Press Room

Rising Star: CEO Frankenberg Cycled to Top at Kraft Search Associates

Posted on March 28, 2008

Paul Frankenberg
Title: President, CEO and Principal
Company: Kraft Search Associates LLC
Age: 34

As CEO of Kraft Search Associates, Paul Frankenberg leads a firm that was named among the top 25 health care search firms in the United States by Modern Healthcare magazine.

Are you surprised at your success this early in your career? I envision so much more that we will achieve in coming years, but, no, I'm not surprised. I have surrounded myself with a great team that contributes greatly to our successes.

The venture-capitalist Donald Valentine said it well: "Our business has been very dependent on the big companies not paying attention to what they should be doing."

Who has served as an example for your own success? Dick Cowart, chairman of Baker Donelson's Health Law Group has had an impact in my firm's success and our recognition as a national Top 25 Healthcare Executive Search Firm.

Dick has successfully built, and is still building, a health care practice that started with one attorney and has grown to a national top four health law firm.

What is your passion in life outside of business that contributes to your success? My wife and I are committed to having a positive impact in the lives of others.

For example, our involvement with The Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt affects children as well as the overall organization.

Professionally, leading the executive recruiting efforts for a corporate management team or board of directors to identify, recruit and retain a well-regarded CEO, COO, CFO or functional VP is equally rewarding.

What is your favorite stress breaker? Cycling has become a great hobby in the last three years.

What are the advantages of your relative youth in your industry? Many may comment on my energy level.

We have worked tirelessly to build this firm, and there is still much to accomplish.

You're on an airplane to Italy. Who do you want sitting next to you who you don't know? Carl Yastrzemski. I am a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox.

I grew up watching Yaz, Jim Rice and Fred Lynn.

Dream vacation you have not had the time or opportunity to take yet? My wife and I want to visit the vineyards in Italy.

Favorite vacation spot. Jackson Hole, Wyo., in either the summer or winter.

Closer to home we enjoy Miramar Beach, Fla.

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Paul Frankenberg is President, CEO, and Principal in Kraft Search Associates, a retained Healthcare Executive Search Firm specializing in the recruitment of high-value Executive Leadership. Modern Healthcare magazine has ranked Kraft Search Associates one of the nation’s Top 25 Healthcare Executive Search Firms. Paul can be reached at Kraft Search Associates, LLC. The company’s website is at http://www.KraftSearch.com.