Meet the Team

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    Jon Cobb

    FOUNDER AND CEO

    Jon Cobb is a veteran executive with 20+ years of experience recruiting top performers, developing high-performing teams, and leading transformations across Private Equity and Fortune 500 companies. He’s been a trusted advisor for more than 30 executive leadership teams, and he holds a strong reputation for operational rigor, data-driven decision-making, cultural enrichment, and cross-functional leadership.

    Jon holds an MBA from Vanderbilt University, an MPA from Harvard, and graduate certificates from both Harvard and Stanford. He was a Fellow at the Harvard Center for Public Leadership, and his TEDx Talk, “Why Great Leaders Fail” was recently recognized as a Top 1% Editor’s Pick by TED. He has also been recognized four times as a LinkedIn Top Voice for Leadership and Executive Coaching.

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    Dr. Chuks Agada

    CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER

    Dr. Chuks Agada is a seasoned HR strategist and leadership advisor with 20+ years of experience guiding executives and organizations through transformation and growth. As Chief Strategy Officer at APEX Executive Search, he combines behavioral science, data insights, and leadership strategy to help clients align people and performance.

    A former leader at GE Healthcare, HSBC, and LinkedIn, Dr. Agada is also the founder of Career Calibration, where he coaches senior professionals into six-figure+ roles. His scholarly work focuses on leadership, organizational design, and talent acquisition strategy.

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    Tamara Hastings

    CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER

    Tamara Hastings is a strategic and people-focused HR executive with over 15 years of progressive experience developing talent, strengthening culture, and guiding organizations through growth and transformation. A former Head of HR for two nationwide private equity portfolio companies during periods of rapid expansion, she brings a deep understanding of leadership assessments, vetting best practices, and fit dynamics to ensure precise placement and long-term retention.

    As CHRO at Apex Executive Search, Tamara partners with clients to align people strategy with business goals, ensuring leadership transitions strengthen both culture and performance. Her career spans private equity, multi-site operations, and consulting environments, where she has led initiatives in talent strategy, organizational design, change management, and culture development.

    Known for pairing strategic clarity with grounded empathy, Tamara brings a nuanced understanding of how effective leadership and intentional culture drive sustainable success. She holds a Master’s degree in Organizational and Business Communication and is certified as a SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Based in Chicago, Tamara is passionate about cultivating workplaces where people and performance thrive together.