Mercuri Urval Appoints Global Practice Head of Financial Services Practice
February 20, 2024 – Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has named Thorsten Kocherscheidt as global practice head of its financial services practice. “MU has a clear strategy that aims to constantly strengthen our position in the leadership segment, international business, and industry expertise,” the search firm said. “Our plan is to grow all these areas with care and continue to strengthen our work for our clients. Hence, MU are delighted to announce that Thorsten Kocherscheidt, group director MU, has been appointed global practice head for our financial services practice to meet the increasing demand in the market.”
Mr. Kocherscheidt has more than 30 years of experience in financial services in multiple C-suite positions and extensive experience in executive search in EMEA. He covers clients globally in the areas of executive search, executive coaching, human capital management, leadership, team coaching, organizational change and development, culture shaping, and DEI.
Mr. Kocherscheidt has a strong reputation as a specialist particularly for female and diverse leaders for executive board, NED, and senior leadership positions in the global insurance and asset management business. He joined the firm in 2022 from Heidrick & Struggles, where he co-led the insurance practice for Europe and Africa. Mr. Kocherscheidt will continue to develop his client base in the insurance/insurtech, asset management, and banking industry practices worldwide. He is also a consultant for the leadership advisory across all topics in human capital management and a top executive coach for individuals and teams.
Related: Mercuri Urval Appoints Leader of Americas Business
Mercuri Urval is a global executive search and talent advisory firm. The firm was founded in 1967. Today, Mercuri Urval works with more than 3,000 clients – across all sectors – in over 70 countries every year. It is the only global executive search and leadership advisory firm based in the Nordics.
Recent Growth
Mercuri Urval recently launched a new board and CEO practice. “MU board and CEO practice is our response to the increasing demand for our services in the realm of board and CEO recruitment and advice,” said Christian Schaffenberger and Mieke Weijenberg, global board and CEO practice leads and partners at MU.
“MU provides a reliable alternative for board and CEO acquisition and development,” the search firm said. “Our expert’s advice, based on MU leader selection science, leads to improved performance and diversity of leaders. In organizations’ own unique context, we now offer science-based, tested and proven recruitment, selection, and development services for boards and CEOs. The services provided are mainly tailored towards SME boards – i.e. family businesses, private firms, small and mid-sized corporations.”
Mercuri Urval Acquires Delta Management Consultants
Mercuri Urval (MU) has acquired German executive search firm Delta Management Consultants GmbH. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are pleased to be acquiring such a longstanding firm with such exceptional colleagues,” said Richard Moore, CEO. “Together we will create even further value for both our clients. Today clients need effective, sustainable, and diverse leadership more than ever. Acquiring and improving leadership is the greatest challenge organizations face – and the only way they can sustainably outperform.”
“As a 55-year-old, foundation-owned firm, sustainable growth is very important for Mercuri Urval,” Mr. Moore said. “Our company has had a sustained, stable, and strong performance and this acquisition is the latest strategic decision to further strengthen that. The acquisition of Delta Management Consultants will ensure we continue to deliver outstanding results for all our clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.”
Mr. Schaffenberger has been with MU since 2001 and is based in Zurich/Switzerland. In his senior role, he is responsible for the board and executive search in Switzerland. Over the years Mr. Schaffenberger has had several roles on MU Group level, working as an expert focused on C-level in executive search. He works with multinationals, private companies as well as foundations and has specialized in the fields of the industrial sector (including property/construction) retail and aviation.
Ms. Weijenberg, located in Amsterdam, is also a member of the MU Group board. In addition to her role as global practice head and board member, she was appointed partner in Mercuri Urval in 2018. Ms. Weijenberg works with clients in Mid-Cap and SME companies (family businesses, private firms) in the Netherlands and worldwide, on leadership acquisition and -advisory and board development.
Related: Mercuri Urval Group Appoints Sector Leader
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
