We Build Partnerships
For Success

Our Founder and CEO
Ken Lee

Born and raised in Ireland, and based in Charlotte, NC for two decades, Ken has devoted his 30-year career to connecting employers and employees across the globe. With a deep understanding of both local and multinational businesses, he has built several search companies, applying best-in-class technologies, data-driven processes and, most importantly, a keen intuition about human nature and how it drives business success.

Ken is an Irishman, entrepreneur, recruitment professional and leader. He is also a husband, father of 3, avid reader, Charlotte Irish community leader, guitar player and singer in a local Irish band.

Clients laud Ken’s approach to partnership and the passion he and his team pour into every assignment. They consider Carn a pivotal part of their leadership team building strategy and their companies continue to reap the benefits of strong leadership via talent acquired through Carn International.

Our Founder and CEO
Ken Lee

Born and raised in Ireland, and based in Charlotte, NC for two decades, Ken has devoted his 30-year career to connecting employers and employees across the globe. With a deep understanding of both local and multinational businesses, he has built several search companies, applying best-in-class technologies, data-driven processes and, most importantly, a keen intuition about human nature and how it drives business success.

Ken is an Irishman, entrepreneur, recruitment professional and leader. He is also a husband, father of 3, avid reader, Charlotte Irish community leader, guitar player and singer in a local Irish band.

Clients laud Ken’s approach to partnership and the passion he and his team pour into every assignment. They consider Carn a pivotal part of their leadership team building strategy and their companies continue to reap the benefits of strong leadership via talent acquired through Carn International.

Our
Story

Founded in 2011, Carn International began its journey as a global executive search firm connecting dynamic and seasoned professionals to career opportunities with Fortune 500 clients. As our expertise in the world of life sciences grew, so did our passion for the industry and we began to focus primarily on pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients, knowing that the work we do and the connections we make together will have a meaningful impact.

The name Carn International comes from the original Gaelic word for ‘Cairn’ – a balanced stone marker thoughtfully constructed to help others navigate mountain trails. Cairns guide trailblazers towards the summit and are symbols of direction, stability, trust and encouragement. And they symbolize what we aspire to be for our clients.

Carn International partners with clients to understand your strategic and cultural goals and help you navigate human capital complexities and attract leaders that will elevate your business to the next level. In turn, we help executive candidates pursue their ambitions and realize their full value along their career journey.

Our Guiding Principles

Understanding

We immerse ourselves in the life sciences industry, our clients’ strategic and cultural needs, our executives’ career aspirations, and the purpose that connects them all. Through research and insights, and holistic screening, we develop a deep understanding of both our clients and candidates.

Collaboration

Our agile and collaborative approach to working with our C-Suite and executive clients, and our data-driven approach to building our robust network of executives have helped us find the right solution together…every time.

Growth

We take the title of “Consultant” very seriously, offering value-added consultation in the areas of talent and career development, culture shaping, and leadership building. We fuel growth opportunities for clients and executive careers through an enduring passion for our work, and our collective goals.

Client Testimonials

Ken is a leader committed to his teams’ success. His experience and passion for recruiting makes him invaluable when it comes to mentoring others. Kens has a unique gift to manage people according to their individual needs and levels of experience, he is very flexible, patient and understands the value of leveraging with his team. Importantly, Ken never lets his team give up!

Kevin O’ Leary - Operations Director , Dunedin Enterprises

As a job seeker, I had the good fortune of being in the market when Ken was recruiting top technical talent to join a leading technology firm. Imagine the challenge of scheduling ten (10!) East coast to West coast interviews – phone, video conference, and on-site – around the schedule of a candidate still employed in a full-time position. With Ken’s coordination, every interview went through without a hitch. He prepped me for each one and followed up afterwards with feedback. Thanks to Ken, I was able to focus on the substance of the interviews rather than their logistics. If only he could have taken care of my relocation as well after I accepted the clients offer. Spectacular experience, highly recommended.

William Lai – Senior Technology Professional

Ken has successfully built and managed two leading recruitment brands. I’d say one of Ken’s strongest attributes is his people management skills, having inspired many recruiters to achieve highly successful careers. He is an extremely driven guy, competitive, commercially aware and highly knowledgeable about the IT recruitment market.

Paul Mullan - CEO , Measurability.ie