Executive Opportunities

If you are interested in a role that you understand Russell Reynolds Associates may be handling but do not see this listed below, please contact us at responses@russellreynolds.com and we will direct your query to the responsible consultant.

BioIndustry Association (BIA)
Chief Executive Officer

United Kingdom
2508-067L

About The BioIndustry Association

The BioIndustry Association (BIA) is the voice of the innovative life sciences and biotech industry, enabling and connecting the UK ecosystem so that businesses can start, grow and deliver world-changing innovation. We promote an ecosystem that enables innovative life science companies to start and grow successfully and sustainably.

Established in 1989, BIA is the award-winning trade association with over 600 members, including: 

• Start-ups, biotechnology and innovative life science companies 
• Pharmaceutical and technological companies
• Universities, research centres, tech transfer offices, incubators and accelerators
• A wide range of life science service providers: investors, lawyers, IP consultants, IR agencies

The Role

The Chief Executive Officer will be the strategic leader and public face of The BioIndustry Association, with a mandate to take the organisation to the next level. Building on its strong reputation, the CEO will lead a bold new phase of influence, advocacy, and impact — positioning the UK as the best place in the world to discover, develop, and deliver life sciences innovation. This is a high-profile, externally facing role requiring political nous, commercial acumen, and sector insight to amplify the BIA’s reach and deliver tangible results for members.

The CEO will be expected to set and deliver an ambitious agenda that reflects the aspirations of a sector with extraordinary potential. The role will ensure that the BIA is not only the voice of UK life sciences but also a driving force in creating the policy, regulatory, and investment environment in which members can thrive and scale globally.

What We’re Looking For

In terms of the performance and personal competencies required for the position, we would highlight the following:

• An accomplished leader with deep knowledge of the life sciences sector and a track record of influencing public policy, representing complex sectors, and driving organisational success. 
• Brings credibility with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and media; combines strategic insight with commercial acumen; and thrives in a role where external leadership, sector advocacy, and organisational excellence are equally critical to success.

The BioIndustry Association has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and how to apply, please review the position specification below.

The closing date for applications is 27 October 2025.

Position Specification

The Global Fund
Chief Human Resources Officer

Geneva, Switzerland
2508-033L

Founded in 2002, The Global Fund is a leading international partnership committed to ending the epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. By investing US$4 billion annually, the Fund strengthens health systems and drives innovations in over 100 countries, bringing together governments, civil society, affected communities, and the private sector to accelerate progress toward a healthier, more equitable world.

The Global Fund is seeking to appoint a new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for a fixed two-year term. As a key member of the Executive Director’s Management Executive Committee, the CHRO will play a central role in navigating significant leadership transition and organisational transformation. This position is responsible for developing and executing a forward-looking People Strategy, ensuring the Fund’s talent, culture, and capabilities are fully aligned with its bold mission and evolving strategic direction.

The CHRO will lead a highly skilled team and oversee all core HR functions, including workforce planning, talent management, organisational design, and employee engagement. The role will provide strategic advice to the Board, Executive Director, and senior leadership on people-related matters, driving initiatives that enhance organisational performance, foster a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement, and ensure the Global Fund is future-ready. As the Fund adapts to global public health challenges and changing resource landscapes, the CHRO will be instrumental in supporting innovation, resilience, and high performance across the organisation.

Candidates should possess extensive senior HR leadership experience in complex, multicultural, and international contexts, ideally within mission-driven organisations. A strong track record in strategic HR management, organisational change, and leading diverse, high-performing teams is essential. An advanced degree in human resources, organisational development, business administration, or a related field is required. Exceptional interpersonal, change management, and communication skills are vital, as is fluency in English; proficiency in French or other languages is highly desirable. The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and may require international travel.

The Global Fund actively embraces and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates, regardless of background, who share this commitment and are motivated by the Fund’s mission.

The Global Fund has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to support this appointment. To apply, please send your CV and a supporting statement—succinctly outlining your experience and skills relevant to the role—to responses@russellreynolds.com.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 17 October 2025, at 11:59 pm CET.

Position Specification

Rail Safety and Standards Board
Chief Operating Officer

London
2508-050L

The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) is a membership organisation serving Britain’s railway industry. As a non-profit company, RSSB works collaboratively to make rail safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. We develop standards, manage a national research programme, analyse risk and data, and support health, wellbeing, innovation, and operational performance across the industry.

Our purpose is to help our members keep Britain moving with safer, smarter rail. By 2030, our aim is for every rail employee to rely daily on an RSSB tool or service daily, delivering essential value to the industry.

We are seeking a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the Chief Operating Group (COG) and play a pivotal role in delivering RSSB’s ambitious five-year strategy. Reporting to the Chief Executive, the COO will oversee key portfolios including standards, safety, health, sustainability, sector strategy, research, business management and resourcing, and supplier assurance.

With seven direct reports and oversight of more than 200 staff, the COO is responsible for driving operational excellence, technology implementation within the directorate and supporting members in adopting RSSB tools, as well as engaging with senior industry leaders and government officials. This position offers significant visibility and impact, representing a key leadership opportunity during a pivotal period of industry reform and transformation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead operational excellence across RSSB tools and services.
• Contribute to the development of strategy and policy.
• Foster a culture of delivery, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Drive adoption of digital tools and innovation within the directorate and with members.
• Build effective relationships with members, stakeholders, and government and ensure quality, assurance, and risk management.

Candidate Profile:

• Significant senior leadership experience in complex organisations.
• Proven success in delivering complex transformation programmes and in building high-performing teams.
• Strong strategic, operational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Source of wise counsel and supportive, constructive challenge.
• Inclusive, collaborative, and values-driven leadership style.

RSSB has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service and how to apply, please review the position specification below.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 5th October 2025.

Position Specification

Ministry of Defence
Permanent Secretary

United Kingdom
P2507-176L

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is one of the largest organisations in the Civil Service, dedicated to ensuring the UK’s security at home and strength abroad.

The Permanent Secretary is a key post supporting Defence Secretary, John Healey MP. They will lead the department to deliver a challenging programme of Ministerial priorities across the Defence landscape and be expected to play a significant role more widely across the Civil Service. They will be responsible for leading a total workforce of over 195,000 people engaged principally in defending the security of the United Kingdom (circa 55,000 are part of the civilian workforce).

We are seeking to attract and appoint an outstanding leader with a record of delivering significant cultural and structural change successfully. The individual will be experienced in motivating a large and diverse workforce to reform and deliver the highest quality services within a complex business environment. A practical understanding and appreciation of the challenges of transforming services to scale will be essential.

The successful candidate will also need to have a credible track record of working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders, they will need to influence and collaborate with senior leaders in the Defence organisation, within Government and with external partners. In combination with the above, the successful candidate will have excellent strategy and communication skills and be strongly committed to the civil service values of impartiality, honesty, integrity and objectivity.

The Ministry of Defence has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and how to apply, please review the position specification below.

The closing date for applications is 30 September 2025.

Position Specification

The Health Foundation
Chief Investment Officer

United Kingdom
2507-109L

Shape the Future of Health and Care in the UK

The Health Foundation, one of the UK’s largest charitable endowments, is seeking an exceptional Chief Investment Officer (CIO) to guide its £1.2 billion endowment and play a pivotal role in advancing health and health care for everyone in the UK.

About The Health Foundation

As an independent charity, The Health Foundation is dedicated to improving health and health care across the UK. The Foundation’s substantial endowment enables it to fund impactful programmes, support innovation, and invest in the people and organisations shaping a healthier, fairer society.

The Role

In this influential position, reporting to the Chief Executive, the CIO will lead the development and execution of the Foundation’s investment policy, asset allocation strategy, and risk framework. The CIO will oversee a globally diversified, multi-asset portfolio that includes public and private equity, venture capital, infrastructure, real estate, and more. The role involves managing relationships with leading external investment managers, consultants, and custodians, and championing responsible investment to ensure the portfolio aligns with the Foundation’s values and mission.

Collaboration is at the heart of this role. The CIO will work closely with the executive team, the Investment Committee, and the Board to ensure investment activity supports the Foundation’s long-term charitable objectives. As a leader, the CIO will nurture a high-performing team and foster a culture of excellence, learning, and inclusion.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in a senior investment role within an asset owner, endowment, pension fund, family office, or consultancy. A proven track record in developing and implementing investment strategies and managing diversified portfolios is essential, as is strong technical expertise across both public and private market asset classes. Success in selecting and overseeing external fund managers is crucial, as are excellent interpersonal and communication skills, particularly with boards or investment committees. A deep commitment to equity, inclusion, diversity, and The Health Foundation’s charitable mission is fundamental.

While not essential, holding a CFA or equivalent professional certification is desirable. Experience managing endowments or charitable funds, familiarity with responsible investment practices, and an understanding of the UK charity investment landscape and regulatory requirements would all be advantageous.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to undertake purpose-driven work that helps shape the future of health and care for millions. The CIO will have the influence and impact that comes with leading one of the UK’s largest charitable endowments, working within a collaborative environment alongside a talented team and world-class partners. Building greater equity, diversity and inclusion in society, in the health and care system and in our own organisation are all essential parts of our commitment to building a healthy society. The Health Foundation is committed to diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

The Health Foundation has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and how to apply, please review the position specification below.

The closing date for applications is 1 September 2025.

Position Specification

National Farmers Union
Director General

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is the most influential voice in British agriculture, representing over 44,000 farming and growing businesses across England and Wales. As a force for change and a champion for the sector, the NFU shapes national policy, strengthens rural communities, and promotes the vital role of sustainable food production.

We are now seeking a visionary and values-driven leader to become our next Director General. You’ll lead with integrity and purpose, consistently role-modelling the NFU values of unity, professionalism, inclusivity and resourcefulness in all you do.

This is a pivotal role at the heart of a changing and high-profile industry. As Director General, you will lead the NFU through a time of significant challenge and opportunity, ranging from the transition to post-subsidy agriculture and environmental land management schemes to food security, global trade, and evolving consumer expectations. You will guide the organisation with clarity, credibility, and conviction, strengthening our position as the trusted and authoritative voice of British farming.

Working in close partnership with our elected Officeholders and NFU Council, and leading a talented executive team, you will set a bold strategic direction for the Union. You’ll ensure our policy positions remain evidence-led and member-informed, and that our voice is heard at the highest levels of government, business and the media.

You are likely to bring:

• Deep understanding of the agricultural sector, either directly or through adjacent experience in the wider food supply chain.
• A track record of strategic leadership in complex, high-stakes environments.
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the political acumen to build credibility across government and industry.
• Strong commercial and financial oversight capabilities, with a flair for driving innovation and ensuring long-term organisational sustainability.
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style and the personal integrity to represent the NFU’s values and mission with authenticity.

This is a unique opportunity to lead one of the UK’s most respected membership organisations, and to shape the future of food, farming, and the countryside.

Location: This role is based at NFU's Stoneleigh office, with regular travel required to Westminster and other locations across England and Wales.

The NFU has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service and how to apply, please review the position specification below.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 7th September 2025.

The NFU is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds and sectors.

Position Specification

National Wealth Fund
Chief Operating Officer

Leeds
2505-517L

A Unique Opportunity to Shape a Pivotal UK Financial Institution

The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is at the forefront of investing public money for the UK's future. With an enhanced £27.8 billion in capital, our expanded remit now goes beyond infrastructure to include growth-driving industrial sectors like advanced manufacturing, alongside a renewed focus on clean energy, digital technologies, and transport, including investment in dual-use technologies.

We operate on a triple bottom line: delivering on the government's growth and clean energy missions, generating returns for the taxpayer, and crowding in private capital.

The Role

The National Wealth Fund seeks an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide executive leadership for Operations, IT, PMO, Procurement, and Facilities. As a key member of the Executive Team, you will be instrumental in shaping the strategy, planning, and future development of the NWF, working closely with the CEO and the Board.

You will be accountable for the delivery and continuous enhancement of the technology platform, operational processes, and infrastructure that underpin the Fund's strategy.

About You

The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with a significant track record in a senior capacity within wholesale banking or broader financial services, including experience interacting at the C-Suite level with oversight of functions such as Operations, IT, PMO, Procurement, and Facilities. You must be adept at operating effectively at Board level and with senior stakeholders, possessing a strong understanding of investment end-to-end processes and the deployment of best practice at an enterprise scale.

Furthermore, you will be passionate about the NWF's clean energy and growth policy objectives, bringing an entrepreneurial outlook and a willingness to be hands-on in the Fund's development.

Terms of Appointment and How to Apply

NWF has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service and how to apply, please review the position specification below.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on July 13th 2025.

Position Specification

Central European University
Rector-President

Vienna, Austria
2503-501L 

Central European University (CEU) in Vienna, Austria, is inviting applications from visionary and inclusive academic leaders as new Rector-President with an effective start date of August 1, 2026. A beacon of academic excellence and innovation, renowned for its dedication to addressing complex global challenges through education and research, CEU provides its 1,500 students and 180 faculty with a dynamic environment where intellectual curiosity and diversity thrive. As an institution committed to societal progress, CEU is poised for its next phase of leadership and development. CEU is known for its emphasis on advanced research and academic excellence primarily in the social sciences and humanities, and for its mission centered around the values of open society. CEU is accredited in the US and in Austria.

The Rector-President of CEU will guide the University towards realizing its strategic ambitions and enhancing its global presence. This role demands an inspiring leader who can build on CEU's established strengths in the social sciences and humanities and equip it to face the challenges of the next generation. The Rector-President will be tasked with articulating a vision that aligns with CEU's mission and values and deepens its partnerships with other teaching and research institutions.

In embracing this prestigious role, the Rector-President will immerse themselves in Vienna's unique cultural and educational landscape, serving not only as an academic leader but also as a prominent figure in the city's intellectual and social life. The Rector-President will embody CEU's core values of academic excellence, diversity, and inclusivity, setting the tone for the institution's culture and aspirations. An accomplished communicator, this person will engage with a wide range of audiences, including academic peers, governmental bodies, industry partners, and the broader community, fostering relationships that are crucial for CEU's success.

Candidates for the Rector-President position will bring a distinguished academic and research track record, with proven experience in leading complex academic organizations. The ability to inspire and unite teams will be essential, as will a demonstrable commitment to academic excellence and freedom of inquiry. Proficiency in English is required, and knowledge of German will be an asset.

The Central European University has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to assist with this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service and how to apply, please review the position specification below.

The closing date for applications is May 11th 2025.

Position Specification