Egon Zehnder

In our new #CEOStudy, 1,235 global CEOs have spoken – revealing a striking shift in how they lead. Faced with relentless uncertainty, 92% of CEOs are cultivating levels of adaptability beyond anything previously imagined. 🔸72% foresee stagnating or declining global prosperity. 🔸97% see opportunities to contribute positively – within or beyond their organizations. 🔸99% point to curiosity and open-mindedness as the most vital leadership skills for mastering today’s complexity. From geopolitical instability to AI-powered innovation, to other long-term issues, discover how today’s CEOs are laser-focused on leading differently and steering their organizations to meet the moment. 👉 Get inside the minds of CEOs: https://ego.nz/CEOResponse

At our recent Consumer Board Retreat, held in partnership with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), BCG’s Managing Director and Senior Partner Christine Barton joined Chuck Gray, Egon Zehnder’s US CEO & Board Practice Leader, for a conversation on the non-negotiables for CEO succession candidates—a topic that strongly resonated with the directors in attendance.   What qualities do you believe are essential for future CEOs? Share your thoughts in the comments.   And stay tuned for more insights and perspectives from the retreat.

How is private equity is navigating uncertain waters to generate more value?  At Egon Zehnder’s 2025 US Chemical and Process Industries Forum, Egon Zehnder consultant Bertrand Paulet sat down with Scott Wolff, President and Managing Director of American Securities, to explore the evolving M&A landscape in the chemical industry.  Scott shares how macroeconomic uncertainty, geopolitics, interest rates, and buyer-seller valuation gaps have dampened deal volume—but also points to emerging signals that could unlock new opportunities. From shifting seller's expectations to capital needs for new investment opportunities, he outlines how Private Equity investors navigate through uncertainty to maximize value creation.  Read the full article to explore more insights from the Forum: https://ego.nz/3J4dKZQ  

In India’s fast-evolving business landscape, sustainability is no longer a side initiative—it’s a strategic imperative. And it works best when it’s led from the top. Our new report, Sustainability Is Legacy Leadership, explores how forward-thinking CEOs are embedding sustainability into the core of business strategy, governance, and culture, transforming it from a compliance exercise into a competitive advantage. Featured leaders include:  - Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan, Managing Director of Kennametal India, who’s linking ESG to incentives, board governance, and supplier accountability. - Khushboo Bhatia, CEO of Thermax Onsite Energy Solutions, who scaled 6X by building a sustainability-first business model from the ground up. - Sanjiv Rangrass, Former Chief Executive of Agri Business Limited and Former Group Head – Sustainability, R&D and Projects, ITC Limited  - Manya Ranjan, Co-founder of Two Point O Capital. The message is clear:  when CEOs lead, sustainability becomes a growth engine. Explore their stories and more in the full report: ego.nz/46T4Syq Authors: Sameera Sandhu, Nabeela Nasar

This human trait is quickly becoming the ultimate differentiator in the age of AI—and it might not be what you expect.   As technology reshapes organizations faster and more acutely across industries, hiring today is no longer a matching game. In a new The Globe and Mail article, Egon Zehnder consultant Mike James Ross explores how recruiters can evolve their strategies to find the talent needed to thrive in this age.   Take a guess before you click: What do you think that trait is? https://ego.nz/4n8TLY4

We are thrilled to announce Sophie Hanson and Adeline de Waziers as the new EMEA Co-Leaders of Egon Zehnder’s Consumer Practice. They succeed Mathilde Cazenave and Engin Guven, who will continue to hold key strategic roles within the Firm. Building on a strong foundation, Sophie and Adeline lead our EMEA work across the consumer industry, helping our clients navigate, innovate and succeed in this dynamic sector.

We recently hosted the Consumer Board Retreat in partnership with Boston Consulting Group (BCG). During the convening, Egon Zehnder’s Global Consumer Practice Co-Leader Sebastien D'Incau and BCG’s Managing Director and Senior Partner Christine Barton sat down to reflect on the most surprising insights that emerged from the sessions. Stay tuned—more perspectives from the retreat will be shared soon.

Family business success can’t be left to chance. In partnership with Capital Club Dubai, our latest article offers actionable steps for nurturing both the desire and the capability to lead for the next generation. Read more: https://ego.nz/4orvPk5

Leadership today isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. In a new Fast Company article, FinTech Practice Co-Leader Irina Wolpert shares why the most impactful leaders share five core traits that have nothing to do with IQ or title - and everything to do with trust, adaptability, and empowerment. https://ego.nz/46SiEl1

Are two heads of a company better than one? AlixPartners’ Co-CEOs David Garfield and Rob Hornby would say so. A recent Fortune article highlights the benefits of a shared chief executive role, especially as the responsibilities and expectations continue to grow. Egon Zehnder’s Chuck Gray notes that if CEOs can share some of the burden the job could be more sustainable. The key to success lies in defining distinctly different roles, complementary skills, shared values, clear decision-making rights, and genuine trust. Read the full article: http://bit.ly/47bIyAk