BLACKBIRD ASSOCIATES
EXECUTIVE SEARCH & leadership advisory
Who we are
I founded Blackbird Associates in order to leverage my expertise and offer tailored solutions to guide clients towards greater success, efficiency, and innovation in an ever changing economic and geopolitical environment.
I started my career in executive search in 2008, at a time of global financial turmoil. Working between Russia and my native France, my first projects were in emerging markets (Eastern Europe, Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia). This early career experience of finding the hidden gem, against a backdrop of continuous uncertainty, nurtured a deep sense of resilience, determination, perseverance, and a strong belief that there is always a way to the right talent for any given organisation. In the years that followed, I worked across a variety of industries and sectors (automotive, agriculture, FCMG, technology, luxury, pharma and retail), which fostered a strong ability to understand clients’ needs in order to provide agile and creative solutions.
Over the last ten years, after moving to London, I have specialised in the healthcare sector across North America and Western Europe. Throughout this time, I have found a passion for both the innovative and meaningful aspects of the industry, and how this positively impacts people’s everyday lives. I found a sweet spot in this area of the market, which aligns with my personal background, my father being a doctor and my mother a Human Capital management consultant.
For the past four years, I have worked for global leadership consultancies where I have been involved in broader organisational development offerings, including: C-Suite appointments; leadership assessment; succession planning; organisational reviews, and Board services. In tandem, I have continued to focus my expertise and deepen my knowledge in particular healthcare sub-segments: MedTech; Diagnostics; Life Sciences Equipment; Pharma Services and HealthTech.
What we offer
Executive search
& Board services
We conduct specific searches for retained clients which are primarily for senior executive and non-executive profiles, with an emphasis on finding high impact individuals who bring the required skills to the table.
Retained pre-deal work
We work under retainer for a group of non-competing Private Equity firms. Our work varies but is mainly a mix of pre-deal investment thesis validation, market intelligence, exit due diligence and deal origination.
We focus on identifying sector specific experts and senior advisors who are able to guide our clients on the challenges / dynamics and growth opportunities within a specific sector or investment opportunity.
Management market
due diligence
We do due diligence for our clients on individuals they are seeking to invest in. Our work is tailored to the context and is a mix of soft referencing and 360 reviews. It can frequently spill into market due diligence covering business, competition, market and strategic issues, as well as potential acquisitions, geographic roll-outs and exit options.
Leadership assessment, development & coaching
In partnership with experts in our network, we can co-develop innovative, bespoke and added-value solutions. Through assessment, development and executive coaching, we can help aid the selection process, provide developmental guidance, and facilitate 360 feedback for internal or external candidates.
Benoit Becar
Based in London, Benoit advises public and private companies and works across a range of sectors, with a particular focus on MedTech, Diagnostics & Life Sciences, HealthTech, Healthcare & Pharma Services. He also works with private equity firms and helps them build effective Boards and leadership teams across their portfolio companies.
With more than fifteen years of growing expertise in executive search and leadership advisory, Benoit brings a combined experience of the established international management consulting firms with the high-touch, agile and nimble approach of premium boutique consultancies. He worked previously in the UK, Russia, and in France.
He has successfully executed international assignments to recruit senior P&L leadership and non-executive roles. He is also specialising in COO and senior Operations & Supply Chain executive appointments across various industries.
He brings in-depth experience in complex cross-cultural environments, having worked not only across the US and Europe, but also in high growth markets in Eastern Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific.
Benoit holds a degree in Political Science & International Relations. He studied in France at Paris-Sorbonne and Lyon Universities.
Who we’ve worked with
