Korn Ferry Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Korn Ferry has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, board services, and marketing.

Driven by a commitment to talent and organizational effectiveness, Korn Ferry delivers comprehensive solutions that help clients navigate complex business challenges and achieve sustainable growth through superior human capital management.

Leadership Roles at Korn Ferry

  • Chief Executive Officer - Gary Burnison
  • Vice Chairman - Board and Chief Executive Officer Services - Alan Guarino
  • Chief Executive Officer & Enterprise Leader Development, Senior Client Partner & Practice Lead (North America) - Debra Hermann
  • Vice Chairman, Global Consumer Practice and Board and Chief Executive Officer Services - Lauren Shin
  • Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Enterprise Leadership - Kevin Cashman
  • Head of Americas Insurance Practice, Member, Board & Chief Executive Officer, Practice - Thomas Rowe
  • Managing Partner, Chief Executive Officer & Board Practice, Global Technology Markets (Atlanta) - Lee Esler
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - Stanley Paylago
  • Senior Client Partner, Chief Financial Officer Practice Leader - Jeffrey Constable
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Jill Wiltfong
  • Gary Burnison - Chief Executive Officer

    Gary Burnison, the Chief Executive Officer at Korn Ferry, directs the firm's global strategy and operational execution. Burnison oversees all aspects of the company's consulting services, including executive search, leadership development, and organizational design, ensuring alignment with market demands and client needs. This leadership role involves driving innovation in talent solutions and expanding the firm's reach across key industries. By focusing on performance management and recruitment process outsourcing, Gary Burnison enhances client capabilities and strengthens Korn Ferry's market position. The Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes fostering a culture of excellence and driving sustainable financial performance through strategic client partnerships and service delivery.
    Gary Burnison

    Alan Guarino - Vice Chairman - Board and Chief Executive Officer Services

    Alan Guarino, the Vice Chairman - Board and Chief Executive Officer Services at Korn Ferry, leads critical engagements focused on board effectiveness and CEO succession planning. Guarino guides clients through complex leadership transitions and board composition strategies, leveraging deep expertise in executive assessment and recruitment. This role involves advising boards of directors on governance best practices and identifying top-tier executive talent to lead organizations. By cultivating strong relationships with C-suite executives and board members, Alan Guarino ensures the delivery of high-impact advisory services. The Vice Chairman's focus extends to enhancing board performance and ensuring robust leadership pipelines that support long-term corporate strategy and shareholder value.

    Debra Hermann - Chief Executive Officer & Enterprise Leader Development, Senior Client Partner & Practice Lead (North America)

    Debra Hermann, the Chief Executive Officer & Enterprise Leader Development, Senior Client Partner & Practice Lead (North America) at Korn Ferry, spearheads initiatives in leadership development and executive client partnerships across North America. Hermann directs the strategy and execution of enterprise-wide leadership programs designed to cultivate high-potential talent and drive organizational transformation. This senior client partner role involves managing key accounts and ensuring the seamless delivery of Korn Ferry's comprehensive suite of talent solutions. By focusing on performance management and leadership effectiveness, Debra Hermann strengthens client organizations and reinforces Korn Ferry's commitment to talent optimization. The practice lead's responsibilities include expanding market share and driving revenue growth through strategic client engagement and innovative service offerings.
    Debra Hermann

    Lauren Shin - Vice Chairman, Global Consumer Practice and Board and Chief Executive Officer Services

    Lauren Shin, the Vice Chairman, Global Consumer Practice and Board and Chief Executive Officer Services at Korn Ferry, drives strategic initiatives within the global consumer sector and advises on board and CEO services. Shin leads engagements focused on executive search and leadership assessment for consumer-facing companies, identifying and placing top talent that shapes brand success. This vice chairman role involves cultivating deep relationships with industry leaders and understanding evolving market dynamics within the consumer landscape. By focusing on talent acquisition and leadership development, Lauren Shin enhances organizational capabilities and supports client growth. The global practice leadership extends to developing innovative solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities within the consumer industry.

    Kevin Cashman - Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Enterprise Leadership

    Kevin Cashman, the Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Enterprise Leadership at Korn Ferry, directs global efforts in executive leadership development and CEO advisory services. Cashman guides organizations in cultivating exceptional leadership capabilities and fostering high-performance cultures that drive sustainable success. This vice chairman role involves partnering with C-suite executives and boards to design and implement transformative leadership strategies. By focusing on talent optimization and organizational effectiveness, Kevin Cashman enhances leadership pipelines and ensures strategic alignment. The enterprise leadership focus includes developing innovative programs that empower leaders to navigate complex business environments and achieve ambitious corporate objectives.
    Kevin Cashman

    Thomas Rowe - Head of Americas Insurance Practice, Member, Board & Chief Executive Officer, Practice

    Thomas Rowe, the Head of Americas Insurance Practice, Member, Board & Chief Executive Officer, Practice at Korn Ferry, leads strategic client engagements within the insurance sector across the Americas. Rowe directs executive search and leadership advisory services, focusing on identifying and placing top-tier talent for insurance organizations. This leadership role involves cultivating deep relationships with key stakeholders and understanding the unique challenges of the insurance market. By focusing on board effectiveness and CEO succession, Thomas Rowe enhances organizational leadership and drives strategic growth. The practice head's responsibilities include expanding market reach and delivering tailored solutions that address the evolving needs of the insurance industry.
    Thomas Rowe

    Lee Esler - Managing Partner, Chief Executive Officer & Board Practice, Global Technology Markets (Atlanta)

    Lee Esler, the Managing Partner, Chief Executive Officer & Board Practice, Global Technology Markets (Atlanta) at Korn Ferry, spearheads executive search and leadership advisory services within the global technology sector. Esler directs engagements focused on identifying and placing C-suite executives and board members for technology companies, driving innovation and market leadership. This managing partner role involves cultivating strong relationships with technology leaders and understanding the rapid pace of change in the sector. By focusing on talent acquisition and board governance, Lee Esler enhances organizational capabilities and supports strategic growth. The global practice leadership extends to developing tailored solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities within the technology market.
    Lee Esler

    Stanley Paylago - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Stanley Paylago, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Korn Ferry, provides critical financial oversight and strategic guidance during a transitional period. Paylago manages the company's financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring fiscal discipline and compliance. This interim leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to maintain financial stability and support ongoing business objectives. By focusing on resource allocation and financial performance management, Stanley Paylago ensures the integrity of the company's financial health. The Interim Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include safeguarding assets and optimizing financial strategies to support Korn Ferry's long-term growth and profitability.

    Jeffrey Constable - Senior Client Partner, Chief Financial Officer Practice Leader

    Jeffrey Constable, the Senior Client Partner, Chief Financial Officer Practice Leader at Korn Ferry, leads executive search and advisory services for Chief Financial Officer roles globally. Constable guides organizations in identifying and recruiting top financial talent, ensuring leadership alignment with strategic objectives. This senior client partner role involves managing key relationships and delivering high-impact solutions that address complex financial leadership needs. By focusing on financial executive assessment and placement, Jeffrey Constable enhances organizational financial acumen and drives performance. The practice leader's responsibilities include expanding the firm's reach within the CFO community and developing innovative strategies for talent acquisition in finance.

    Jill Wiltfong - Chief Marketing Officer

    Jill Wiltfong, the Chief Marketing Officer at Korn Ferry, directs the firm's global marketing strategy and brand positioning. Wiltfong oversees all marketing communications, digital initiatives, and market intelligence efforts designed to enhance Korn Ferry's visibility and client engagement. This critical role involves translating the firm's value proposition into compelling narratives that resonate with target audiences across diverse industries. By focusing on lead generation and market development, Jill Wiltfong drives business growth and strengthens the company's competitive advantage. The Chief Marketing Officer's mandate includes fostering innovation in marketing approaches and ensuring consistent brand messaging worldwide.
    Jill Wiltfong

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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 Alan Guarino (Vice Chairman - Board and Chief Executive Officer Services) and Debra Hermann (Chief Executive Officer & Enterprise Leader Development, Senior Client Partner & Practice Lead (North America)).
    Who is part of Korn Ferry’s executive team?
    The executive team of Korn Ferry includes leaders such as Gary Burnison (Chief Executive Officer), Alan Guarino (Vice Chairman - Board and Chief Executive Officer Services), Debra Hermann (Chief Executive Officer & Enterprise Leader Development, Senior Client Partner & Practice Lead (North America)) 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, Vice Chairman - Board and Chief Executive Officer Services, Chief Executive Officer & Enterprise Leader Development, Senior Client Partner & Practice Lead (North America), Vice Chairman, Global Consumer Practice and Board and Chief Executive Officer Services, Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Enterprise Leadership.