Russell Reynolds Associates Realigns Technology Practice
October 5, 2018 – The booming technology sector, vibrant even when the economy was softer, shows little sign of retreat, according to a host of recruiters who serve companies across the field. It continues, in fact, to produce capabilities and services that few imagined just a decade ago.
In response, Russell Reynolds Associates has realigned its technology practice in an effort to “better serve organizations across all industries recruit forward-thinking executives to enable end-to-end business transformation.”
Today’s pace of technology-enabled disruption is unprecedented. And in response Russell Reynolds has created an integrated strategy focused on end-to-end technology enablement to help its clients capitalize on this trend. This brings together expertise in digital transformation, data and analytics, artificial intelligence, IoT, XaaS, cybersecurity, blockchain, U/X and other emerging technology areas under one practice.
Firm leaders for industry verticals now partner with their technology practice colleagues to advise boards and C-suite executives on creating senior leadership teams that can tackle the challenges and create opportunities presented by emerging technologies, said Russell Reynolds.
“Previous conversations about digital transformation were focused mostly on adding new digital capabilities to augment existing business models,” said David Finke, co-leader of the technology practice and one of the founders of the firm’s digital transformation practice. “Today, legacy business models are colliding with technology-enabled disruption, creating the need to add technologically-minded change agents to boards and senior executive teams.”
“Whether in healthcare, financial services, consumer or industrial, leaders need to think and act more like technology companies,” said Nada Usina, co-leader of the technology practice at Russell Reynolds, who also co-founded the firm’s digital transformation practice. “Our firm is uniquely positioned to deliver advisory services that help boards and C-suites adapt their strategies in light of AI, blockchain and other technologies which may be redefining their business.”
Recent Expansion
Russell Reynolds Associates has added a number of new hires over the past year. Here’s a look at some key additions to the firm from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:
In July, the firm appointed former IBM finance executive Paul Ottolini as its CFO. He replaced Tom Kendall who retired earlier this year after serving the firm for 35 years in various capacities. In his new role, Mr. Ottolini will be responsible for managing the firm’s global financial operations, connecting strategy with performance and overseeing financial reporting and budget management.
Russell Reynolds also named Patrick Johnson and Matthias Oberholzer as regional co-heads for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In addition, James Roome will now lead the U.K. office. “This leadership team is well-positioned to help clients navigate global uncertainty and the potential impact of the Brexit transition in the region,” said the firm.
The firm acquired London-based Zygos Partnership, a U.K.-based board and CEO advisory firm. Founded by Julia Budd in 2002, Zygos Partnership specializes in the appointment of chief executives, chairmen, chief financial officers and non-executive directors for listed companies or the equivalent privately, family or mutually owned businesses.
Russell Reynolds Associates has added Hoda Tahoun to its consumer practice as a leader of the leisure and hospitality team. Based in Miami, Ms. Tahoun’s clients range from global hotel companies, cruise companies, private equity firms, development firms, travel businesses, entertainment companies and sovereign wealth funds.
At the start of the year, Russell Reynolds Associates expanded with the addition of Lauren Shin as a member of its global consumer team. Ms. Shin leads the luxury, fashion and beauty teams in North America within the firm’s omni-channel retail and luxury practice. She works across a broad range of consumer verticals, including fashion, beauty, home, food and beverage …
Russell Reynolds added former AOL HR executive Stephanie Angelini as a member of its human resources officers practice. In her new role, Ms. Angelini is leveraging her extensive human resources strategy experience to advise clients across a range of industries, with particular expertise recruiting HR leadership for the financial services and tech areas.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Andrew W. Mitchell, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
