Founder and CEO

Bryan Erkkila, Founder and CEO of Yellow Tree, brings 22 years of experience in placing executives across the U.S.  He is extremely passionate about meeting as many purpose-driven individuals as possible throughout his career and aligning them with the best values-led, mission-driven organizations.   

His primary focus is Contained search (aka “engaged” or “mutually committed” search and placement) of CxOs, SVPs, and Emerging Leaders in technology (software, data, digital, and product).  Emerging leaders include VPs, Directors, Sr. Managers, Managers, and Architects.

Today, Yellow Tree Executive Search stands out as the Twin Cities’ premiere relationship-based Executive Search company, thanks to Bryan’s unwavering commitment to customer focus.

Before founding Yellow Tree, Bryan spent seven years leading recruiting for a top-tier Strategic Advisory and Technology Project Execution firm where he was in charge of building a team of Executive Consulting Leaders from Big 4 / National Consulting and the Fortune 500.

Before that, as the first employee hired by the President of one of Minnesota’s top search agencies, Bryan played a crucial role in growing this agency into one of the most respected agencies in Minnesota and the U.S.

Bryan, a second-generation Executive Recruiter and agency owner, earned his Bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University.  He is married to his lovely wife, has two wonderful, very active children, and has an English cream retriever named “Bear.”

Bryan is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and participates in several purpose-driven community and charitable organizations.