Katherine Forbes -

Kathy Forbes is an industry veteran with more than 20 years experience conducting searches in the technology industry.  Kathy’s early experience with a national search firm inspired her to develop a new business model for executive search and ultimately to start The Forbes Group in 1986.  Her vision was to create a platform that allowed for working with fewer clients, in order to provide each client with unparalleled attention and focus. This strategy has proved very successful over the years and remains a hallmark of The Forbes Group.

Kathy recruits at the VP and CXO levels with a focus on identifying leaders that have successfully managed growth, change and risk.  Clients have included venture backed early stage start-ups as well as large established firms. VC clients include Benchmark Capital, JP Morgan, Columbia Capital, Argonaut Private Equity and HIG Capital.

Prior to working in the executive search industry, Ms. Forbes held senior roles in companies both small and large.  This operational experience has proven invaluable in her understanding and appreciation of the varying skills and leadership traits needed to succeed in different organizational environments.  

At McGraw-Hill Corporation, Kathy was responsible for new business development and sales training throughout the southeast. In her third year with the company, she led the organization in sales and became the company’s Top Producer. 

 As Director of Business Development for a fast growing software company, Kathy was responsible for developing strategic accounts and liaising with the marketing and engineering departments in the development of new product initiatives.  Major clients included NASA, Boeing Aerospace, Gould Electronics, Harris Corporation and TVA. The company was subsequently acquired by Ziff-Davis Corporation.

Kathy holds a BA degree from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. She has received a notable amount of media attention over the years due to her expertise in executive search and has been quoted in the New York Times and various local publications.

Kathy is a long-term resident of Atlanta and devotes a significant amount of time to the local community coaching individuals undergoing career change.  She has a special interest in helping young people get established in life, especially those who lack the benefit of a support system. In 2005, Kathy co-founded Haven Bridge, a non-profit organization whose mission is to prepare orphaned children in Eastern Europe for independent living.