Yardstick Management Acquired by Diversified Search Group

Founded in 2012 by Dr. Ebbie Parsons, III, and based in Atlanta, GA, Yardstick Management is the largest Black-owned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training, management consulting and executive search firm in the world. The Company has developed significant domain expertise in DEI strategy and implementation, making it a thought leader and well-respected firm servicing more than 115+ renowned corporate, government, and non-profit entities in the U.S, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East and placing 300+ diverse C-level executives.

Navagant is pleased to announce the sale of Yardstick Management to Diversified Search Group, the largest woman-founded executive search firm in the world and a portfolio company of Shoreview Industries.

Ebbie Parsons, III, Founder and Managing Partner, Yardstick Management

“We are beyond thrilled for the opportunity to join forces with Diversified Search Group, an organization that is aligned with our values and shares our mission to level the playing field for marginalized communities. We are looking forward to scaling the firm’s practices globally and with the backing and support of Diversified Search Group, we are certain to make this growth a reality.”

Jacob Voorhees, Managing Director, Navagant

“It has been an absolute pleasure collaborating with Ebbie. Yardstick’s unwavering dedication to its mission and its impressive track record in DEI consulting, combined with Diversified’s values and expertise in executive search, will undoubtedly have a profound impact on fostering inclusive leadership and cultivating more equitable workplaces. I firmly believe that their shared values and extensive industry experience will collectively propel the organization to new heights of excellence.”

Benefits & Long-Term Value Creation

The acquisition of Yardstick by Diversified holds tremendous potential to benefit society by advancing the cause of equality in workplaces and fostering upward mobility for marginalized groups. Diversified’s expertise in executive search, combined with Yardstick’s proven track record in DEI consulting, creates a powerful synergy. By joining forces, they will leverage their respective strengths and expand their impact in driving inclusive leadership and creating more equitable work environments. This collaboration has the potential to further break down barriers, dismantle systemic biases, and provide opportunities for underrepresented individuals to thrive, ultimately leading to a more just and inclusive society.

Diversified Search Group (“DSG”) is a leading global executive search firm that specializes in identifying and recruiting exceptional senior-level talent for organizations across various industries. With a history spanning over four decades, DSG has earned a reputation for its commitment to DEI in executive placements. DSG is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Shoreview Industries is a private equity firm that invests in growing middle-market companies in partnership with talented management teams. Founded in 2002 and with more than $1.3 billion raised across four funds, Shoreview is a flexible provider of equity capital for growth, recapitalizations, and buyouts.