Spencer Stuart Appoints Leader of North America Region
December 23, 2024 – Spencer Stuart recently appointed Miranda Pode as leader of the firm’s North America region. “The exciting opportunities shaping the foundation of our future are often built upon the hard work of those who came before us,” Ms. Pode said in a LinkedIn post. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to Eric Leventhal who continued our rich history of inspiring leadership and unwavering dedication—thank you Eric for paving the way for our continued success.”
With deep expertise as a trusted adviser to boards, CEOs and C-suite executives, Ms. Pode’s background encompasses a tenure as global chief client officer and co-leader of the firm’s global advisory services, where her strategic insights have facilitated growth for clients across industries. Her previous roles at Spencer Stuart include chief client officer and co-head of the global leadership advisory service and member of the board and CEO practice.
Prior to joining Spencer Stuart, Ms. Pode co-led the global financial services practice with Egon Zehnder, partnering with a diverse array of leaders — from CEOs and senior commercial leaders to chief people officers. Her experience also spans board consulting, working with board and committee chairs to ensure alignment between board priorities and executive goals, fostering a cohesive leadership environment.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Pode was a key contributor to Marks & Spencer’s executive team, overseeing marketing and strategy in the food division. She held significant roles at Sainsbury’s, including in investor relations and strategy, and began her journey in investor relations consulting in Boston and London.
“Spencer Stuart’s global perspective is a vital strength and, as I shift my focus to North America, I’m eager to leverage our world-class insights and network to elevate our impact and deepen client relationships,” Ms. Pode said. “I’ve already begun meeting with clients and colleagues across the region and the energy is profound. Together, I’m excited for us to deliver unparalleled value and innovative capabilities, and forge stronger partnerships with our clients. To my clients, candidates, and colleagues worldwide: thank you for your trust and collaboration on this journey, and for your continued support as we explore the exciting horizons ahead.”
Privately held since 1956, Spencer Stuart focuses on delivering knowledge, insight, and results through the collaborative efforts of a team of search professionals — now spanning 56 offices, 30 countries, and more than 50 practice specialties. The firm helps boards and leaders address their leadership needs in areas such as senior-level executive search, board recruitment, board effectiveness, succession planning, in-depth senior management assessment and many other facets of organizational effectiveness.
New Chair
In June, Spencer Stuart elected Jordan Brugg as its next managing partner and Frank Birkel as its chair. With Ben Williams and David Daniel reaching the end of their second terms as managing partner and chair, respectively, the firm’s leadership succession committee led the planned leadership transition process. They will assumed their new roles in late July, working closely with Mr. Williams and Mr. Daniel through the transition period.
Related: Spencer Stuart Appoints U.K. Managing Partner
Mr. Brugg, who became the 10th managing partner in the firm’s 68-year history, has served as the global head of Spencer Stuart’s private equity business since 2020, leading market growth, innovation through new services and the deepening of client partnerships globally. He has also continued an active role with clients in the Industrial sector, having led the North American industrial practice for the prior seven years.
Spencer Stuart has named Emanuela Aureli as leader the global technology, media, telecommunications & IT services practice. “I’m excited to announce my new role as partner and global practice leader, tech, media, telco & services practice at Spencer Stuart,” Ms. Aureli said in a LinkedIn post. “To my clients, candidates and colleagues: thank you for your trust, support and collaboration.” Ms. Aureli has been with Spencer Stuart for 10 years. She is also a member of the board and CEO practices. Ms. Aureli has more than 20 years of experience in executive search and leadership development. She works with large corporations and private equity-backed organizations, focusing on European and global appointments at board and senior executive levels in software, IT services, financial technology and communications services.
Mr. Brugg started at Spencer Stuart 22 years ago and has held a range of roles during his tenure at the firm, including experiences contributing to the development of new practices and service areas, such as CEO succession services.
“It’s an honor to be elected Spencer Stuart’s next managing partner, alongside the most talented and experienced colleagues in our profession,” said Mr. Brugg. “This is a transformational time, as the complexities of today’s world are having a profound effect on the role of leaders and leadership teams. I’m grateful and humbled to work with my colleagues to evolve our capabilities, expand on our role as a trusted advisor to clients and enhance our role in advising leaders who are navigating their most critical challenges and opportunities.”
Newly elected chair Mr. Birkel joined Spencer Stuart in 2007 as a member of the consumer practice following leadership roles at Procter & Gamble and Wrigley. He has served on the Spencer Stuart board of directors for the past nine years, serving as chair of the board’s compensation committee. He previously led the firm’s German business and served as co-leader of the EMEA region.
Related: Spencer Stuart Appoints Advisory Services Co-Leader
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
