In 1966, Russell S. Reynolds, Jr. left a career in banking to join a boutique US search firm. Companies globally were in a period of transition, with economies shifting and advances in science, technology, and engineering creating challenges and opportunities that called for leaders with new kinds of skills. Russ fell in love with the industry and eventually felt compelled to launch an executive search firm of his own. He raised investments from family and friends, and together Russ and a partner, Lee Getz, opened the first location of Russell Reynolds Associates on Madison Avenue in New York City in 1969.
From the beginning, RRA was a dynamic firm with a culture of mutual respect and strong ethics, and over the next several years, the firm began to gain a reputation in the market for our depth and breadth of specialized expertise as well as our high-touch client approach. This momentum led to incredible growth – first in the US and then internationally. By 1977 RRA was already one of the Big Six in the executive search space, and in the 1990s the firm became the fastest-growing of the major executive search firms. By 2000 we had 35 offices around the world.
Our growth has continued into the 21st century. Today RRA has 47 offices in major cities globally, advising some of the world’s largest and most complex organizations on their most pressing leadership challenges across industries, functions, and geographies.
While the needs of our clients have evolved since we started, the fundamental challenge they face remains: the need for new types of leaders with the skills to shape what’s next, tapping into the opportunities brought by disruptive changes in the market and technology. Across our history, we have remained committed to being a redefiner – to having our fingers on the pulse and to helping our clients stay ahead of the curve by finding and developing future-ready leaders.
Our global leadership team is comprised of diverse thinkers from all around the world who bring a unique perspective to the business. Meet the firm’s CEO, Executive and Operating Committees, and Board of Directors.
Combining decades of global leadership experience, the Board of Directors at Russell Reynolds Associates provides guidance and insights that keep the firm at the forefront of the executive search and leadership advisory industry.
We are partnering with leading organizations to drive C-suite selection and performance, increasing diversity and supporting other causes such as Covid-19 vaccine distribution efforts.
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We truly believe that our work is making a difference in how the world is led, and we want you to be a part of it.