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.

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

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

Templeton World Charity Foundation
President

Nassau, Bahamas
2503-002NA

Templeton World Charity Foundation (TWCF) is a global philanthropic organization based in Nassau, Bahamas, dedicated to funding interdisciplinary research and scientific breakthroughs that advance spiritual progress and human flourishing. With an annual grant payout of approximately $75–100 million USD, TWCF and its client, the Templeton Religion Trust (TRT), were established by Sir John Templeton to foster ambitious thinking, bold experimentation, and creative communication. The Foundation is supported by a dynamic team of 25 professionals and plays a leading role in shaping the future of philanthropy in pursuit of Sir John Templeton’s vision.

The TWCF is appointing a new President. The role presents an exceptional opportunity for a visionary yet humble leader to carry forward Sir John Templeton’s legacy, overseeing all aspects of the Foundation’s philanthropic activities and day-to-day operations. The President will be responsible for providing grant-making and related services to the TWCF as well as the TRT, creatively aligning strategies across both organizations, and ensuring effective stewardship of financial resources. The President will report to the TWCF Board of Trustees and engage closely with the governing bodies of both the TWCF and the TRT, supported by a strong organizational team and operational structure.

The TWCF seeks candidates who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, humility, and a passion for advancing spiritual and philosophical inquiry, free markets, and entrepreneurship. The President will be expected to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually curious culture, and to provide thought leadership through external communications and global representation. The ability to manage complex operations, align strategies, and drive impact across philanthropic portfolios is crucial.

The successful candidate will be a strategic and innovative leader with a master’s degree or higher in a relevant field (PhD and research experience preferred), and demonstrated management experience, ideally in a philanthropic, academic, or research-oriented environment. They will possess a deep commitment to Sir John Templeton’s vision, with experience in charitable grant-making, financial stewardship, and organizational leadership. Outstanding relationship-building and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and represent the Foundation globally.

The President must reside in Nassau, Bahamas. Further information regarding relocation will be provided during the recruitment process.

To apply, please send your full CV and a supporting letter of interest highlighting your experience and skills relevant to the role to TWCFPresidentSearch@russellreynolds.com

TWCF is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Applications are welcomed from all qualified candidates regardless of background.

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

UK Deposit Management Organisation

2504-052-056

Across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, consumers buy an estimated 30 billion single-use drinks containers each year – including 12 billion plastic drinks bottles and 13 billion drinks cans. We know that a third of all litter in the UK is beverage containers with an estimated 6.5 billion single-use drinks bottles and cans per year going to waste rather than being recycled. Research shows 97% of beaches were polluted with drinks-related items in 2023.

The Government has pledged to end the throwaway society and clean up Britain, as it implements legislation for a deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Once the scheme launches in October 2027, consumers will have a financial incentive to return empty containers to a collection point, such as at their local supermarket, so that the bottle or can will be recycled. Used in more than 50 countries worldwide as a common-sense means of encouraging people to recycle more single-use bottles and cans, a DRS sees people being paid back for returning the container.

At the heart of this reimagined system is the creation of a new Deposit Management Organisation, a single, not-for-profit industry-led body made up of drinks producers, retailers, and the wider supply chain with the mandate to design, deliver and operate the DRS across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The DMO will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of the scheme: managing logistics, financial flows, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance to ensure high return rates and system efficiency, and with a multi-billion pound income, the DMO will have a powerful impact in waste and carbon reduction. It will also serve as the central interface between government, industry and the public, building trust and transparency while ensuring the environmental and economic goals of the scheme are met.

To develop and operationalise the DMO, the steering group are now seeking to build strong leadership capability for the organisation, with a number of priority roles to be appointed. These include: 

• Chief Executive Officer
• Chief Financial Officer
• Independent Chair
• Independent Non-Executive Directors (x2)

This group of individuals will bring together a broad range of skills and experiences to successfully deliver the DMO’s objectives, and will be representative of the diversity of the consumers, businesses and nations that the DMO will serve.

Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained to advise on these appointments. 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 Wednesday 4^th June 2025.

Chief Executive Officer   Chief Financial Officer   Independent Chair   Non-Executive Directors

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