Cielo Talent Company Profile

Background

Founded in 2005, Cielo Talent has established itself as a premier global talent acquisition partner, specializing in Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solutions and comprehensive talent acquisition strategies. The company's mission is to illuminate talent wherever it's found, aiming to lead the market with superior talent experiences for all stakeholders. Cielo's core values—collaboration, partnership, empowerment, and innovation—drive its commitment to delivering exceptional recruitment services across various industries, including healthcare, financial services, consumer brands, technology, media, engineering, and life sciences.

Key Strategic Focus

Cielo's strategic focus centers on providing tailored talent acquisition solutions that align with clients' unique business objectives. The company offers a diverse range of services, including:

Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO): Comprehensive management of the recruitment process to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Contingent Workforce Solutions: Management of independent contractors, freelancers, and other non-permanent staff.

TA Optimizers™: Modular RPO offerings designed to reduce time-consuming tasks and improve candidate quality.

TA Strategy & Transformation: Strategic consulting to drive operational excellence in talent acquisition.

HR Technology Consulting: Assistance with vendor selection, implementation, and integration of HR technologies.

Employer Branding: Development of compelling employer brands to attract top talent.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI): Customized approaches to build diverse workforces and inclusive cultures.

Cielo leverages advanced technologies, such as its proprietary Cielo TalentCloud platform and AI-driven tools like Digital Accelerators™ and CLO.ai, to enhance the recruitment experience. The company operates globally, serving clients in over 113 countries and offering services in 39 languages, demonstrating its commitment to addressing diverse market needs.

Financials and Funding

As of January 2025, Cielo Talent reported annual revenues of approximately $750 million, indicating significant financial stability and market presence. In 2019, the private equity firm Permira acquired a majority equity stake in Cielo, providing the company with enhanced flexibility in funding and support for future strategic initiatives.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Cielo distinguishes itself through its commitment to technological innovation in talent acquisition:

Cielo TalentCloud: A proprietary suite of technologies designed to attract, hire, and retain top talent.

Digital Accelerators™: AI-powered tools introduced in 2023 to optimize the hiring experience by automating and enhancing various recruitment processes.

CLO.ai: Launched in 2024, this generative AI tool streamlines recruiting tasks, delivering faster and more effective hiring outcomes while maintaining a focus on candidate experience.

These innovations underscore Cielo's dedication to leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve recruitment efficiency and effectiveness.

Leadership Team

Cielo's leadership team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the company's mission:

Marissa Geist: Chief Executive Officer

Sue Marks: Founder & Board Member

Tara Cassady: Executive Vice President, Go to Market

Matt Jones: Executive Vice President, Global Business Services

Leslie Stroope: Chief Financial Officer

Myke Hawkins: Chief Revenue Officer

These leaders bring a wealth of experience in talent acquisition, business strategy, and financial management, positioning Cielo for continued growth and innovation.

Leadership Changes

In recent years, Cielo has made strategic appointments to strengthen its leadership team:

Leslie Stroope joined as Chief Financial Officer in March 2023, bringing extensive experience in financial management to support Cielo's growth objectives.

Myke Hawkins was appointed Chief Revenue Officer in December 2022, tasked with leading global go-to-market strategies and revenue operations.

These appointments reflect Cielo's commitment to enhancing its leadership capabilities to drive future success.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) market is highly competitive, with numerous firms offering a range of talent acquisition services. Cielo's consistent recognition as a leader in this space underscores its strong market position.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the RPO industry include:

Korn Ferry RPO: Offers comprehensive talent acquisition solutions with a focus on integrating executive search and RPO services.

WilsonHCG: Provides global talent solutions, including RPO, executive search, and contingent workforce services.

PeopleScout: Specializes in RPO and talent advisory services, leveraging technology to enhance recruitment processes.

These competitors, along with others like Trustaff and Yoh Services, contribute to a dynamic and evolving RPO landscape.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Cielo has engaged in strategic collaborations to enhance its service offerings and market reach:

Permira Partnership: The acquisition of a majority stake by Permira in 2019 has provided Cielo with additional resources and strategic support for expansion and innovation.