Odgers Berndtson Launches CEO X 1 Day - Looking for Canada's Most Promising Future Leaders

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Odgers Berndtson, a leading global executive search firm, is proud to  launch CEO x 1 Day - a unique initiative that gives third and fourth year university students an opportunity to spend a day in the shoes of a senior executive. Through a rigorous selection process, Odgers Berndtson will identity students with outstanding leadership potential and match them with a CEO from a leading Canadian organization. Exclusive to Odgers Berndtson globally, this program is being launched today in universities across Ontario and Quebec.

Participating CEOs include: Elyse Allan, GE; Nitin Kawale, Cisco; Jim Gabel, Adidas; Patrick Nangle, Purolator; Ellis Jacob, Cineplex; Ian Troop, Pan Am Toronto 2015; Kirstine Stewart, Twitter; Marc Bertrand, MEGA Brands; Manon Brouillette, Videotron; Yannis Mallat, Ubisoft; and Thierry Vandal, Hydro Quebec.

"Our CEO x 1 Day program is designed to uncover Canada's most promising future talent, while giving CEOs an opportunity to connect and better understand what drives this next generation of leaders," said Carl Lovas, Canadian Chair at Odgers Berndtson. "For students this is a tremendous opportunity to observe a talented CEO in action - providing them with inspiration, role modeling and a road map for their careers."

Initial applications will be screened based on the student's academic record, their resume and a short written essay about leadership. Students selected to advance to the second phase will be asked to complete an online leadership assessment from Hogan - which will provide them with feedback on their leadership skills and help them in choosing their career path. The third phase involves telephone interviews and, finally, for phase four, semi-finalists will spend a half-day interacting with Odgers Berndtson consultants, participating in group exercises and one-on-one interviewing. A total of 11 finalists will spend a full day shadowing a CEO, learning about their background, career path and leadership approach.

Students can apply by submitting an online application at www.ceox1day.ca until October 25th.

About Odgers Berndtson

Odgers Berndtson is Canada's leading executive search firm with offices in 30 countries worldwide. The firm specializes in recruiting senior executives and board members in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Odgers Berndtson is known for its global reach, and extraordinary industry and functional expertise across the country.

SOURCE: Odgers Berndtson Canada

Jacqueline Foley, Chief Marketing Officer at Odgers Berndtson: [email protected]  or 416-366-1990.