ABOUT HILO
A boutique search firm
with an operator's
perspective.
Hilo was founded on a simple idea: the people who help growth companies build leadership teams should understand what it takes to run one. Every search is led personally by our founder, backed by an extended network of executives and operators.
Nikki has spent about 20 years leading people and operations strategy at organizations from early-stage start-ups to large enterprises.
Most recently, she was Chief People & Operations Officer at a fast-growing, PE-backed intelligent automation professional services company, where she owned talent acquisition, leadership development, workforce planning, compensation and HR technology through a period of rapid scale.
Through Hilo she has placed Chief Growth, Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officers, along with VP and Director leaders across every major business function.
She holds an MBA from Bethel University, BA from the University of Minnesota, and is Hogan Certified.
What we believe
Fit is a hard skill
How someone leads under pressure matters as much as what's on their resume. We assess both with the same rigor.
Candor saves time
You'll hear what the market is saying about your role, compe and story, even when it's not what you hoped.
Candidates are people
Every executive we speak with is treated like a future client. That's why great leaders take our call.
Based in Minnesota
National Coverage
© 2026 Hilo Talent Partners, LLC.