Korn Ferry Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Korn Ferry has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, operations, technology, and search.

Driven by a commitment to talent and organizational effectiveness, Korn Ferry delivers comprehensive solutions that address performance management, executive search, and leadership development to shape the future of work.

Leadership Roles at Korn Ferry

  • Chief Executive Officer - Gary Burnison
  • Global Leader Chief Executive Officer and Enterprise Leadership Development - Jamen Graves
  • Chief Executive Officer, Board Services & Search Executive - Christina Zimbalatti
  • Chief Executive Officer & Interim Search Professional - Lonny Avital
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - Samantha Endres
  • Senior Client Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Korn Ferry Health - Liz Bickley
  • President, Search Professional (North American) & Managing Partner (Boston) - Ned Philie
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Jill Wiltfong
  • Strategy Chief of Staff & Aligned Executive - Erin Napier
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer - Focus Digital - Thom Steinhoff
  • Gary Burnison - Chief Executive Officer

    Gary Burnison, the Chief Executive Officer at Korn Ferry, directs the firm's global strategy and operational execution. Overseeing all business units, Burnison ensures alignment with the company's mission to help clients achieve superior performance through talent. This leadership role involves driving innovation in talent acquisition and leadership development solutions, directly impacting Korn Ferry's market position. By optimizing client engagement models, Gary Burnison enhances the firm's ability to deliver transformative results. The Chief Executive Officer's focus extends to fostering a culture of excellence and driving sustainable growth across all global operations, solidifying Korn Ferry's reputation as a leader in the human capital industry.
    Gary Burnison

    Jamen Graves - Global Leader Chief Executive Officer and Enterprise Leadership Development

    Jamen Graves, the Global Leader Chief Executive Officer and Enterprise Leadership Development at Korn Ferry, spearheads the strategic direction and delivery of comprehensive leadership development programs worldwide. Overseeing the enterprise leadership development division, Graves ensures that Korn Ferry's solutions empower organizations to cultivate effective leaders capable of navigating complex business landscapes. This critical role involves architecting frameworks that foster talent growth and succession planning, directly supporting client organizations' long-term success. By driving the evolution of leadership methodologies, Jamen Graves enhances Korn Ferry's capacity to address the most pressing talent challenges. The Global Leader Chief Executive Officer and Enterprise Leadership Development's mandate includes expanding the reach and impact of these vital services across diverse industries and geographies.

    Christina Zimbalatti - Chief Executive Officer, Board Services & Search Executive

    Christina Zimbalatti, the Chief Executive Officer, Board Services & Search Executive at Korn Ferry, leads the firm's critical board services and executive search functions. Overseeing the strategic placement of senior leadership and board members, Zimbalatti ensures Korn Ferry's clients secure top-tier talent essential for corporate governance and strategic oversight. This pivotal role involves guiding clients through complex succession planning and executive recruitment processes, directly impacting organizational leadership effectiveness. By cultivating deep relationships with C-suite executives and boards, Christina Zimbalatti enhances Korn Ferry's reputation for delivering exceptional search outcomes. The Chief Executive Officer, Board Services & Search Executive's mandate includes driving innovation in board advisory services and executive search methodologies.
    Christina Zimbalatti

    Lonny Avital - Chief Executive Officer & Interim Search Professional

    Lonny Avital, the Chief Executive Officer & Interim Search Professional at Korn Ferry, directs the firm's interim executive search services and related operational strategies. Overseeing the provision of high-caliber interim leadership talent, Avital ensures organizations can quickly fill critical roles during periods of transition or transformation. This key position involves managing the end-to-end interim search process, from client needs assessment to candidate placement, directly supporting business continuity and strategic objectives. By building a robust network of experienced interim professionals, Lonny Avital enhances Korn Ferry's ability to provide agile leadership solutions. The Chief Executive Officer & Interim Search Professional's focus includes expanding the reach of interim services across various industries and geographies.
    Lonny Avital

    Samantha Endres - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Samantha Endres, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Korn Ferry, provides critical financial leadership and oversight during transitional periods. Overseeing the financial operations and reporting functions, Endres ensures fiscal integrity and strategic financial planning to support Korn Ferry's business objectives. This essential role involves managing financial resources, optimizing cash flow, and advising on financial strategies to drive profitability and sustainable growth. By maintaining robust financial controls and providing insightful analysis, Samantha Endres supports the firm's operational stability and strategic decision-making. The Interim Chief Financial Officer's focus includes ensuring compliance with financial regulations and enhancing shareholder value.

    Liz Bickley - Senior Client Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Korn Ferry Health

    Liz Bickley, the Senior Client Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Korn Ferry Health at Korn Ferry, manages operational efficiency and client relationships within the specialized Korn Ferry Health division. Overseeing the operational framework for health sector clients, Bickley ensures seamless delivery of recruitment process outsourcing and leadership development services tailored to healthcare organizations. This role involves driving strategic initiatives to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction, directly contributing to the division's growth and market penetration. By optimizing internal processes and client engagement, Liz Bickley strengthens Korn Ferry's impact in the critical healthcare industry. The Senior Client Partner & Chief Operating Officer's focus includes fostering strong partnerships and ensuring the highest standards of service excellence.
    Liz Bickley

    Ned Philie - President, Search Professional (North American) & Managing Partner (Boston)

    Ned Philie, the President, Search Professional (North American) & Managing Partner (Boston) at Korn Ferry, directs executive search operations across North America and leads the Boston office. Overseeing a significant portfolio of search engagements, Philie ensures the successful placement of senior executives and key talent for clients throughout the region. This leadership position involves driving business development, managing client relationships, and fostering a high-performance culture within the search teams, directly contributing to Korn Ferry's market leadership. By cultivating strategic partnerships and delivering exceptional search outcomes, Ned Philie enhances the firm's reputation and client satisfaction. The President, Search Professional (North American) & Managing Partner's focus includes expanding market reach and optimizing search methodologies.
    Ned Philie

    Jill Wiltfong - Chief Marketing Officer

    Jill Wiltfong, the Chief Marketing Officer at Korn Ferry, directs the global marketing strategy and brand positioning for the firm. Overseeing all marketing functions, Wiltfong ensures consistent messaging and drives demand generation initiatives that highlight Korn Ferry's expertise in talent solutions. This leadership position involves shaping the narrative around performance management, executive search, and leadership development, directly communicating the value proposition to a global clientele. By orchestrating integrated marketing campaigns, Jill Wiltfong strengthens Korn Ferry's market presence and thought leadership. The Chief Marketing Officer's responsibilities include leveraging market insights to inform business development and enhance client acquisition strategies across key regions.
    Jill Wiltfong

    Erin Napier - Strategy Chief of Staff & Aligned Executive

    Erin Napier, the Strategy Chief of Staff & Aligned Executive at Korn Ferry, supports the strategic planning and execution of key initiatives across the organization. Overseeing the coordination of cross-functional projects and strategic alignment, Napier ensures that Korn Ferry's operational efforts are synchronized with its overarching business objectives. This vital role involves facilitating communication between leadership teams and driving the implementation of strategic priorities, directly contributing to the firm's growth and efficiency. By providing critical support to executive leadership, Erin Napier enhances the effectiveness of strategic decision-making and execution. The Strategy Chief of Staff & Aligned Executive's responsibilities include analyzing market trends and identifying opportunities for strategic development.

    Thom Steinhoff - Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer - Focus Digital

    Thom Steinhoff, the Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer - Focus Digital at Korn Ferry, leads the firm's technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Overseeing the development and implementation of cutting-edge technological solutions, Steinhoff ensures Korn Ferry remains at the forefront of digital innovation in the talent solutions space. This critical role involves architecting scalable technology platforms that enhance client experience and operational efficiency, directly supporting the firm's digital-first approach. By driving technological advancements, Thom Steinhoff strengthens Korn Ferry's competitive advantage and expands its digital service offerings. The Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer's focus includes leveraging data analytics and AI to optimize service delivery and client outcomes.
    Thom Steinhoff

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Korn Ferry Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Korn Ferry?
    Korn Ferry is led by Gary Burnison (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jamen Graves (Global Leader Chief Executive Officer and Enterprise Leadership Development) and Christina Zimbalatti (Chief Executive Officer, Board Services & Search Executive).
    Who is part of Korn Ferry’s executive team?
    The executive team of Korn Ferry includes leaders such as Gary Burnison (Chief Executive Officer), Jamen Graves (Global Leader Chief Executive Officer and Enterprise Leadership Development), Christina Zimbalatti (Chief Executive Officer, Board Services & Search Executive) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Korn Ferry have?
    Korn Ferry has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Korn Ferry’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Korn Ferry includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Global Leader Chief Executive Officer and Enterprise Leadership Development, Chief Executive Officer, Board Services & Search Executive, Chief Executive Officer & Interim Search Professional, Interim Chief Financial Officer.