Russell Reynolds Researchers

Delivering market insights and knowledge of talent to our customers

 

Meet the Team

The Russell Reynolds Research team is an integral part of our execution team and partner with our Consultants and Project Coordinators to deliver market insights and knowledge of talent. Using state of the art technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital communication platforms they identify and assess the leaders of the future and bring them to our clients' attention.

Russell Reynolds employs over 330 Researchers with over 3,500 years of accumulated experience in identifying the best leaders. The team is supported by 120 Research Analysts globally.

 

Global Research

quote

Our Research teams develop the roadmap for our searches, ensuring that our clients meet the best candidates in the market and reach a final outcome as expediently as possible.

 Kate Ellison  Kate Ellison
Co-Head of Global Research
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Our researchers know the talent pools intrinsically and through long standing relationships have access to untapped talent for our clients.

 Juerg Baertschi  Juerg Baertschi
Co-Head of Global Research

 


 

Americas     EMEA     APAC

 

Americas

Research Directors

Gretchen Bjork Garner

Research Director, Managing Lead

Gretchen Garner is the Research Director – Managing Lead for the Board and CEO Advisory Practice (BCAP) at Russell Reynolds Associates.  She joined BCAP in 2010, and currently leads the practice’s research function in the U.S.  Gretchen specializes in CEO succession planning and board advisory work across industries.  Before joining Russell Reynolds, Gretchen practiced law in both Illinois and Louisiana.

Gretchen received a BSM from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business, magna cum laude, and a JD from the University of Georgia Law School.


Stefanie L. Lukasko

Research Director, Managing Lead

Stefanie Lukasko supports the Social Impact & Education Sector in the recruitment of CEO and C-Suite leadership. Based in Washington, D.C., she leads research on high-profile executive searches across climate and conservation, civil and human rights, global health and development, and philanthropy.

Stefanie received an A.A. from Franklin University Switzerland, a B.A. in International Relations from Webster University Vienna, Austria and a Certificate in Human Rights from Webster University Leiden, the Netherlands. She also earned a Master of International Development in Human Security and NGOs & Civil Society from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.


Pierina Maniffi-Stokes

Research Director, Managing Lead

Pierina Maniffi-Stokes joined Russell Reynolds in 2022 as the Director of Research and Managing Lead for Canada. Based In Toronto, Pierina has a depth of search experience and now helps support the Canadian INR group by identifying leaders across functions.

Pierina received a Bachelor of Arts from Western University.


Maria Willett

Research Director, Managing Lead

Maria Willett rejoined RRA after 16 years leading executive search, sourcing research in house at companies like Genentech, Amazon and, most recently, Meta Platforms (Facebook).

Maria leads our search efforts for the practice. She has spent the last 17 years in Silicon Valley, at some  of the most impactful companies, as an HR Professional and Trusted Advisor for Executive Search & Assessment, Leadership Development and Strategy.

Maria holds a BA from University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a JD from the City University of New York School of Law  and a MA in Clinical Psychology from Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA.


Emily Hunter

Research Director – Managing Lead

Emily Hunter is the Research Director – Managing Lead for the Medtech and HealthTech practices at Russell Reynolds Associates. She joined the firm in 2022 and currently leads the practice’s research function in the US. Emily specializes in CEO and Board Director searches within HealthTech, particularly within private equity and publicly traded companies. Prior to joining Russell Reynolds, she spent a decade in executive search within a boutique firm and another global executive search firm. She holds a BA in English Language and Literature from Temple University.


Louise Berhau

Research Director, Managing Lead

Louise Berhau is a Research Director, Market Expert in Biotech and joined the firm in 2009.  Based in San Francisco, she focuses on Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer searches for VC backed and public biotech companies, primarily on the West Coast.  Her role encompasses building market insight and search strategy, along with internal training and development.

Louise earned a Master’s degree in International Education from New York University and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and History from Iona University.


Eliana Chagas

Research Director, Market Expert

Eliana Chagas is an executive search and assessment professional at Russell Reynolds in São Paulo, Brazil, specializing in supporting Industry and Natural Resources clients for C-Suite positions and for Board Services across all industries.

Eliana has a degree in Psychology and a specialization in business.


Kerry L. Hayes

Research Director, Market Expert

Kerry Hayes is a member of the firm’s HR Officers Practice and Corporate Officers Sector. As Research Director/Market Segment Lead, she focuses on searches for Chief Human Resources Officers, talent, learning and total reward leaders, along with HR business partners.

Kerry is based in the Dallas office and has been with the firm since 2001. Previous experience prior to joining Russell Reynolds Associates, Kerry served as a senior technical recruiter for KingSearch Solutions, a search firm based in Dallas. Kerry began her career with Oxford Global Resources, a provider of technical services in direct placement, contract staffing and outsourcing.


Kyle R. Jones

Research Director, Market Expert

Kyle Jones is a Research Director and member of the Technology Sector based in Washington, D.C.  As part of the Technology Officers Practice, he works across a wide variety of searches within the technology function, including Chief Information Officers, Chief Digital Officers, Chief Technology Officers, and other senior technology leadership roles. He joined Russell Reynolds Associates in 2004, and prior worked at the Corporate Executive Board (now Gartner Group).

Kyle received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Yale University.


Angela D. Lubben

Research Director, Market Expert

Angela Lubben is a member of the firm’s Technology and Consumer Sectors has expertise developing strategies for high-growth companies, as well as retailers and consumer-facing businesses where digital transformation, technology enablement, and identifying transformational leadership solutions are key themes. She specializes in advising clients on CEO and Board search engagements as well as executive roles across digital, product, marketing, ecommerce, and customer experience. She joined the firm in 2002.

Angela received her B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa.


Ashley L. Redmann

Research Director, Market Expert

Ashley Redmann is a Research Director, Market Expert for the Board & CEO Advisory Partners in the Americas. Based in Chicago, Ashley’s primary focus is on CEO and board succession planning and search engagements across a range of industries within the global Fortune 500 to private equity and pre-IPO companies. She has specific expertise in consumer-facing industries at the intersection of retail, technology, CPG and digital transformation. 

Ashley received her BS in Human and Consumer Sciences from Ohio University.


Sylwia Zieba

Research Director, Market Expert

Based in New York, Sylwia is a Research Director at Russell Reynolds Associates specializing in supporting clients with market insights and recruitment support of executive-level sustainable leadership spanning multiple industries. Sylwia is passionate about helping clients accelerate action on climate and environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

Sylwia received her MS in Sustainability Management from Columbia University and served as the former Director of Communications for Columbia's Sustainable Finance Professionals Network (CSFPN). She holds a BA in Psychology from New York University and speaks English and Polish fluently.


Nalina Shapiro

Research Director, Market Expert

Nalina Shapiro is a Research Director and Market Expert in Russell Reynolds’ MedTech practice.

Based in Dallas, Nalina’s primary focus is identifying and recruiting transformational executives for Board, C-suite, and high-level functional leadership searches. She has specific expertise in life science tools, diagnostics, and medical technologies within Fortune 500 to private equity and venture-backed companies. Nalina received her BA in Broadcast Communications from Franklin Pierce University.


Eliot Bieletto

Research Director, Market Expert

Based in Washington, DC, Eliot Bieletto is a member of the Industrials & Natural Resources sector with a focus on Power & Utilities. He works across the energy value chain including in emerging technologies in support of the energy transition. He has served clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to small, privately-held companies as well as government institutions, nonprofits, and industry associations in the Energy, Aerospace & Defense, and broader Industrial spaces.

Eliot joined Russell Reynolds after serving as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army, where he led several multinational partnership engagements with US allies in the Pacific region. He is a graduate of the Army’s Infantry Basic Officer Leaders Course, Ranger School, Airborne School, and Air Assault School. He holds a BS in Physics from the United States Military Academy at West Point.


Rachel Taylor

Research Director, Market Expert

Based in San Francisco, Rachel is primarily focused on board director search engagements across a variety of industries and stages from pre-IPO to public companies within the Fortune 500. She specializes in collaboration efforts within Russell Reynolds Associates from cross-sector to cross-border initiatives.

Prior to joining the firm, Rachel was a Consultant at Forrester Research on the Market Impact team, where she led and executed end-to-end research projects commissioned by senior technology marketing executives designed to explore new concepts, markets, and adoption trends.
Rachel received her BS degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of California, Berkeley.


Ally Ramos

Research Director, Market Expert

Ally Ramos is a member of the Financial Services practice. Based in the firm’s New York office, Ally has a portfolio of executive search work that spans across consumer and commercial banking, capital markets, insurance, and government-sponsored enterprises. Her functional search experience includes Chief Executive Officers, Chief Risk Officers, Chief Compliance Officers, insurance leaders, and business unit banking executives.

Prior to joining RRA, Ally spent four years with Korn Ferry in their Global Financial Markets practice. She received a B.A. in English from the University of Vermont, where she was a member of the Women’s Division I Soccer team.


Brennan Kerrigan

Research Director, Market Expert

Brennan Kerrigan is a member of the Insurance Practice based in Boston. In this role, he partners with global clients across insurance and private capital to recruit for CEO, Board, and senior executive roles.

Prior to joining Russell Reynolds, Brennan spent almost four years with another global executive search firm, where he was a core member of the firm’s Financial Services Practice focusing on board and executive search work across banking, insurance, and asset management. Brennan previously served as a Senior Associate at Tapestry Networks, a boutique consulting firm that builds and orchestrates peer-to-peer networks of senior business leaders. During his time there, he worked with senior executives and board directors at global banks and insurers in the US and Europe on critical governance and strategy issues. Brennan received his BA in Communications from University of New Hampshire.


Nicolle Connor

Research Director, Managing Lead

Nicolle Connor is the Research Director - Managing Lead for the Healthcare Services practice group at Russell Reynolds Associates. She joined the firm in 2022, and currently leads the practice's research function in the U.S. Nicolle specialize in Board Director, CEO searches for private equity-backed firms, payer organizations, academic medical centers, integrated delivery networks, and publicly traded healthcare companies. Before joining Russell Reynolds, Nicolle held various strategic and operational leadership roles within notable academic medical centers. 

Nicolle holds a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration and Policy.


Krisha Otto

Research Director, Managing Lead

Krisha Otto is the Research Director - Managing Lead for the Industrial Natural Resources (INR) practice group at Russell Reynolds Associates. She joined the firm in 2023, and currently leads the practice's research function in the U.S. Krisha specializes in automotive but has worked broadly across functions and industries. Before joining Russell Reynolds, Krisha was an executive recruiter for 12 years and possesses a technical expertise in the function. Krisha also has a background in learning and development, including training and onboarding. 

Krisha received her Master of Science in Psychology from Western Illinois University and her B.A. in psychology from Monmouth College. 


Madeline McManus

Research Director, Managing Lead

Maddie McManus is the Research Director – Managing Lead for the Technology Practice at Russell Reynolds Associates. She joined the firm in 2024 and currently leads the practice's research function in the U.S. Prior to joining Russell Reynolds, Maddie led research at The Bowdoin Group.

Maddie received her BA in Comparative Human Development from The University of Chicago.


Lucia Waterman

Research Director, Managing Lead

Lucia Waterman is the Research Director – Managing Lead for the Financial Officers, Human Resources Officers, and Legal, Regulatory and Compliance Officer Practices at Russell Reynolds Associates. She joined Russell Reynolds in 2016 and currently leads the research function for the three practices across the United States. Lucia specializes in CHRO and CFO work across industries. Before joining Russell Reynolds, Lucia worked in finance at Morgan Stanley.

Lucia received a BA from Davidson College and has an MBA from the Owen School of Management at Vanderbilt University. 


Florencia Schindler

Research Director, Managing Lead

Based in Buenos Aires, Florencia is the Head Researcher in our Argentinean office and serves clients in the consumer goods, industrial/natural resources and financial services industries, focused on Spanish speaking countries. Florencia has successfully helped Russell Reynolds’ clients since 2006 by finding leaders for their CEO and other C-Suite positions.

Florencia holds a bachelor´s degree in Political Science specialized in International Relations from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina, a Master in Administration and Public Policies from Universidad de San Andrés, and a postgraduate course in Finance from Universidad Torcuato di Tella. Florencia is fluent in Spanish (her mother tongue) and English.


Kimberly Siders

Research Director, Market Expert

Kim Siders has 20 years of experience at leading executive search firms.  Based in Atlanta, Kim focuses on C-suite and senior level executive searches in the Media, Technology and Telecom industries and on technology officer searches across industries.

Kim received her bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Georgia and M.B.A. from Georgia State University.


Jasneet Kaur Sokhi

Research Director, Market Expert

Jasneet Sokhi is a member of the firm’s Global Biotech & Pharmaceuticals Practice. She leverages her global executive search experience, to provide insights on senior leadership talent at the Board & CEO level, as well as talent at the executive level in R&D and commercial. She is currently based in New York and has previously worked with the firm in Netherlands and India.

Prior to joining RRA, Jasneet spent almost 5 years with Korn/Ferry International in India, most recently as an Associate in the Life Sciences Practice. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Delhi University (India).


Sarah Stephens

Research Director, Market Expert

Sarah Stephens is a Research Director in the Corporate Officers – Operations & Supply Chain practice. She conducts C-suite and senior executive assignments for clients in the Healthcare sector globally, specializing in Biotech and Pharma Technical Operations including Process Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering and Supply Chain leadership across modalities.

Sarah has lived and worked in the U.K., New Zealand and Canada and has over twelve years of executive search experience. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Natural Sciences (Physiology) from the University of Cambridge and received her Education qualification (P.G.C.E.) from the University of Oxford.


Dante Sucgang

Research Director, Market Expert

Dante Sucgang is a Research Director in New York with extensive experience in Professional and Technology Services, Management Consulting, FinTech, SaaS and Private Equity.  He has successfully executed executive searches for CXOs and a variety of functions, including Technology, Finance, Business Development, Sales, and Marketing.

Dante graduated with an M.A. in Economics from Fordham University and a B.S. in Mathematics.


Kathryn Williams

Research Director, Market Expert

Kathryn Williams is a Research Director and Market Expert in Board & CEO Advisory Partners at Russell Reynolds Associates and is based in New York. She conducts research for leadership assignments across all industries and sectors with a particular focus on financial services. Kathryn has more than 20 years of retained executive search experience recruiting senior executives to premier global financial institutions.

Kathryn received an MFA in drama criticism from Columbia University and a BA in journalism from The Ohio State University.


Karen Wong

Research Director, Market Expert

Based in Los Angeles, Karen is a member of the firm’s Global Financial Officers practice working across all industries, with a specialization on recruitment efforts for Consumer and Private Equity clients.

Prior to joining Russell Reynolds Associates in 2005, Karen was in the Executive Talent Group at Siebel Systems Inc. (later acquired by Oracle), as part of a team that helped launch in-house global executive recruiting efforts.

Karen received her B.A. degree in Political Science from the University of California at Irvine.


Brooke Pastroff

Research Director, Market Expert

Brooke Pastroff has over 10 years of experience in executive roles such as CISO, CTO, and CIO. Based in Atlanta, Brooke focuses on advancing leadership transformation and supporting corporate technology roles across various industries, including consumer, healthcare, utility, food, hospitality, and technology for Fortune 500, private, and PE-backed companies.

Brooke received her bachelor's degree in Journalism with a minor in Psychology from Indiana University-Bloomington. She previously was an Auxiliary Board Member of the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL.


Rachel Taylor

Research Director, Market Expert

Based in San Francisco, Rachel is primarily focused on board director search engagements across a variety of industries and stages from pre-IPO to public companies within the Fortune 500. She specializes in collaboration efforts within Russell Reynolds Associates from cross-sector to cross-border initiatives.

Prior to joining the firm, Rachel was a Consultant at Forrester Research on the Market Impact team, where she led and executed end-to-end research projects commissioned by senior technology marketing executives designed to explore new concepts, markets, and adoption trends.


Hayley Koonmen

Research Director, Market Expert

Hayley Koonmen is a member of the firm’s Global Biotech & Pharmaceuticals Practice. She specializes in partnering with boards and leading investors to build high-performing leadership teams and boards of directors at pharmaceutical and emerging growth biotech companies. Hayley’s experience in recruiting leaders spans a range of functional backgrounds, including R&D, commercial, business, and venture. She is currently based in Chicago and has previously worked with the firm in San Francisco. Prior to joining RRA, Hayley spent nearly four years with The Advisory Board Company (now Optum) in San Francisco, most recently as an Engagement Manager in the Consulting & Management Practice.

Hayley received her BS in Biology, with minors in Psychology and Spanish, from Indiana University Bloomington.


Matthieu (Matt) St.Amour

Research Director, Market Expert

Matthieu (Matt) St.Amour is the Research Director – Market Expert for the Industrial & Natural Resources sector, covering industrial goods, services, and manufacturing. He specializes in C-suite and VP-level executive searches, particularly for CEO, President, and COO roles, supporting clients from Fortune 500 companies to private equity portfolio firms and smaller businesses.

Before joining Russell Reynolds, Matt recruited technical talent for the Financial Services industry, serving major banks, consultancies, and fintechs, and filling roles such as Software Engineer and Data Scientist. Previously, he participated in Sport Changes Life in Ireland, where he played professional basketball, earned a Master’s degree, and mentored local youth.

Matt holds a BA in Economics from Middlebury College and a Master’s Degree in Marketing and Management Strategy from Limerick Institute of Technology in Ireland.


Sara Coan

Research Director, Market Expert

Sara Coan is a member of Russell Reynolds' Global Biopharma Practice, based in New York. She brings nearly a decade of experience in professional services and executive search, with a focus on C-suite and senior executive succession planning—including CEO, CFO, CBO, and CCO roles—for both private and public biotechnology companies. She supports organizations across all stages of growth, from preclinical, venture-funded startups to mature, publicly listed commercial enterprises.

Sara received her B.S. degree in International Business Management from Stony Brook University.


Researchers

  • Gabrielle Ahrens
  • Joel Alemseged
  • Joseph Alexander
  • Willa Alexander-Jaffe
  • Monica Anabel Orona
  • Ayushi Aryal
  • Katie Bellaschi
  • Sydney Benjamin
  • Louise Berhau
  • Sagar Bhagat
  • Eliot Bieletto
  • Rebecca Bonini
  • Amanda Brackman
  • Allison Callanan
  • Amy Carbonneau
  • Eliana Chagas
  • Demi Charalab
  • Alex Chenier
  • Barton Christmas
  • Sara Coan 
  • Nicolle Connor
  • Michaella Coughlin
  • Seaton Croswell
  • Brianna Cuozzo Pomerantz
  • Angela D. Lubben
  • Rhodes Denny
  • Rachel Didier
  • Sandra Dieguez
  • Zachary Dobbins
  • Lauren Douglas
  • Ginny Durfee
  • Adelaide Ezersky
  • Alejandro Fernandez
  • Kara Finnerty
  • John Fleming
  • Jennifer Fodor
  • Kayla Foster
  • Christine Gallagher
  • Gretchen Bjork Garner
  • Michael Gatewood
  • Veronica Gonzalez
  • Trevor Gooden
  • Bruna Guerreiro
  • Seema Harpalani
  • Blake Harrison
  • Kerry L. Hayes
  • Holly Heffer
  • Hailey Hill
  • Clare Hotze
  • Emily Hunter
  • Michelle Janssen
  • Ashley Jeon
  • Eva Kassel Hoffman
  • Valerie King
  • Kazutoshi Koba
  • James Kolar
  • Kelly Komsa
  • Hayley Koonmen
  • Nathan Kurz
  • Rachel L Taylor
  • Victoria L Tolbert
  • Stefanie L. Lukasko
  • Ashley L. Redmann
  • Sara LaMent
  • Christopher Lanoie
  • Hope Lico
  • Isabella Marie Litt
  • Lara Louise Telson
  • Emily Lovett
  • Sarah Lucenti
  • Michael McDowell
  • Heather M Hutchings
  • Rosalie Machado
  • Olivia Mackey
  • Jason Macmonigle
  • Pierina Maniffi-Stokes
  • Peyton Marcus
  • Kaili Marion
  • Michael McDowell
  • Joey McGrath
  • Madeline McManus
  • Nathan Mitchell
  • Sandra Muriel
  • Patrick N. Little
  • Anna Nash
  • McClain Newton
  • Amelia Nickels
  • Miles Norris
  • Ijeoma Nwuke
  • Krisha Otto
  • Archana Pal
  • Tatiana Pardo
  • Brooke Kahn Pastroff
  • Kishan Patel
  • Sotiria Pericli 
  • Layla Pereira DaSilva
  • Arthur Perez Sader
  • Grace Phillips
  • Sam Piccard
  • Taylor Plant
  • Travis Presbitero
  • Kyle R. Jones
  • Alicia Ramos 
  • Rishon Roberts
  • Natalie Robinson
  • Meredith Rogers
  • Erica Sayre Moll
  • Florencia Schindler
  • Katelyn Schoenholtz
  • Aamir Shaikh
  • Nalina Shapiro
  • Lucia Shaw
  • Kimberly Siders
  • Samantha Simon
  • Elizabeth Sinclair 
  • Virender Singh
  • Jasneet Kaur Sokhi
  • Jacey Song
  • Lexi Spaulding
  • Matthieu St.Amour
  • Natalie Stefan
  • Sarah Stephens
  • Margaret Strauss
  • Dante Sucgang
  • Logan Sullivan
  • Lydia Swain
  • Isiah Swann
  • Hien Tran
  • Andrew Turner
  • Rachel Vargas
  • Jennie Ver Steeg
  • Catherine Walcott
  • Stephanie Wallen
  • Lucia Waterman
  • Morgan Welles
  • Maria Willett
  • Kathryn Williams
  • Nicole Winegardner
  • Fuller Wise
  • Karen Wong
  • Mariana Xavier
  • Katherine Yeary
  • Jenn Zelmer
  • Sylwia Zieba
  • Elizabeth Zogg

 


 

EMEA

Research Directors

Astrid Berger

Research Director, Managing Lead

Astrid Berger is a member of the firm’s Corporate Affairs Practice, specializing in European/international Public Affairs, Government Affairs, Communication and Sustainability.

Astrid has ben an integral part of the COE Learning & Development team and invaluable in assisting with the  recruitment of Research colleagues for both the Brussels office and the COE team in Barcelona.


Phuong Ha Nguyen

Research Director, Managing Lead

Based in Paris, Phuong Ha is an international researcher dealing mainly with recruiting senior executives within the Consumer practice with a particular expertise in consumer products and retail. 
Prior to joining Russell Reynolds Associates, Phuong-Ha worked for five years in Paris for an international executive search firm specialized in Fashion and Luxury. During her tenure, she has worked for various international private and family-owned organizations and private equity-backed clients.

Phuong Ha received a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and social science from University of Paris XI and a Master of Human Resources from the ESMA Paris. She speaks French, English, Spanish and some Vietnamese. 


Cristina Denston

Research Director, Managing Lead

Based in London, Cristina is a member of the global Healthcare practice. She works on a broad range of international executive positions across all subsectors including medical devices, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and diagnostics.

Cristina has developed true expertise in healthcare and established herself as a go-to expert in London and abroad.  Additionally, since January 2022,  Cristina has been successfully leading the London healthcare and COP research team.


Sibylle Marion Lane

Research Director, Managing Lead

Sibylle Lane is an experienced member of the firm’s the global Industrial and Natural Resources Sector and a core member of the global automotive and general industrial practices. She based in Zürich.

Sibylle holds a degree in the Humanities from Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt/Main. She is fluent in German and English and has good French and Italian language skills.


Jorge Fava

Research Director, Managing Lead

Based in Madrid, Jorge is the firm’s Research Director - Managing Lead of RRA Spain. He specializes in executive search both nationally and internationally in the Industrial & Natural Resources industries, and Boards.

Jorge holds a double degree in International Business Administration from Universidad Pontificia Comillas ICAI-ICADE and Reims Management School, and a Master in European Business from ESCP-EAP.


Rixt Harmsen

Research Director, Managing Lead  

 Rixt Harmsen focuses on assignments within the Consumer industry, with a focus on Sustainability, Supply Chain and Operations and Board roles for the Amsterdam office.

Rixt graduated from the Utrecht University, the Netherlands with a Masters in Law in Economics. In addition, she completed a minor in Political Economy from the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Her mother tongue is Dutch. She speaks English fluently and has a fair knowledge of Spanish language.


Rebecca Davies

Research Director, Managing Lead

Rebecca is a member of our global BCAP practice and the Research Director Managing Lead for the BCAP Researchers in London. As a researcher, she handles recruitment for non-executive directors and CEOs across a range of public, private and private-equity organisations. She contributes to key initiatives at Russell Reynolds, including the research underpinning The New CEO and “Inside the First Year as a CEO”.

Rebecca holds a degree in History from the University of Cambridge, and a Masters from the University of Exeter.


Liz Cusack

Research Director, Market Expert

Liz is a Research Director in the Financial Officers Practice in London. She and brings over 20 years’ experience in board level executive and non-executive search. She conducts searches for CFOs for both listed, privately owned and PE backed firms, with a particular interest in FTSE 100 and 250 businesses.

Liz holds a BSc in German and Law from the University of Surrey and speaks conversational French and German


Michael Patrice Egli

Research Director, Market Expert

Michael is a Research Director Market Expert who works in our Zurich office in Switzerland. He primarily focuses on assignments in the financial services as well as the retail and consumer goods space in Switzerland and Europe across all functions specializing in board, CEO and other senior-level executive searches. In addition, he brings strong knowledge in the telecommunications industry. 

Michael began his career as a Researcher at McKinsey & Company, where he worked for around eleven years. During his tenure he mainly focused on retail, consumer goods, marketing and telecommunications projects. Later he became the leader of the research team in Switzerland. He subsequently worked as an Area Manager at Marionnaud where he was responsible for sales and personnel for 16 stores in the German-speaking area of Switzerland.
Before joining Russell Reynolds Associates he again returned into Management Consulting joining Bain & Company’s research team, where his main focus was on industrial goods & services in EMEA.

Michael graduated from the University of Zurich, Switzerland with a Masters in Business Administration. His mother tongue is German. He speaks English fluently and has a fair knowledge of French and Italian.


Séverine Tsui

Research Director, Market Expert

Based between Barcelona and Madrid, Séverine is a key member of the firm's Industrial and Human Resources Practices, She specializes in Renewable Energy, focusing on Chief Executive and Non-Executive Director roles, as well as Human Resources positions across EMEA for both listed and private companies.

Séverine holds a master’s degree in International Business Law and Chinese Business Law from Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne and Aix-Marseille University. She is fluent in French, English, and Malagasy, and is conversant in Spanish.


Ingela Dahrén

Research Director, Market Expert

Ingela Dahrén is based in the Stockholm office, primarily focusing on the Industry and Natural Resources (INR) practice.

Since beginning her career in executive search in 2007, Ingela has joined Russell Reynolds Associates in 2024. Prior, she has worked on senior leadership searches, including board roles, throughout the Nordics and beyond in the Consumer and Technology sectors. Apart from executive search, she has also worked with assessments and leadership services with earned certifications in Hogan’s HDS as well as 16pf. Before entering the executive search field, Ingela developed her skills at McKinsey & Company as a researcher and junior consultant. She also served as a Project Leader and Case Manager for a Stockholm-based municipality.

Ingela earned her Master’s in Laws from Stockholm University. A native Swede, she is fluent in English and has intermediate proficiency in German.


Alena Bigg

Research Director, Market Expert

Alena Bigg is a Research Director and Market Expert within the Global Healthcare practice at Russell Reynolds Associates. Based in London, she advises on C-suite and Board-level appointments across the Biopharma, Medical Devices & Diagnostics, and Healthcare Services sectors. Alena brings particular expertise in supporting leadership builds for private equity-backed healthcare companies and pharma services organizations, with a focus on identifying transformative talent across international markets.

Alena holds a B.A. in Law with French Law from the University of Nottingham.


Matthäus Szellö

Research Director, Managing Lead

Based in Zurich, Matthäus is a member of the firm’s Financial Services team. As a Senior Researcher, he primarily focuses on Swiss and global assignments in Insurance, Banking, Professional Services, Technology and Industrial across all functions specializing in Board, CEO, CHRO, CFO and other senior-level executive searches.

Acting as Research Director Managing Lead Switzerland, he is accountable for building up, leading and developing the Swiss Research team.

Prior to joining Russell Reynolds Associates, Matthäus worked as an Area Manager for SV Schweiz AG, a leading Caterer in the Germany-speaking part of Europe in the hospitality industry, where he was responsible for sales and personnel for 17 stores in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Matthäus started his career at Starbucks Coffee Switzerland and spent 10 years in various corporate and general management functions.

Matthäus graduated from the International Hospitality and Management School Luzern, SHL. He is native in German and Hungarian, is fluent in English and has a fair knowledge of French


Nadine Jones

Research Director, Managing Lead

Nadine is based at Russell Reynolds Associates' Frankfurt office and is a member of the financial services practice. 

Nadine has worked in executive search since 2007 and joined Russell Reynolds Associates in 2021. She has gained extensive experience conducting searches for senior executives and board members. She started out in executive search at a financial services boutique in Frankfurt and worked for two other global executive search firms in their real estate and financial services practices. At RRA, she focuses on real estate and alternative investments.

Nadine studied law at Johann Wolfgang von Goethe University in Frankfurt and graduated as a lawyer in 2005. 
She is a native German speaker and fluent in English.


Katarina Knight

Research Director, Managing Lead

Katarina is a member of the Technology team in London, specialising in board and senior leadership roles. Prior to her current role, she focused on CEO and non-executive appointments in the financial services sector as part of the Board Practice team. Katarina joined Russell Reynolds in the Financial Services Practice and has worked across banking, consumer financial services, insurance and FinTech.

She has worked on a several high-profile CEO succession projects. Katarina graduated from the University of Cambridge and holds an MA in Social and Political Sciences.


Marta Malacarne

Research Director, Managing Lead

Marta is a member of the firm’s Healthcare and Consumer Sectors.
In addition to working on senior executive and non-executive assignments for these sectors, she also specializes in search mandates in Human Resources.

Marta received her Degree in Law from the Pavia State University. Besides her native Italian, she speaks fluent English and has a good command of French.


Marcus Gyllström

Research Director, Managing Lead

Based in Stockholm, Marcus is a Research Director, the Nordic Managing Lead and a member of the INR team, specializing in board, CEO and other senior-level executive searches. Marcus also has great familiarity with the industrial distributed services space in the Nordics and has provided research insights and talent in that arena in several assignments across his career. Recent work also include senior level positions within Pulp & Paper and the Automotive industry.

Marcus received his M.Sc. in Business and Mgmt. from Jönköping International Business School / University of Limerick. He is a native Swede who also speaks fluent English and intermediate German.


Hanne Ø. Kirkebøen 

Research Director, Market Expert

Hanne is a member of the firm's Industrial and Natural Resources Industry team, specializing in board, CEO, and other senior-level executive searches. She is also part of the Financial Officers Practice and works with CFO assignments across industries. Hanne is based in Oslo. 

Prior to executive search, Hanne worked for three years as a Communication Consultant in Gambit Hill+Knowlton Strategies, where she was part of the Marketing Communications Group. 

Hanne holds an MSc from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) in Bergen, where she specialized in marketing, industrial economics, and management.


Oxana Manko

Research Director, Market Expert

Based in Barcelona, Oxana joined Russell Reynolds in 2010 and pretty much since the beginning was focused on Healthcare, Life Science, MedTech and Technology sectors. During these years, Oxana had the chance to execute a number of national and international assignments both for Barcelona and Madrid as well as supporting other EMEA offices.

Oxana received her degree in Economics (Financial Management) from the University of Saint Petersburg, Russia and a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management in Organizations from Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain. She is bilingual in Russian/Spanish and fluent in English and Catalan.


Jonathan Robson

Research Director, Market Expert

Based in London, Jonathan Robson is a member of the Russell Reynolds Associates Industrial Practice and of the UK Board Practice. His executive assignments focus on work with Energy and Natural Resources clients. His work for the Board Practice covers Chief Executives, Non-Executive Directors, Chairs, and other advisory roles for a broad range of both publicly quoted and private businesses.

Jonathan is a graduate of Emmanuel College, Cambridge with a degree in Chemical Engineering.


Roberta Zeme

Research Director, Market Expert

Based in Milan, Roberta Zeme focuses primarily on both international and Italian assignments with FMCG clients. Recent work also include senior level positions within Pulp & Paper, Chemical and the Automotive industry.

Roberta graduated from the University of Pavia, Italy with a Master Degree in Foreign Languages and Literature. His mother tongue is Italian. She speaks English fluently and has a basic knowledge of French and Russian.


Jake Strong

Research Director, Market Expert

Jake Strong is a member of our Financial Services team, focusing on CEO, Chair, and Non-Executive Director appointments in financial services. Splitting his time between our London and New York offices, he works with clients across the USA and United Kingdom, as well as engagements elsewhere in Europe and in APAC. 

Prior to his current role, Jake was a member of the firm’s Financial Technology team, focusing on general management and commercial leadership appointments, and previously supported the firm’s insights, business development and strategy. Jake joined Russell Reynolds from a boutique search firm, where he focused on Private Equity- and Venture Capital-backed growth technology clients.


Ann Sophie Wild

Research Director, Market Expert

Based in Hamburg, Ann Sophie is a member of the firm’s Board and CEO Advisory Partners. She works across a wide range of executive and non-executive appointments in all sectors. Her recent work has included CEO, CFO, and other C-suite projects, as well as Chairman and independent director assignments.

Ann Sophie holds a Master of Science in Management and Computer Science from the Technical University of Munich and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Management from Leibniz University of Hanover. She is certified in psychometric testing, accredited by Hogan. Ann Sophie is fluent in German and English, and has intermediate proficiency in Italian.



 

 

Researchers

  • Franck Adell
  • Marco Alonso
  • Tomisin Amsata-Awani
  • Mathilde Andrews
  • Lucy Araujo
  • Johannes Arnold
  • Jonathan Attley
  • Ulrike B. Wurnig
  • Patu Bajaj
  • Florencia Bardecio
  • Astrid Berger
  • Evie Berland
  • Alena Bigg
  • Claudia Margherita Bisutti
  • Samuel Bodis
  • Catherine Mariel Bolzen
  • Claire Brennan
  • Robert Cameron
  • Lea Cichowlas
  • Lauren Clapp
  • Anne Combaz-Deville
  • Gabbi Comet-Ricketts
  • Rebecca Cook
  • Ingela Dahrén
  • Irina Dascalu
  • Hilary Davies
  • Rebecca Davies
  • Oriane De Buttet
  • Cristina Denston
  • Francesca Descher
  • Orlando Devoy
  • Charles Dew
  • Vanessa Di Matteo
  • Anna Dragolova
  • Hugo Duthu
  • Phoebe Dyer
  • Michael Patrice Egli
  • Margaux Ehrmann
  • Esongkuo Elombi
  • Joakim Eriksson
  • Marie Est
  • William Everett
  • Julian Everling
  • Jorge Fava
  • Eugenia Frasch
  • Giulia Ghidini
  • Aleksandra Gierach
  • Julius Giesbert
  • Alice Goodwin
  • Priscilla Goyvaerts
  • Daniel Greiner
  • Camille Grossi
  • Johanna Gunell
  • Marcus Gyllström
  • Nesam Halim
  • Julia Hanke
  • Rixt Harmsen
  • Ciara Heneghan
  • Helen Higgins
  • Luke Higgins
  • Nadine Hill
  • Samuel Hoyland
  • Ines Jauregui
  • Nadine Jones
  • Lazar Karapandza
  • Rebecca Kirner
  • Hannah Klapheck
  • Katarina Knight
  • Agnieszka Kobrynska
  • Sylvie Lancaster
  • Sibylle Marion Lane
  • Aleksandra Lekawska
  • Joel Linnett
  • Maria Eugenia Lopez Ruiz
  • Chris Makishima
  • Marta Malacarne
  • Oxana Manko
  • James Mannion
  • Claudia Margherita Bisutti
  • Catherine Mariel Bolzen
  • Sibylle Marion Lane
  • Julien Marlart
  • Ines Martinez-Fresneda
  • Madelén Mathisen
  • Evgeniia Matusevich
  • Connor McCarthy
  • Emily McDermott
  • Max McGrath
  • Charlotte Meurisse
  • Conor Mitchell
  • Philippa Mohr
  • Anuradha Mojumdar
  • Mathilde Motelay
  • Roberta Ms Zeme
  • Katy Munro
  • Anna Musazzi
  • Phuong Ha Nguyen
  • Joachim Nilsson
  • Mads Anker Nordgard
  • Hanne Øksenvåg Kirkebøen
  • Ileyna Oren
  • Alejandro Ortiz
  • Carlos Manuel Oyaga
  • Michael Patrice Egli
  • Claudia Paustian
  • Finlay Pearson
  • Mai-Thanh Pham
  • Amanda Pretzmann
  • Alexandre Puech
  • Jan-Phillip Rau
  • Judith Reichelt
  • Gladys Robinet-Duffo
  • Jonathan Robson
  • Florence Rumsey
  • Grace Ryan
  • Georgina Sage
  • Anna Samih
  • Isabel Sancha
  • Michaela Schneider Zita
  • Barbara Schray
  • Estelle Severin
  • Manisha Sharma
  • Saanya Sharma
  • Patricia Solís
  • Marie-Therese Sonnauer
  • Sylke Stemmler
  • Jake Strong
  • Beth Sumecki
  • Sylwia Swaczynska
  • Matthäus Szellö
  • Nicole Talarowski
  • Sofia Tapanelli
  • Svenja Tewes
  • Simone Thelin
  • Giorgio Torriglia
  • Severine Tsui
  • Laura Ubeda
  • Ville-Einari Utriainen
  • Frank Van den Heuvel
  • Clementine Vandeleur
  • Elizabeth Wignall
  • Ann Sophie Wild
  • Isabelle Wollscheid
  • Wendy Zhu

 


 

APAC

Research Directors

Kyoko Goto

Research Director, Managing Lead

Based in Tokyo, Kyoko is a Research Director in the Healthcare sector.

Prior to joining Russell Reynolds Associates, Kyoko worked for nineteen years at another leading global executive search firm where she engaged in senior-level executive search projects focusing on the Healthcare and Financial Officers practices.

Kyoko received a BA in Humanities from the International Christian University in Tokyo.


Bryan Teo

Research Director, Market Expert

Based in Sydney, Bryan is a Research Director in the Technology and Industrial practices.

Bryan joined Russell Reynolds Associates in 2004 and has more than 25 years of experience in consulting and internal recruitment roles.

Bryan has a Bachelor of Business from RMIT University and completed his MBA at the Melbourne Business School.


Ashima Jain

Research Director, Market Expert

Ashima specializes in the Industrial sector, assisting companies in leadership team formation, and executive optimization. Operating out of Delhi, India, she serves clients primarily in the chemicals, automotive, auto components and energy sector, collaborating with both Indian firms and international corporations.

Before joining the firm in 2022, Ashima spent over seven years in management consulting working across industries. Her expertise included developing market entry strategies, conducting comprehensive due diligence, crafting go-to-client strategies, and performing in-depth market studies. She has collaborated with various firms, delivering strategic insights and actionable solutions to drive business growth and competitive advantage.

Ashima holds a Master's degree in Finance and Economics from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor’s in Economics from Delhi University.


 

Katie Logie-Smith

Research Director, Managing Lead

Katie leads our highly experienced team of researchers across both the Sydney and Melbourne offices covering all sectors and industries. Her own research specialisation extends across Financial Services, Human Resources and Boards.

Katie received her Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from the University of Sydney. She also holds a Diploma in Marketing.


Makiko Tanaka

Research Director, Market Expert

Makiko is a Research Director specializing in the Industrial sector.

Prior to joining Russell Reynolds Associates, Makiko spent approximately eight years working in the consumer and entertainment industries including at Blockbuster Japan.

Makiko received a BA from Sophia University.


Simer Bhatia

Research Director, Market Expert

Simer Bhatia is a Research Director and a member of Russell Reynolds Associates’ Consumer Practice, with over fifteen years of experience in research and consulting. She specializes in senior-level searches across the FMCG, Consumer Durables, Retail, and Consumer Internet sectors. Simer serves as the APAC-focused group leader for the Center of Excellence team based in India and is the India Data Quality Champion. She also leads a team within the Center of Excellence. Additionally, Simer is an active member and leader of the Women Inclusion and Parents and Carers network in APAC.

Prior to joining Russell Reynolds Associates, Simer spent three years at another executive search firm in the Retail and Consumer sector and worked on the marketing team at Grail Research, a Monitor Group company.

She holds an MBA in Marketing from ICFAI Business School, Kolkata, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Delhi.


Researchers

  • Riya Ahuja
  • Apporva Aggarwal
  • Aditi Banerjee
  • Simer Bhatia
  • Jamie Billimoria
  • Leanne Chan
  • Wendy Chen
  • Jonathan Loang Cheuk
  • Alaina Chua
  • Gillian D'Souza
  • Kyoko Goto
  • Victoria Marie Harding
  • Akane Hatano
  • Ashima Jain
  • Becky Lin
  • Rola Liu
  • Katie Logie-Smith
  • Tomoki Masuda
  • Miraj Hiten Mehta
  • Anika Nagahiro
  • Cameron Richard Page
  • Jeremy Qiming Cheok
  • Kayanush Patel
  • Petra Poon
  • Chayanika Raj
  • Georg Schubert
  • Purvi Shah
  • Frank Sun
  • Makiko Tanaka
  • Bryan Teo
  • Helena Yan
  • Katherine Yang
  • Iris Ye
  • Benjamin Yeo
  • Justin Young
  • Mondre Yuen
  • Amiee Zhang

 

How We Help

Backed by data. Powered by people. We help leaders prepare for what's next, with best-in-class talent, insights and action plans.

 

 

Our Values

Improving the way the world is led takes courage and confidence, but more importantly, requires an unwavering commitment to core values. Our core values and commitment to excellence inform our people and our work.

 


 

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