About Us - APA Search

Founded in 1988, APA Search is widely recognized as the leading retained executive search firm, specializing in the global automotive and transportation-related industries.

Our automotive network is unparalleled. Collectively, our team has interviewed over 50,000 Aftermarket and O.E. professionals. We attend every relevant trade show and maintain personal relationships that would only be found in a smaller, boutique search practice.

Clients

Our automotive industry clients include many of the leading aftermarket, OE and specialty product manufacturers and distributors. Our non-automotive clients are varied and include venture capital and investment firms seeking exceptional management candidates for their diverse holdings.

Pride

We are proud of the reputation we have earned with our clients for successfully performing high quality, efficient search assignments. Our candidates tell us that they appreciate our discretion, professionalism and personal approach.

Our objective has always been to cultivate long-term relationships by keeping everyone’s best interests at heart. We are committed to maintaining the highest level of ethical conduct in serving our clients and candidates, and in our overall business practices.

Our Beginnings

APA Search was founded in 1988 by the Owner/President, Howard Kesten. Our office in New Canaan, CT is about 20 miles north of New York City.

Our Team

Our team includes 10 consultants with many years of combined automotive industry experience. As automotive specialists our team will take less time to identify relevant, top industry talent. Our team provides expert, innovative and highly customized solutions for critical staffing needs.

Howard Kesten

Chief Executive Officer

Julia Harris Wexler

President

Frank Cernuto

Executive Vice President

Gloria Donnell

Director of Recruiting

MaryAnn Smith

Director of Recruiting

Bethann McGrath

Director of Recruiting

Tim Cook

Senior Recruiter

Erika Mendelson

Vice President, West Coast

Isobel Hill

Recruiter

Suzanne Wexler

Director of Recruiting

Testimonials

First off, I wanted to acknowledge you for your above and beyond involvement when seeking out the most ideal candidate for me. The search process was certainly all encompassing and I am clear about the tremendous extent you dedicated your efforts to my search. For that I am extraordinarily appreciative. You can count on me to be an amazing referral for you and your Company. Thank you.

Mr. John Kruger

Nevada Brake and Auto, Inc.

We are delighted with the outcome of the search process. Your hard work and experience will benefit Auto 7 greatly. Thank you for guiding us in the proper direction. We are fortunate to have your talent and friendship on our side. As Auto 7 grows, your resourcefulness will prove to become vital for our success.

Steven Kruss

CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER, AUTO7, Inc.

APA Search helped us staff more than 10 positions in all facets of our business, from sales management to IT to executive and financial. The folks at APA Search are relentless about the work they do, but they hold themselves to an impeccably high standard of conduct.

Steven Smith

President/CEO GCommerce,INC.

We have used APA Search for the past 20 years and plan to do so for another 20.

Steven Berman

President dorman products, inc.

…APA Search applied a very methodical and detailed process to understand our unique requirements, scan the market for potential candidate and introduce the most qualified to us in a very transparent fashion.

Wolfgang Winzer

PRESIDENT WEBB WHEEL PRODUCTS, INC.

APA Search…most recently filled a critical OEM position that was based in Europe. We have found working with them to be a very effective and efficient way for us to fill important positions that require a specific background or knowledge base.

Linda Oldman

GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES, TOMKINS AMG

Testimonials

First off, I wanted to acknowledge you for your above and beyond involvement when seeking out the most ideal candidate for me. The search process was certainly all encompassing and I am clear about the tremendous extent you dedicated your efforts to my search. For that I am extraordinarily appreciative. You can count on me to be an amazing referral for you and your Company. Thank you.

Mr. John Kruger

Nevada Brake and Auto, Inc.

We are delighted with the outcome of the search process. Your hard work and experience will benefit Auto 7 greatly. Thank you for guiding us in the proper direction. We are fortunate to have your talent and friendship on our side. As Auto 7 grows, your resourcefulness will prove to become vital for our success.

Steven Kruss

CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER, AUTO7, Inc.

APA Search helped us staff more than 10 positions in all facets of our business, from sales management to IT to executive and financial. The folks at APA Search are relentless about the work they do, but they hold themselves to an impeccably high standard of conduct.

Steven Smith

President/CEO GCommerce,INC.

We have used APA Search for the past 20 years and plan to do so for another 20.

Steven Berman

President dorman products, inc.

…APA Search applied a very methodical and detailed process to understand our unique requirements, scan the market for potential candidate and introduce the most qualified to us in a very transparent fashion.

Wolfgang Winzer

PRESIDENT WEBB WHEEL PRODUCTS, INC.

APA Search…most recently filled a critical OEM position that was based in Europe. We have found working with them to be a very effective and efficient way for us to fill important positions that require a specific background or knowledge base.

Linda Oldman

GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES, TOMKINS AMG