Mary Kier serves as Vice Chairman for Cook Associates, Inc. She began her career with the firm in 1984 and today oversees the executive search division based in the Chicago headquarters. Her additional responsibilities include leading the Consumer practice, which involves managing an integrated team specializing in consumer services, durables, non durables, packaged goods, and food and beverage. Further, as the Diversity practice leader, she brings an expertise in building diverse teams and has successfully led recruiting efforts to build diverse executive talent pipelines. Throughout her search career at Cook Associates, Inc., Mary has specialized in conducting executive search assignments in the consumer industry and has developed an international reputation and loyal client following in the Consumer Packaged Goods, Consumer Services, Consumer Financial, Housewares, Hardware, Building Materials, Giftware, Tabletop, Home Furnishings, Sporting Goods, Office Products, Pet Products, Toy, Craft & Hobby markets. She has a comprehensive understanding of the strategies, operations and management of consumer products organizations which enables her to quickly grasp the nuances of each senior level search she conducts for her clients. With over 20 years in the industry, Mary has conducted more than 500 searches for CEOs, COOs, CFOs, Division Presidents, as well as functional heads of Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance and Manufacturing. She has developed a strong reputation for her consultative approach to search strategy, and her strong execution abilities are validated by on-going and repeat business with long-term clients. Mary received her BS degree in Management and Industrial Relations with high honors. She is a member of several industry organizations, and is actively involved in the firm’s partnership with InterSearch one of the top ten worldwide executive search consortiums. In addition to being called upon as a speaker at annual global summits, Mary manages relationships with search partners in 45 countries.