Chris Batz is the founder of The Lion Group and brings more than 12 years of experience in legal and executive search. As Founder & Senior Advisor, Chris continues to serve as a trusted connector, strategic advisor, and advocate for clients and candidates while stepping back from day-to-day leadership.

“I was connecting people before I knew I could get paid for it.”

Clients and candidates often describe Chris as genuine, warm, and curious. With a background in public accounting, business development, entrepreneurship, strategic thinking, and marketing, Chris has built his career around helping people and organizations move forward with clarity and confidence.

He is a connector and catalyst for his clients’ goals, known for seeing the big picture while still paying attention to the details that matter.

What should you expect when working with Chris?

“I am a detailed Type A, patient, trustworthy advocate. I am a high-level strategic thinker, but I can also shift to the nitty-gritty details. I live outside the box. I think big. I deliver in the present but live in the future. I am bold and open doors for people who may not have the time or desire to do so themselves. You can expect prompt, honest service.”

Chris is originally from St. Louis, was raised in South Florida, and completed two accounting degrees in Indiana. Since 2011, he and his wife, daughter, son, and pug have called Kansas City home.

As a family, they value courage, kindness, connection, and celebration.

Fun Facts:
My vice is books. I am a life long learner and tend to read a stack of books at once. I study businesses and am a long-term investor of publicly traded companies.

I’m an ENTP. 

Raised in an entrepreneur’s household with my 3 brothers. Competition & determination is part of my DNA. Growing up in Kansas City, I have strong opinions on where to find the best BBQ as well who the best QB in the league is. I came to The Lion Group with a strong background in sales and talent acquisition and enjoyed my previous roles focused on serving executives in the healthcare market.

I love the hunt when it comes to recruiting. Learning what a client is looking for and then going into the market and finding the top talent to meet their needs is a thrill. I also enjoy speaking with folks about their career objectives and bringing value and insight on how they might reach those.

Fun Facts:

• I am married to a Scientist and yes, she uses a lot of big words.
• Most Wednesday nights you will find me at our Church’s Youth group refereeing (and most of the time playing) dodge ball as well as mentoring a group of 6th grade boys.
• I love to camp and travel, my favorite places are Tucson, AZ & Portland, OR.

Since joining The Lion Group in September 2022, Bea has been instrumental in streamlining executive operations and enhancing productivity within the company.

Recognized as a “rockstar in research,” Bea excels in gathering essential contact information and conducting in-depth investigations for various projects. Her analytical skills and attention to detail make her a valuable asset in generating crucial data that supports strategic decisions.

Bea’s remarkable ability to manage a diverse range of tasks from a remote location highlights her exceptional organizational skills and her commitment to ensuring the smooth operation of business functions at The Lion Group.

Fun Facts:

• Bea’s all-time favorite series is FRIENDS where she rewatches the series at least 3 times per year and would never get bored of it!
• In her high school days, Bea was a member of their soccer varsity team and was her batch’s Vice Governor during her senior year.

I’m young, hungry, and love to hustle. Growing up a Pastor’s kid, interpersonal skills were a requirement. After discovering a passion for business and participating in various startups through high school and college, recruiting is where my passion for people, love for incentivized work, and new business development have met.

Two things get me out of bed in the morning, helping clients meet their business objectives by getting the right people on their team, and helping candidates advance their careers with rockstar companies. Of course, meeting new people, hearing their stories, and participating in their life aspirations is not a bad gig either.

Fun Facts:

• I love simple competition. Board games, yard games, organized sports. You name it and that is what I want to do in my free time.
• I love my wife, dog, piano (there are few things in life that make me feel more alive than playing Charlie Brown Christmas on a Yamaha Baby Grand), and lifting heavy weights.
• On Wednesday nights you’ll find me at our Church’s youth group and on Sunday morning tickling the ivories for the worship team.