Chris Nicholson

Chris Nicholson leads Russell Reynolds Associates’ Energy and the Infrastructure Practice across EMEA, partnering with clients across energy and private capital as they undergo transformation and growth. Based in London, he supports investors and corporates across the value chain with the appointment and assessment of executives and board leaders.

Chris works extensively with private equity, infrastructure funds, and other capital providers, helping evaluate leadership teams and organizational capabilities both pre- and post-deal. His work enables investors to make confident decisions around succession planning, value creation, and talent strategy in portfolio companies.

He began his career as a field engineer in the North Sea, West Africa, Gulf of Mexico, and Canada with Geoservices. Prior to joining Russell Reynolds Associates, Chris spent a decade with a global executive search firm, where he led the energy practice across EMEA.

He has played a leading role in building progressive, future-oriented energy and investment advisory practices, supporting clients as they navigate one of the most significant periods of disruption in the industry’s history. He is a strong advocate for the importance of disruptive, and sector-agnostic leadership in future-proofing organizations.