Spencer Stuart Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Spencer Stuart has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to leadership excellence, Spencer Stuart identifies, assesses, and recruits senior executives and board directors, preparing organizations for future leadership demands and shaping market impact.

Leadership Roles at Spencer Stuart

  • Partner, Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice - Kathleen Tamayo
  • Partner--Board, Chief Executive Officer and Consumer Practice - Jeremiah Noonan
  • Partner - Chief Executive Officer, Board, Industrial, Automotive and Technology Practices - Christina Coplen
  • Partner, Chief Executive Officer Succession - Seonaid Charlesworth
  • Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner - Jordan Brugg
  • 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
  • Chief Operating Officer, Advisory Services - Kelly Nelson
  • Chief Information Officer - David Baruch
  • Senior Associate, Chief Human Resources Officer Practice - Adele Gibson
  • Kathleen Tamayo - Partner, Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice

    Kathleen Tamayo, the Partner, Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice at Spencer Stuart, directs executive search engagements focused on board and CEO placements. Tamayo assesses leadership potential and identifies candidates capable of guiding organizations through complex market dynamics. This role involves deep market analysis to understand evolving governance requirements and CEO competencies. Tamayo's expertise ensures clients secure leaders who drive strategic vision and operational excellence. The focus remains on identifying individuals with proven track records in corporate governance and strategic leadership. Tamayo's contributions are vital for clients seeking to strengthen their executive teams and boards. This strategic focus supports long-term organizational health and performance. Kathleen Tamayo drives the identification of top-tier executive talent for critical leadership positions.

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

    Jeremiah Noonan, the Partner--Board, Chief Executive Officer and Consumer Practice at Spencer Stuart, leads search initiatives for board members, chief executive officers, and consumer industry leaders. Noonan leverages extensive industry knowledge to connect companies with executives who possess the strategic acumen and operational experience necessary for success in the consumer sector. This involves understanding market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes to identify ideal leadership profiles. Noonan's work supports client organizations in achieving sustainable growth and market leadership. The practice focuses on recruiting executives who can navigate the complexities of the modern consumer market. Jeremiah Noonan ensures the placement of leaders who can drive innovation and enhance brand value. This strategic recruitment strengthens client organizations' competitive positioning and long-term viability.

    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, spearheads executive searches across multiple critical sectors. Coplen identifies and recruits top-tier talent for CEO and board positions, with specialized expertise in the industrial, automotive, and technology industries. This involves a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within these dynamic fields. Coplen's role is pivotal in connecting organizations with leaders capable of driving innovation, operational efficiency, and strategic growth. The practice emphasizes rigorous assessment of leadership capabilities and cultural fit. Christina Coplen ensures clients secure executives who can navigate complex technological advancements and market shifts. This strategic placement of leadership talent supports client organizations' long-term success and competitive advantage.

    Seonaid Charlesworth - Partner, Chief Executive Officer Succession

    Seonaid Charlesworth, the Partner, Chief Executive Officer Succession at Spencer Stuart, specializes in identifying and developing candidates for CEO succession planning. Charlesworth works with boards and executive teams to ensure a robust pipeline of future leaders, assessing leadership potential and readiness for the top role. This involves strategic talent mapping and development planning to prepare individuals for the demands of chief executive leadership. Charlesworth's expertise supports organizations in navigating leadership transitions smoothly and effectively. The focus is on cultivating leaders with the vision, resilience, and strategic foresight required for sustained success. Seonaid Charlesworth plays a critical role in ensuring organizational continuity and leadership excellence. This proactive approach safeguards the company's future strategic direction and operational stability.

    Jordan Brugg - Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner

    Jordan Brugg, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner at Spencer Stuart, directs the firm's overall strategy and operations. Brugg oversees the global execution of executive search services, ensuring the highest standards of client delivery and talent identification. This leadership role involves guiding the firm's growth, fostering a culture of excellence, and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders. Brugg's vision shapes the firm's approach to identifying and recruiting senior executives and board directors. The focus is on driving innovation in search methodologies and expanding the firm's global reach. Jordan Brugg is instrumental in positioning Spencer Stuart as a leader in executive search consulting. This comprehensive oversight ensures the firm consistently meets the evolving leadership needs of its clients worldwide.

    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, provides strategic guidance on executive search and leadership development. Simonds focuses on identifying exceptional talent for CEO and board positions, while also leading initiatives related to global development and social impact. This dual focus allows for the integration of purpose-driven leadership into executive recruitment strategies. Simonds' work supports organizations seeking leaders who can drive both business success and positive societal change. The practice emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership and sustainable business practices. Annie Simonds contributes to building leadership teams committed to impactful and responsible governance. This holistic approach ensures clients secure leaders who excel in performance and social responsibility.

    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 client engagements and administrative functions. Beard supports executive search processes, particularly within the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sectors, private equity pre-deal assessments, consumer markets, and board placements. This role involves ensuring seamless execution of search strategies and providing essential support to client teams. Beard's operational expertise facilitates efficient project management and client satisfaction. The focus is on meticulous coordination and effective communication throughout the search lifecycle. Tanasia Beard plays a key part in the successful delivery of executive search services. This administrative and engagement leadership ensures operational excellence for client projects.

    Kelly Nelson - Chief Operating Officer, Advisory Services

    Kelly Nelson, the Chief Operating Officer, Advisory Services at Spencer Stuart, oversees the operational execution of the firm's advisory services. Nelson ensures the efficient delivery of consulting engagements, focusing on enhancing client experience and operational effectiveness. This involves managing resources, optimizing processes, and driving performance across advisory teams. Nelson's leadership supports the strategic growth and scalability of Spencer Stuart's consulting offerings. The focus is on implementing best practices and innovative solutions within advisory operations. Kelly Nelson plays a vital role in the seamless delivery of high-quality consulting services. This operational oversight strengthens the firm's capacity to meet complex client needs.
    Kelly Nelson

    David Baruch - Chief Information Officer

    David Baruch, the Chief Information Officer at Spencer Stuart, directs the firm's technology strategy and infrastructure. Baruch oversees the development and implementation of IT systems that support executive search operations and enhance client service delivery. This includes managing data security, digital transformation initiatives, and technological innovation across the organization. Baruch's leadership ensures that Spencer Stuart leverages cutting-edge technology to identify, assess, and recruit top executive talent efficiently. The focus is on maintaining robust, secure, and scalable IT solutions. David Baruch drives technological advancements that underpin the firm's global operations. This strategic IT management is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and operational integrity.
    David Baruch

    Adele Gibson - Senior Associate, Chief Human Resources Officer Practice

    Adele Gibson, the Senior Associate, Chief Human Resources Officer Practice at Spencer Stuart, supports executive search engagements focused on HR leadership roles. Gibson assists in identifying and assessing candidates for Chief Human Resources Officer positions, contributing to the development of strong HR functions within client organizations. This involves understanding the evolving landscape of human capital management and talent strategy. Gibson's role is integral to ensuring clients secure HR leaders who can drive organizational culture and employee engagement. The practice emphasizes the strategic importance of HR in business success. Adele Gibson contributes to building exceptional HR leadership teams. This focus supports clients in optimizing their human capital strategies and fostering positive work environments.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Spencer Stuart Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Spencer Stuart?
    Spencer Stuart is led by Kathleen Tamayo (Partner, Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice), along with executives such as Jeremiah Noonan (Partner--Board, Chief Executive Officer and Consumer Practice) 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 Kathleen Tamayo (Partner, Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice), Jeremiah Noonan (Partner--Board, Chief Executive Officer and Consumer Practice), 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 Partner, Board and Chief Executive Officer Practice, Partner--Board, Chief Executive Officer and Consumer Practice, Partner - Chief Executive Officer, Board, Industrial, Automotive and Technology Practices, Partner, Chief Executive Officer Succession, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner.