Kristen Forti

Kristen Forti is a Partner at Flatiron Search Partners, where she specializes in placing growth-oriented and commercially focused leaders in fast-growing middle-market businesses. Prior to joining FSP, Kristen founded and led Epitome Executive Search, a boutique firm known for its work across consumer/CPG, consumer healthcare, and business services. Over six years, she and her team earned a reputation as trusted partners to private equity sponsors and leadership teams navigating inflection points and transformation.

Kristen first pivoted into search while at reacHIRE, a company dedicated to helping women re-enter the workforce after career breaks. There, she helped bridge the gap between marketing and talent, supporting clients such as Deloitte, Fidelity, and Wayfair—and quickly realized that this work was her professional superpower.

Earlier in her career, Kristen spent nearly two decades in senior marketing and strategy roles at iconic brands like Panera Bread, CVS Health, and Dunkin’ Brands. She led initiatives in digital transformation, loyalty, and brand strategy—experience that continues to shape her belief that operators are uniquely equipped to match transformative talent with high-growth companies.

Kristen earned her MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and her BA from the College of the Holy Cross. She lives outside of Boston with her husband Andy and their daughter Ella, and enjoys yoga, reading both business books and fiction, and spending time by the ocean whenever possible.