Phil Menzel

Since joining JM Search in 2015, Phil Menzel has been focused on recruiting C-Suite executives across food and consumer industries, as well as placing transformational leaders in human resources and supply chain functions. Based in Chicago, Phil has built a growing and vibrant national practice with clients including large public and private food companies including: Rich Products, Reyes Holdings, US Foods, and Mountaire Farms.

Phil brings more than 30 years of human capital leadership experience to JM Search. Having been the top human resources executive for several multi-billion-dollar companies and businesses, Phil leverages his decades of experience in corporate management to help clients strategically evaluate their executive leadership needs and build high performance management teams.

Prior to JM Search, Phil spent three decades in HR leadership roles for several “HR academy” companies including a combined 17 years with General Mills, Pillsbury, and Sara Lee. Phil also served as CHRO for more than six years with the large, Chicago based Reyes Holdings, a privately held multi-billion-dollar food and beverage distribution company with significant iconic brand holdings, such as McDonalds and Coke. During Phil’s tenure with Reyes, the company tripled in revenue growth and he was responsible for building out the holding company’s HR infrastructure.

Phil brings considerable depth of contacts and experience in CPG, distribution, supply chain, services, retail, general management, and corporate functions. In addition to recruiting, Phil draws on significant expertise in talent and organizational development, change management, culture optimization, M&A, succession planning, executive coaching, and executive compensation.

Apart from helping clients build and develop world-class leadership teams, Phil is actively involved in leading the expansion of the firm’s Chicago office and serves on its Talent and Culture Committees. He is also on the Board of Directors of Bernie’s Book Bank, a Chicago-based non-profit organization, and is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago. His passions include spending time with family and friends, great food, Chicago sports, and golf. Phil resides with his wife in Cary, IL and they have two beautiful daughters.