As founding partner, president, chief executive officer and vice chairman of Pearson Partners International, Keith Pearson manages the firm’s strategic direction and operations, and also specializes in securing effective leaders for Fortune 1000 and private equity portfolio companies. Keith’s commitment to flexible, responsive client service has set the companywide standard of excellence for which Pearson Partners has become known. His deep knowledge of the private equity space has made him an invaluable partner to his many clients, whose repeat business testifies to his unique ability to understand their needs, develop creative solutions, and rapidly source high-quality talent for the executive suite. Keith and Bob Pearson launched Pearson Partners International in 2002 as an executive search firm initially serving the leveraged buyout community, and have since led the company through more than a decade of growth and diversification. Today, Pearson Partners is a global, full-service retained executive search and leadership consulting firm serving businesses across a broad range of industries, while offering a full complement of professional development, outplacement and coaching services. Prior to launching Pearson Partners International, Keith was with Whitehouse & Pimms as a managing director in the consulting and technology industry sectors, and with TMP Worldwide Executive Search as a principal in the professional services practice. He began his search career as a search consultant with Merritt, Hawkins and Associates. Keith earned a bachelor of business administration degree in management from The University of North Texas and a master’s degree in business administration from The University of Texas at Dallas. He is vice chair of the board of trustees of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, North Texas Chapter, and is part of its Team in Training. He is an avid runner and cyclist who enjoys competing in ultrathons and off-road races. He also enjoys traveling with his wife, Stephanie, and three children.