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Baton Global

Certified Partner

About Baton Global

Inspiring our clients and communities by providing strategy, innovation, leadership, and research services that transform organizations worldwide.

As leading experts and academics, Bâton Global leverages the most cutting-edge techniques— from the boardroom and the classroom. Our network provides clients with the knowledge and skills of experienced industry professionals who are global experts in their respective domains to deliver insight — applied. We equip and partner with leaders at each client to exceed their goals and deliver independent and sustainable performance. In essence, B|G seeks to empower clients to meet their own needs now and in the future.

Team Leaders

Dr. Jeff Kappen

Dr. Jeff Kappen

Managing Partner

Jeff is a founder and managing partner of Bâton Global, a research-driven advisory firm working in the areas of strategy, leadership, and innovation. This includes serving as an advisor and consultant to private and public sector organizations supporting them with the development and execution of their global strategies, leadership development programs, and market analyses. Additionally, Jeff also directs Bâton Global’s global research practice. Jeff’s sector expertise includes agriculture, education, and energy. His regional expertise has focused on emerging markets, especially in Central Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Prior to transitioning into an advisory role, Jeff held positions in the areas of economic development and international sales and marketing.

Jeff has worked closely with public and non-profit sector clients of Bâton Global including the UAE Prime Minister’s Office, Bank Rakyat Malaysia, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, All Care Clinics, America’s Cultivation Corridor, Bravo Des Moines, the Iowa International Center, and Opportunity on Deck. Selected private sector clients include American Equity, Collins Aerospace, Corteva, Homesteader’s Life, and The Principal, a Fortune 200 insurance and asset management company.

Concurrent to his leadership role at Bâton Global, Jeff is also an Associate Professor of Management and International Business Drake University. In addition to teaching in the areas of leadership, management, global studies, and sustainable development, he maintains an active research agenda on the formation of transnational partnerships, the influence of culture and religion on business, and diversity in organizations. He recently served as director of the Principal Center for Global Citizenship and the Nelson Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs, through which he managed the international cocurricular programming of the university. Jeff is also active in the community serving on the boards of organizations focused on financial literacy, international relations, and environmental issues, and youth issues.

Jeff holds a B.A. with honors in International Relations, French, and Russian from Beloit College, a Master in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin, and a Ph.D. in Management and Organization Studies from the University of Massachusetts.

John T. Economos

John T. Economos

Consultant

As a consultant for Bâton, John approaches his work with a keen desire to deliver measurable value to stakeholders. Leading with empathy and diligence, John's role is to listen intently and learn quickly in order to understand a client's priorities, people, and processes; challenge the status quo in a direct and respectful manner; adapt to changing circumstances without losing sight of the bigger picture; and identify best practices amongst the clients he serves.

John has worked in central Iowa for 9 years as a consulting resource in environments ranging from a Fortune 200 company to a non-profit organization. Since joining Bâton in 2019, John has completed work with clients including the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Bankers Trust, Des Moines Area Community College, the Iowa Grocery Industry Association, and the Greater Des Moines Partnership. In June of 2021, John presented ‘Using People Analytics to Drive Workforce Engagement’ at the Iowa Association of Business and Industry’s (ABI) Taking Care of Business Conference.