Richard Ashton joins ZRG as Managing Director in Financial Officers Practice

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ROCHELLE PARK, N.J. – ZRG, a leading global talent advisory firm, today announced that Richard Ashton has joined the firm as a Managing Director in its Financial Officers Practice, based in London. He will also support clients across the Professional & Technology Services sector, further strengthening ZRG's ability to advise organizations seeking transformational finance and functional leadership talent.

"Richard's extensive experience advising organizations on critical finance and board appointments makes him an exceptional addition to our Financial Officers Practice. His deep understanding of the evolving finance leadership landscape, coupled with his commitment to trusted client partnerships, will further strengthen our ability to help organizations identify leaders who drive meaningful business outcomes," said Larry Hartmann, Chief Executive Officer of ZRG.

With more than 20 years of executive search experience, Ashton has built a distinguished track record advising public, private, and private equity-backed businesses on the recruitment of chief financial officers, senior finance executives, and board leaders. A qualified Chartered Accountant who began his career with KPMG, Ashton brings firsthand financial expertise to leadership assessment and succession planning, enabling him to help organizations identify executives capable of driving performance, governance, and long-term value creation.

Throughout his career, Ashton has partnered with organizations across a wide range of industries to recruit CFOs, Divisional Finance Directors, Group Finance leaders, and other critical finance executives. He has also developed deep expertise in non-executive appointments, including Audit Chairs, recognizing the increasingly strategic role finance leaders play in corporate governance. In addition, Ashton has established a strong reputation advising Professional Services organizations on the recruitment of Partners and functional leaders.

"I am thrilled to join ZRG and become part of a firm that is redefining the talent advisory landscape through innovation, global reach, and a relentless focus on client outcomes," said Richard Ashton, Managing Director, Financial Officers Practice. "The firm's growth trajectory, collaborative culture, and differentiated approach to leadership advisory create an exciting opportunity to help clients build leadership teams that can navigate complexity and create lasting value."

Prior to joining ZRG, Ashton held leadership roles with Spencer Stuart, Blackwood, and Savannah, where he advised clients on executive hiring decisions that supported growth, transformation, and long-term organizational success. His combination of executive search expertise and financial leadership experience enables him to bring both analytical rigor and practical insight to every search engagement.

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