Korn Ferry Retained by Orbis International for CEO Search

June 6, 2025 – Korn Ferry was recently retained by Orbis International to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. This executive is responsible for providing vision, inspiration, and leadership to ensure the organization innovates and continues to deliver impactful programs and services to meet the needs of our global community and fulfil our mission. In collaboration with the board of directors, senior management, and staff, the CEO will drive the ongoing success and growth of the organization by formulating and executing on strategies for program growth and future eye-health care needs, revenue growth, human resources, and financial operations.

The CEO leads and partners with the senior management team to ensure programmatic and fundraising growth, as well as the effective execution of the organization’s strategic plan, fiscal responsibility, and strong, people-centered organizational culture. They serve as Orbis International’s chief representative and a primary spokesperson, increasing our visibility with donors, media, policymakers, partners, the global health community, and the public, and inspiring our Orbis team.

The CEO will play an active leadership role in developing new areas of program growth and sources of revenue for the organization to fund growth by strengthening relationships with existing donors and helping to identify and secure new funding sources in the private and public sectors. The CEO will be a strategic, dynamic, accomplished, high-energy, and creative senior executive with the ability to create a supportive and positive culture, rooted in trust, well-being, and shared purpose, for Orbis staff across the globe.

Those applying should have 10-15 years of proven executive management and leadership with a strong business and financial acumen in a complex, multi-stakeholder organization. They should have a deep commitment to the overall mission of Orbis International and its programs as well as passion and respect for global eye care issues. Proven success in developing and executing a strategic plan for program and revenue growth, and coalescing stakeholders around shared goals is needed for this role.

Here are a few more traits and characteristics that Korn Ferry is looking for in candidates:

• Fundraising experience at the highest levels; proven success generating meaningful revenue and cultivating new relationships to build a diversified donor and investor strategy, with the ability to communicate a compelling vision for investing in Orbis International.
• Demonstrated experience working successfully with major donors, corporations and foundations, including government and other bilateral and multilateral funders.
• Proven ability to serve as a principal spokesperson and brand ambassador, including with media, in global forums, and among the general public.
• Ability to build bridges and create innovative relationships with Orbis’ affiliates, country offices, Volunteer Faculty, strategic partners, donors, corporations, foundations, government and community leaders about the impact of Orbis International’s work.
• Experience, knowledge, and passion of the international development and health sector. Demonstrated ability and success in working with nonprofit organizations, corporations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and across geographies.
• Successful track record of recruiting, retaining, inspiring, motivating, and leading a cohesive and collaborative global team in fostering an environment of collaboration, accountability, trust, and integrity. Excellent people management and motivating skills.

For over 40 years, Orbis International has worked around the world to prevent blindness and restore sight for people. Founded and headquartered in New York City, Orbis is a global non-profit with a $270 million annual budget (approximately $50 million in cash expenditure and $220 million in gifts in kind) and 325 full-time employees, located across the United States and around the world. They are the only eye care non-profit delivering sight-saving programming in over 200 countries and territories.

Related: Korn Ferry Helps to Recruit CEO for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Korn Ferry is a Los Angeles-headquartered executive recruiter and leadership consultant and the largest globally and in the Americas. The firm’s 8,600 colleagues serve clients in more than 50 countries.

CTIA Search

Korn Ferry recently placed Ajit Pai as the new president and CEO of CTIA in Washington, D.C. “Ajit has played a pivotal role in leading our nation’s effort to promote broadband deployment and expand commercial access to spectrum,” said Laurent Therivel, CEO of UScellular and CTIA chairman of the board. “He is the proven leader we need to head our industry at this critical stage. CTIA is excited to welcome Ajit to help usher in an exciting new era for the wireless industry.”

Mr. Pai joined CTIA from Searchlight Capital Partners, a global private investment firm. He will replace Meredith Attwell Baker, who announced her retirement last December and has served in the role since 2014.

Established in 1984, CTIA represents the U.S. wireless communications industry and the companies throughout the mobile ecosystem that enable Americans to lead a 21st century connected life. The association’s members include wireless carriers, device manufacturers, suppliers as well as apps and content companies. CTIA vigorously advocates at all levels of government for policies that foster continued wireless innovation and investment.

Related: Korn Ferry Assists the Green Bay Packers with President and CEO Search

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media