Mike was recruited by SPMB in 2004 to help evolve the firm’s business model, which meant re-developing and implementing the company’s entire search strategy. Since then, the firm has experienced 17 years of consistent growth and success. With over 350 CEO and VP search assignments under his belt, Mike has found himself a key player in building the executive teams at companies that have created massive investor returns including Amazon/AWS, Google/Cloud, Disney Streaming, Comcast, Capital One and many more.
Before joining the firm, Mike was at Standard & Poors, focusing on Applied Analytics and M&A transactions in the technology market. Clients included Adobe, Dolby, Excite, HP, and VeriSign. Prior, Mike worked on the Equity Capital Markets desk of Solomon Smith Barney in NYC, helping to bring the world’s most promising technology companies into the public markets. Graduating from Georgetown University with honors, Mike received a degree in Advanced Finance. Outside of the office, he can be found chasing his wife Emily, daughter Olive, son Felix, Boston Terrier Burrito and Frenchie Clementine up the trails of Mount Tam.
“Madison Dearborn Partners has executed a number of corporate carve-outs over the last several years. Through these investments, we have worked with all of the large search firms and many boutiques as well. Mike Doonan and his team at SPMB are at the front of that pack and have helped us successfully hire talented CIOs through highly organized processes. While we value Mike’s ability to source candidates, we place an even higher value on his judgment and advice regarding selecting the right candidate. We look forward to engaging him to help us with other companies in our portfolio.”
Jason Shideler – Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC
What’s the most non-traditional job you’ve ever had?
As a kid, I spent most summers in NYC running around the trading floor at Solomon. This was the go-go 90s, and I became particularly adept at dodging steel-reinforced corded telephones thrown by frustrated traders.
What are your favorite books/movies?
As for books, A Star Called Henry by Roddy Doyle and It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis. I’m a sucker for historical fiction, particularly coming of age novels focused on challenging times in history. As for movies, for sure Zoolander… because, well, most situations in life are somehow relatable to Zoolander.
Which band would you love to tour with?
I’ve been a die-hard Weezer fan since the Blue Album. My wife and I even follow around their San Jose based tribute band.