Jim Ward

I have been recruiting executives since 1981, beginning with owning and operating the largest office of a national recruitment firm.  In 1993, I founded The Ward Group in response to growing client demand for their search partners to have shared values as well as expertise in identifying and attracting leaders who also share these values. Acknowledging that the search business is part art and part science, I assembled a team that combines functional depth, strong analytical skills, great instincts, and a client-centric mentality.

Having initially focused on the functional areas of marketing and communications, we have expanded our practice to include most functional and operational leadership areas. The Ward Group currently has offices in the Boston and New York area with clients across the country.

On a personal note, I grew up in a great family of six in a two-family house in the Jamaica Plain section of Boston. Being the youngest of four children, my kitchen table learning has been as valuable as my formal education in my life and business. My parents instilled in all of us the simple values that have played a fundamental role in shaping the culture of The Ward Group. Put in an honest day’s work and always do the right thing.

With a strong and supportive foundation, I went on to graduate from Stonehill College and immediately joined a pharmaceutical company that was then Marion Laboratories (currently Sanofi) where I started my career as a pharmaceutical rep. Having enjoyed success in sales, I went on to business school graduating from Boston College with an MBA, after which I was recruited into a management role at a fast-growing financial services firm. As we built (and subsequently downsized) my team, I worked with a few recruiters and felt that recruiting could be done a better way. And so, it began…I then joined the recruiting firm that had placed me and ultimately bought what was the largest office of a national recruitment firm. I went on to found The Ward Group in 1993 and have been enjoying it ever since.

My wife, of 41 years, Anne and I are lucky to have a wonderful and close family with whom we spend a lot—but never enough—time (thankfully). Our three grown children Tim, Steven & Mercedes are all enjoying success personally and professionally.