Mark Rounds is a principal at Ksquared Search, bolstering our team with cross-industry expertise. He has been an invaluable asset to the firm for over 12 years — read on to learn more about Mark’s professional journey.

After graduating from Tulane University, Mark secured his first executive search position at a prestigious firm in New York City. He hit the ground running, performing searches for many leading financial services clients. 

“Though I was completely green right out of college, I was thrown into executive search at a very high level,” Mark said. “It was a baptism by fire, but I feel lucky to have had that apprenticeship.”

Mark Rounds met Ksquared Search Founder Deborah Kaufman — who was a partner at the firm. Deb helped Mark establish his footing at the firm, coaching him through challenging searches, working with clients, and cutting his teeth on new business development. 

Deb left to branch out on her own, leading to the creation of Ksquared Search. Mark stayed on to continue his growth by working on increasingly complex searches across numerous industries. He gained invaluable exposure to global clients, different industries, and the art of finding world-class talent.

“I realized that my work could impact the trajectory of each of our clients,” Mark said. “A diverse array of searches makes every day different. There are always opportunities to activate complex thinking, tackle unique challenges, learn new skills, and help drive organizational transformation that improves the business strategy.”

Fast forward five years and Mark and Deb’s paths crossed yet again. Mark joined the Ksquared team as a lead principal in the firm, creating his own practice vertical with a focus on data analytics, finance, and all things digital. Working together, Ksquared Search’s Data Practice quickly gained momentum. 

Ksquared was growing, with diverse expertise covering a broad range of executive search roles. Ready for everything from Human Resources to digital roles, Ksquared presented itself as a one-stop-shop for Fortune 500 companies in transition. 

“We all have complementary experiences that dovetail nicely with each of the consultants’ strengths,” Mark said. “We’re highly collaborative in our approach — we work together to get the job done.”

At Ksquared Search, Mark Rounds has become the resident authority on technical talent coming out of the financial services, technology, retail, and management consulting industries. His expertise transcends industry lines, covering categories applicable to all, such as complex data science and digital customer experiences. 

“I pride myself on my capacity to be creative and thoughtful in identifying exceptional talent over cookie-cutter options,” Mark said. “I uncover leaders with translational skills, global experiences, and a strong cultural fit with our clients.” 

Beyond the search process, Mark takes on a consultative role with our partners. He educates hiring managers on the best practices and organizational design of industry leaders out of technology, financial services, and retail. His work ensures clients gain a holistic view of the competitor landscape.

However, his end goal is to identify winning placements that will move businesses forward into new eras of growth. Hiring managers are only one piece of the puzzle — Mark Rounds examines how candidates will fit with the overall company culture and what abilities can be activated to exceed benchmarks. 

“The businesses and teams we partner with are going through a period of transformation,” Mark said. “My job is assessing if the candidates put forward can strategically lead and impact the transformation. With my team around me, I help organizations move the needle.”

Mark shared his passion for the work often stems from in-depth client relationships. Some, like American Express, Wells Fargo, Walmart, and Boeing, have worked with Mark and the team to fill countless positions over the years. 

“I think our clients are fantastic,” Mark said. “I enjoy the caliber and complexity. At the level we focus on, we have the ability to see the implications of our work on industries broadly.”

Ksquared Search is always ready to partner with organizations as they search for the newest member of their leadership team. Our team will assess your needs and preferences to identify the ideal leader for you — contact Ksquared today to start the process.