sector.
Over the last 40+ years, the firm has prioritized industry and functional specialization and this announcement reflects JM Search’s commitment to niche specialization within sectors where there is growing client demand.
“JM Search has a significant track record in placing executives across the industrial industry, including businesses that serve the aerospace and defense end market,” said Bruce MacLane, Jr., Principal and Co-Leader of the AA&D Team. “By formalizing a focused team, we’re solidifying our commitment to bringing true industry expertise to every search we execute on.”
In support of the newly established AA&D team, JM Search also announced the addition of Alex Sanchez, Principal, who will be instrumental in expanding the firm’s AA&D efforts nationally and on the West Coast. Sanchez brings 15 years of executive search experience to JM Search, most recently serving as a Principal at Heidrick & Struggles, where he co-led the Space Practice and served as a core member of the firm’s Aerospace & Defense Practice. Previously, he was a Sector Leader and later Principal in the Aviation, Aerospace & Defense Practice at Korn Ferry, where he supported and led numerous senior-level engagements, including CEOs, Presidents, COOs, CFOs, and group P&L executives. Earlier in his career, he served in infantry and operations roles in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he deployed to Baghdad and Al Anbar Province in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“I’m thrilled to join JM Search and partner with Bruce MacLane Jr. to strengthen our capabilities and deliver exceptional service and value to our clients. I have long respected JM Search’s rigor and outstanding commitment to its clients. I look forward to applying my extensive recruiting and industry expertise to bring top tier talent to clients that will have an immediate and lasting impression on the business,” said Sanchez.
Sanchez will co-lead the Aviation, Aerospace & Defense team alongside MacLane Jr., an accomplished and highly experienced talent executive who previously led Global Talent Acquisition at Fortune 500 companies GE Aviation, Newell Brands, and Novelis. MacLane Jr. joined JM Search in January 2022 and has been instrumental in driving growth and success with the firm’s aviation and aerospace-focused private equity clients.
