Our Team

Who We Are

Griffith Group Executive Search is built on decades of experience through our Partner team, Advisory Council, and exceptional Principal, Consultant, Research, Operations, and Communications team. We offer full-service recruitment for academic, not-for-profit, and broader public and private sector organizations across Canada and beyond.

Our Team

Advisory Council

Our Team

Jane Griffith

Managing Partner and Founder

Jane Griffith is the Managing Partner and Founder of Griffith Group Executive Search. A veteran search leader, Jane focuses on the recruitment of senior leaders in the academic, research, not-for-profit, and broader public sectors. Prior to founding the Griffith Group, Jane worked at three global search firms as a Partner and was the first search executive in Canada to be named ‘Partner and National Diversity Leader’, and founded Griffith Research, which had clients in Australia, Dubai, Canada, and the United States. Prior to executive search, Jane worked in the fundraising departments of the United Way of Greater Toronto, York University Foundation, and with the not-for-profit consulting firm KCI (Ketchum Canada Inc.).

Jane founded and currently serves as the Executive Director of the LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors Association, which she brought to Canada as a chapter of the US organization in 2022.

In addition to her leadership at Griffith Group Executive Search, Jane is an active Board Member, and has supported many organizations including the Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, 30% Club Canada, Informed Opinions, and as Chair of Congress 2017 with AFP Toronto, and has served as a mentor in the CGLCC OUT for Business program.

Jane is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer on hiring practices, with a specific focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives. To support this work, Jane has completed “Nisitohtamowin: an introduction to understanding Indigenous perspectives in Canada”, offered by the First Nations University of Canada; Queen’s University’s “AODA Accessible Customer Service Training Program”; the UB1x: has achieved the CatalystX certificate through completing “Unconscious Bias – From Awareness to Action”; and received the “Unconscious Bias Training Certificate” from Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion.

Jane holds a Bachelor of Arts in Legal History from the University of Calgary and a Master of Arts in Legal History from the University of Toronto.

Email:jane@griffithgroup.ca

Phone:416-508-5353

SAM WALTON

Partner

As a Partner at Griffith Group, Sam Walton draws on her deep executive search experience and diverse sector expertise to execute complex search assignments and recruit talented leaders across a broad range of functions.

Sam is driven to strengthen the future of work in the not-for-profit, academic, healthcare, and broader public sectors. Sam’s unwavering commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, dismantling systems of oppression using anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice, as well as her passion for creating meaningful connections with candidates contributes to Sam’s strategic recruitment approach, and to the success of the clients she supports. Her clients range from national non-profits, to social service agencies, to educational institutions.

Sam is a proud first-generation student and is deeply motivated by the transformative impacts of education. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in Photography from Toronto Metropolitan University and has received the Award of Achievement in Diversity and Inclusion from the University of British Columbia. She is currently completing the Award of Achievement in Anti-Racism from the University of British Columbia, and the Gender Analytics Specialization: Gender Equity Through Inclusive Design by The Institute for Gender and the Economy (GATE) at The University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. She has successfully completed the LGBTQI2S Inclusion Training from Egale Canada Human Rights Trust, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) training course from AODA.ca, the Women and Gender Equality Canada's Introduction to Gender-Based Analysis+, and “Nisitohtamowin ᓂᓯᑐᐦᑕᒧᐃᐧᐣ An Introduction to Understanding Indigenous Perspectives In Canada” offered by the First Nations University of Canada. Within the GTHA community, Sam is a member of CivicAction Leadership Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Network.

Email:sam@griffithgroup.ca

Phone:905-299-2354

MARC MAGRAKEN

Partner

As a Partner with Griffith Group, Marc brings a depth of experience both in executive search and talent & culture strategy. Prior to joining Griffith Group, Marc spent the last several years as the Vice-President, People for both 365 Cannabis and Akerna Corp. There he was responsible for building and executing their People & Culture strategies including: Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Learning & Development, Culture, EDIA, Onboarding/Offboarding, HRIS Systems Selection & Implementation, Performance Management, and more. Through these experiences he gained an array of knowledge in managing both public and privately held companies across Canada and the United States.

Prior to those experiences, Marc gained extensive search experience as an Engagement Manager with Odgers Berndtson and later as an independent consultant. Marc has served in a number of different industries and sectors over the course of his career, including: Software/Technology, Cannabis, Professional Services, Real Estate, Media, Not for Profit, Healthcare, Higher Education, Mining and many more. Marc holds a Bachelor’s Degree with a focus in Marketing from the University of Denver. In his spare time, he enjoys giving back to the community through coaching soccer to children between the ages of 4 and 16.

Email:marc@griffithgroup.ca

Phone:416-371-4282

CAROLINE MCLEAN

Partner

As a Partner with Griffith Group, Caroline brings deep expertise in the executive search process, with experience supporting a breadth of clients across the non-profit, post-secondary education, and healthcare sectors. Caroline brings nearly a decade of experience in executive search for academic, non-profit, and public institutions, advising on appointments for administrative leaders, senior-level executives, and subject matter experts across Canada, the UK and continental Europe.

Caroline is a values-driven professional, with a demonstrated track record in championing principles of equity, diversity and inclusivity in the search process. She is passionate about mentorship, training, and continuous learning for herself and the teams she works with.

Caroline began her career in academic publishing, in progressive editorial support, administration management, and librarian responsibilities for the journal Nature. Caroline holds a BA in Human Sciences from the University of Oxford and is currently pursuing a Masters in Industrial Relations and Human Resources at the University of Toronto. Caroline is also an active volunteer with The 519 Community Centre and Friends of Ruby drop-in centre in Toronto.

Email:caroline@griffithgroup.ca

Phone:437-349-5408

TRACEY TRIMBLE

Chief Operations and Privacy Officer

As Griffith Group’s Chief Operations and Privacy Officer, Tracey Trimble manages client invoicing, business forecasting, privacy governance process and procedure, and accounts payable on behalf of the firm.

Tracey brings over 20 years of experience from the private sector, where most recently she was an Account Executive in employee benefits insurance. Her tenure includes experience working at Sun Life Financial, RBC Insurance, Manulife and the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association. Tracey started her career in radio broadcasting, serving as an on air announcer for radio stations in Toronto, Windsor and Kitchener-Waterloo.

Tracey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Windsor. Tracey recently received certifications following the completion of RBC’s 4 Seasons of Reconciliation, as well as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Training. She is an enthusiastic supporter of women’s sports, including being a dedicated fan of the Canadian Women’s Soccer team.

Email:tracey@griffithgroup.ca

NOSHINA CHOUDHARY

Senior Consultant

As a Senior Consultant at Griffith Group, Noshina supports the firm from end-to-end in the executive search process through research and candidate development support.

Noshina is an intersectional feminist with a passion towards attaining equality in all aspects. She has worked as an EDI researcher and a teaching assistant in various not-for-profit and academic organizations globally, including in Canada, the USA and India. Through her research work and field experience, Noshina strives to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the center of decision-making processes in the workspace. Her experience working with various not-for-profit organizations has given her immense theoretical and conceptual understanding of theories of gender, and she advocates for inclusive language, pronouns, and LGBTQ2S+ inclusion at the center of decision-making processes in the recruitment cycle.

Born and raised in India, Noshina holds a Master’s degree in Gender, Feminist and Women's Studies from York University. She also holds a Master’s degree in Women's Studies and Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India.

Email:noshina@griffithgroup.ca

SRAVANTHI BAGIRATHI

Senior Consultant

As a Senior Consultant at Griffith Group, Sravanthi (Srav) supports the firm from end-to-end in the executive search process through research and candidate development support.

Sravanthi is a seasoned executive recruiter who is a passionate people person and strong advocate for the candidate experience. She has a proven track record of successfully sourcing, attracting, and onboarding executives for organizations across diverse industries through building strong relationships with clients and candidates. Sravanthi brings experience from both the recruitment sector and from corporate environments, and has extensive experience in fulfilling diverse talent needs across various international geographies. She has collaborated with well-known companies, including Randstad, Kelly Services, Netsweeper, and Akerna to provide high-quality recruitment solutions.

Sravanthi received her Bachelor’s in Commerce from Osmania University in Hyderabad, India, and her MBA, with a specialization in Human Resources and Finance, from Vignan University in Guntur, India. Sravanthi is currently working to obtain her CPHR designation. In her spare time, Sravanthi is a certified yoga instructor and an advocate for physical and mental health and wellness; she truly believes that a balanced and healthy lifestyle leads to a happier and more fulfilling life.

Email:sravanthi@griffithgroup.ca

Tanmay singh

Consultant

As a Consultant at Griffith Group, Tanmay is responsible for executing search engagement work, primarily focused on candidate research, data cleaning, verification, and database efficiency.

Tanmay brings experience from both the public and private sector. He has worked as a Teaching Assistant in a government funded college in India. His experience working in a Human Resources role provides him with knowledge of maintaining employee records, identifying staffing requirements and attracting suitable talent.

Tanmay earned is Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Toronto Metropolitan University. In his spare time, Tanmay is also passionate about making and listening to hip-hop music.

Email:tanmay@griffithgroup.ca

MARY HORI

Manager, Search Operations

Mary Hori is Griffith Group's Manager of Search Operations. In this role, Mary manages all of the administrative and operational aspects of searches for clients, candidates, and the firm.

Mary has worked in Executive Search and C-Suite support roles for a decade where she honed her organizational and project management skills. Led by her passion for collaboration, Mary is well respected for her personal touch in candidate and client care. Her attention to detail and robust customer-focused orientation have proven invaluable to organizations and clients as they navigate the many details and complexities of the executive search process.

Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from York University. As a multi-lingual Refugee from Southeast Asia, Mary continues to honour her roots by hosting community and private events showcasing the cuisine of her homeland.

Email:mary@griffithgroup.ca

KRISTI CAREY

Manager, Proposals and Communications

As Manager of Proposals and Communications, Kristi manages Griffith Group’s proposal process as well as corporate communications, publishing, and marketing materials.

Kristi brings with her a demonstrated history of experience across both public and private sectors, working in higher education research and proposal writing, curriculum design, and education technology. At Griffith Group, Kristi combines her experience in professional writing across both institutions of higher education and non-profit organizations with her steadfast commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-oppression work.

Kristi holds a Master’s degree in Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice from the University of British Columbia as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Peace and Conflict Studies and Educational Studies from Colgate University. In her spare time, she writes grants for non-profit organizations on a volunteer basis and also loves to bake!

Email:kristi@griffithgroup.ca

Griffith Group Executive Search Advisory Council

KIM CARLIN

With over two decades of international consulting expertise, Kim has a proven track record for analyzing business problems, defining a vision for change and implementing sustainable solutions. She has worked in over 200 world-leading companies on five continents in industries including manufacturing, technology, retail, healthcare, hospitality, and financial services. Kim was the Managing Partner of a global consulting firm and then started her own business as the Co-Founder and President of an implementation-based healthcare consulting practice based in New York City. Kim has applied her extensive industry experience to supporting management students and corporate executive leaders to enhance their capabilities through teaching leadership development programs, results-based training and executive coaching. Today she is leading an enterprise transformation program for a leading Canadian bank. Kim’s success in coaching and consulting stems from her passion for building relationships and genuine desire to help developing leaders and executives gain the skills and tools to be more effective. She is a regular speaker at industry events in both Canada and the United States, and is an ongoing guest lecturer at the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University (NYU) and the Rotman School of Management. Kim holds an undergraduate Degree in Sociology, a MBA in Strategy and a Ph.D. in Organization and Management. Her doctoral research focused on gender related leadership optimization with application towards improved organizational performance.

THOMPSON EGBO-EGBO

Thompson Egbo-Egbo, his name is as unique as his journey. Moving to Canada from Nigeria when he was 4 he started playing the piano at the age of 6. His aptitude and affection for the piano would come almost immediately and has stayed with him forever. Growing up in subsidized government development area of Toronto, Egbo-Egbo is awed by the fact a group of people thought enough of the residences to build a musical school so that the children of the neighborhood could enjoy the luxury of music lessons, and at a fee that was affordable to them. This inspiration has made him compassionate to the arts and its importance in the lives of children and society. It also led him to found the Thompson T. Egbo-Egbo Arts Foundation in hopes that children of all social and economic circumstances can experience the benefits of music. He has been called upon to play in the presence of many dignitaries, who include H.R.H Prince Charles, H.R.H. Prince Edward, and H.R.H. Prince Phillip. He has also performed for Quincy Jones. In 2007 the Canadian Songwriters hall of fame asked him to produce a medley tribute to their inductees, who included Leonard Cohen, Gordon Lightfoot, Oscar Peterson, Joni Mitchell and many others whom attended the event. Egbo-Egbo’s musical Journey has taken him from playing the tuba with the Hannaford Street Youth band across Canada to Performing on Stage at the Hackney Empire theatre in east end London with the Canadian production “Da Kink In My Hair”. To touring with Canadian R&B sensation Ayah and recording and performing with afro-punk artist Siadah Baba Talibah. After Egbo-Egbo’s secondary schooling he found himself studying Jazz Performance at Humber College in Toronto, all the while working as a musician throughout school. Upon graduating he continued to work as musician in Toronto and has recently enrolled to continue his studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, which is where you will find him now. Thompson Egbo-Egbo created The Egbo Arts Foundation to show kids that they can achieve whatever their goals are.

SUNIL HIRJEE

In his current role at Beneva, Sunil is serving as the Vice-President, Group Sales and Partner Experience for the Ontario, Western, & Atlantic Canada and actively responsible for increasing the visibility and growth of the organization through the acquisition and retention of new and existing business partners.

Sunil has been in the financial services industry for 20 years, and as a group insurance expert, he brings a very strong understanding of the diverse needs of organizations’ in a wide variety of sectors.

Coming from a first generation immigrant family, Sunil grew up in Paris, Ontario. Growing up as a visible minority in southwestern Ontario and being a proud member of the 2SLGTBQIA+ community, Sunil has a passion for issues surrounding Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity.

GEOFF ROBERTS

Geoff Roberts is an Executive Coach and Consultant for administrative leaders in the Canadian and international independent school domains with a specific focus on helping newly appointed Heads of School transition into their schools. Previously, Geoff Roberts was Headmaster of Crescent School in Toronto, Canada from 2000 to 2014. He has over 36 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in a leading independent school. Most recently, he was the Managing Director of Branksome Hall Asia in South Korea where he coordinated and supported the working relationship of the partners in the Global Education City project: the local South Korean government, Branksome Hall Asia, and Branksome Hall Canada. He served on the Board of the Conference of Independent Schools (CIS) as Chair, and served as one of two Canadian members on the International Boys’ School Coalition Board for three years. Currently, he is Board Chair of the Canadian Advisory Committee of Neuchatel Junior College in Switzerland. As an educational speaker, he has authored and delivered numerous speeches on such topics as "Total Admissions," "On Leadership", "Using Drama in the English Classroom", "The Good School", "The Importance of the Deputy Head", and "Effective Parent/Teacher Conversations." He has also spoken at a TEDx event on the importance of building and sustaining strong, healthy cultures in schools.

ALLISON SANDMEYER-GRAVES

Allison Sandmeyer-Graves is an accomplished non-profit leader with a career rooted in social impact. She is currently the CEO of Canadian Women & Sport—the leading voice and authority on women and sport in Canada. The organization works to create systemic change to expand equity and inclusion at all levels of sport. In her role, Allison works closely with researchers, government decision-makers, sport administrators, media and other leaders across the country to drive learning and action on intersectional gender equity in sport. Mobilizing large scale, lasting change has been the hallmark of Allison’s career to date. She is a frequent speaker and commentator on the work of creating systems change, has led numerous successful national and global partnership programs, and has played a key role in building innovative, high-performing teams and organizations. Allison has a degree in international relations from the University of Alberta and a graduate degree in international development studies from Dalhousie University. She currently resides in Calgary, close to her farm roots and at the ready for mountain adventures.

NEWSHA ZARGARAN

Newsha Dania Zargaran is a JD candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. Building on her tenure in executive search, Newsha is pursuing a career in labour and employment law, human rights, and political economy within a social justice and anti-oppression context. Newsha spent over 5 years in the executive search industry supporting clients in the assessment of senior leaders and developing equity, diversity, and inclusion practices within executive-level recruitment. In 2021 Newsha will complete a term at Parkdale Community Legal Services, one of the first and now largest community legal clinics in Canada providing services for the eradication of poverty, racism, violence and systemic discrimination. In her free time, Newsha is a Planning Committee Co-Chair at Homeless Connect Toronto, a volunteer-run charity connecting those experiencing or at-risk-of homelessness with the essential resources on housing, employment, legal, financial, health care, wellness, and other services to end homelessness in their lives. Newsha holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Smith School of Business at Queen's University.

JACQUELINE FOLEY

Jacqueline Foley is an Executive Brand Coach on a mission to empower female executives and high achievers to take charge of their careers. She offers private and group coaching programs to help women breakthrough to the next level of leadership, impact and recognition, as well as customized corporate programs to support the retention and advancement of valued female talent. Drawing on 25+ years as a senior marketing leader and brand specialist for top Canadian companies, including Home Depot, Netsuite and Manulife Financial, Jacqueline has advised dozens of executives and business leaders on how to increase their credibility, visibility and influence. This includes a decade as a C-level leader at global executive search firm, Odgers Berndtson, where she played an integral role in repositioning the business and increasing brand awareness and market share – with revenues tripling in six years. During that time, she developed a deep understanding of executive recruitment and selection, career transition, and leadership assessment and development. Jacqueline is an experienced facilitator and presenter, as well as a trained Coactive coach. Throughout her career, she led many successful corporate events for business leaders across North America and Europe, including a number of leadership programs in partnership with McKinsey, HBR Analytics, The Institute for Corporate Directors, Rotman School of Management, Women Get On Board and The Globe & Mail. As a corporate leader, entrepreneur, mentor and coach, Jacqueline has helped hundreds of women redefine and achieve success on their own terms.