Korn Ferry Names Vice Chairman for Board and CEO Services Practice
July 23, 2021 – Korn Ferry has appointed Lauren Shin as vice chairman of its board and CEO services and global consumer practices. She will be based in the human capital consultancy’s New York office. “Lauren brings to Korn Ferry an exceptional track record of success, impeccable consumer industry knowledge and relationships at the highest levels,” said Doug Charles, president of Korn Ferry’s global consumer market. “Her understanding of the talent and leadership issues facing today’s senior executives and organizations, and the dramatic shifts impacting today’s workplace will be a great fit for Korn Ferry and our clients.”
Ms. Shin joins Korn Ferry from Russell Reynolds Associates, where she led the North America luxury, fashion and beauty practice working across a broad range of consumer verticals, including fashion and lifestyle, beauty and personal care, and other consumer packaged goods. Prior to this, she worked at Egon Zehnder, where she played a key role in developing the global luxury, fashion, and beauty practice.
In addition to her search and advisory experience, Ms. Shin has held a variety of senior leadership roles in strategy, business development and finance at Liz Claiborne, Ralph Lauren and NBC Universal. Earlier in her career she was an investment banker, most recently working with Morgan Stanley’s media and communications mergers and acquisitions department based in London and New York. Throughout her career, Ms. Shin has worked closely with C-suite executives and boards, and has vast experience offering leadership advisory services, including assessment and development, succession planning and organizational transformation assignments.
As vice chairman in Korn Ferry’s board and CEO services and global consumer practice, Ms. Shin advises board directors, CEOs and other C-suite leaders on search and advisory assignments. Her specialties include succession planning, assessment, development, and recruitment of high performing leaders for board, CEO, president, chief growth officer and COO/CFO positions. She serves a broad range of clients within the consumer sector and has deep expertise in fashion and lifestyle, beauty and personal care, food, and beverage, and omnichannel retail. Ms. Shin brings a global business perspective having lived and worked in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Recent Additions
Korn Ferry has experienced a wave of growth in recently months. In May, it named Alexander Strahl as a senior client partner and co-leader of its EMEA global technology practice. He is based in the firm’s Brussels office. “We are excited to have Alexander´s experience and leadership on board,” said Sonamara Jeffreys, co-president, EMEA, Korn Ferry. “He brings to Korn Ferry and our clients a wealth of international experience and has been a well-trusted advisor to leading private, large public and private equity-backed companies.” Mr. Strahl joins Korn Ferry from Spencer Stuart where he was the technology, media, and telecommunications practice leader in EMEA. Prior to this, he was working for Russell Reynolds Associates and Heidrick & Struggles as a core member of their technology practices.
Korn Ferry also recently appointed Charles Falcone as a senior client partner and global leader of its academic sector recruiting practice, including academic medicine and higher education. Based in Chicago, he also becomes director of the Korn Ferry Physician Leadership Institute. “Charlie has an exceptional reputation in the market and brings extensive advisory and search experience working on the successful recruitment of CEOs, chancellors, deans, presidents, chairs, chief medical officers and board-level assignments for academic institutions, health systems, and health-related associations and societies,” said Gregory Button, president of the firm’s global healthcare services practice. “He will be a great asset to our team.”
Korn Ferry appointed Michael Morcos as vice chairman of the firm’s CEO and board practice in EMEA. He is based between the Dubai and London offices. With more than 20 years of experience in international management consulting, recruiting and executive search, Mr. Morcos brings his expertise to clients on key issues such as board alignment, leadership development, post-merger integration and leadership assessment, and executive search. Mr. Morcos’ clients include global MNCs, ruling families, governments, SWFs, industrial conglomerates, and financial institutions.
“Michael is a widely respected leader with vast executive search and consulting experience spanning multiple industries,” said Pascal Gibert, co-president, EMEA, Korn Ferry. “He brings strong passion and fresh perspectives to our firm that will benefit our clients across the EMEA region and our colleagues. Michael will be a key addition to the Korn Ferry team, and we’re thrilled to have him.”
Korn Ferry also named Henrik Maartensson as a senior leader in the firm’s global private equity and industrial practices. Mr. Maartensson joins Korn Ferry from Spencer Stuart, where he co-led the firm’s EMEA region, bringing his leadership advisory experience to a range of board and C-level engagements for international companies. Previously, he led the firm’s global transformation program, and prior to that he served as global practice leader for the firm’s industrial and supply chain practices. “Henrik brings rich experience leading complex engagements while working with a broad scope of private equity and industrial organizations,” said Mr. Gibert. “He is a natural leader and trusted partner whose regional and industry experience will be an invaluable asset to our clients.”
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media