Press Releases

Managing Director Kiel Towns Joins ZRG’s Aerospace, Defense, and Government Services (ADGS) Practice


Rochelle Park, NJ, August 17, 2023 ZRG, a US-based global talent advisory firm, today adds Kiel Towns as Managing Director and senior member of the Aerospace, Defense, and Government Services (ADGS) Practice. Based in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, Kiel will serve as a trusted advisor to ADGS leaders to recruit, assess, and develop senior talent across the US. His primary expertise is within the Defense and Aviation markets, and he maintains a particular focus on MRO Operations and Space Systems. Additionally, he has a proven knack for supporting clients through complex and evolving environments.

Throughout his career in search, Kiel has recruited top talent for both private and public companies at the board and C-suite levels. Kiel began his executive search career at Russell Reynolds and later joined Raines International to lead their Washington, DC, office and the ADGS Practice in North America.

Kiel brings a unique perspective to ZRG, having been the end-user for his clients’ products and services prior to his executive search career. After completing his service as a U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot and Aviation Officer, which included worldwide operational assignments, he joined PricewaterhouseCoopers to advise Fortune 100 companies on business strategy and operations. Notably, Kiel is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point.

“Kiel has sat at both sides of the table when it comes to the Defense and Aviation sector, and we are confident he will quickly broaden and strengthen ZRG’s capabilities for our critical ADGS clients,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO. “His pertinent expertise and singular perspective will serve Kiel as both a consultant and collaborator to his peers.”

“The professionalism and culture of the senior leadership team drew me to ZRG first and foremost – for me, the team mentality is everything,” Kiel stated. “Further, the growth trajectory and technology platforms of the firm are incredible and unmatched in the search space.”

About ZRG

ZRG is a global talent advisory firm that is changing the way companies hire and manage talent. ZRG’s data-driven approach to executive and professional search has been changing the way clients think about how to find top talent. The company’s digital Zi platform combines talent intelligence, candidate insights, and process improvement to dramatically deliver executive searches quicker and with proven better results.

Today, with the help of private equity investor RFE Investment Partners, ZRG is among the fastest growing firms in the search industry and provides a full suite of retained search, on-demand talent, and consulting and advisory solutions across the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Australia.

Let's Move your Organization, Business, or Career Forward

Get in Touch with a Consultant About any of our Talent Solutions

Sign Up
to Receive
Our Newsletter

Our email newsletter delivers unique insights and inspiring anecdotes that can help you take your business to the next level. Subscribe today.

Be a Part of Our Global Talent Network

Fill in the form below to become a part of our talented candidate pool.