Role at RSR Partners

Don is a managing director in the firm’s Industrial practice, driving execution across a broad range of executive and board positions for clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 50 enterprises. Leading the firm’s Cleveland office, his engagements are typically continental in scope with additional experience in Asia and Europe. He is also a member of the Family-Owned & Family Office practice.

Experience and Expertise

Executive search is his third career, and he has been in it for over a decade. Don began his search career as a managing director in a boutique firm that focused on C-suite positions for private equity portfolio companies, mostly middle-market industrial companies. He was subsequently recruited to RSR Partners’ Industrial Technology Practice in 2013. His early career in strategy consulting with Booz & Company, a Booz spin-off, and subsequently his own firm, taught him how to recognize great strategies, organizations, and individuals. Don's second career was as an executive leading a $1 billion business unit within Progressive Insurance. His relationship with Progressive began as a strategy consulting engagement for a secondary $200 million business unit. Over seven years, Don and his team grew that business to the most profitable $2 billion insurance business in the industry.

Outside of RSR Partners

Don earned his bachelor of mathematics degree from the University of Waterloo in Southern Ontario and an MBA from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University. He and his wife live in Aurora, Ohio with their rescue doggo Hunter and kitty Walter. Their four children are grown and span the globe. Don is also an avid reader of fiction.

Remembering Don

I am still in the state of shock after hearing the news of Don’s passing. I first know Don as a fellow alumnus at Progressive. I will always remember his incredibly calm and friendly demeanor. He led with a quiet confidence and a kindness that is rare to find. I feel incredibly fortunate to have know him. My deepest regret is that we hadn’t been in close touch in recent years, but the kindness he has showed me have never left me. In his memory, just as Don did for me, I plan to pay it forward by supporting others. He will be deeply missed.

- Min Zhang

Deeply saddened to learn of Don’s passing. Our paths crossed twenty years ago, when I was considering an offer at an insurance company in New York and he was looking to bring all he’d learned at Progressive somewhere new. Staying open to possibilities and always taking that phone call- those are lessons I’ll always remember from that time. Rest in peace, Don.

- Alessia Falsarone

My most sincere condolences. I remember when Don interviewed me during his “second career” at Progressive and then offered me the role to join Commercial Auto. It set me up for greater opportunities in the industry and Don and I kept in touch over the years. For example, after joining RSR Partners when he visited the Chubb Corporation we had lunch together. Don will be greatly missed. His guidance was a career compass to many of us.

- Camila Serna

My most sincere condolences for this massive loss. I had the honor of working closely with Don for many years and always deeply admired his work ethic, steady hand and his consistently unflappable demeanor- one that was always accompanied by a genuine and warm smile. He was a kind gentleman in every sense of the word and I will be forever grateful to reflect on Don as an amazing human, colleague and friend, as this beautiful tribute highlights so eloquently. Rest in Peace, Don 🙏❤️

- Colin Graham

Don helped me immensely at a low point in my life. I never met him in person, but always felt a strong connection with him – I am sure he made everyone feel that way. He has to be one of the most sincere, trustworthy and kind people I know. What a loss!

- Gaurav Bansal

This is such sad news. I remember working with Don and while it was many years ago, I can still clearly hear his voice and his laugh. Like it was just yesterday…..what a tragic loss.

- Nona Footz

Don and Tim O’Brien changed my life. I am so sad to see this news. Deepest sympathies to Don’s family.

- Pete Smith

Don was always unfailingly kind, and was always insistent that no question was a dumb question — which helped for someone focused on a completely different sector. He would always take a call when I was curious if there was overlap or something I could help with, and was always happy to see you when he happened to be in Greenwich or NY.

He’ll be missed, both among the entire existing and alumni RSR community, and society in general. The world needs more Dons.