The Christopher Group Places Head of Talent and Diversity at IDEO.org
September 27, 2021 – The Christopher Group, a boutique HR executive search and business solutions firm, recently assisted in the recruitment of Kelli Kombat as global head of talent and diversity, equity and inclusion at IDEO.org, a non-profit design and innovation organization. Managing partner Pam Noble led the assignment. “I knew from the beginning Kelli was a perfect fit for this role,” said Ms. Noble. “Her significant human resource background and her holistic passion for diversity, equity and belonging are evident in everything she does. It was an honor to work with Ben Chase and the IDEO leadership team to fill this integral leadership position.”
Ms. Kombat brings over 18 years of experience to IDEO.org. Her previous held roles include companies such as FreshDirect, L’Oréal, Volvo Cars, Ford Motor Company, and most recently she was global director of employee experience at the International Trademark Association.
2021 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Recruiting Report:
Building a Balanced and Diverse Workforce
Hunt Scanlon Media’s latest market intelligence recruiting report – this time focused on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – will be available later this fall! The nation’s top executive recruiters are resetting expectations and looking for new ways forward to build balanced and diverse workforce teams for their clients.
According to executive recruiters, DE&I should not just be a priority, but an integrated part of every company’s leadership goals. Some companies have even tied DE&I metrics to executive compensation. But it’s more than that.
Part of building strong, diverse hiring teams means asking yourself: “Who is my company culture going to attract – and how will it engage people who are here?” This question can be very difficult to answer if you assume everyone feels welcome already just because you do. Fostering diversity, equity and inclusion within organizations is more than just the right ethical decision. “It is one of the best business decisions a company can make,” said Keri Gavin, a partner with Hanold Associates and leader of the search firm’s Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion practice. Hanold Associates is a proud sponsor of this year’s report. This report will help organizations prioritize DE&I as a business imperative that drives greater competitiveness, innovation and business results. Get it now!
Ms. Kombat will develop, manage, and ensure that all aspects of the human resources function align with and contribute to the business objectives. She will oversee the full range of HR including HR Operations (including compliance, systems, benefits, and compensation), L&D, experience across the employee lifecycle, employee relations, and acting as a partner to talent acquisition and diversity, equity and inclusion.
IDEO.org is focused on solving challenges in poverty and spreading human-centered design through the social sector. It works directly with organizations on projects using the human-centered design process across a wide range of focus areas related to poverty, including health, financial services, gender equity, water and sanitation.
Veteran Recruiters
Founded in 1998 by Tom and Paula Christopher (former HR executives with GE, PepsiCo, Progressive Insurance and Citigroup), The Christopher Group is a boutique HR executive search and staffing solutions firms. It is a highly specialized organization, staffed by former HR professionals and trained search practitioners who use proprietary, scientific, and industry-leading systems, tools and processes. The firm has offices in Willoughby, OH; Sarasota, FL; and Kansas City, MO.
Related: Allen Institute Taps Christopher Group for Top HR Search
Ms. Noble is president of the HR consulting services division unit as well as practice leader for the firm’s expanding diversity, equity, inclusion and engagement practice. She joined The Christopher Group leadership team as chief human resources officer (CHRO) and managing partner last year. She brings over 25 years of comprehensive human resources leadership to the firm. “I have had the privilege of knowing Pam for over 20 years,” said Mr. Christopher. “She is one of the finest and most capable HR executives nationwide. Additionally, her expertise in the areas of culture, change management, diversity, equity and inclusion, and executive coaching is truly outstanding. Finally, she is a true servant leader.”
Diversity & Inclusion
“Diversity and inclusion lead to innovation, creativity and change,” said Mr. Christopher in a previously published interview with Hunt Scanlon Media. “When you bring together individuals from different backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, orientations, religions, socio-economic, disabilities, and so on they create an environment of exploration. Ultimately, a diverse organization leads to new ways of working, building organizations to solve and create better technology, solutions and ideas.”
The Christopher Group recently helped recruit diversity and inclusion executives for Corning Community College, dosist, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kraft Heinz and Life Technologies, among others. According to Mr. Christopher, top drawer diversity and inclusion executives bring many new perspectives and empathy to organizations. “They work with the leadership team to integrate the DEI strategy into high-level business strategy,” he said. “They are intentional about the development of their culture from onboarding to retirement. Diversity and inclusion executives are there to create an environment of belonging – creating an organization that values the differences – looking at the behaviors and cultural nuances that make it a place where people want to work – bringing their authentic self to the office.”
Related: The Christopher Group Places CHRO for American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
