A 25-year veteran of the executive search industry, Deborah Sawyer (Deb) leads The Dubrof Group’s technology practice. Previously, she led the tech practices for multiple global executive search firms in Singapore, Dallas and Atlanta. Deb is an expert on talent acquisition, succession planning and geographic expansion for medium to large technology and media companies. Deb specializes in advanced technology, renewables, and professional services, serving both public and private entities. Prior to entering executive search, she worked in marketing research and statistics. In 2019 Deb was named to the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology and was recently named one of the 20 most powerful Women in Business by CIOLook.
With a well-worn passport and a career full of international experiences, Deb’s understanding of multiple cultures directly benefits her global clients. Her executive search experience includes assignments throughout Asia-Pacific and in London, Paris, Montreal, Toronto, Costa Rica, Africa, and, of course, the United States. Deploying a partnership approach built on frank, two-way communication, she begins every engagement by listening to her client’s needs, then merges her specialized industry expertise with an understanding of each client’s business culture to pinpoint ideally qualified candidates. Consistently recognized for understanding the strategic impact of her placements on her client companies’ futures, Deb is dedicated to supporting her clients and placements long after she completes a search and as earned the role of trusted advisor.
Deb earned a Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University and a Bachelor’s in International Affairs from Florida State University. She is an active volunteer, serving on the boards of Women 4 FSU, the Richardson (TX) Symphony Orchestra and Tech Titans, the largest technology association in Texas, where she previously chaired the annual Awards Gala and currently chairs the Programs Committee. Deborah was named Tech Titans Board Member of the Year for 2015 and 2017. She is a member of Women for Florida State University and serves on the University’s Mentoring and Recruitment committee. In her free time, Deb enjoys cooking and hiking with her three daughters, husband and their dog.