Top 19 BI Recruitment Experts Powering Data-Driven Firms
Meet the leading recruiters & headhunters shaping the future of data-driven companies with their ability to connect top-tier talent to power business intelligence initiatives. ↓
Business Intelligence is at the heart of today’s most data-driven organizations — and none of it runs without great talent. Behind the scenes, a select group of recruiters is powering this transformation by connecting companies with the analytics leaders, BI engineers, and data strategists who drive results.
Below is a curated list of the top BI recruiters globally, chosen for their track record in building world-class teams, deep knowledge of the BI landscape, and influence in shaping the talent market.
- Chris Allaire
- Stacy Donovan Zapar
- David Farmer
- Rita Raz
- Timothy Noble
- Mark Kelly
- James Lloyd-Townshend
- Dmitry Nulman
- Josef Güenthner
- Paul Chatlos
- Rob Reeves
- James Ross
- Richard Lacey
- Travis Lindemoen
- Dave Fox
- Johnny Campbell
- Megan Slabinski
- Dixon Smith
- Archie Payne
Below we provide more detailed profiles of each recruiter.
Chris Allaire
Nationality: American
Chris is the founder and CEO of Averity, a New York City-based recruitment agency that is highly regarded for placing top data science, data engineering, and technology professionals. Under Allaire’s leadership, Averity has become “one of the top tech recruitment agencies in New York”, known for its team-based, people-first approach to staffing.
Chris brings an entrepreneurial flair to BI recruiting – he emphasizes a collaborative culture and authentic relationships, which has earned Averity accolades as a Best Place to Work and a five-star rating from clients and candidates. With a background in tech recruiting since 2014, Allaire is also active in mentoring and community events, and he shares industry insights through a newsletter and podcast.
His focus areas include machine learning, analytics, and AI roles, aligning with the fast-growing needs of the BI and data sector.
- LinkedIn: Chris Allaire
- X (Twitter): @ChrisAllaire_
Stacy Donovan Zapar
Nationality: American
Authenticity is your recruiting superpower. Candidates want to work with real people, not job-filling machines.
Stacy is an award-winning recruiting strategist and trainer with over 20 years in the industry. She is the founder of The Talent Agency, a boutique consulting firm where she trains in-house recruiting teams and advises companies on talent acquisition best practices.
Stacy has an extensive track record both as a practitioner – she led recruiting teams at Zappos and was an early talent acquisition lead at Netflix – and as a consultant to Fortune 500 firms. She has been recognized as LinkedIn’s #1 Most Connected Woman and was a SHRM HR Influencer and TA Trendsetter of the Year. In the BI and tech recruiting space, Zapar is known for her expertise in employer branding and sourcing techniques to attract passive data talent.
She also founded a large recruiter mentorship group and the “Sourcing Squad” to elevate skills in the community. Stacy’s reputation is that of a generous mentor and forward-thinker who isn’t afraid to challenge traditional hiring norms. Through conference keynotes and her active social media presence, she continues to shape how recruiters engage and hire, emphasizing authenticity and relationship-building as keys to recruiting success.
- LinkedIn: Stacy Donovan Zapar
- X (Twitter): @StacyZapar
David Farmer
Nationality: British
David is a founding partner of Harnham, a globally leading recruitment firm specializing in data and analytics talent. With nearly two decades in the recruitment industry, he has been instrumental in building Harnham’s presence across the UK, Europe, and the US. Farmer is widely recognized as a key figure in BI and data analytics recruitment, having helped hundreds of analysts and businesses connect over the years.
Under his leadership, Harnham has grown into a premier agency known for in-depth industry knowledge and a community-centered approach to data talent acquisition. Farmer frequently shares insights on hiring trends in analytics and has contributed thought leadership pieces to industry publications.
- LinkedIn: David Farmer
Rita Raz
Nationality: American
Rita founded Analytic Recruiting Inc. in 1980, becoming a pioneer in the recruitment of analytics and business intelligence professionals. With over 40 years at the helm of her firm, Raz is regarded as a leading expert in placing candidates with strong quantitative and BI skills, including market research analysts, data scientists, and quants.
Under her leadership, Analytic Recruiting has been a “leader in the placement of…professionals” since the early days of the BI field. Raz’s focus on understanding both the technical and business side of BI roles has earned her firm an exclusive network of top talent and a trusted reputation among Fortune 500 clients. Her longevity and consistent success in BI recruitment have made her a go-to resource for companies seeking specialized analytical talent.
- LinkedIn: Rita Raz
Timothy Noble
Nationality: American
Timothy (“Tim”) is the President and Managing Partner of The Avery Point Group, an executive search firm specializing in transformational leadership in Business Intelligence and Data Science. He leverages over 30 years of executive experience in operations and Six Sigma, including senior roles at GE and Stanley Black & Decker, to place top BI and analytics leaders in industry.
Noble co-founded Avery Point in 2004 with a mission to recruit “transformation leaders” in BI who can drive data-driven performance. He is recognized as a subject matter expert and thought leader in the BI recruitment space, often integrating his Lean/Six Sigma insights into identifying candidates who can blend process improvement with analytics.
Under his guidance, Avery Point Group has been featured in multiple books and articles for its expertise, solidifying Tim Noble’s reputation in BI and data science talent acquisition.
- LinkedIn: Timothy Noble
Mark Kelly
Nationality: Irish
Mark is the co-founder and Chief Customer Officer of Alldus International, a specialist AI and data science recruitment firm with operations in Europe and the U.S.. A multi award-winning executive search professional, Kelly has placed hundreds of BI, AI, and machine learning experts into roles that drive innovation.
He is also known as a thought leader in the AI talent space – Mark founded AI Ireland and hosts the popular “AI in Action” podcast, where he discusses trends in AI, BI, and recruiting. With over a decade of experience, he is a frequent speaker at AI and big data conferences, offering insights on how companies can attract and retain top data talent. Mark Kelly’s blend of futurist vision and practical recruitment savvy has helped Alldus build an extensive network of qualified BI professionals and a reputation for connecting “world-class talent” with cutting-edge organizations.
- LinkedIn: Mark Kelly
James Lloyd-Townshend
Nationality: British
James is the Chairman and CEO of Frank Recruitment Group (FRG), a global staffing company specializing in niche IT recruitment (including BI, ERP, and cloud specialists). Since joining FRG in 2015, James has overseen its expansion to dozens of offices worldwide and the launch of multiple specialist brands (e.g., Nigel Frank International, which focuses on Microsoft BI and data roles).
With over two decades in staffing, James is credited with creating a business model that empowers recruiters with rigorous training and clear paths to growth. He often speaks about the future of work and has driven initiatives to diversify tech hiring. Under his leadership, FRG (now part of Tenth Revolution Group) has become known for dominating niche markets – for instance, they are a go-to for companies seeking Power BI and Azure data talent.
Lloyd-Townshend’s achievements include multiple industry awards for growth, and he’s recognized for scaling one of the largest recruitment firms while maintaining a strong culture focused on “ambition and excellence” in talent delivery.
- LinkedIn: James Lloyd-Townshend
Dmitry Nulman
Nationality: American
Dmitry is the founder and CEO of NewConfig, an executive search and IT staffing firm based in Pennsylvania that has a strong specialty in Business Intelligence placements. A former SAP consultant turned recruiter, Nulman started NewConfig in 2012 “to address a critical gap in the recruiting world” for IT and BI talent.
He built the firm on the principle that understanding the technology (like CRM, ERP, or BI tools) is key to finding the right candidates. Dmitry is very hands-on – he often personally conducts searches for roles such as BI developers, data warehouse architects, and analytics managers. His background gives him credibility with both clients and candidates, and he’s known for successfully filling challenging roles in areas like SAP BI, Tableau, and Informatica.
Under Nulman’s leadership, NewConfig has expanded beyond BI into sales and finance recruiting, but BI/analytics remains a core focus, with the firm boasting an exclusive network of cleared BI professionals and a reputation for quality. Dmitry frequently shares hiring tips via NewConfig’s blog and has been a guest speaker on IT career panels in the Philly tech community.
- LinkedIn: Dmitry Nulman
Josef Güenthner
Nationality: German
Josef is the co-founder and CEO of PALTRON, a prominent German recruitment firm that brands itself as “the personnel consulting firm of the future” with a focus on IT and data experts. He founded PALTRON in 2015, aiming to revolutionize tech recruitment through data-driven methods and deep industry specialization.
Under Güenthner’s leadership, PALTRON has built an exclusive network of over 600K candidates across Europe, covering key BI and emerging technology roles. The firm’s rigorous selection process – including advanced analytics and multi-stage interviews – reflects Josef’s commitment to quality matches in areas like business intelligence, data warehousing, and machine learning.
He is recognized in Europe’s tech scene not only for scaling one of the fastest-growing IT search firms, but also for shaping recruitment strategies that address the continent’s data talent gap.
- LinkedIn: Josef Güenthner
Paul Chatlos
Nationality: American
Paul is a principal executive recruiter and practice lead for Data Science & Analytics at Smith Hanley Associates, a longstanding analytics-focused recruiting firm. Since joining Smith Hanley in 2013, Paul has specialized in placing high-level data scientists, BI analysts, and AI professionals on both coasts of the U.S..
He is known for his “in-depth knowledge of the analytical and data science recruiting world” and a personable, consultative style. Chatlos has helped build entire analytics teams for Fortune 500 companies and startups alike, leveraging a deep network in industries like finance, healthcare, and technology. He frequently offers career advice to aspiring data scientists and contributes insights on the job market (e.g., blogging about data science career paths on Smith Hanley’s site).
Clients commend his responsiveness and ability to understand the technical nuances of BI roles while also assessing cultural fit.
- LinkedIn: Paul Chatlos
Rob Reeves
Nationality: American
Rob is the CEO and founder of Redfish Technology, an IT and tech recruitment firm he established in 1997. With over 25 years in the recruiting business, Reeves has grown Redfish from a regional operation into a nationwide firm specializing in software development, data science, and BI roles.
He is affectionately titled “Head Honcho” at Redfish and has built a culture that prioritizes long-term relationships with both candidates and high-growth companies. Rob and his team have a strong track record of placing in-demand talent with startups and enterprises – including experts in business intelligence, machine learning, and e-commerce analytics. Beyond daily recruiting, Reeves writes and speaks about tech hiring trends and often advises startups on talent strategies.
His hands-on approach and industry tenure have made Redfish a go-to partner for companies seeking top BI and analytics talent to drive their data initiatives.
- LinkedIn: Rob Reeves
James Ross
Nationality: Australian
James is an Executive Recruiter specializing in Business Intelligence at Precision Sourcing, one of Sydney’s leading data and tech recruitment firms. A Sydney local “through and through”, James is actively making his mark in the recruitment industry as a go-to expert for BI talent in the Australian market.
He focuses on connecting companies with BI developers, data analysts, and data engineers across industries, leveraging Precision Sourcing’s extensive network in the APAC region. Known for his passion in helping people, Ross prides himself on building genuine connections with both candidates and clients. His aim is simple: “to be the top Business Intelligence recruiter” in his region while maintaining a personable approach.
James frequently shares market updates and BI career tips via blogs and meetups, contributing to the growing BI community in Australia and New Zealand.
- LinkedIn: James Ross
Richard Lacey
Nationality: British
Richard is a co-founder and director of Next Ventures, a global IT recruitment firm headquartered in London and focused on niche technology fields including enterprise software and data/BI roles. Since co-founding the company in 2001, Lacey has helped drive Next Ventures’ expansion across Europe, the U.S., and Brazil.
The firm is known for its “clear focus on quality” in tech hiring, a vision Lacey established from the start. Richard brings over 15 years of IT recruiting expertise and has been instrumental in forging relationships with major brands (like SAP and financial institutions) that trust Next Ventures for critical BI and data project hires. He is highly respected for his commitment to client service and for building a recruiting team that deeply understands specialized areas such as SAP BI, data analytics, and cloud infrastructure.
Under Lacey’s leadership, Next Ventures has won multiple awards and is often cited as a top recruitment partner for international tech implementations.
- LinkedIn: Richard Lacey
Travis Lindemoen
Nationality: American
Travis is the founder and Managing Director of nexus IT group, an IT staffing firm he started in 2010 with a mission to simplify and improve the tech job search process. With over 18 years in tech recruitment, Travis has grown nexus IT group into a multi-million-dollar agency known for speedy delivery of top candidates in data science, BI, and software engineering.
He has been recognized for his leadership – even being named one of the top 10 CEOs to work for in the staffing industry. Lindemoen stays very active publicly: he contributes career advice articles on tech hiring, appears in podcasts discussing data talent trends, and mentors emerging recruiters. His agency’s clients (including several Fortune 500 companies) praise nexus IT’s ability to fill complex roles like BI developers and data engineers in as fast as a week.
Travis’s success stems from a transparent, relationship-driven approach and a genuine passion for matching tech talent with the right opportunities.
- LinkedIn: Travis Lindemoen
Dave Fox
Nationality: American
Dave is the founder and CEO of Focus GTS, a niche IT staffing firm based in Florida that specializes in Business Intelligence, AI, and data science roles. After working in IT recruitment since 2010, Dave launched Focus GTS to bring a “creative and consultative approach” to BI recruiting.
Under his guidance, Focus GTS has become a strategic partner for many organizations navigating complex BI hiring needs. Fox’s team is known for flexibility in staffing arrangements (contract, perm, remote) and a transparent pricing model, which stems from Dave’s belief in long-term client relationships. He also emphasizes community building – Dave frequently hosts webinars and creates content on topics like how AI is impacting BI hiring.
Focus GTS, led by Dave Fox and now CEO Brittany Fox (his spouse and business partner), has quickly risen to be a distinguished player in BI recruitment, connecting companies with coveted talent in data engineering, analytics, and machine learning.
- LinkedIn: Dave Fox
Johnny Campbell
Nationality: Irish
Johnny is a thought leader in talent acquisition and the co-founder/CEO of SocialTalent, a training platform widely used by recruiters to learn modern sourcing and hiring skills. With over a decade of experience, Johnny deeply understands the “ins and outs of the recruitment industry and how technology can be leveraged” to improve it.
He started his career as a recruiter and saw the need for better tools and education, leading him to establish SocialTalent in 2010. Today, SocialTalent’s online courses (often featuring Johnny’s teachings) are used by recruiting teams globally to master topics like sourcing data scientists, using boolean search, and diversity recruiting. Johnny regularly shares content about leveraging LinkedIn, AI, and recruitment analytics to create more efficient hiring processes.
He’s also a sought-after speaker on the international circuit, where he encourages staffing firms to embrace technology and social media to attract top talent. In the BI recruitment sphere, Campbell’s influence is felt through the upskilling of recruiters who then more effectively find and place BI professionals. His energetic and practical approach to training has earned him and SocialTalent numerous accolades in the HR tech field.
- LinkedIn: Johnny Campbell
- X (Twitter): @JohnnyCampbell
Megan Slabinski
Nationality: American
Megan is a senior recruiting executive with Robert Half, where she oversees technology talent solutions (including BI and analytics placements) across the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. With 20+ years in staffing, Megan has become a prominent voice on tech hiring trends – she frequently speaks at events and is quoted on career-related topics ranging from the data talent shortage to hybrid work models.
In her role, Slabinski consults with many West Coast companies on filling key BI positions (from data analysts to BI managers) and has helped hundreds of candidates land roles in data analytics and cloud BI. She is known for her energetic media presence: Megan often appears on Seattle-area news outlets to discuss hiring outlooks (recently noting over half of companies plan to add tech staff).
Her expertise and approachable style have made her a go-to expert for both employers and job seekers in the BI and tech community, bridging high-level labor market insights with practical job search advice.
- LinkedIn: Megan Slabinski
Dixon Smith
Nationality: American
Dixon is the Managing Principal and a lead recruiter at O’Connell Group, an executive recruiting firm specializing in market research, consumer insights, and analytics talent. With over 25 years in recruiting, Dixon has become a foremost expert in the consumer insights and BI analytics hiring space. O’Connell Group, under Smith’s leadership, places roles from C-suite to mid-level, including market research analysts, shopper insights managers, and data analytics leaders for Fortune 500 clients in the CPG and retail sectors.
Dixon is known for his consultative approach – often guiding companies on how to structure their insights teams and advising candidates on career development in analytics. He has a background in brand management, which helps him understand the nuanced skill set needed for successful BI and insights professionals who can both crunch data and drive business strategy.
Smith’s reputation in the industry is evidenced by the firm’s long-term client relationships and frequent referrals. He also contributes to thought leadership, having been featured in industry articles (such as Quirk’s) on recruiting trends in market research.
- LinkedIn: Dixon Smith
Archie Payne
Nationality: American
Archie is the co-founder and President of CalTek Staffing, a California-based staffing firm that is a leader in engineering, IT, and machine learning/AI recruitment. Since co-founding CalTek in 2002 with partner Kevin Neill, Archie has overseen its growth into a premier provider of technical and BI talent for manufacturing and tech companies.
He has been in the staffing industry for nearly three decades and has cultivated an extensive talent network. Archie is particularly known for embracing technology in recruitment: CalTek utilizes AI-driven sourcing software and a massive database to “find people that perfectly meet the requirements” of specialized roles. This includes hard-to-fill positions in data science, BI engineering, and automation – areas where CalTek has excelled under Payne’s leadership.
Archie’s commitment to high standards and ethics in recruiting sets a benchmark that, as he puts it, “other staffing firms strive to live up to”. Locally, he’s engaged in community workforce initiatives and often mentors young recruiters entering the field.
- LinkedIn: Archie Payne
Sum Up
These leading recruitment experts have played a pivotal role in reshaping the BI industry by sourcing top-tier executives, driving digital transformation, and fueling expansion in emerging data-driven sectors. However, working directly with these professionals can often be challenging due to their high demand and premium costs.
A practical alternative is to partner with EchoGlobal, leveraging our in-depth industry knowledge and vast global network to seamlessly connect you with the ideal BI talent to accelerate your company’s growth.
Note: We’ve dedicated significant time and effort to creating and verifying this curated list of top professionals. However, if you believe a correction or addition is needed, feel free to reach out. We’ll gladly review and update the page.
Lou Reverchuk