Raines International Inc. Announces CEO Transition

Executive Search firm Raines International Inc. announced changes to its leadership structure. Daniel R. Smith, Chief Operating Officer of the Firm, will become President and Chief Executive Officer. Founder and current CEO Bruce R. Raines will continue with the Firm as Senior Managing Director, focusing his full-time efforts on client and search management.

“The past year has been enormously rewarding for me on both personal and professional levels," said Raines. “Receiving the AESC's Lifetime Achievement Award last April and celebrating our firm's 50th anniversary last month marked two major milestones in my career. While I shall remain fully active going forward, these milestones suggest it is the right time to transition the leadership of our Firm to the next generation.”

“Our firm brings a strong focus on succession planning in serving our clients as well as ourselves. I have worked closely with Dan in preparing him to assume the roles of President and CEO, which ensures a seamless transition within this important leadership position for our company,” said Raines. “Dan has played a key role in expanding our team across New York, Bentonville, Boston, San Francisco, and soon Buenos Aires, and he brings the required client focus and deep search expertise of our business to lead the Firm into the future.”

Mr. Smith commented: "Bruce has positioned this firm for long-term success. My 14 years here have been the greatest adventure of my life, and I am honored to now lead one of the best brands and teams in the industry. Serving the most dynamic group of clients, colleagues, and dear friends, I’m excited to lead Raines International into 2020 and beyond."

Mr. Smith joined the firm in 2005, and has held a series of positions of increasing responsibility, including serving as Managing Director since 2011 and Chief Operating Officer since 2013. In addition to his role at Raines International, he is on the Board of Directors of America Needs You, a careers-focused national nonprofit that serves ambitious, low-income, first-generation college students.