Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints Head of the U.K. and Co-Head for EMEA
June 11, 2024 – Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has named Nanaz Mohtashami as head of the U.K. succeeding Laura Sanderson who will assume a new role as co-head of Europe, Middle East, and India. Ms. Mohtashami, a seasoned leadership executive with over 15 years of experience in leadership advisory, has been with Russell Reynolds since 2013. She previously ran Russell Reynolds’ global medtech practice, working globally with clients. Ms. Mohtashami has experience building multinational teams to support high profile appointments and succession planning projects. In her new role, she will look to build upon the firm’s leadership expertise at a time when U.K. leaders face economic challenges at home, geopolitical risk overseas and a growing urgency to respond to technological and environmental change.
“Good leadership is desperately important to the U.K. today,” said Ms. Mohtashami. “It is a privilege to support the next generation of leaders, as the decisions they make influence our economy, our environment and our values. Our role, as ever, is to listen to clients, build lasting relationships and guide them through this period of significant change.”
“I have experienced the best that Russell Reynolds has to offer, not just in the U.K. but across our network of exceptional global consultants,” Ms. Mohtashami said. “I look forward to unlocking this expertise for our U.K. clients at a time when business success is deeply tied to the global economic, political and technological landscape.”
Laura Sanderson, with 20 years of expertise in executive search and leadership advisory, will become co-head of Europe, Middle East, and India alongside Filiep Deforche in Brussels. Russell Reynolds U.K. saw significant growth under Ms. Sanderson’s leadership, with her expert advice on CEOs. In addition to her new position, she will continue her role as co-lead of the board and CEO advisory practice in Europe.
“This is an exciting but also sobering time for leaders in Europe” said Ms. Sanderson. “Businesses face the opportunities of generative AI, the threat of geopolitical disruption and feel the weight of responsibility created by the climate crisis. In an era where we need to look primarily to business rather than governments to play a role in addressing some of our largest societal challenges, companies need to demonstrate an understanding of their broader social role. I look forward to working with my colleagues throughout the region to help our clients build and develop diverse leadership teams which can embrace these challenges.
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.
Related: Russell Reynolds Associates Names Head of Greater China
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.
Newly Appointed Leaders
Last month, Russell Reynolds named Nicolas Manset as the head of the Middle East. He now leads the firm’s operations across the Gulf Cooperation Council and neighboring countries, continuing to build on the company’s strategic partnerships in the Middle East. “Nicolas’ appointment indicates the firm’s strong commitment to enhancing relationships and building further business opportunities across the region,” said Filiep Deforche, co-lead of Russell Reynolds Associates EMEA. “His proven track record of delivering transformative leadership solutions, combined with his uniquely global and culturally sensitive approach, makes him the ideal leader for the firm’s development in this market.”
With over 30 years of international experience, Mr. Manset has a wealth of expertise, with a particular focus on asset and wealth management and global banking. He has worked on assignments across a range of senior executive positions around the world, including CEOs, chief investment officers, and non-executive roles. He also helps private equity funds, insurers, and asset management firms build and strengthen their boards and leadership teams. Mr. Manset has been with Russell Reynolds Associates for more than 20 years. He began his career in corporate communications at JP Morgan in Paris.
Russell Reynolds also recently named Gemma Burgess as a managing director to join Deb Barbanel as co-lead of the global real estate practice. She is jointly based in the firm’s New York and Chicago offices. “We welcome Gemma and the experience she brings to the Russell Reynolds team,” said Constantine Alexandrakis, CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates. “With her wealth of knowledge across international markets and both institutional and non-institutional capital in the global real estate industry, we look forward to what we can accomplish under her leadership alongside Deb Barbanel’s in this complex and expanding industry.”
Related: Russell Reynolds Associates Names Chief People Officer
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media