TORONTO, ON AND DUBAI, UAE — In a significant stride toward expanding its global footprint, Caldwell (TSX:CWL)(OTCQX:CWLPF), a renowned retained executive search firm, has announced the opening of its new office in Dubai. This move marks Caldwell’s strategic entry into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, reflecting the company’s dedication to supporting clients wherever their businesses operate.
At the helm of this new venture is Rob Wilder, the newly appointed Managing Partner of Caldwell Dubai. With a rich career spanning over 25 years in executive search, leadership assessment, and succession planning, Wilder brings a wealth of experience to the forefront. Paul Heller and Glenn Buggy, global managing partners of Caldwell’s Financial Services Practice, praised Wilder for his exceptional advisory skills across the financial services, fintech, and private equity sectors. His profound understanding of the Middle East market, coupled with his global perspective, positions him as a trusted partner for clients in the region.
Wilder’s connection with the Middle East dates back to 2007, during which he has collaborated with a broad spectrum of organizations including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, asset managers, local and international banks, fintech companies, insurers, real estate investors, and family-owned businesses. His extensive portfolio includes work with publicly listed companies, private equity-backed firms, and public institutions alongside their portfolio entities. Before joining Caldwell, Wilder’s career highlights include over 15 years at Spencer Stuart, where he contributed significantly to establishing its Dubai office and managed client relationships across Europe and the Middle East. Additionally, he held the role of President of Asia Pacific Search for a global organizational consulting firm in Singapore and gained early career experience in marketing and sales at General Electric Company (GEC).
Chris Beck, Chief Executive Officer of Caldwell, emphasized the importance of this Dubai expansion within the company’s broader global growth strategy. He highlighted that Wilder’s leadership and expertise will enhance Caldwell’s ability to serve clients in the MENA region effectively. This appointment underlines Caldwell’s commitment to investing in vital markets that are integral to its clients’ long-term success.
Beyond his leadership skills, Wilder offers extensive cross-cultural expertise, having lived and worked across three continents. Supporting him in Dubai is Simon Hall, partner in Caldwell’s Financial Services Practice, ensuring the new office is equipped with a strong team to meet the dynamic needs of the region.
Wilder’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science (Honors) degree in geology from the University of Portsmouth, further showcasing the diverse expertise and analytical skills he brings to his current executive role.
Caldwell is a leading global retained executive search firm that connects organizations with transformative leaders. In partnership with IQTalent, Caldwell leverages cutting-edge AI and technology-driven recruitment solutions across all professional levels. Their services encompass candidate sourcing, full-cycle recruitment, talent strategy, and assessment tools designed to help clients attract, develop, and retain the right talent to drive business success.
The firm’s shares are publicly traded on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker CWL and on the OTCQX Market under CWLPF. More information about Caldwell and their services can be found on their website at www.caldwell.com.
For further inquiries, Caroline Lomot, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Caldwell, can be contacted at clomot@caldwell.com or by phone at +1 516 830 3535.
