Ignacio Bao

Chairman, Signium International

Related Items

• The full list: The World's Most Influential Headhunters

Story Tools

• post a comment
• e-mail this story
• print this story
• order a reprint
• digg this
• save to del.icio.us

Company Info: Signium International

Web site: www.signium.com

Address: 360 Memorial Dr., Suite 120, Crystal Lake, Ill. 60014

Phone: 815-479-9415

E-mail: ibao@signium.com

Advice: Surround yourself with great people, with real winners, to build great teams. These are the people who will help you get the job done, fast. And let’s not leave out integrity: People who tell the truth and keep their word. People that play to win the right way, by the rules.

Qualities sought in emerging leaders: I typically look for candidates with positive energy and the ability to energize others. They are extroverted and optimistic. They thrive on action, relish change, and are able to go, go, go. They pull, they don’t push. They inspire and they influence. My ideal candidates are able to turn decisions into action. They know that winning is all about results. And finally, I look for people with passion. They love work. People who really care, and I repeat, care about others winning.

Sector specialization: Investment banking, private banking, private equity, law practice, consulting

Job function specialization: Board directors, CEOs, law/consulting senior partners, CFOs, senior bankers

Geographical Focus: Europe

Companies I often recruit for: BBVA; Santander; PricewaterhouseCoopers; A.T. Kearney; Ernst & Young

Favorite historical figure: Winston Churchill

Education: Vigo Univ. (Spain), BA, Economics degrees, 1987

Languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese

Employment history: Signium, Chairman, 2006 to present, and Managing Partner, Spain & Portugal, 2003-06; Heidrick & Struggles, Managing Partner, Professional Services, Latin America & Europe, 1998-2003; Neumann International, Managing Partner and Board Member, 1995-98; Institute of National Industry (Spanish Public Administration), CEO and CFO, 1991-95

Other interests: Big game hunting, skiing, sailing, driving sports cars

Professional/Membership Affiliations: AESC

Experience in executive search consulting: 12 years

High Profile Placement: Confidential

Other paths I might have pursued: Private equity

The global business trend that will most influence corporate performance in the future: The increased interconnection of people and places is continually creating new markets and global wealth. Also, climate change. We must be aware that our actions today have a great influence on the world of tomorrow. I look for candidates who have this long-term outlook. Corporate responsibility now means greater benefits for the future.