Bill Ward

Bill is a Managing Partner at Meraki Search Group who brings over 30 years of experience advising clients in business strategy, technology and leadership.  This includes seventeen years in Executive Search.  Prior to joining Meraki, he spent fourteen years as a Partner with Heidrick & Struggles as a member of their global Industrial Practice and their Supply Chain and Operations functional practice.

Bill specializes in the recruitment of senior-level executives for industrial manufacturing and services companies.  He has completed highly successful C-level assignments including a variety of CEO and General Management roles and functional leadership roles spanning supply chain and operations, engineering, sales and marketing, IT and Human Resources.  Bill has advised clients in a broad spectrum of industries, including automotive, building products, capital equipment, chemicals, electrical, packaging, industrial services and consumer durables.

Prior to Executive Search, Bill served in Account Leadership roles with Oracle and as an Associate Partner with Accenture where he began his career.  Bill attended Michigan State University earning a degree in supply chain and operations management while a member of the varsity lacrosse team.  He earned his MBA at Ohio State University in 1990.

Bill and his wife reside in the Chicago suburbs and have three grown children all residing the Midwest.  His wife Lauren has spent her career in special education and currently works in the Hinsdale, IL school system.  They enjoy spending time with their extended family and are avid bikers and outdoor enthusiasts.