Consumer Practice

Consumer Practice

Consumer Executive Search for Transformative Leaders

At Buffkin / Baker, we specialize in retained executive search for consumer brands, including digitally native companies and Fortune 500 leaders. Our consumer executive recruiters connect organizations with visionary C-suite talent equipped to drive innovation, brand growth, and operational excellence in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Today’s consumer organizations face many challenges that require them to reimagine their business models, streamline their operations, and rethink their workforce strategies. The rapid advancement of digital technology is changing transaction speeds and transforming the industry landscape. Companies are now grappling with the pressures of fierce global competition, prompting them to refine their supply chains and sharpen their acquisition strategies to maintain a competitive edge. Additionally, businesses must adapt to changing consumer behavior shifts and workforce demographics.

The skills needed in this dynamic sector have transformed at an unprecedented pace. To thrive, organizations need leaders who are not just willing to embrace change but are also capable of driving it. These visionary leaders need a deep understanding of brand leadership, operational efficiency, innovation, and techniques that resonate with modern consumers. They should also be adept at articulating a long-term strategic vision that inspires and unites the organization towards a common goal, ensuring resilience and relevance in an ever-changing landscape.

Our experienced consultants, with expertise in various consumer industries, provide valuable insights and guidance to help identify and recruit transformative leaders who can drive organizational success in the marketplace. We serve a diverse range of clients, from midsize companies to prominent Fortune 500 multinational consumer goods and services organizations, including digitally native, and lifestyle brands.

The executive search professionals in our Consumer Practice bring a powerful combination of deep industry expertise in consumer goods and profound insights into emerging consumer market trends. Their unique expertise empowers them to identify and connect with visionary leaders who are not only capable of driving innovation but also excelling in operational efficiency and accelerating revenue growth. At Buffkin / Baker, we are dedicated to uncovering transformative innovators and forward-thinking leaders who can redefine and elevate consumer brands and businesses, shaping the future of the industry.

Talk to Our Team

Contact our partner-led team of executive search professionals. We are a boutique recruitment firm connecting leading organizations with trusted professional candidates who have the experience to lead your vision.

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Our Team in Consumer

David Alexander

Partner

Ian Turnbell

Principal

Evan Wescott

Principal

Jennifer Conkle

Senior Associate

Partner

David Alexander

David Alexander is Partner in the firm and the Consumer Practice Leader. With more than 30 years of executive recruitment and talent management experience, David is passionate about helping organizations find people who will thrive in their unique business and operating culture.

He has served as a senior human resources executive for such world-class firms as SAP, AT&T, Washington Mutual, Allied Signal, Gateway and Compaq. Most recently, David served as the Chief People Officer for Raising Cane’s, which grew from 10,000 to 20,000 global employees under his leadership.

After working in public and private companies across multiple industries, David understands the challenges that both high growth and high turn around environments pose for organizations. That experience drives his mission to find, strengthen and grow transformational leaders for clients, both as an executive search consultant and executive coach.

David is a graduate of Texas A&M University and has served as an officer in the United States Air Force. He and his wife Meri live in New Braunfels, Texas, enjoying their children and 2 grandchildren. When not supporting clients and spending time with his family, David enjoys hunting, fishing and serving his church as a worship musician.

Principal

Ian Turnbell

Ian Turnbell serves as a Principal in the firm, specializing in executive searches in the Consumer Practice and focuses on finding outstanding candidates for director level to c-suite level positions.

Ian enjoys working with a team to discover top-tier candidates, while assisting those candidates in discerning and pursuing new opportunities. He has experience recruiting within a variety of industries and functions, including accounting, construction, consumer packaged goods, financial services, higher education, healthcare, industrial/manufacturing, nonprofit, private equity, retail and restaurant/food & beverage.

A servant leader, Ian strives to help others achieve their professional goals. Colleagues and clients alike recognize Ian’s enthusiasm and willingness to help.

Originally from Bowling Green, Ohio, Ian moved to Nashville in 2006. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Miami University and earned a MBA from Belmont University. He and his wife live in Nashville with their daughter and two sons. In his free time, Ian and his family enjoy hiking, music, and travel.

Principal

Evan Wescott

Evan Wescott serves as a Principal and member of the Consumer Practice where he works with clients across a variety of industries nationally.

Evan brings a passion for making human connections. As a recruiter, his goal is to build those connections with both clients and candidates. By partnering with consultants, coworkers, and clients, he identifies candidates’ career strengths and interests, matching them with clients’ business and leadership opportunities. Ultimately he strives to help organizations attract and sustain the right leaders in the right roles.

Evan earned a BA degree in theology and mathematics from Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. He moved to Nashville in 2019, where he married his wife Elizabeth. He enjoys a variety of interests including Ultimate Frisbee, reading, board games, and canning.

Senior Associate

Jennifer Conkle

Jennifer Conkle serves as a Senior Associate where she is a strategic team member focused on leading search execution in the Consumer Practice.

Jennifer previously served as a Search Consultant for Leapfrog Executive Search where she focused on leading search execution and developing market relationships. Leapfrog specializes in HR leadership roles for a variety of industries and clients across the US, and her projects included placing HR leaders in consumer goods, restaurant/retail, hospitality, banking, technology, industrial, and healthcare industries. Jennifer began her career in executive search with Ray & Berndtson, a global retained search firm. In this role, sher focused on placing technology executives across industries.

Jennifer graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Master of Science in Social Work and from Northwestern State University with a Bachelor of Arts. Jennifer resides in Texas with her husband, Troy, and their three children, Caroline, William and Matthew.

David Alexander

Partner

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David Alexander

Partner

Ian Turnbell

Principal

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Ian Turnbell

Principal

Evan Wescott

Principal

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Evan Wescott

Principal

Jennifer Conkle

Senior Associate

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Jennifer Conkle

Senior Associate

Grace Watts

Project Coordinator

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Grace Watts

Project Coordinator

Supply Chain Leadership Hiring

At Buffkin / Baker, we are passionate about identifying extraordinary leaders in supply chain management who are prepared to confront the escalating complexities of modern logistics. Through our retained executive search services, we empower organizations to secure high-level talent capable of enhancing operational efficiency, driving innovation, and streamlining processes. Our supply chain executive recruiters are well-versed in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of supply chain dynamics, helping clients meet the demands of a competitive global marketplace.

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Our Consumer Clients

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At Buffkin Baker, you’ll work directly with experienced partners who understand your industry and your vision. Let’s start a conversation about your next key hire.

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