Odgers Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Odgers has 6 executives leading key functions including board appointments, executive search, and financial operations.

Dedicated to enhancing leadership capabilities across diverse sectors, Odgers drives the strategic placement of senior talent, impacting organizational success through expert executive search and advisory services.

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
  • 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, architects global board appointments and chief executive placements, with a specialized focus on the healthcare and public sectors. This leadership role involves identifying and securing top-tier executive talent capable of navigating complex industry landscapes and driving organizational strategy. Dever's expertise ensures that clients receive strategic counsel on leadership composition, crucial for effective governance and public service delivery. The scope of this position demands a deep understanding of sector-specific challenges and opportunities, enabling the placement of leaders who can deliver significant impact. Caroline Dever's strategic vision guides the firm's approach to high-stakes executive recruitment within these critical domains.

    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, directs the firm's overarching strategy and operational execution, while also leading executive coaching initiatives. This multifaceted role encompasses driving business development, fostering client relationships, and ensuring the highest standards of service delivery across all practice areas. Payne's leadership in executive coaching focuses on empowering leadership teams to achieve peak performance and navigate organizational change effectively. The practice area lead function ensures specialized expertise in leadership team dynamics is integrated into the firm's search and advisory services. Gary Payne's commitment to excellence underpins the firm's reputation for delivering impactful leadership solutions.

    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, leads the firm's financial executive search operations within Canada, focusing on the placement of Chief Financial Officers and other senior financial leaders. This specialized practice involves identifying candidates with exceptional financial acumen, strategic vision, and leadership capabilities essential for organizational success. McGonigle's role requires deep market insight into the Canadian financial sector and a robust network of top-tier financial talent. The Principal position demands strategic oversight of search methodologies and client engagement to ensure the highest quality placements. Emily McGonigle's dedication to excellence drives the firm's ability to secure critical financial leadership for its clients across Canada.
    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 strategic recruitment of Chief Financial Officers and cultivates a positive organizational culture. This dual focus involves managing search processes for financial leadership roles while also contributing to initiatives that enhance employee engagement and foster a high-performance work environment. Chea's responsibilities include coordinating candidate outreach, managing search timelines, and implementing HR strategies that align with the firm's values. The Manager role requires meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of both recruitment best practices and human capital management. Alicia Chea's contributions are vital to building both strong client solutions and a thriving internal team.
    Alicia Chea

    Ross Woledge - Partner and Head, Chief Financial Officer Practice

    Ross Woledge, the Partner and Head, Chief Financial Officer Practice at Odgers, directs the firm's global strategy for recruiting Chief Financial Officers and senior finance executives. This leadership position involves setting the direction for the practice, developing innovative search methodologies, and cultivating relationships with key industry stakeholders. Woledge's expertise lies in identifying candidates who possess not only financial proficiency but also the strategic foresight to guide organizations through complex economic landscapes. The Partner role demands a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics and a commitment to delivering exceptional talent solutions. Ross Woledge's strategic leadership ensures the Chief Financial Officer practice remains at the forefront of executive recruitment.
    Ross Woledge

    Deborah Lucas - Chief Operating Officer

    Deborah Lucas, the Chief Operating Officer at Odgers, oversees the firm's internal operations, ensuring efficiency and scalability across all business functions. This critical role involves managing day-to-day activities, optimizing resource allocation, and implementing strategic initiatives to support the firm's growth objectives. Lucas's responsibilities extend to enhancing operational processes, driving technological adoption, and ensuring seamless service delivery to clients. The Chief Operating Officer position requires a keen focus on operational excellence and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Deborah Lucas's leadership ensures that the firm's infrastructure robustly supports its executive search and advisory services, enabling consistent high performance.

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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 6 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.