KBRS Appoints Regional Head, DEI Co-Lead
April 16, 2024 – Nova Scotia-headquartered executive search firm KBRS has named Ryna Young as regional head, executive search and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) co-lead, based in Toronto, Ontario. “We have witnessed significant growth in demand for trusted talent advisors, nationally,” said Andrea Forbes Hurley, managing partner of executive search at KBRS. “We’ve placed hundreds of leaders in education, public, private, and non-profit sectors across Canada in the last five years alone. Ryna will play an integral role in expanding our holistic approach to talent strategy and executive search for organizations both in the Ontario region and across the country.”
With over two decades of experience in executive search, supporting both organizations and their leaders, Ms. Young brings a wealth of knowledge in providing integrated leadership solutions. She joins a team of over 70 professionals dedicated to delivering integrated talent solutions tailored to client needs including search, professional recruitment, assessment, talent and succession development, coaching, DEI strategy and advisory, career transition and more. In addition to leading executive search work, Ms. Young will collaborate with DEI co-lead, Amorell Saunders N’Daw, to continue to support clients with diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies, through equitable practices, informed counsel, and proven approaches.
Ms. Young most recently served as partner, executive search & head of diversity, equity and inclusion practice with Odgers Berndtson. Prior to that, she served as managing director, executive search with Optimum Talent. Before this, Ms. Young was partner, executive interim management at LHH Knightsbridge.
“Our team has a uniquely grounded approach that combines the expertise of an organization operating under the highest industry standards, with a people-centric focus and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Kevin Stoddart, managing partner, KBRS. “We’re not just doing business – we’re building lasting relationships. Our commitment to quality service has fueled our success for nearly 50 years and we are confident that Ryna’s expertise will enhance this commitment.”
“Organizations require integrated leadership solutions to achieve their goals and create lasting positive change,” said Ms. Young. “I know KBRS shares this view, and I am excited to bring our services to new clients across Ontario and nationally. I am also thrilled to join an organization that is more than 65 percent female owned. In a world where women are still under-represented at the highest levels of leadership, achieving greater gender parity signifies an authentic commitment to ongoing progress and embracing diverse perspectives.”
Related: The Bridge Between Talent and Value
KBRS, founded in 1975, has an extensive record of experience in executive search in Canada. The firm has a team of over 60 professionals located in offices in Halifax, Moncton, St. John’s, Edmonton and Toronto. The firm works in partnership with Lee Hecht Harrison Knightsbridge’s 27 offices across Canada and Knightsbridge Amrop’s network of more than 80 offices in 50 countries, giving KBRS both local presence and global reach.
Recent Search
KBRS recently assisted in the recruitment of Charles A. Diab as the new CEO of the Chalmers Foundation. “The Chalmers Foundation is pleased to welcome Charles into the top role,” said Mark MacMillan, chair of the board of directors. “The search for a new CEO was an extensive process with close to 100 applicants. Our hiring committee worked closely with employment agency KBRS to ensure we found the best possible fit for the foundation. We offer sincere thanks to interim CEO Doug Daley, and the staff for their invaluable contributions over the last six months, and for their help in the transition process.”
Following a career in the corporate world, Mr. Diab transitioned to the not-for-profit sector via Abu Dhabi University as executive director advancement and alumni affairs. Since 2013, he has led major fundraising and partnership efforts, and in September 2020 he returned to Toronto where he continued to grow his skillset and passion for community building. “The Chalmers Foundation’s commitment to supporting healthy, caring communities aligns perfectly with my personal values, and I am excited to bring my expertise and passion to the role of CEO, working alongside the dedicated team to advance the foundation’s mission,” said Mr. Diab.
Related: 7 Ways to Unlock Value with Executive Search Firms
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
