Shawn Brown

Remote, OR 97458, USA

Executive Sourcing & Talent Strategy | ex-a16z, Google, Amazon | Executive Search, Market Mapping, Leadership and team wide Hiring

Shawn works with founders, executives, and investors to build leadership teams and solve complex hiring problems.

Over the past 15+ years, Shawn has operated across Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Etsy, and Andreessen Horowitz, leading searches that span early-stage foundational hires to senior leadership roles across product, GTM, operations, and technical organizations.

His focus is on high-judgment, research-driven work:

  • Leading zero→one searches where the profile is still being defined
  • Mapping talent…
Shawn Brown

Experience

  • Search Foundry

    GTM Talent Acquisition

    Feb 2025 - Present

    Search Foundry delivers bespoke recruiting solutions for early-stage and hyper-growth tech companies, specializing in AI, ML, and cutting-edge technology roles.

    • Spearheaded GTM, product engineering, and Gen/Voice AI recruiting, improving hiring efficiency by 40%
    • Implemented SWAT Recruiting strategies, significantly reducing time-to-hire for critical roles by 30%
    • Led global executive search initiatives, successfully hiring key roles across diverse industries including Distinguished Engineers and GTM executives
    • Accelerated hyper-growth in AI & ML talent acquisition, bolstering the company’s competitive edge in the tech industry
  • Andreessen Horowitz

    Andreessen Horowitz

    Talent Partner

    Jul 2021 - Feb 2025

    Founded in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, Andreessen Horowitz is a venture capital firm that invests in early to late-stage tech companies, and operates across a wide range of technology sectors.

    • Drove key technology and executive hiring initiatives within the firm, including critical roles like Chief Information Security Officer and Head of Real Estate
    • Expanded the talent network by 75% through strategic relationship building and engagement initiatives with top-tier professionals
    • Successfully executed innovative recruiting solutions, directly contributing to a16z's sustained growth and portfolio company support
    • Led talent acquisition for Capital Networks Partners, shaping a16z’s network of experts and ensuring ongoing access to top talent for portfolio companies
  • Axoni

    Axoni

    Contract Technical Recruiter

    May 2020 - May 2021

    Axoni specializes in real-time data replication technology serving large financial institutions, focusing on distributed ledger technology to optimize capital markets infrastructure.

    • Recruited top-tier blockchain engineers, playing an integral role in developing distributed ledger technology solutions
    • Enhanced the company's technological capabilities by recruiting for roles in software, hardware, GNC, spacecraft, and launch systems
    • Successfully closed hard-to-fill positions, achieving 95% of recruitment targets within set timelines
    • Testified to the significant reduction in hiring time and increase in candidate quality, aligning talent acquisition with strategic business goals
  • Etsy

    Etsy

    Lead Data Science Recruiter

    Mar 2018 - May 2020

    Etsy is a global marketplace for unique and creative goods, connecting millions of buyers and sellers from around the world.

    • Pioneered recruitment for key roles in data science, machine learning, and software engineering across multiple regions
    • Implemented diverse recruiting strategies leading to a 40% increase in quality hires for critical technology roles
    • Optimized recruitment processes, resulting in a 20% decrease in time-to-hire across all technical positions
    • Enhanced employer branding initiatives, boosting Etsy's position as a desirable workplace for tech talent
  • Coupang

    Coupang

    Lead Technical Recruiting Consultant

    Jun 2016 - Mar 2018

    Coupang leverages innovative technology and customer-friendly services to revolutionize the online shopping experience in South Korea and beyond.

    • Led the end-to-end hiring process for crucial engineering and GTM roles, driving the team's growth to over 100 members
    • Developed and executed a comprehensive recruitment strategy, significantly boosting the quality and efficiency of hires
    • Played a key role in establishing Coupang's presence in new markets by staffing the Engineering department from scratch
    • Significantly improved the candidate experience and employer brand through strategic initiatives and programs
  • Amazon

    Senior Technical Recruiter

    Jan 2015 - Jun 2016

    Amazon is a global leader in e-commerce and cloud computing, offering a broad range of products and services designed to cater to nearly every aspect of daily life.

    • Managed full recruitment lifecycle for key roles in Engineering and Product Marketing at Amazon Music, significantly scaling the team within a year
    • Employed innovative sourcing and selection techniques, resulting in the successful placement of highly specialized technical talent
    • Contributed to the foundational team build-out, significantly influencing Amazon Music's market position and success
    • Implemented continuous improvement processes for the recruiting cycle, leading to a 25% increase in hiring efficiency
  • Castlight Health

    Castlight Health

    Executive Recruiter

    Mar 2014 - Feb 2015

    Microsoft is a comprehensive technology company that develops, licenses, and supports a wide range of software products and services.

    • Directed recruitment processes for engineering positions, contributing to the strategic development of the tech workforce
    • Enhanced talent acquisition strategies, leading to a 30% improvement in hiring top-tier software engineers
    • Pioneered recruitment initiatives that aligned with corporate diversity and inclusion goals, improving diverse hiring rates by 40%
    • Streamlined hiring workflows with innovative tools and platforms, reducing time-to-fill by 25% and enhancing candidate engagement
  • Symantec

    Symantec

    Senior Cyber Security Recruiter

    Apr 2013 - Mar 2014

    Rally Software, a part of Broadcom, is renowned for its expertise in semiconductor and infrastructure software solutions.

  • Amazon Music

    Senior Recruiter

    Dec 2010 - Apr 2013

    • Initiated and led the recruitment for pivotal engineering roles, contributing to early-stage team growth and solidifying Amazon Music’s talent base
    • Designed and executed specialized recruitment strategies that significantly reduced hiring time by 20% for crucial roles
    • Enhanced employer branding and talent outreach for the Amazon Music division, increasing applications from top-tier engineering talent by 30%
    • Implemented comprehensive candidate assessment frameworks, elevating hiring standards and team performance
  • Microsoft

    Microsoft

    Senior Recruiter

    May 2008 - Dec 2010

    Microsoft specializes in software development, offering products and services including cloud computing and the Microsoft Office suite.

    • Spearheaded recruitment efforts for engineering roles, significantly enhancing Microsoft’s technical talent pool
    • Utilized competitive intelligence and market insights to develop targeted recruitment campaigns, reducing hiring cycles by 15%
    • Collaborated closely with hiring managers to ensure alignment of recruitment strategies with departmental goals and projects
    • Pioneered innovative candidate engagement and experience initiatives, leading to a 35% increase in offer acceptance rates

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