Gary’s 20 years in executive search, first at Korn/Ferry and then at Spencer Stuart before joining Burgess Leighton, have allowed him to hone his talent in executive search to a fine edge. Gary specializes in senior-level searches for boards of directors, top management, and functional leaders for durable consumer goods, technology, service and manufacturing clients. At both Spencer Stuart and Korn/Ferry, Gary led the industrial practice in the Southern California region.

Over his career Gary has conducted more than 75 CEO/COO assignments and 40 CFO/Controller searches, as well as numerous board engagements. He has also completed functional assignments for top operations and manufacturing, marketing and sales executives. His clients range from start-up and emerging companies, to private and equity sponsored businesses, to major Fortune 100 companies.

Prior to search, Gary was vice president of Zimmerman Holdings, a private investment company where he was responsible for managing operations of subsidiaries, as well as providing marketing and strategic counsel, assistance on profit improvement and assessment of acquisitions candidates. Before his tenure at Zimmerman, he served as executive director of Lillick, McHose & Charles, a major Los Angeles law firm. Previously, Gary was the chief administrative officer and chief financial officer with Berry Industries Corporation, a publicly traded oil field services company.

Gary began his business career at Booz Allen & Hamilton in Chicago and was later promoted to partner in Los Angeles. In his more than 13 years with that firm, Gary served a wide range of clients, including technology, service and industrial-related companies. He focused on top management, strategic planning, marketing and growth-oriented studies. He earned his M.B.A. degree from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and his B.S. degree in economics from Brigham Young University.

Gary can be contacted directly at gwalburger@burgessleighton.com or 949-296-8009