We are proud to announce the appointment of Michael Butler to Managing Director of Executive Search. Michael has been an integral part of Kester Search Group for years, consistently demonstrating his deep expertise in the healthcare industry and his unwavering commitment to excellence. After several years of successfully leading our retained search efforts internally, we are pleased to formally recognize and solidify this leadership role.

With over two decades of experience in healthcare recruiting, Michael’s passion for partnering with executive leaders and his remarkable ability to assess cultural fit have made him a trusted advisor to both clients and candidates. His focus on evaluating emotional intelligence (EQ) has been instrumental in building high-performing leadership teams.

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, emotional intelligence has emerged as a cornerstone of effective leadership. Research shows that 90% of top performers have high emotional intelligence, and leaders with strong EQ drive team engagement, productivity, and organizational success. Michael’s approach to assessing EQ aligns perfectly with this trend, as he focuses on finding leaders who can inspire, empathize, and adapt—qualities critical in navigating complex challenges and fostering innovation. His experience in building leadership teams that thrive in high-stakes environments has consistently delivered results for his clients.

Michael’s appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering growth within our team and enhancing the value we deliver to our clients. We are excited for the strategic vision and leadership he will bring to this role as we continue to expand our Executive Search practice.