Grey Search + Strategy recently partnered with the board of directors of Byrna Technologies to support the appointment of Conn Davis as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer.
The search was conducted in close collaboration with Byrna’s board, with a focus on identifying a leader capable of guiding the company through its next phase of growth while remaining aligned with its mission and long-term strategic priorities. As a publicly traded company operating in a dynamic and evolving market, Byrna required a CEO who could balance operational discipline with strategic vision.
According to Herbert Hughes, independent director and member of Byrna’s search committee, “The board of directors was looking for a dynamic, growth-oriented leader with deep experience scaling businesses, along with a passion for Byrna’s mission.”
The Byrna committee conducted an extensive evaluation process before selecting Grey Search + Strategy to lead the search.
“Grey had the same high-quality approach as other larger firms, but also demonstrated a commitment that our search committee would receive primary focus from the top members of the Grey team,” Hughes said. “That proved to be very impactful to the success of our CEO search process.”
Grey Search + Strategy worked closely with the board throughout the process, providing market insights, candidate evaluation support, and guidance to help align key stakeholders around the leadership profile and selection process. The search emphasized both immediate leadership needs and long-term fit, ensuring the selected candidate could drive performance while positioning the company for sustained growth.
Conn Davis brings a strong track record of leading and scaling organizations, with experience in driving operational excellence, executing growth strategies, and leading teams through periods of transformation. His background and leadership approach aligned closely with Byrna’s strategic objectives and the board’s vision for the company’s future.
For Davis, Byrna’s mission and growth potential made the opportunity especially compelling.
“This is a company with a truly meaningful mission rooted in the desire to save lives and empower individuals to protect themselves without the need for lethal force,” Davis said. “The company has only scratched the surface so far. By expanding our reach, we can fulfill our mission, impact lives, and drive meaningful growth for all of our stakeholders.”
Byrna Technologies announced Davis’s appointment earlier this month, marking an important step in the company’s continued evolution and growth.
About Grey Search + Strategy
Grey Search + Strategy is a boutique retained executive search firm that partners with boards, private equity firms, and organizations ranging from publicly traded companies to family-owned and privately held businesses to recruit high-impact executives across the C-suite. The firm conducts C-suite executive recruitment, and leadership consultingengagements for organizations navigating growth, transformation, and succession.
If your organization is preparing for a CEO search or executive leadership transition, contact Grey Search + Strategy to learn more about our executive search approach.
