Odgers Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Odgers has 7 executives leading key functions including board appointments, executive leadership, and financial oversight.

Dedicated to elevating leadership capabilities across diverse sectors, Odgers drives organizational success through expert executive search and advisory services, impacting global talent acquisition and board effectiveness.

Leadership Roles at Odgers

  • Partner, Global Board and Chief Executive Officer. Healthcare. Public Sector - Caroline Dever
  • Chief Executive Officer & Coach & Partner & Practice Area Lead For Leadership Team Coaching Executive - Gary Payne
  • Principal, Chief Financial Officer and Financial Officers Practice, Odgers Canada - Emily McGonigle
  • Manager, Chief Financial Officer Practice and People Culture - Alicia Chea
  • Partner and Head, Chief Financial Officer Practice - Ross Woledge
  • Chief Operating Officer - Deborah Lucas
  • Chief Information Officer & Technology Practice Officer - Olivia Vas
  • Caroline Dever - Partner, Global Board and Chief Executive Officer. Healthcare. Public Sector

    Caroline Dever, the Partner, Global Board and Chief Executive Officer. Healthcare. Public Sector at Odgers, directs the strategic placement of board and chief executive officer roles within the healthcare and public sectors. This leadership position involves identifying and engaging top-tier candidates capable of steering complex organizations through evolving market dynamics. Caroline Dever's expertise ensures that clients secure leaders with the precise vision and operational acumen required for success in these critical industries. The role demands a deep understanding of sector-specific challenges and opportunities, enabling the firm to provide unparalleled advisory services. Oversight extends to cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and driving the firm's presence in these vital markets.

    Gary Payne - Chief Executive Officer & Coach & Partner & Practice Area Lead For Leadership Team Coaching Executive

    Gary Payne, the Chief Executive Officer & Coach & Partner & Practice Area Lead For Leadership Team Coaching Executive at Odgers, spearheads the firm's overall strategic direction and operational execution. As a key leader, Gary Payne drives the expansion of leadership advisory services, particularly focusing on executive coaching and leadership team development. This multifaceted role involves guiding the firm's growth, fostering a culture of excellence, and ensuring the delivery of high-impact coaching solutions to clients. The practice area lead responsibilities focus on enhancing the capabilities of executive teams, enabling them to navigate complex business challenges and achieve peak performance. Gary Payne's leadership ensures Odgers remains at the forefront of leadership development.

    Emily McGonigle - Principal, Chief Financial Officer and Financial Officers Practice, Odgers Canada

    Emily McGonigle, the Principal, Chief Financial Officer and Financial Officers Practice, Odgers Canada at Odgers, leads the specialized practice focused on identifying and placing chief financial officers and senior financial executives within Canada. This strategic leadership involves cultivating deep relationships within the financial community and understanding the intricate demands of CFO roles across various industries. Emily McGonigle's expertise ensures that Odgers Canada effectively serves its clients by sourcing candidates with exceptional financial acumen and strategic leadership capabilities. The role demands a nuanced understanding of the Canadian market and its unique financial landscape, driving the success of the financial officers practice.
    Emily McGonigle

    Alicia Chea - Manager, Chief Financial Officer Practice and People Culture

    Alicia Chea, the Manager, Chief Financial Officer Practice and People Culture at Odgers, supports the critical functions of the Chief Financial Officer practice while also driving initiatives related to organizational culture and talent engagement. This dual focus ensures that the firm not only attracts top financial leadership but also fosters a positive and productive internal environment. Alicia Chea's responsibilities include managing candidate pipelines, coordinating search processes, and developing strategies to enhance employee experience and retention. The role requires a keen understanding of both recruitment dynamics and human capital management, contributing to the overall strength and effectiveness of Odgers' operations.
    Alicia Chea

    Ross Woledge - Partner and Head, Chief Financial Officer Practice

    Ross Woledge, the Partner and Head, Chief Financial Officer Practice at Odgers, leads the firm's dedicated practice for recruiting chief financial officers and senior finance executives. This pivotal role involves overseeing all aspects of the CFO search process, from client engagement to candidate identification and placement. Ross Woledge's extensive experience ensures that Odgers provides strategic guidance and access to a global network of financial leaders. The practice focuses on understanding the evolving needs of organizations and delivering exceptional talent that drives financial performance and strategic growth. Ross Woledge's leadership solidifies Odgers' reputation as a premier provider of financial executive search services.
    Ross Woledge

    Deborah Lucas - Chief Operating Officer

    Deborah Lucas, the Chief Operating Officer at Odgers, manages the firm's day-to-day operations and internal infrastructure. This critical role ensures the efficient functioning of all business processes, supporting the delivery of executive search and advisory services across global markets. Deborah Lucas oversees operational strategy, resource allocation, and process optimization to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction. The position requires meticulous attention to detail and a strategic approach to operational challenges, ensuring seamless integration of services. By streamlining internal workflows, Deborah Lucas directly contributes to the firm's capacity to attract and place top leadership talent, reinforcing Odgers' market position.

    Olivia Vas - Chief Information Officer & Technology Practice Officer

    Olivia Vas, the Chief Information Officer & Technology Practice Officer at Odgers, directs the firm's technology strategy and oversees the specialized practice focused on the technology sector. This leadership role involves leveraging technological advancements to enhance operational efficiency and drive business growth, while also ensuring the firm's expertise in placing technology leaders. Olivia Vas guides the implementation of innovative solutions that support executive search processes and client engagement. The technology practice focus involves identifying and recruiting top talent for technology-centric roles across various industries, ensuring clients secure leaders capable of navigating the digital landscape. Olivia Vas's dual responsibility strengthens Odgers' technological infrastructure and market penetration.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Odgers Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Odgers?
    Odgers is led by Caroline Dever (Partner, Global Board and Chief Executive Officer. Healthcare. Public Sector), along with executives such as Gary Payne (Chief Executive Officer & Coach & Partner & Practice Area Lead For Leadership Team Coaching Executive) and Emily McGonigle (Principal, Chief Financial Officer and Financial Officers Practice, Odgers Canada).
    Who is part of Odgers’s executive team?
    The executive team of Odgers includes leaders such as Caroline Dever (Partner, Global Board and Chief Executive Officer. Healthcare. Public Sector), Gary Payne (Chief Executive Officer & Coach & Partner & Practice Area Lead For Leadership Team Coaching Executive), Emily McGonigle (Principal, Chief Financial Officer and Financial Officers Practice, Odgers Canada) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Odgers have?
    Odgers has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Odgers’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Odgers includes roles such as Partner, Global Board and Chief Executive Officer. Healthcare. Public Sector, Chief Executive Officer & Coach & Partner & Practice Area Lead For Leadership Team Coaching Executive, Principal, Chief Financial Officer and Financial Officers Practice, Odgers Canada, Manager, Chief Financial Officer Practice and People Culture, Partner and Head, Chief Financial Officer Practice.