Boyden Elects Chair and Names New Global Board Members

June 11, 2021 – Boyden has elected Craig Stevens to a two-year term as chairman. Three new board members have also been elected: Dina Akimova, managing partner, Russia; Kathleen Dunton, managing partner, Germany and EMEA leader, private equity & venture capital practice; and Kristen Smit, managing partner, France. Jim Harmon, managing partner, Canada, was re-elected. Board members completing their service are Ulrich Schumann, managing partner, Germany and Kjetil Haug-Nodeland, managing partner, Norway.

“It is an honor to serve Boyden as chair of the board,” said Mr. Stevens. “My predecessor, Jörg Kasten, and our esteemed president and CEO, Trina Gordon, were exceptional leaders in navigating the pandemic recession. I am energized to work with the board to support our partners, as they collaborate with our clients across the globe to build high performing executive teams that are prepared to address rapidly evolving challenges.”

Mr. Stevens, who had previously served as Americas director on the board is also managing partner, United States and a member of the firm’s global technology, CEO & board services, professional services and social impact practices.

Ms. Akimova is managing partner and leader of Boyden’s Russia office. She focuses on C-level searches and provides clients with broad industry expertise, particularly in industry and financial services.

Ms. Dunton is managing partner, Germany and EMEA leader of Boyden’s private equity and venture capital practice. A member of Boyden’s global Industrial practice, she has expertise in the professional services, industrial machinery and chemical sectors.

Ms. Smit is managing partner, France. She is a member of Boyden’s global healthcare & life sciences and industrial practices, and provides board services and leadership development expertise to clients. Ms. Smith is a former member of Boyden’s board.

Expansion Plans

Boyden, headquartered in Purchase, NY, is a leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 65 offices in over 40 countries. It continues to expand and add talent across several global regions.

Here are some related Boyden news items from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:

Boyden has opened a new office in Dublin which will be led by partners Kevin Keegan and Maurice Carr. Dubbed Boyden Ireland, the location will focus on executive search, interim management, and leadership consulting. “Ireland has consolidated its position as a bridgehead for Europe and has significant potential both for our existing clients and domestic Irish firms,” said Nick Robeson, managing partner of Boyden U.K. and Ireland.

Boyden has named Gilbert J. Carrara as a managing partner and Americas leader for the firm’s healthcare and life sciences practice. Dr. Carrara joins Boyden from Battalia Winston, where he served as a partner. Before that, he was managing director, North American healthcare practice at Nicholson International.

Boyden opened a new office in Edmonton, Alberta, led by new partner Lindsay Osmond. “Serving our many clients in Northern Alberta has always been a priority to us at Boyden,” said Robert Travis, managing partner, Boyden United States and Canada. “We are thrilled that Lindsay will lead the office, bringing her exceptional drive and business leadership to clients and colleagues throughout Canada and worldwide.”

Boyden is expanding into Greece and Cyprus, hiring Anny S. Chatzikonstantinou to lead the firm’s new location. “We know these are challenging times for people in Greece and Cyprus and Boyden does not shy away from countries experiencing adversity,” said Trina Gordon, president and CEO of Boyden. “Greece has attracted significant foreign investment in recent years. The full array of Boyden’s global capabilities is at Anny’s disposal to help her clients maintain momentum in a complex environment.”

Boyden appointed Dina Akimova as managing partner and leader of the firm’s fully integrated brand, Boyden Russia. A distinguished expert in C-level executive search, Ms. Akimova first worked with Boyden in 2016, and returns to lead the business with a team of seven, including a number of former Boyden colleagues. Fluent in Russian, English and Italian, she offers broad industry experience, with particular expertise in industry and financial services. Ms. Akimova began her search career in 2005 and also gained prior recruiting experience with Ward Howell.

Boyden added Liesl Forve, who will serve as a partner and attend to clients throughout California. Boyden has seen strong growth in the U.S., particularly on the West Coast. The firm has doubled the number of partners there in the last six months. Joining Boyden’s global industrial, social impact and human resources practices, Ms. Forve has a strong track record in enabling clients to acquire C-suite and senior-level executives. She covers finance, human resources, marketing, sales and operations leaders.