Odgers Berndtson Names Head of the Canadian Education Practice
November 1, 2024 – Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has 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.
“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.”
Over the last 15 years, Ms. Robarts has contributed to placing more than 350 of Canadian leaders in government, higher education, healthcare, and charities. She is a certified human resources leader and holds a master of science in organizational and social psychology from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a bachelor of commerce from the University of Windsor.
“As an executive search partner in Odgers Berndtson’s education practice, I help academic institutions across Canada recruit exceptional leaders and team members,” Ms. Robarts said in a LinkedIn post. Leveraging my deep experience and nuanced understanding of the education ecosystem, I help guide my clients in navigating the complexities of the collegial executive search process. I am committed to attracting candidates who bring new perspectives and I take great pride in helping build vibrant learning communities, from kindergarten through to university.”
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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
In September, 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 Kennon Kincaid, CEO of Odgers Berndtson USA. “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.”
Dr. Cortes is a forward-thinking leader with business acumen and talent for implementing new structures to enhance organizational operating efficiencies and increase enrollment and revenues in a fiscally responsible manner. He has relationship-building skills and has cultivated private, business, community, government, and global partnerships. 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.”
“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.”
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
