ChampionScott Partners, the premier retained executive search firm focused on the technology industry and related growth sectors, announced that Kevin Kernan, former CEO and software industry executive, has joined as Managing Director.

Mr. Kernan, based in Washington D.C., brings a 25 year career in sales, marketing, and executive management leadership roles to ChampionScott Partners. Mr. Kernan has served as the CEO of investor-backed technology companies, raised capital from top tier investor firms, and recruited executive management talent globally. Most recently, he was instrumental in the launch and funding of a new company focused on the Clean Technology sector. Mr. Kernan will continue to serve as that company’s chairman.

Previously, Mr. Kernan was CEO of Secure Software and completed the successful sale of the company in 2007. Prior to joining Secure Software in 2003, Mr. Kernan spent 17 years at Rational Software Corporation in a variety of senior leadership roles. Before IBM’s acquisition of Rational Software in February 2003, Mr. Kernan was the Vice President of Enterprise Programs where he led the growth of the business from the company’s largest clients and partners to over $120M annually. During his tenure at Rational Software, Mr. Kernan’s roles included Managing Director – Rational Australia, Managing Director – Rational Asia Pacific, and Vice President – Business Development.

“We’re absolutely delighted Kevin has joined our team. Kevin’s international experience, proven record as an operating executive and ability to build strong management teams aligns with and complements the core attributes of our senior partners. His focus on building lasting customer relationships precisely matches the client-centric model established within our firm. This combination of Kevin’s experience and our core strengths will ensure we continue to deliver value and tangible operating results for our clients” said Geoff Champion, CEO, ChampionScott Partners.

Mr. Kernan serves as an advisor to CEOs and has developed and delivered executive programs on “Hiring Best Practices.” He has appeared on panels and participated in various speaking engagements for the Mid-Atlantic Venture Association (MAVA), the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), and the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA). Mr. Kernan completed the Mindshare CEO program in 2004 and is a member of Executive Biz, the Chevy Chase Club, and the John Carroll Society. He earned his Bachelors Degree from St. Michael’s College. Mr. Kernan is married with 4 children and resides in Potomac, Maryland.

ChampionScott Partners is the world’s premier retained executive search firm focused exclusively on the technology industry and related sectors. Our firm delivers the personalized focus of a technology boutique combined with the research resources and global reach of a large international firm through our offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. We have conducted over 500 searches and played pivotal roles in the formation of over 200 technology companies around the world. ChampionScott Partners recruits CEOs, their direct reports, and Board Directors for companies ranging from start-ups to the Global 500 in the key technology centers of the U.S., Europe, Japan, China, India and Israel. On every engagement our team provides partner-level knowledge and judgment gained through our decades of experience in the technology industry.