As Chief Business Officer, Michael Castleman plays a central role in ensuring that WittKieffer continues to lead the industry in delivering high-quality and innovative executive search and advisory solutions to its clients. Based in South Florida, Michael works with senior leaders across all areas of WittKieffer to propel commercial growth and operational effectiveness aligned to the firm?s strategic vision. In addition to driving overall strategy, Michael serves as Executive Partner for Global Life Sciences & Investor Backed Healthcare and the Interim Leadership Solutions practice, working with our purpose-built teams to deliver expertise, insights, and solutions on building impactful leadership teams that produce value creation. Operationally, his responsibilities include finance, technology, marketing, and commercial strategy and insights. Michael is a proven leader of business transformation, bringing to WittKieffer and its clients a unique blend of financial expertise, operational experience, and growth orientation. Prior to joining WittKieffer, Michael founded Inference Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm focused on business strategy, transformation, M&A, and financial excellence. Previously, he served as CEO and CFO of CDI Corporation, a $1+ billion staffing and professional services company focused on engineering and information technology. At CDI, he led a multi-dimensional transformation under both public and private equity ownership. Additionally, Michael was President of the Kenmore, Craftsman & DieHard business unit of Sears Holdings, responsible for market and product management of these iconic brands. Before moving into business leadership roles, Michael spent nearly fifteen years in alternative investing, which included co-founding Lehman Brothers? venture capital affiliate, building the business from inception to more than $900 million of committed capital across four fund generations. Distinctions Board Member, boodleAI Board Member, Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) Education M.B.A., Columbia Business School, Columbia University, New York, NY B.S., Economics, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA Expertise Strategy/Innovation Finance C-Suite and Board Transformation.