It is with sadness that I write this post to announce that the firm I founded with Sally Stetson, Salveson Stetson Group, will be closing its doors after 28 years of service to clients and the community. After selling the firm in 2018, we continued to operate much as we had before – so much so that many people were unaware of the sale. We recently learned that our parent company decided to focus its resources and attention on its core markets of healthcare providers and payors. That shift in strategy, along with a variety of external factors, led to their decision to end SSG operations. When Sally and I started the business in 1996 we did so with the mission of providing exceptional executive search services to our clients, creating a fulfilling and positive work environment for our employees, and using our talents and resources to strengthen our community. I think we have gone a long way toward fulfilling that mission and I hope our clients, colleagues and community partners agree. I started Salveson Leadership Advisors in 2020, when I began to step away from SSG, to allow me to diversify my work life. We help our clients navigate serious strategic issues related to succession planning, board governance and talent acquisition – while serving as a sounding board to CEOs of all types. There were many reasons for the success of Salveson Stetson Group, but none more important than the partnership Sally and I created with each other. Her wisdom, grace and determination nurtured our firm, and my partnership with her will always be, far and away, the highlight of my career.
John Touey
3mo
What can I say about the older brother I never wanted but always needed. You are one of the most important people in my life and I have learned so much from you as a person and a professional (almost as much as I have from Sally). You built a great company that has made an impact on your clients, candidates, colleagues, and our community as a whole. I'm sure the same will continue to be true at Salveson Leadership Advisors!
I am a proud alum of SSG University. Your and Sally’s leadership and integrity were “the brand”.
Chris Giangrasso
3mo
John - It would be hard for any firm of any size to match the impact you’ve had and the contributions that you, Sally, John T. and the team at SSG have made to the Philly community or to achieve the level of respect, trust and positive reputation that you all earned for your firm. I wish you all the best as you move forward with SLA and am just so glad that we had the opportunity to partner on many searches together including the infamous Bill Davis. (Hmm, maybe you’ll have more time now to track down his diploma?)
Melinda Decker
3mo
I certainly had tremendous interactions with Nancy Kovach and Donna DeHart over the years too! You two built a strong team too.
I remember when you and Sally began SSG. It was an immediate success because of the integrity and business smarts you & Sally brought to the table. I was so pleased to watch the success of the business from afar. My warmest wishes to you, Sally and the rest of the team for all good things ahead.
John- I can't thank you, Sally, Jenn, and the entire team for seeing promise in me as a young, new graduate who knew very little about search. To be part of and learn from such a special group nearly a decade ago still resonates with me to this day. Without the opportunity to learn, win, fail, and grow as a search professional with SSG, I would not be the person, or professional I am today and for that I am grateful. While the team worked tirelessly to drive amazing outcomes for a diverse set of clients, our expertise was only eclipsed by the vibrant, curious, and intelligent personalities we worked alongside with day in and out. My respect, admiration, and support for you all has never wavered and I am hard pressed to think of a better place to have started my professional journey. While this news is disappointing, I will always keep the nearly 3 years of memories, experiences, and mentorship from you all very close to me.
Eugene Sackett
3mo
John and Sally - my heart just sank reading this post. Sally placed me in 2000 in the Pharmaceutical/Life Science space and I have been grateful ever since. As a client through multiple companies, the best service I ever received. When I was looking for my next opportunity the help and support was always there. You will forever be a piece of me and I can't thank everyone from the firm enough. You will be missed.
John R. Hodge
3mo
Salveson Stetson Group represented how you should treat people, how you should treat your own people, your clients and everyone you come in contact with. A wonderful group of people in every way. Best of luck to you John, Sally, John Touey and team.
John Salveson, SSG's legacy is truly remarkable, and I feel immensely privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Sally, John, and you (obviously a few years ago ;)). The foundation you and Sally established over 28 years has been simply amazing. Both of you have been pivotal mentors in my career, offering me an invaluable opportunity when I launched TOC in 2007. My gratitude for that trust is boundless and I will be forever grateful. John, I am confident that your latest venture will flourish, driven by the same passion and dedication. Here's to a fresh start.... I know success will quickly follow you along this new journey!! Please reach out if you ever need any help! Congratulations!!!! 🤗
Managing Partner, Salveson Stetson Group
3moJohn - what a lovely message. We had an incredible 28+ years together and had the opportunity to work with so many talented people. You were not only my business partner and friend but also an adopted brother :) who I admire and respect so much. I wish you continued success with your new chapter.