Raines International announced on Dec. 1 that aerospace and defense industry advisor and leadership consultant Mercedes LeGrand has joined as managing director, based in Washington, D.C. LeGrand, who previously led Russell Reynolds’ Aviation, Aerospace and Defense practice, will now co-lead Raines’ Aerospace, Defense and Government Services practice with Patrick Gray. Gray, who formerly led the Aerospace & Defense practice at Heidrick & Struggles, joined Raines in March. Gray and LeGrand are two of the industry’s most accomplished leaders, and in joining Raines, they reinforce the company’s position as the preeminent search firm for aerospace and defense companies.
“Mercedes is an extremely driven professional with significant aerospace and defense industry experience, and she will add tremendous value to our firm,” said Gray. “Her expertise and her passion for difference making will help propel our clients forward now and in the future.”
While at Russell Reynolds, LeGrand also served as a member of the Technology Officers and Digital Transformation practices from 2016-2020. She focused primarily on aerospace and defense, defense-related technology companies, and associated market and leadership trends. Prior to Russell Reynolds, LeGrand was a managing partner at Watermark Strategic Advisors, LLC, where she directed a group of technology, government industry, finance and management experts, connecting new technology companies with federal government buyers across the security, defense, and intelligence sectors. From 2006-2008, LeGrand served as acting director of strategic planning for a major new Directorate within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, while working as a consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton.
LeGrand graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, and she earned a Masters in Business Administration from Columbia University and the London Business School. She has been recognized as a Top 10 GovCon Executive Recruiter by ExecutiveBiz, is a frequent blogger on the topics of leadership and the aerospace and defense and technology industries, and she has been quoted in publications such as Fast Company, Homeland Security Today and ClearanceJobs.
In addition, Raines announced on Dec. 1 the opening of a new office in Reston, VA.
