Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints Head of India Practice
March 5, 2024 – Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has named Puneet Kalra as the head of India practice, taking over the leadership role from Sachin Rajan. “I am delighted to be taking over the leadership of a fabulous team in India and we will continue to deliver the highest quality of work to our clients,” said Puneet Kalra, managing director and head of Russell Reynolds Associates India. “India is a strong growth story for us and we are committed to investing in this very attractive market,” said Filiep Deforche, regional leader.
Since opening the India offices in 2006, Russell Reynolds Associates (India) has undertaken over 2,000 assignments partnering with several clients in matters of board effectiveness, CEO & C-suite succession, executive search and leadership development.
India is uniquely positioned on the world stage. A stable macro environment, favorable geopolitics and affirmative investments in key sectors are providing several industries and companies a unique opportunity to be globally competitive. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Indian economy is nominally worth $3.46 trillion; it is the fifth-largest economy by market exchange rates and is, stands around $11.6 trillion, the third-largest by purchasing power parity. Major industries include textiles, telecommunications, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food processing, steel, transport equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, and software. India ranks 17th in financial market sophistication, 24th in the banking sector, 44th in business sophistication, and 39th in innovation, ahead of several advanced economies.
Mr. Kalra is based in New Delhi and worked in management consulting with Accenture and the Monitor Group before joining Russell Reynolds Associates in 2010. He advises corporate boards and CEOs on a range of priority issues, including corporate governance, succession planning, board and committee evaluation, activism, digital transformation, diversity, and governance benchmarking. Mr. Kalra also leads the technology sector in India for Russell Reynolds, driving strategy for the Asia Pacific region. In addition, he leads the global business & professional services practice. Mr. Kalra has led board, CEO, and CxO searches, as well as leadership advisory and succession mandates with both multinational and Indian heritage companies. He has conducted several high-level searches for public and private companies.
Related: Russell Reynolds Associates Acquires Kilberry
Russell Reynolds Associates is a global leadership advisory and search firm. Its 520-plus consultants in 47 offices work with public, private, and non-profit organizations across all industries and regions. The firm also conducts in-depth organizational culture assessment and measures the cultural fit of key leadership and candidates in the following areas: arts and culture, global development, higher education, non-profit health and human services, public sector, social justice and advocacy, as well as trade and professional associations.
Russell Reynolds Associates Acquires Savage Partners
Russell Reynolds Associates has acquired Savage Partners, a boutique executive search firm that serves growth equity and private equity-backed software companies across North America. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Intrepid Investment Bankers acted as the strategic advisor to Russell Reynolds Associates in the transaction. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, a Connecticut-based human capital M&A advisory firm, served as the strategic advisor to Savage Partners. “Savage Partners is a trophy property and their acquisition by Russell Reynolds Associates will be beneficial to clients across the tech space as the sector continues to evolve with its insatiable demand for senior-level leadership talent,” said Scott A. Scanlon, CEO of Hunt Scanlon Ventures, based in Greenwich, Conn.
The firm provides executive search services across all areas of the global media, entertainment, technology, and athletics markets. The firm’s consultants bring the experience and ability to assess competencies and cultural fit of board members, CEOs, senior functional leadership and players, with expertise in professional sports teams and leagues (CEOs, general managers, coaches and players); digital, media and entertainment; and technology-based start-ups.
New Leader in China
Russell Reynolds recently appointed Sherman Leung as the head of Greater China practice, taking over the leadership role from Grace Cheng to lead the business growth and operations in China. “With over 20 years of experience, Sherman Leung possesses extraordinary vision and leadership in market expansion and client success,” said Ms. Cheng, non-executive chairman. “His appointment indicates a significant step to the firm’s development in China. I believe that under his leadership, the firm will effectively execute our strategy in the Chinese market and create sustainable value for clients.”
Mr. Leung brings his global network and consulting experience to the firm and serves clients with advisory services. He will continue to serve the firm as non-executive chairman of Greater China.
Related: Russell Reynolds Associates Adds Veteran Search Consultants
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
