Mike Pizarek

Principal

Mike Pizarek is a Principal in the Finance Practice at Bespoke. Based in Atlanta, he joined the firm in February 2024. Prior to Bespoke, Mike worked for DHR Global as a Senior Associate in the firm’s Private Equity Practice, working with PE clients that typically invest in lower-middle-market businesses across consumer, professional services, and specialty manufacturing. His DHR Team placed transglobal executives across finance, commercial, human capital, and operations functions.

Mike started his executive search career in 2019 with an Atlanta-based boutique firm that specializes in higher education and collegiate sports leadership placements. He has early career experience in higher education and with the federal judiciary, primarily across research and data analytics capacities.

Mike graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia, where he received Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice. He decided to add on a Master of Public Administration (MPA), and with it, two more football seasons before leaving Athens in 2015.

In his spare time, Mike can be found hiking the North Georgia Mountains with his wife, exploring Atlanta’s Beltline development, or escaping to Lake Hartwell to beat the summer heat.

> 525.4

Miles that separated my wife and I growing up before we crossed paths in Atlanta in 2020.

7

Nieces and nephews (soon to be nine) which have all kept me busy on FaceTime and Amazon.

300+

Pickleball matches played since 2020, a pandemic hobby that I haven’t been able to shake.

Colby Walsten

Financial Analyst

Colby Walsten is a Financial Analyst on the Finance Team at Bespoke. Based in San Diego, he joined the firm in February of 2024. Prior to Bespoke, he worked for FMG Suite as a Financial Analyst where he was responsible for full P&L & budget management.

Colby has his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Chico State University.

In his spare time, you can find Colby snowboarding in the Sierra Nevada mountains or surfing along the Pacific Coast.

162

Number of Oakland A’s games I’ll watch every year.

6

Times I’ve watched all 8 seasons of Game of Thrones.

1

Times I’ve thrown a no-hitter.

Hayden Vassey

Senior Research Analyst

Hayden, a native of Richmond, Virginia, cultivated his academic foundation by pursuing a degree in Politics and International Affairs at Wake Forest University, complemented by minors in History and Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies.

With a trajectory shaped by diverse internships in the realm of international trade, Hayden encountered the dynamic field of executive search, discovering a newfound passion. Prior to his association with Bespoke, he contributed as a diligent researcher at True Search, specializing in Private Equity-backed software companies.

When he’s not working, you can find Hayden at the movie theater, gaming, or reading sci-fi novels.

13

Times I have replayed Batman: Arkham City.

125

Films reviewed on Letterboxd in 2023.

5

Corgis I have owned.

Peter Lawrence

Research Team Lead

Peter is a Research Team Lead on the Search team at Bespoke and based in Boston.

Prior to Bespoke, he worked for RevelOne as a Senior Research Analyst, where he identified top GTM leaders for tech-enabled startups. Peter also previously worked in academic research, studying genetic components of aging and surveying undergraduate mental health.

Peter has his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Middlebury College.

In his spare time, you can find Peter reading, skiing, or playing Quadball.

3

Age I skied for the first time.

11

The number of states I’ve traveled to for Quadball.

280

Hours of music listened to last year.

Ravi Sarin

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ravi is Co-Head and Founding Partner of AEA Growth and a member of the Firm’s Investment Committee. At AEA Growth, Ravi co-leads the overall strategy and direction of the firm, in addition to leading deal teams focused on the sourcing, evaluation, and management of the Firm’s portfolio companies.

Prior to AEA Growth, Ravi was the Founder and Managing Partner of ROCA Partners, a growth equity investment firm focused on tech-enabled services and healthcare services companies. Previously, he was a Principal in the Private Equity Group at Ares Management. At Ares, Ravi helped lead investments in healthcare services, retail, and gaming, lodging & leisure among a few other sectors. Prior to Ares, Ravi was a private equity investor at Bain Capital and a consultant at Bain & Company.

Ravi has an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MS in Management Science & Engineering and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.

Ryan Bonner

Partner
Technology Leader Practice
Marketing Leader Practice

Ryan Bonner is a Partner leading the Marketing and Technology Leader Practices with Bespoke Partners. Based in Boston, he joined the firm in 2024. Prior to Bespoke, he spent the previous decade with Spencer Stuart focused on supporting both PE backed and public companies recruit B2B Technology Marketers, Product leaders and digital transformation teams.

Prior to search Ryan was a 20 year operator holding senior go-to-market roles with brands like Bose Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific and CVS Pharmacy.

Ryan has his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Princeton University.  He ran D1 Track at Princeton as well as owning and operating his own business on campus while earning his degree.

In his spare time, you can find Ryan at the gym, a concert or comedy show or on hikes with his wife and puppy.

3

Adult sons who are hilarious and best of friends

400

The worst distance (in meters) to sprint with hurdles in front of you

39

The number of states I’ve visited