Cornerstone International Group Names New Practice Leaders
January 5, 2022 – Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has named four new leadership appointments in its industrial practice. Walter Baker of Cornerstone Atlanta was recently named global industrial practice leader. Mr. Baker has over 25 years of experience in senior-level recruiting and assessments. He has been conducting senior-level recruiting and assessment assignments throughout the U.S., and globally, for more than 25 years.
A key component of Mr. Baker’s practice has been identifying and recruiting leaders for strategic global positions, with over 50 percent of his projects having been for executives to lead global or regional enterprises. More than 75 percent of his business is from repeat clients, and 70 percent of his work is for executive positions at the vice president level and above.
Laurie O’Donnell of Cornerstone Vancouver was named global aerospace and defense sector lead. Ms. O’Donnell has over 20 years of experience in the sector working for key global companies around the world. She is managing director of Cornerstone International Vancouver, a board director of Cornerstone, leads the industrial global practice group for shipbuilding, and is the global director of international coaching for the firm.
With over 20 years of experience in international executive search, Ms. O’Donnell has held numerous leadership roles since joining the organization in 2001. In Montreal, she was VP business development; in China she was managing director of the Beijing office; she has since returned to Canada, where she calls Vancouver home. Ms. O’Donnell has worked in the aerospace and defense and power generation sectors, serving key global companies around the world.
Stelios Pigadiotis of Cornerstone Dubai has been appointed global energy and cleantech sector lead. Mr. Pigadiotis has more than 25 years of expertise in leadership advisory, executive search, and training and development across various industries including industrials, hospitality, FMCG, retail, finance, professional services, healthcare, and life sciences sectors.
Jussi Pokkinen of Cornerstone Helsinki becomes global industrial equipment and manufacturing sector lead. He is recognized as a leading management review consultant in addressing the challenges of globalization, mobility, and innovation throughout an organization. Mr. Pokkinen gained expertise with large multinational corporations and private equity owned companies on both regional and global levels, focusing principally on strategic change. He has a particularly strong track record working with companies within the industrial, technology and service sectors.
“The industrial practice is one of our most important and one of the most diverse,” said Mr. Baker. “We are fortunate to have strong, knowledgeable members serving our clients in various sectors and global locations.”
Serving Clients Globally
Cornerstone International Group provides executive search and leadership development services to global roster of clients. Both before (with psychometric assessment) and after (onboarding) its search process, the firm looks to ensure the highest possible chance of success in filling talent needs, the firm said. Cornerstone has 66 experienced member firms in both developed and emerging markets worldwide.
Cornerstone recently announced changes in its leadership team: Edwin Yeo of Cornerstone Singapore has been appointed chair of the Asia-Pacific region; Diego Cubas of Cornerstone Lima was appointed chair of the Latin America region (LATAM); and Allan Rae, of Cornerstone Melbourne, will chair the member development committee.
“These appointments significantly strengthen our global network,” said Larry Shoemaker, president of Cornerstone International Group. “Edwin steps into a role previously filled on a temporary basis by Simon Wan, our chairman, and Diego is an ideal choice to continue the successful leadership established by Alejandra. Allan brings a wealth of experience to our member development team with a focus on the southern hemisphere.”
Related: Cornerstone International Group Names Managing Partner for Middle Eastern Region
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
