Spencer Stuart Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Spencer Stuart has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and technology.

Driven by a commitment to leadership excellence, Spencer Stuart is dedicated to identifying, assessing, and recruiting top-tier senior executives and board directors, shaping the future of organizations globally.

Leadership Roles at Spencer Stuart

  • Chief Executive Officer and Board Practice - Amanda Varellas
  • Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner - Jordan Brugg
  • Partner - Chief Executive Officer, Board, Industrial, Automotive and Technology Practices - Christina Coplen
  • Partner--Board, Chief Executive Officer and Consumer Practice - Jeremiah Noonan
  • Consultant and Partner Chief Executive Officer and Boards Practices. Leader, Global Development and Social Impact Platform - Annie Simonds
  • Engagement Executive & Administrator & Chief Executive Officer, Tmt & S, PE Pre-Deal, Consumer, Boards - Tanasia Beard
  • Partner, Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice - Kathleen Tamayo
  • Partner, Chief Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices - Patrick Rowan
  • Chief Operating Officer, Advisory Services - Kelly Nelson
  • Chief Information Officer - David Baruch
  • Amanda Varellas - Chief Executive Officer and Board Practice

    Amanda Varellas, the Chief Executive Officer and Board Practice at Spencer Stuart, directs the firm's overarching strategy and its specialized focus on board recruitment. Varellas oversees the identification, assessment, and placement of senior executives and board directors, ensuring alignment with client organizational needs. This leadership role involves guiding the firm's approach to board effectiveness and succession planning. By cultivating relationships with key stakeholders, Amanda Varellas drives the firm's mission to enhance leadership quality across industries. The strategic direction set by Varellas impacts the firm's global market position and its ability to serve diverse client requirements.
    Amanda Varellas

    Jordan Brugg - Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner

    Jordan Brugg, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner at Spencer Stuart, spearheads the firm's global operations and strategic partnerships. Brugg manages the firm's extensive network of consultants and client relationships, ensuring the delivery of high-impact executive search solutions. This leadership position involves driving business development initiatives and expanding the firm's market presence. By fostering a culture of excellence, Jordan Brugg ensures Spencer Stuart remains at the forefront of leadership consulting. The operational oversight provided by Brugg is critical to the firm's sustained growth and its reputation for identifying premier talent.

    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 critical practice areas within the firm. Coplen focuses on recruiting top-tier executive and board talent for organizations across the industrial, automotive, and technology sectors. This role involves deep market insight and a strategic approach to talent acquisition. By connecting companies with essential leadership, Christina Coplen contributes significantly to client success and industry advancement. The expertise of Coplen in these diverse sectors ensures Spencer Stuart effectively addresses complex leadership challenges for its clientele.

    Jeremiah Noonan - Partner--Board, Chief Executive Officer and Consumer Practice

    Jeremiah Noonan, the Partner--Board, Chief Executive Officer and Consumer Practice at Spencer Stuart, directs executive search initiatives within the consumer sector. Noonan specializes in identifying and recruiting senior leaders and board members for consumer-focused businesses, driving strategic growth and market positioning. This leadership capacity involves understanding evolving consumer trends and their impact on organizational leadership. By facilitating the placement of key executives, Jeremiah Noonan strengthens the leadership capabilities of companies in this dynamic market. The strategic counsel provided by Noonan is vital for clients seeking to navigate competitive landscapes.

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

    Annie Simonds, the Consultant and Partner Chief Executive Officer and Boards Practices. Leader, Global Development and Social Impact Platform at Spencer Stuart, guides executive recruitment and champions the firm's social impact initiatives. Simonds focuses on placing chief executive officers and board members, while also leading the development of platforms that promote social responsibility and global development within client organizations. This dual focus requires a comprehensive understanding of leadership effectiveness and corporate citizenship. By integrating social impact considerations into executive search, Annie Simonds enhances the value proposition for clients committed to sustainable growth and positive societal contributions.

    Tanasia Beard - Engagement Executive & Administrator & Chief Executive Officer, Tmt & S, PE Pre-Deal, Consumer, Boards

    Tanasia Beard, the Engagement Executive & Administrator & Chief Executive Officer, Tmt & S, PE Pre-Deal, Consumer, Boards at Spencer Stuart, manages critical engagement processes and supports executive search functions across multiple sectors. Beard's responsibilities encompass administrative oversight and direct involvement in identifying leadership talent for technology, media, telecommunications, private equity pre-deal, consumer, and board placements. This multifaceted role demands exceptional organizational skills and a keen eye for talent. By ensuring seamless engagement execution, Tanasia Beard facilitates the successful recruitment of executives who drive innovation and growth within client organizations.

    Kathleen Tamayo - Partner, Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice

    Kathleen Tamayo, the Partner, Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice at Spencer Stuart, specializes in identifying and recruiting top-tier executive and board leadership. Tamayo leverages extensive industry knowledge to connect organizations with visionary chief executive officers and strategic board members, ensuring robust governance and effective leadership. This role involves a deep understanding of corporate strategy and talent management. By facilitating the placement of critical leadership roles, Kathleen Tamayo empowers companies to achieve their long-term objectives and navigate complex market dynamics. The dedication of Tamayo to excellence in executive search underpins client success.

    Patrick Rowan - Partner, Chief Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices

    Patrick Rowan, the Partner, Chief Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices at Spencer Stuart, leads financial strategy and oversees executive search within the private equity sector. Rowan manages the firm's financial operations, ensuring fiscal health and strategic investment, while also identifying critical leadership talent for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. This dual focus requires robust financial acumen and deep market insight. By guiding financial stewardship and specialized recruitment, Patrick Rowan contributes significantly to both the firm's stability and its clients' growth objectives. The expertise of Rowan in finance and private equity is invaluable.

    Kelly Nelson - Chief Operating Officer, Advisory Services

    Kelly Nelson, the Chief Operating Officer, Advisory Services at Spencer Stuart, manages the operational framework for the firm's advisory functions. Nelson oversees the delivery of consulting services, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in client engagements. This role involves optimizing internal processes and resource allocation to support the firm's strategic objectives. By driving operational excellence, Kelly Nelson enhances the capacity of Spencer Stuart to provide high-value advisory solutions. The leadership of Nelson is critical in streamlining operations and supporting the firm's commitment to client success across its service offerings.
    Kelly Nelson

    David Baruch - Chief Information Officer

    David Baruch, the Chief Information Officer at Spencer Stuart, directs the firm's technology strategy and digital infrastructure. Baruch oversees the implementation of innovative technological solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support the firm's global executive search capabilities. This leadership position involves managing data security, IT systems, and digital transformation initiatives. By leveraging technology, David Baruch ensures Spencer Stuart maintains a competitive edge and provides seamless service delivery to clients worldwide. The strategic technology vision of Baruch is fundamental to the firm's operational excellence and future growth.
    David Baruch

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Spencer Stuart Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Spencer Stuart?
    Spencer Stuart is led by Amanda Varellas (Chief Executive Officer and Board Practice), along with executives such as Jordan Brugg (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner) and Christina Coplen (Partner - Chief Executive Officer, Board, Industrial, Automotive and Technology Practices).
    Who is part of Spencer Stuart’s executive team?
    The executive team of Spencer Stuart includes leaders such as Amanda Varellas (Chief Executive Officer and Board Practice), Jordan Brugg (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner), Christina Coplen (Partner - Chief Executive Officer, Board, Industrial, Automotive and Technology Practices) 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 and Board Practice, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner, Partner - Chief Executive Officer, Board, Industrial, Automotive and Technology Practices, Partner--Board, Chief Executive Officer and Consumer Practice, Consultant and Partner Chief Executive Officer and Boards Practices. Leader, Global Development and Social Impact Platform.