Thomas Watson

Background

About Thomas Watson

Thomas Watson is the Founder & Managing Partner of TWG, a full-scope talent solutions firm. Tom's personal focus at the firm is on executive search & executive coaching. His former operating executive experience provides a unique advantage to his clients. Columbia University certified Tom as an executive coach in 2022. He is thoroughly enjoying "phase II" of his career working with and helping smart, ambitious professionals! Prior to founding TWG, Tom was the President & CEO of four different companies, one was a business unit inside a Fortune 100 company and the other three were private equity (PE) backed middle market businesses. He came up through the finance ranks and has held CFO and COO roles in a number of high-growth companies across multiple industries – healthcare, insurance and financial services, as well as business services. His success was, in part, driven by his uncanny ability to evaluate talent. His experience in PE included: Zelis, a high growth HCIT/Fintech business that transacted at $5.7B; Avizent, a workers comp business where as CEO he executed a turnaround and sold the company for $190M; and Sandler, a global sales training franchise, sold for $110M. Over his career Tom successfully executed 17 M&A buy and sell-side transactions. He has strong relationships with the major investment banking houses. Before PE, Tom gained foundational management experience in the Fortune 100. He held executive roles at Aetna/CVS, Optum, and CIGNA where he helped create three start-up businesses (new divisions/BUs): 1) an Individual Insurance Division at Aetna/CVS, 2) Optum Bank at UnitedHealth Group, and 3) a BenAdmin business at CIGNA. The Mission at TWG: We strive to improve the career success and lives of everyone who crosses our path. This company mission perfectly aligns with my personal purpose, my why.