Melanie Steinbach

Based in Chicago, Melanie Steinbach recruits functional executives in general management, merchandising, marketing, operations, product development, strategy and business development.  Her clients range from multinational discount retailers to grocery retail to specialty retailers in hard lines and apparel.  Many of the clients with whom Melanie works are looking for strategic alternatives to traditional sources of talent, particularly in the merchandising function.  As retailers across all channels look to enhance the customer experience, Melanie has had success identifying the optimal skill set to address this evolving need.  She has also worked with many well-known global manufacturers looking to establish or fortify their own retail channels. Melanie's board work has spanned all industries and she a member of the firm's Consumer Sector and Retail Practice, as well as the Board Services Practice.

Recent Client Experience

Melanie leads the firm's global client relationship with the world's largest retailer. In this capacity, she has partnered to help diversify and upgrade the merchandising, product development, and marketing talent within the organization.  Melanie advises many other Chief Executive Officers formally and informally to identify organizational gaps and opportunities. These relationships include, but are not limited to, private equity-backed companies, multibillion-dollar public companies and global industry leaders in both the consumer goods and retail industries.

Previous Experience

Prior to joining Russell Reynolds Associates, Melanie had seven years of executive search experience.  Previously, she worked in corporate recruitment at a rapidly growing software company.

Additional Professional Activities

Melanie is a founding member and President of Stop For Maya, a pedestrian safety non-profit organization.  She is also a board member of the Next Generation Society of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Education

Melanie received her A.B. in political science, with a concentration in international relations, from Duke University.