Scott Somers
Industry Expertise
Scott Somers co-founded Windale Group in 2002 with more than three decades of experience in the consulting and executive search industries. In addition to conducting countless search assignments for partners and other senior level professionals in consulting firms, Scott also served as a consultant at the global management consulting firm, McKinsey & Company. Clients appreciate Scott’s unique view from both sides of the table and deep understanding of consulting firm cultures, which enable him to relate to and recruit key top professionals to help consulting firms in their strategic growth. Leveraging his extensive network in the consulting industry, Scott is able to reach prospective candidates other firms may not have access to. His talent growth experience also extends to executive placements for CEOs, general managers, CFOs, CMOs, heads of sales, and corporate development, business development and strategy.
Background
Prior to founding Windale Group, Scott was a managing partner with executive search firm, Ray & Berndtson, where he was the practice leader for the firm's Business and Professional Services practice in the U.S. and served as co-head of the practice for all 44 of the firm’s offices around the world. Members of this practice conducted search assignments for professional services organizations and for corporations in critical areas such as strategy, corporate development, finance/tax and assurance, human capital, legal and other functional areas. Scott also spent four years as a partner with executive search firm Korn/Ferry International, conducting senior-level search assignments and worked closely with firm co-founder, Richard Ferry. From 1981 to 1986, Scott was a consultant with McKinsey & Company, working with clients in industries including technology, financial services, industrial, consumer and energy. He began his professional career with Wickes Corporation, where he was director of international marketing for the building materials and furnishings company. Upon graduating from college, Scott became a lieutenant commander with the U.S. Navy.
Education
Scott holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where he also served as assistant director of admissions. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from Brown University, where he was an elected member of the student government, played varsity football and was co-captain of the university track team.
Community Involvement
In 2009, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger named Scott as one of seven members to the California Citizens Compensation Commission, a position he held for six years. The commissioners determine the compensation and benefits for members of the legislature, the governor, and all other senior state elected officials. Scott is past-chairman of the board of the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute and a past member of the Kellogg Alumni Council. He previously served on the board of governors and executive committee of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation. Scott has also served on boards or councils with Loyola Marymount University, Ketchum-Downtown YMCA and the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Diabetes Association.