Spencer Stuart Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Spencer Stuart has 10 executives leading key functions including firm strategy, board advisory, leadership assessment, and operational development.

Committed to identifying elite talent for global organizations, Spencer Stuart delivers comprehensive executive search and leadership consulting services to ensure long-term organizational success and future-ready governance.

Leadership Roles at Spencer Stuart

  • Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner - Jordan Brugg
  • Director, Innovation & Chief Executive Officer, Board & Leadership Advisory Services) - Ivan Kerbel
  • Partner, Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice - Kathleen Tamayo
  • Partner and Director of Development and Operations, North American Chief Executive Officer Practice - Melissa Stone
  • Partner, Chief Executive Officer Succession - Seonaid Charlesworth
  • Global Director, Solutions & Chief Executive Officer, Performance Acceleration & Succession - Hannah Ohnysty
  • Partner - Chief Executive Officer, Board, Industrial, Automotive and Technology Practices - Christina Coplen
  • Consultant and Partner Chief Executive Officer and Boards Practices. Leader, Global Development and Social Impact Platform - Anne Simonds
  • Chief Executive Officer, Board, Technology Practice - Amitabh Sharma
  • Global Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice - Stephen Marlo
  • Jordan Brugg - Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner

    Jordan Brugg, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner at Spencer Stuart, directs the firm's overarching strategic vision and global operations. Overseeing the firm's commitment to excellence in executive search, Brugg ensures that the organization maintains its reputation for identifying top-tier leadership talent. This role involves close collaboration with the board to refine consulting methodologies and expand market reach across diverse industries. By fostering a culture of high performance, Jordan Brugg drives the firm's ability to address complex human capital challenges for clients worldwide. The Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner also manages the integration of new assessment tools to improve candidate evaluation accuracy. Through these efforts, Brugg secures the firm's position as a premier advisor for organizations navigating critical leadership transitions and long-term growth objectives in an increasingly competitive global business landscape.
    Jordan Brugg

    Ivan Kerbel - Director, Innovation & Chief Executive Officer, Board & Leadership Advisory Services)

    Ivan Kerbel, the Director, Innovation & Chief Executive Officer, Board & Leadership Advisory Services) at Spencer Stuart, architects the firm's approach to modern leadership consulting and board governance. Focusing on the intersection of innovation and executive assessment, Kerbel develops proprietary frameworks that help organizations evaluate potential board members and senior leaders. This role requires constant engagement with market trends to ensure that the firm's advisory services remain at the forefront of industry standards. Ivan Kerbel drives the implementation of advanced diagnostic tools that measure leadership effectiveness and cultural fit. By aligning board composition with long-term corporate strategy, the Director, Innovation & Chief Executive Officer, Board & Leadership Advisory Services) supports clients in building resilient governance structures. Through these strategic initiatives, Kerbel enhances the firm's capacity to deliver high-impact solutions that address the evolving needs of complex, global enterprises.
    Ivan Kerbel

    Kathleen Tamayo - Partner, Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice

    Kathleen Tamayo, the Partner, Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice at Spencer Stuart, manages high-stakes recruitment mandates for top-level executive and board positions. Specializing in the identification of transformative leaders, Tamayo evaluates candidate potential against the specific strategic requirements of client organizations. This role involves deep market analysis to source talent capable of driving organizational change and sustainable growth. Kathleen Tamayo collaborates with internal teams to refine assessment processes, ensuring that every placement aligns with the client's long-term vision and cultural values. By providing expert guidance on succession planning and board composition, the Partner, Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice supports clients in mitigating leadership risks. Through a rigorous approach to executive search, Tamayo strengthens the firm's ability to connect exceptional leaders with organizations seeking to enhance their competitive advantage in the global marketplace.
    Kathleen Tamayo

    Melissa Stone - Partner and Director of Development and Operations, North American Chief Executive Officer Practice

    Melissa Stone, the Partner and Director of Development and Operations, North American Chief Executive Officer Practice at Spencer Stuart, oversees the operational infrastructure and development initiatives for the firm's North American leadership search division. Focusing on process efficiency and team performance, Stone ensures that search mandates are executed with precision and speed. This role involves managing the internal resources required to support complex executive recruitment projects across the region. Melissa Stone drives the adoption of operational best practices that enhance the quality of client service and candidate engagement. By streamlining workflows and fostering professional development within the practice, the Partner and Director of Development and Operations, North American Chief Executive Officer Practice supports the firm's growth objectives. Through these operational improvements, Stone enables the team to deliver consistent, high-quality results for clients seeking top-tier leadership talent in North America.

    Seonaid Charlesworth - Partner, Chief Executive Officer Succession

    Seonaid Charlesworth, the Partner, Chief Executive Officer Succession at Spencer Stuart, specializes in the critical process of identifying and preparing future leaders for top executive roles. Focusing on long-term succession planning, Charlesworth helps organizations build robust pipelines of internal and external talent. This role involves conducting deep assessments of leadership potential and providing actionable feedback to boards and current executives. Seonaid Charlesworth drives the development of tailored succession strategies that ensure organizational continuity during leadership transitions. By aligning succession plans with the firm's broader consulting expertise, the Partner, Chief Executive Officer Succession supports clients in navigating the complexities of executive turnover. Through these strategic efforts, Charlesworth ensures that organizations remain well-positioned to achieve their long-term goals by securing the right leadership at the right time, thereby minimizing disruption and maximizing performance.

    Hannah Ohnysty - Global Director, Solutions & Chief Executive Officer, Performance Acceleration & Succession

    Hannah Ohnysty, the Global Director, Solutions & Chief Executive Officer, Performance Acceleration & Succession at Spencer Stuart, designs and implements comprehensive solutions for leadership performance and succession management. Focusing on accelerating the impact of newly appointed executives, Ohnysty develops programs that facilitate seamless transitions and rapid value creation. This role involves working across global markets to standardize high-performance coaching and assessment methodologies. Hannah Ohnysty drives the firm's efforts to integrate succession planning with performance acceleration, ensuring that leaders are not only identified but also equipped for success. By providing strategic guidance to boards and executive teams, the Global Director, Solutions & Chief Executive Officer, Performance Acceleration & Succession enhances the firm's ability to deliver measurable improvements in leadership effectiveness. Through these initiatives, Ohnysty supports organizations in achieving sustained growth and operational excellence through superior leadership development.
    Hannah Ohnysty

    Christina Coplen - Partner - Chief Executive Officer, Board, Industrial, Automotive and Technology Practices

    Christina Coplen, the Partner - Chief Executive Officer, Board, Industrial, Automotive and Technology Practices at Spencer Stuart, leads executive search and advisory mandates across the industrial, automotive, and technology sectors. Focusing on the unique leadership requirements of these fast-evolving industries, Coplen identifies executives capable of navigating digital transformation and complex operational challenges. This role involves deep sector expertise to source candidates who possess both technical acumen and strategic vision. Christina Coplen drives the firm's engagement with boards and executive teams to ensure that leadership appointments support long-term innovation and market competitiveness. By leveraging a global network of contacts, the Partner - Chief Executive Officer, Board, Industrial, Automotive and Technology Practices provides clients with access to elite talent. Through these efforts, Coplen strengthens the firm's position as a trusted advisor for organizations operating at the intersection of technology and industrial manufacturing.

    Anne Simonds - Consultant and Partner Chief Executive Officer and Boards Practices. Leader, Global Development and Social Impact Platform

    Anne Simonds, the Consultant and Partner Chief Executive Officer and Boards Practices. Leader, Global Development and Social Impact Platform at Spencer Stuart, manages executive search mandates while leading the firm's global social impact initiatives. Focusing on the intersection of corporate leadership and social responsibility, Simonds identifies executives who can drive both financial performance and positive societal change. This role involves advising boards on the integration of social impact goals into their long-term strategy. Anne Simonds drives the development of the firm's social impact platform, ensuring that leadership consulting services reflect the growing importance of sustainability and corporate purpose. By connecting organizations with leaders who possess a commitment to social impact, the Consultant and Partner Chief Executive Officer and Boards Practices. Leader, Global Development and Social Impact Platform supports clients in building resilient, purpose-driven enterprises that thrive in a changing global environment.

    Amitabh Sharma - Chief Executive Officer, Board, Technology Practice

    Amitabh Sharma, the Chief Executive Officer, Board, Technology Practice at Spencer Stuart, directs the firm's executive search and advisory services within the technology sector. Focusing on the rapid pace of innovation in the tech industry, Sharma identifies leaders who can scale operations and drive technological advancement. This role involves close collaboration with boards to ensure that leadership teams are equipped to handle the complexities of digital disruption and global competition. Amitabh Sharma drives the implementation of specialized assessment techniques that evaluate a candidate's ability to lead in high-growth, high-uncertainty environments. By providing strategic insights into the technology talent market, the Chief Executive Officer, Board, Technology Practice supports clients in securing the leadership necessary to maintain a competitive edge. Through these efforts, Sharma enhances the firm's ability to deliver high-impact solutions for technology-driven organizations worldwide.

    Stephen Marlo - Global Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice

    Stephen Marlo, the Global Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice at Spencer Stuart, oversees the firm's international efforts in board and executive recruitment. Focusing on the global landscape of corporate governance, Marlo advises organizations on the selection of directors and chief executives who can navigate diverse regulatory and cultural environments. This role involves managing cross-border search mandates to ensure that clients have access to the best global talent. Stephen Marlo drives the firm's strategy for expanding its board advisory services, ensuring that clients receive consistent, high-quality guidance regardless of their geographic location. By fostering relationships with global business leaders, the Global Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice supports the firm's mission to improve organizational performance through superior leadership. Through these strategic initiatives, Marlo strengthens the firm's capacity to address the complex, international leadership needs of its global client base.
    Stephen Marlo

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Spencer Stuart Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Spencer Stuart?
    Spencer Stuart is led by Jordan Brugg (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner), along with executives such as Ivan Kerbel (Director, Innovation & Chief Executive Officer, Board & Leadership Advisory Services)) and Kathleen Tamayo (Partner, Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice).
    Who is part of Spencer Stuart’s executive team?
    The executive team of Spencer Stuart includes leaders such as Jordan Brugg (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner), Ivan Kerbel (Director, Innovation & Chief Executive Officer, Board & Leadership Advisory Services)), Kathleen Tamayo (Partner, Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Spencer Stuart have?
    Spencer Stuart has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Spencer Stuart’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Spencer Stuart includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner, Director, Innovation & Chief Executive Officer, Board & Leadership Advisory Services), Partner, Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice, Partner and Director of Development and Operations, North American Chief Executive Officer Practice, Partner, Chief Executive Officer Succession.