The International Conservation Fund of Canada Selects Odgers Berndtson to Find New CEO
January 16, 2024 – The International Conservation Fund of Canada (ICFC) has retained executive search firm Odgers Berndtson to lead in its search for a new CEO. Dominik Legault, principal and head of ESG at Odgers Berndtson, is leading the assignment. At this critical juncture, ICFC is seeking a CEO who will lead the organization as it continues to grow by providing strategic leadership, setting a clear vision, and ensuring the effective implementation of ICFC’s programs and initiatives. The new CEO will seek and seize opportunities to elevate ICFC’s public profile and generate greater impact through increased and sustained fundraising efforts, according to Odgers Berndtson.
Leading a team of seven full-time and one part-time staff with a budget of up to $8-10 million, the CEO will build relationships with existing and prospective donors and funders, represent ICFC in the protecting our planet challenge group and lead or delegate attendance at regular meetings held with peer conservation organizations with whom ICFC co-funds its projects.
Odgers Berndtson notes that the ideal candidate for the CEO position will combine a deep commitment to nature conservation, practical expertise in navigating the complexities of working in developing countries and possess exceptional interpersonal and fundraising acumen crucial for garnering support for the International Conservation Fund of Canada, with a specific focus on engaging major-gift donors and funders. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of effective leadership and excellent communication skills. With a solid blend of interpersonal, advocacy, and relationship-building skills, the ideal candidate will be poised to drive ICFC towards greater impact, steering the organization through its dynamic evolution while championing its mission of preserving biodiversity on a global scale.
The International Conservation Fund of Canada is a registered charity, is Canada’s leading international conservation organization with projects in more than 30 countries. Founded in 2007, its mission involves safeguarding vulnerable ecosystems and species in the tropics and other priority areas globally through direct conservation action that is science-based. ICFC also advocates for more and better support from Canada for conservation in developing countries and seeks opportunities to raise public awareness of the importance of tropical conservation.
Odgers Berndtson delivers executive search, leadership assessment, and development strategies to organizations globally. The firm’s 250-plus partners cover more than 50 sectors and operate out of 59 offices in 29 countries.
Brad Beveridge is the president of Odgers Berndtson Canada. He is responsible for leading the firm’s continued expansion and the growth of its executive search, executive interim and leadership advisory services. Mr. Beveridge has more than 25 years of global consulting and management experience. He offers insight into senior level executive search, as well as talent management and leadership development across a variety of sectors.
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Ms. Legault is a bilingual principal at Odgers Berndtson. Specializing in search for executives and senior-level professionals in the public, for-profit and not-for-profit sectors across Canada, specifically in Montréal and Ottawa, she concentrates primarily on supporting clients with their ESG and sustainability leadership needs.
New U.S. Leader
Last year, Odgers Berndtson named Mr. Kincaid as its new CEO for its U.S. business, succeeding Steve Potter, who held the position for the past 12 years. Mr. Potter, who will remain an active board member, has grown the firm to become No. 12 on the Hunt Scanlon Top 50 Recruiters ranking in the U.S. “He has built a strong team, and a particular achievement has been hiring and developing Kennon as his successor,” Odgers Berndtson said. “They have worked closely together for five years as COO and CEO preparing for this transition.”
Odgers Berndtson Leading CEO Search for Integrated and Specialist Medicine Clinical Group
Carmel Gibbons of executive search firm Odgers Berndtson is currently leading the CEO search for Integrated and Specialist Medicine Clinical Group, part of U.K.-based Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. The right candidate will provide high quality and visible operational and strategic leadership and will have full responsibility for the effective delivery of Integrated and Specialist Medicine services across the Trust. The leadership role spans services delivered across hospital and community sites. The CEO is a full member of the Trust executive committee, manages the Clinical Group board and attends the Trust board as the accountable executive for the Clinical Group.
“We are excited about the future of Odgers Berndtson U.S. and believe, with the smooth transition of Kennon to CEO and Steve as an active board member, we have the leadership to take our firm to even greater heights as one of the premium global executive search firms in the world,” said Kester Scrope, group CEO of Odgers Berndtson.
Mr. Kincaid has spent the past four years as the Odgers Berndtson U.S. chief operating officer, where he oversaw its people, processes, and operations. He serves on the firm’s board of directors as well as its global advisory board. Prior to joining Odgers, Mr. Kincaid served as a diplomat, advancing the interests of the U.S. and its allies across Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Subsequently, he joined Rocket Lab, a leading aerospace company and launch service provider, where he established and led international business development, security operations, and government relations.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
