RiseSmart, an outplacement firm acquired last year by Randstad Holding nv for $100 million, appointed Ian Dawson as chief sales officer effective today. The role is a new position within the firm.

Dawson most recently was senior VP of global solutions for Randstad Sourceright’s recruitment process outsourcing practice, responsible for the sale and design of some of the group's largest, most complex RPO deals, including global engagements.

Dawson will lead the company’s sales efforts and leverage Randstad’s network and global footprint.

“Ian is a dynamic leader with an extraordinary track record of driving sales excellence and growing Randstad’s RPO business, making him a natural fit for RiseSmart,” said RiseSmart founder and CEO Sanjay Sathé said. “This is an exciting inflection point for RiseSmart and great opportunity for Ian, who can harness the strengths and synergies of Randstad to drive our growth to the next level as we expand globally.”

Dawson has been with the Randstad team for the past 10 years. He was a senior VP with Aon Consulting earlier in his career. He joined Spherion (SFN Group) in 2005 and held a number of sales leadership positions until Randstad acquired Spherion in 2011. There he served as a member of the executive committee and oversaw the new business growth of the RPO business.