Aaron Collins
Partner
Aaron has fifteen years of search experience supporting the growth of investment management firms, earlier stage entrepreneurial companies, and established organizations. He founded Collins Executive Search in 2017 and is proud that it has grown into a leading practice in Canada specializing in the recruitment of investment professionals for fund managers and leadership for their investee companies. Aaron is curious by nature and is most fulfilled getting to know people beneath the surface. He believes transparency is the foundation of all great relationships and is committed to it as a core principle at CES.
What type of people do you admire most?
I admire people who are candid about their imperfections. Vulnerability is hard but it’s endearing. I also respect people who have had the courage to pursue their passions despite the risk of failure or rejection. This was a primary motivation for me to pursue entrepreneurship – I needed to walk the walk.
What’s the most interesting job you have had outside of Executive Search?
I taught skiing in Whistler. I lived on the mountain and skied down to work every day. I still miss that commute.
Do you have any talents that some people might not know about?
I’m pretty good in the kitchen. I chop onions like I went to culinary school, but I’ve really only watched 10,000 hours of Food Network.
Romy Elias, CPA, CA
Principal
Romy began her career at EY in the Private Client practice before transitioning to Search in 2015. She joined CES in 2018 and has played an integral role in the firm’s success. Romy has extensive private equity recruiting experience known for her client service, candidate relationship management and oversight of the entire process from sourcing and vetting of candidates through to placement. Romy is resourceful and determined. She always strives to understand the needs of both her clients and candidates in order to create long-lasting relationships.
What do you find most rewarding about Search?
Working with a candidate through a process and seeing how genuinely happy they are when they receive an offer. Then, catching up with them a year or two later and finding out they’re still just as happy.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Travel! I’ve been to 35 countries and I hope to continue growing that number. My favourite destination so far is Japan.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
First, I wanted to be a veterinarian, then an architect, and then an ambulance driver, but that was before I knew I would also have to be a paramedic. I just wanted to be the driver.
Katie Diamond
Principal
Katie is an experienced brand marketer and strategist who has spent her career asking questions, listening intently for human insights, and connecting dots to solve business challenges. Prior to joining Collins Executive Search, Katie co-founded Hacking Sophia, an organization dedicated to helping working parents thrive personally and professionally. Katie’s experience interviewing and delivering leadership training to hundreds of ambitious parents inspired her to begin a new chapter in executive search.
What’s the most interesting job you have had outside of Executive Search?
My first job in brand consulting involved some interesting qualitative market research. I scoured people’s refrigerators, asked couples questions while they laid on mattresses together and observed women with multiple cats as they shopped at pet stores.
What type of people do you admire most?
I admire people who lead with empathy, who can look beyond their own perspective and circumstances, and support others in a way that reflects that individual’s unique experience. As the conversation around mental health at work becomes louder, empathy will increasingly become a critical soft skill, especially for people leaders.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Besides playing with my kids, I spend my free time exercising, doing puzzles, watching garbage TV and trying new restaurants. I’m part of a burger club, and I look forward to trying a new burger every month.
Jordan Elias, CPA, CA
Principal
Prior to joining Collins Executive Search, Jordan spent over a decade at EY in their Private Client practice, most recently as an Associate Partner. He has extensive experience working with owner-managed businesses, private equity firms, and their portfolio companies. Jordan has a reputation for providing excellent client service and is passionate about partnering with candidates and clients to achieve their goals.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?
My father was born and grew up in India. A few years ago, I had the privilege of traveling to Mumbai with him and we visited his childhood home. It was his first time back since leaving 50+ years ago and it helped me better visualize all of the stories I heard as a child about his life in India.
When you were younger what did you want to be when you grew up?
My dream was to be a professional athlete – specifically a hockey or soccer player. That dream came to a crashing halt when I was 7 years old and realized I was mediocre at sports. So, I pivoted… I turned my goal of becoming a professional athlete into my reality of being an amateur fantasy sports General Manager.
What attracted you to search?
I was heavily involved in recruiting and hiring in my previous role at EY. I found it tremendously rewarding when someone that I had formed a relationship with joined the firm and then went on to succeed in their new role. When I contemplated my next career move, transitioning to the world of search felt natural.