About John
John Staines is the leader of Caldwell’s Global Human Resources Practice and a partner based in Los Angeles. He brings more than 35 years of experience spanning executive search and senior human resources leadership, including serving multiple times as a chief human resources officer. John advises CEOs, boards and senior executives on recruiting and developing leadership talent, with particular expertise in chief human resources officer, chief people officer and other senior HR mandates. His work spans consumer, healthcare, life sciences and technology, and is informed by extensive firsthand experience leading global human resources organizations.
Experience
Prior to joining Caldwell, John was managing partner and leader of the Global Human Resources Practice at DHR Global, where he built and grew the practice while advising clients on executive search and leadership matters. Previously, he led human capital practices at Calibre One and ZRG Partners and founded Global HR Solutions, a consulting firm focused on human resources strategy, organizational effectiveness and leadership development, including programs designed to advance women and underrepresented talent that were recognized by Catalyst and Boston Globe as best-in-class.
Earlier in his career, John held senior HR leadership roles with Cigna, Medco Health Solutions, KB Home, DaVita, Gap, Mattel and PepsiCo, among others. His experience includes leading global talent and organizational initiatives, strategic workforce planning and large-scale transformation efforts.
John also serves in advisory roles with Ayble Health, LifeGuides and SkillsBridge.AI, working with CEOs and leadership teams on business, talent and organizational priorities. A fluent Spanish speaker, he brings a global and cross-cultural perspective to his work.
Education
John holds a master’s degree in marketing and international business from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
