September 11, 2024 – Executive recruitment firm August Leadership has added two new specialized practices: media & entertainment and legal. Leading these new practices are partners Marina Paganucci, John Zaffarano, and Glenn Tannous.
Ms. Paganucci and Mr. Zaffarano have joined the firm to lead the media & entertainment practice which spans leadership and talent within film, TV, streaming, VFX, VR/AR, video games, eSports, live events, sports, and gaming. “Our media and entertainment practice is strategically located in Los Angeles, the epicenter of the entertainment world,” said Ms. Paganucci. “With this practice, we are leveraging the regional footprint of August Leadership to serve the high-growth markets such as Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific.”
Before joining August Leadership, Ms. Paganucci was the global head of talent acquisition for the world’s largest entertainment marketing agency, facilitating leadership hires, M&A-driven expansion, and global office openings. She also founded an executive search firm specializing in video games, media, entertainment, and advertising. Ms. Paganucci specializes in the media & entertainment, digital content, video games, eSports, innovation & technology, marketing & advertising, eCommerce, Private Equity, hospitality, consumer & hospitality sectors across the U.S., U.K., Europe, Middle East and APAC regions.
Mr. Zaffarano began as executive director in international film marketing at Fox Filmed Entertainment and held leadership roles at top Hollywood agencies, including Picture Production Company International, Cimarron Group, Trailer Park Group, Mob Scene, and Amazon MGM Studios. He is an award-winning global entertainment professional with experience in executive leadership, strategy, creative advertising, content capture, commercial production, postproduction, promotions/partnerships, creative operations, and product integration. Inclusive, dynamic, and empathic leader.
Mr. Tannous brings over 13 years of experience from Major, Lindsey & Africa and more than two decades of placing legal counsel within top corporations and law firms. His experience covers a range of industries, from biotech and pharmaceuticals to high-tech, finance, healthcare, and beyond. As a partner, Mr. Tannous maps out the legal needs of C-suite executives, boards, HR, and legal leaders across industries. He collaborates with law firm leaders to drive growth, facilitate group transitions, and establish new offices globally for AmLaw 100 and 200 clients.
Related: August Leadership Adds Global Human Resource Officer
“Unlike traditional firms where legal search is a standalone specialty, August Leadership integrates its legal search practice with other industry practices and board advisory, acting as a trusted advisor,” said Mr. Tannous. “This cross-functional expertise sets our legal search practice apart.”
Serving Clients Globally
Founded in 2020, New York City-based August Leadership’s clients range from global multinationals to mid-size fast-growth organizations to pioneering start-ups. Its team includes those who have been in search for their entire careers. Others joined after holding leading roles in start-ups or large corporations. A number are considered among the more influential search executives in the world.
August Leadership Names Head of Global Operations
August Leadership has appointed Faiza Savul as a partner and head of global operations. She will be based out of Karachi, Pakistan. With Faiza’s remarkable dedication and diverse experience, we have no doubt she’ll be an outstanding addition to the team,” August Leadership said. “She’s exceptionally skilled at developing innovative HR initiatives and strategies to streamline processes and capitalize on organizational growth opportunities.” Ms. Savul is a performance-driven professional with 22 years of combined expertise in human resources management, recruiting, training and development, employee engagement and HR strategy, along with background from the financial industry. She has experience in development of innovative HR initiatives to streamline processes and capitalize on organizational growth opportunities.
Asad Haider is founder and CEO of August Leadership. He is a trusted advisor with deep global experience and knowledge of emerging markets, high growth companies, and high-potential diversity candidates. Mr. Haider has worked across the globe and within a wide range of industries. His career highlights include his various turnaround projects with Procter & Gamble as well as helping PepsiCo achieve record market share in international markets. His search career began as an entrepreneur, building one of Asia’s largest region-wide search boutiques.
Related: August Leadership Adds Diversity Search and Leadership Consulting Practice
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
