Stanton Chase Detroit Managing Director Speaks to MSU MBA Alumni

Talk at Management Education Center at Michigan State University (MSU)

Rich Kolpasky, Managing Director of the Stanton Chase Detroit office, recently spoke at the Management Education Center at Michigan State University (MSU).

On September 13, 2016, approximately sixty alumni from the MSU MBA program convened to listen to Kolpasky’s presentation about retained search. Kolpasky, an MSU MBA alumnus, spoke about his experience in the executive search industry, as well as his new role with Stanton Chase, a global retained search firm with over 70 offices across 45 countries.

“It is an honor and pleasure to give back to my alma mater,” said Kolpasky. “I hope to continue to forge partnerships with my fellow alumni and Stanton Chase.”

In his presentation, Kolpasky outlined some of the key differences between retained and contingent search, and he described the various types of executive search services available to potential clients. Kolpasky examined the current state of affairs in the retained search market, with a particular focus on the automotive industry. He emphasized that one of Stanton Chase’s greatest strengths is its size – “Large enough to be powerful, but small enough to be personal”. Kolpasky further explained why clients were attracted to Stanton Chase’s executive search and assessment services. He concluded his talk by offering advice to those seeking new opportunities in the executive search field.

Prior to his career in executive search, Rich held the role of President at two premier Tier I automotive suppliers: TI Automotive and Faurecia SA. Rich has had full P&L responsibility for global operations in excess of $1.2 billion. Rich has also held senior functional appointments in engineering, manufacturing, program management and business unit management. Prior to entering the automotive sector, Rich worked in management consulting with Booz-Allen & Hamilton where he supported Department of Defense clients and large contractors. Rich was a commissioned officer in the United States Army before entering the private sector.

A Detroit native, Rich earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and his MBA from Michigan State University.

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