Signium Expands in United States: New Partners Open Michigan Office

Signium, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm, is proud to announce a new partnership with Sigred Group, a new Signium member firm in the United States. This collaboration will strengthen Signium’s worldwide footprint and expand its leadership advisory services, bringing a wealth of expertise to the U.S. corporate environment.

The partnership between Signium and Sigred Group unites two highly respected firms with complementary strengths and expertise. Together, Sigred’s senior partners Kristi Stepp and Mike Dergis each bring over 25 years of experience in human resources, organizational effectiveness, and executive development. As Signium’s new managing partners in Michigan, Stepp and Dergis provide strategic, tailored leadership solutions to organizations confronting changing business landscapes and uncertain markets.

Promising potential for US and global executive search

Kristi Stepp’s professional journey includes leadership roles at international recruitment and automotive companies. Her focus on executive development, organizational effectiveness, and harmonizing leadership practices across diverse cultures gives her a clear advantage in the executive search industry. Her global experience, especially in Asia and Australasia, has shaped her understanding of the cultural nuances of leadership in multinational organizations.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Signium, with its truly global perspective and enduring commitment to excellence. The U.S. market presents significant opportunities, and we’re confident that our combined expertise in executive search and leadership consulting will provide transformative value to growing businesses looking to flourish in today’s competitive environments.” Kristi Stepp

Mike Dergis has navigated a diverse career journey in strategy consulting and leadership roles in the manufacturing and automotive sectors. As a former Chief Operating Officer and partner in a boutique recruitment firm, Mike specializes in organizational development and driving performance through leadership and operational improvements.

“The opportunity to collaborate globally is a key driver for this partnership. In my previous experiences, the ability to engage in cross-border collaboration has proven invaluable, and we’re excited to leverage Signium’s extensive international network and excellent reputation. We believe this partnership is a perfect fit, and we’re eager to apply our skills to address the diverse challenges U.S. companies face today.” Mike Dergis

Signium Global Chair, Annelize van Rensburg anticipates a fruitful partnership with Sigred Group. She says, “The world of leadership has undergone a profound transformation in recent years. Organizational structures have become more fluid, leadership styles have evolved, and the global business environment is more complex and interconnected. I’m confident that Mike and Kristi’s knowledge of the ever-changing leadership landscape, combined with Signium’s global reach and resources, will enable us to deliver even greater value to our clients around the world.”

Uniting with Signium’s vision for U.S. expansion

The partnership between Signium and Sigred Group comes at a time of significant growth and opportunity in the U.S. executive search market. The current market conditions, characterized by increasing demand for talent and highly competitive landscapes, make this partnership even more compelling. Expanding further into the U.S. market is part of Signium’s ongoing vision to provide exemplary leadership services across the world.

Bill O’Callaghan, Managing Partner at Signium’s Philadelphia office and Founding Partner at Discovery Search Partners, was instrumental in forging the relationship with Sigred Group. He comments: “At Signium, we actively seek out collaborations where strategic synergy is found in purpose and values. Our partnership with Kristi and Mike is a natural fit, as they have a clear purpose and a set of principles that align with Signium’s aspirational identity and long-term goals. Kristi and Mike’s in-depth expertise and hands-on approach to leadership development make them ideal partners for our growth into the U.S. market.”

Signium’s partnership with Sigred Group, based in Michigan, officially began in January 2025. They will focus on delivering bespoke executive search services, leadership advisory, and executive coaching. Their services will strongly emphasize supporting organizations as they navigate worldwide changes, spearhead growth into new markets, and develop sustainable leadership practices.

To get in touch with Signium’s Michigan office, please contact one of the managing partners directly:

Mike Dergis
[email protected]
+1.248.219.6541

Kristi Stepp
[email protected]
+1.248.434.7058