Odgers Berndtson Aligns U.S. and Canadian Businesses
November 7, 2024 – Odgers Berndtson has announced that their businesses in the United States and Canada will implement a unified go-to-market strategy; thereby, further enhancing the firm’s ability to offer industry-specific expertise and market intelligence for clients operating on both sides of the border. As part of this alignment, the firm will continue to offer a full suite of integrated leadership solutions including board and executive search; interim management; leadership & team assessment and coaching; succession management; and DEI advisory.
“Going to market as a North American firm is another way that we are prioritizing clients, candidates, and colleagues,” said Kennon Kincaid, CEO of Odgers Berndtson U.S. “We understand the modern leadership challenges our clients are dealing with, and we recognize that by further aligning the U.S. and Canadian businesses we will be poised to offer the best leadership solutions in the market delivered by the most talented experts in the industry.”
“This increased collaboration between the U.S. and Canadian teams will foster an environment of mutual growth and learning as we continue to enhance our integrated leadership advisory model,” said Carl Lovas, chairman and CEO of Odgers Berndtson Canada. “We have tremendous respect for the U.S. business and its colleagues, and we are delighted to work even more closely with them to provide tailored solutions that leverage over three decades of Canadian experience and international roots dating back over five decades.”
“By uniting our collective strengths, vast experience, deep industry knowledge, and proven best practices, we are laying a strong foundation for continued growth in both Canada and the United States,” said Brad Beveridge, president, Odgers Berndtson Canada. “The alignment of our two businesses amplifies our scale and relevance in both markets. Together, we have some of the most respected experts in the executive talent industry, and I’m excited by the impact this increased collaboration will achieve.”
As a first step in the alignment of the two businesses, the marketing and communications team has transitioned to a North American structure under the leadership of Lori Dyne, chief marketing officer. This unified approach will guarantee that the thought leadership the firm produces as a value-add for clients and candidates, and the client experience online represents one firm with a North American perspective.
Odgers Berndtson delivers executive search, leadership assessment, and development strategies to organizations globally. The firm’s 250-plus partners cover more than 50 sectors and operate out of 59 offices in 29 countries.
Recent Growth
Just recently, Odgers Berndtson appointed Dario Cortes as partner and co-head, education practice. “Our education clients invest in senior talent with the expertise and experience to manage institutional and social tensions, evolving fiscal circumstances, and an urgent need to drive impactful innovation,” said Mr. Kincaid. “Dr. Cortes possesses unparalleled first-hand experience as an academic and business leader. Welcoming him to our team will ensure we continue to deliver talent that can exceed our clients’ needs and affirm our position as a global leader in senior recruitment for the educational sector.”
Related: Odgers Berndtson Launches Health and Wellness Recruiting Practice
Prior to joining Odgers Berndtson, Dr. Cortes was elected to serve as commissioner of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and worked as a senior consultant with the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) in Washington, D.C.
Earlier this year, Odgers Berndtson named Marisa Smith as partner and head of its U.S. automotive and mobility practice. “Marisa’s extensive experience and strategic vision are exactly what we need to enhance our leadership in the automotive and mobility sectors and support our ambitious growth strategy in the U.S.,” said Mr. Kincaid. “Her proven track record and unique perspective will be invaluable as we continue to expand our industrial practice and reinforce our commitment to being at the forefront of industrial technology markets.”
Odgers Berndtson U.S. and SurePeople Launch Onboarding Program
Odgers Berndtson U.S. and SurePeople have launched a new onboarding program leveraging SurePeople’s platform, powered by the Prism psychometric algorithm and Harvard Business Publishing content. “Our executive onboarding program complements the executive search process by blending the experience of our human capital practice with robust psychometric data to generate actionable insights that help new leaders, and their teams, during the first 120 days,” said Jon Barney, industrial sector practice leader at Odgers Berndtson. “Powered by SurePeople’s patented technology and Harvard Business Publishing’s world-class content, this innovative program leaps beyond conventional offerings.”
“Marisa’s appointment marks a significant step in strengthening our global automotive practice,” said Emanuel Pfister, global automotive lead. “Her expertise in executive search and her experience with clients across North America, Europe, and Asia will not only elevate our work in the U.S. but also enhance our global connectivity, ensuring we deliver unparalleled service to our clients worldwide. We are proud to have Marisa onboard, and look forward to the heights the U.S. automotive and mobility practice will reach under her leadership.”
“Marisa’s joining is a testament to our focus on industrial technology and our commitment to leadership in the automotive and mobility sectors,” said Jon Barney, head of Odgers Berndtson’s U.S. industrial practice. “Her vision for the practice aligns perfectly with our goals of providing exceptional talent solutions and thought leadership in industrial markets, especially at this time when they are undergoing significant transformation.”
Related: Odgers Berndtson Boosts Technology Practice, Scale-Up Offering
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
