Odgers Berndtson Names Head of Scale Up Collective U.S.
November 20, 2024 – Odgers Berndtson has appointed Rupert Lion as partner, technology practice and head of Scale Up Collective U.S. “We are excited to welcome Rupert to our team during this pivotal moment for the tech industry, marked by unprecedented innovation,” said Kennon Kincaid, CEO, Odgers Berndtson U.S. “Rupert will make an immediate impact, ensuring our clients have access to the modern solutions they need to thrive in an ever-evolving market. His solid reputation in the industry precedes him, and his experience will be incredibly valuable to our clients as they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the technology sector.”
“Rupert’s appointment reflects Odgers Berndtson’s commitment to supporting technology companies at various stages of their growth journey,” said Michael Drew, U.K. partner and global practice lead, technology & IT services. “I look forward to collaborating with him to drive the Scale Up Collective’s growth in the United States, building on its successes in the U.K. and Asia Pacific.”
“The tech sector is in a constant loop of innovation and disruption with AI driving the latest tranche of digital transformation,” said Anthony Batchelor, chief commercial officer and head of the technology & professional services practices in Canada. “Rupert’s deep sector knowledge and insights will enhance our ability to effectively address the unique leadership challenges within the tech industry.”
Mr. Lion, based in Austin, TX, will leverage his experience as a former senior technology partner at global executive search and consulting firms Renovata & Company, 360Leaders, and Boyden to help early-stage and growth-stage companies, private-equity backed businesses, and tech organizations identify top talent to drive their strategic goals and growth. In addition, he will head the Scale Up Collective in the U.S., a group that supports the talent agenda through board builds and leadership hiring for investor backed businesses.
A former tech entrepreneur and founder, he is experienced in navigating the complexities specific to the technology industry. Furthermore, in his role as managing partner at a tech boutique and organizational strategy firm, he regularly served clients across the tech sector, focusing on private equity investors, venture capitalists, and scale-ups. His earlier professional experiences include working in strategy consulting for global firms Deloitte, OC&C, and Morgan Stanley.
“I’m very excited and proud to join Odgers Berndtson, a global leader with a dedicated technology practice and a track record of assisting the world’s best venture capital and private equity firms,” said Mr. Lion. “In this time of significant change in the technology landscape, I’m eager to work with my talented colleagues across the business to provide unmatched leadership solutions that will help our clients navigate the complexities and opportunities of this digital era.”
Related: Odgers Berndtson Aligns U.S. and Canadian Businesses
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 named Julia Robarts as country as head of the Canadian education practice. Ms. Robarts joined Odgers Berndtson 17 years ago and has become a trusted advisor to universities, colleges, and schools across the country. Over the last 15 years, Ms. Robarts has contributed to placing more than 350 of Canadian leaders in government, higher education, healthcare, and charities.
“I’m very happy to share that I’ll be leading our work across the country as head of our Canadian education practice,” said Ms. Robarts. “It’s an incredible honor to support our top schools, colleges, and universities in building outstanding teams. Huge thanks are owed to Colleen Keenan for her mentorship over the years and our excellent team of experts, Andrea Patrick, Nick Ketley, Krutika Hotwani, and Dave Nazareth. I’m looking forward to what this next year will bring.”
Odgers Berndtson also 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.”
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.
Related: Odgers Berndtson Launches Health and Wellness Recruiting Practice
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
