LHH Knightsbridge Assists Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes, with CEO Search
December 20, 2023 – LHH Knightsbridge has assisted in the recruitment of Beverly Kobe as the new president and CEO of Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes. Partner Tara Veysey led the assignment. She succeeds Michelle Quintyn, who will remain with the organization for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition of her role and responsibilities. “This is an exciting time of growth and innovation at Goodwill,” said Mehendi Kamani, board chair. “We are thrilled to have Bev as Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes’ president and chief executive officer to further our commitment to transforming communities and empowering individuals through the power of work. With a track record of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission, Bev is poised to lead Goodwill into a new era of impact, innovation, and growth.”
Ms. Kobe has been with Goodwill since 2008, advancing in leadership roles, most recently fulfilling a dual role, serving as executive director for Goodwill’s Career Centers and chief mission advancement officer for the broader organization.
Ms. Kobe is a purpose driven leader with a focus on driving strategy forward, building culture and advancing people toward prosperity. She introduced an equity, diversity and inclusion and anti-racism anti-oppression strategy led by an engaged taskforce and continues to lead and innovate as we strive to build equity, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of our organization. Ms. Kobe was integral in the launch of a comprehensive wellness program, overseeing the delivery of a mental health action plan to support Goodwill employees as they continue to navigate stressors created by the pandemic and other societal disruptors.
Ms. Kobe is an Ivey Business School ‘Community Shift’ fellow, an elite program and credential for Canadian leaders of not-for-profit organizations with a focus on organizational development, change management strategies and leadership awareness. She is currently enrolled in the Goodwill Industries International Executive Development Program, a learning experience focused on results and performance for social enterprise, organizational change and diagnosis, advocacy and public policy, culture, and leadership.
“The power of work is transformative – it provides a sense of purpose and belonging,” said Ms. Kobe. “I welcome the opportunity to lead this dedicated, talented team as we continue to grow our business, and grow our impact on individuals and communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to further Goodwill’s mission of changing lives and communities through the power of work.”
Related: 5 Ways Leaders Can Drive Successful Employee Development Programs
Goodwill Industries is a network of 162 community-based, autonomous organizations in the U.S. and Canada with a presence in 13 other countries. It provides job training, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have barriers preventing them from otherwise obtaining a job.
Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes is located in communities across Southwestern Ontario and the GTA including the regions of Windsor, Sarnia Lambton, Chatham, Goderich, Strathroy, London, Woodstock, St. Thomas, Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener/Waterloo, Mississauga, Newmarket, and many communities in between.
Serving Canada
LHH Knightsbridge Search delivers expertise in four search practice areas: executive search and recruitment, interim executive management, board of directors’ search, and recruitment solutions. The firm assists organizations in finding new talent, as well as helping their employees navigate change, become better leaders, develop better careers and transition into new jobs. The firm is led by president Jim Mitchell. He is responsible for all Canada operations of the firm across all lines of business: career solutions, talent and leadership development, and executive search and recruitment. Mr. Mitchell is a member of the executive committee for both Lee Hecht Harrison Knightsbridge and Lee Hecht Harrison globally.
Ms. Veysey’s practice focuses on VP and C-level level mandates where she partners with clients primarily in the financial services and professional services sectors to help them advance their businesses through the acquisition and optimization of executive talent. Having built relationships and subject matter expertise across LHH’s various practices during her 14 year tenure as a senior consultant and VP, business development, she works particularly closely with the leadership development and career transition and mobility teams at LHH, crafting solutions that incorporate assessment, search, and coaching elements.
Related: LHH Knightsbridge Assists the Toronto Community Housing Corporation with CEO Search
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
