Betsy Tilkemeier

Betsy Tilkemeier is a Founder and Managing Partner of North Line Partners – a boutique executive search firm she co-founded in 2010. The mission of North Line Partners is to deliver fast, high-quality recruitment services through Partner involvement in all aspects of every engagement.​

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With more than 20 years of experience in executive search, Betsy has expertise in consumer with a particular focus serving clients who go to market through multiple/alternative distribution channels including eCommerce and even direct selling. Her expertise also includes in-depth experience within health and wellness, “better for you” food, apparel, personal care and med tech, including building the leadership teams for venture capital-funded, pre-revenue startups. She has also successfully completed senior level general management, merchandising, marketing, operations and digital/e-commerce searches for: Ocean Spray, KIND Snacks, Corkcicle, Omaha Steaks, YoCrunch, Nielsen-Massey, Willow, Basic American Foods, Plum Organics, See’s Candies, YesTo!, The Grommet, StriVectin, ViSalus Sciences, Revolution Foods, Amway, QVC, Big Lots!, True Value, Carhartt, Jockey, Isagenix and The Pampered Chef.

Betsy also has expertise serving private equity clients as well as family-owned companies. Since founding North Line Partners, she has successfully recruited many CEOs, Board Members, CMOs and Chief Commercial Officers for portfolio companies of LCatterton, NEA, Berkshire Hathaway Holdings, Simon Equity/San Francisco Equity Partners, FFL, ExploraMed and McCarthy Capital. ​

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Prior to North Line Partners, Betsy was a Partner at Heidrick & Struggles in the firm’s Global Consumer Markets Practice serving Consumer and Retail clients. She began her search career with another large recruiting firm, first as an Associate and then advancing to Client Partner. Her earlier background includes R.H. Macy’s Executive Training Program; Account Management at Tommy Hilfiger; and Operations and Merchandising at Neiman Marcus.

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Betsy graduated from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Betsy and her husband Jon have two children and live in Chicago's northern suburbs.

Betsy and Jon are also members of BENS (Business Executives for National Security).