WittKieffer Names Education Practice Leader for International Operations
September 25, 2020 – Executive search firm WittKieffer has appointed Natalie Derry to the role of managing partner and practice leader, education, for its WittKieffer International operations. Based in London and Edinburgh, Ms. Derry has been instrumental in WittKieffer’s growth outside the U.S. and in fulfilling its ability to operate seamlessly on a global scale.
“Natalie has been essential to our firm’s ability to recruit candidates globally and to serve clients wherever their executive talent needs are,” said Andrew Chastain, president and CEO of WittKieffer. “She is a strong advocate for her clients and an expert in issues related to recruiting and talent management across the globe.”
Ms. Derry has been with WittKieffer International since 2015. In the field of education, she has led leadership recruitments for many Russell Group public research universities in the U.K. as well as leading higher education institutions based in the U.S., E.U. and Asia-Pacific. In her expanded role, Ms. Derry has oversight of operations in academia in the U.K., mainland Europe, Asia and the Middle East and North Africa region.
“We are fortunate to have Natalie leading the continued expansion of our education practice internationally,” said C.J. Bolster, WittKieffer’s managing director of global operations. “She has worked with some of the most prestigious institutions in education and continues to build the reputation of our firm worldwide.”
“I am thrilled to take this next step in my career with WittKieffer,” said Ms. Derry. “This is a critical period for institutions of higher education around the world as they wrestle with dramatic change. They require exceptional leaders who innovate, have strong visions for the future, and inspire others.”
A registered nurse, Ms. Derry started her professional life as a general surgical nurse in Scotland and held subsequent roles in Australia and the U.K. Later, she ran her own healthcare recruitment business before entering executive search in 2009.
Seasoned Search Consultants
WittKieffer, based in Oak Brook, IL, assists hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers, medical schools and physician groups; biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics and medical device companies; colleges and universities and not-for-profit community service and cultural organizations with senior administrative recruiting assignments. With more than 100 search professionals nationwide, its consultants recruit CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CNOs, physician executives and other leaders.
WittKieffer Names Board Services Practice Leader
WittKieffer has appointed James King as leader of its board services practice. In addition to his new role, Mr. King serves as a senior partner and the firm’s chief quality officer, a board member and member of its diversity council. “Today’s business landscape has been severely altered as a result of COVID-19, leaving even the most seasoned boards questioning traditional governance practices and wondering if their members have the skills and abilities to thrive in an uncertain future,” WittKieffer said.
WittKieffer recently added former Stony Brook University vice president Greg Duyck as a principal in its education practice. “We are very excited to bring Greg’s energy and success in executive recruitment to WittKieffer,” said Zachary Smith, managing partner of WittKieffer’s education practice. “His administrative experience with colleges and universities as well as a broad mix of other organizations gives him unique insight into today’s executive talent challenges. He will serve the evolving needs of our clients well and be an integral part of our expanding consulting team.”
WittKieffer’s education recruitment team identifies higher education and college preparatory school leaders who understand complex issues facing both public and private institutions: resource constraints, shifting national policy and increased scrutiny by boards, faculty, students and families. The education roles it recruits include presidents, provosts, deans, and officers for business and finance, advancement and development, student affairs, enrollment, IT and more.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
