Responding to the Increased Demand for Interim Executives to Fill Critical Skills Gap
TORONTO, Feb. 23, 2015 /CNW/ - Odgers Interim Canada – the Executive Interim division of Odgers Berndtson in Canada – announced today that it has expanded its team in Toronto and Calgary in response to the increasing demand from organizations for interim executives. Launched in Canada in 2010, Odgers Interim has experienced double digit growth each year, with business up more than 70 per cent in the last quarter. The expansion is part of the firm's strategy to provide clients with an integrated approach to talent management which includes executive search, executive interim and leadership assessment services.
A 2012 survey of Canadian senior executives conducted by Odgers Berndtson and Leger Marketing revealed significant leadership challenges that organizations will face over the next few years. Nearly half of all private and public sector organizations anticipate losing 20 per cent or more of their executive staff by 2017 – and more than 90 per cent believe that the next generation of managers is not ready to take over at the executive level. More than half of these executives said their organizations require specific expertise that they do not currently have in their company staff.
"Hiring an interim executive to help bridge the gap and overcome the skills shortage is the perfect solution for many organizations," said Jason Peetsma, Managing Director of Odgers Interim in Canada. "The demand for interim leaders has risen significantly in the last two or three years, and represents a major shift in the way companies think about their executive-level needs. In fact, this may be the bridge that will save many organizations in the long-term."
Growing its presence in Western Canada, Odgers Interim has added a new partner, Stuart Hay, to its Calgary team. Stuart comes with a wealth of experience within the industry, having spent the last few years building a very successful interim practice with a large regional executive search firm. "I see a huge opportunity in Western Canada for organizations to tap into interim executives that can drive business forward at all levels, without adding to their permanent headcount," said Mr. Hay. "Organizations are bringing in interims to cover off gaps at the senior level and to solve business problems. The areas in which we are seeing the most demand are finance, HR, IT and operations, particularly around mentorship and restructuring."
In Toronto, Odgers Interim has added Emily Bell to the team. Emily has joined the firm as a consultant with a focus on supporting the rapidly growing placements of interim executives across Canada. Formerly an in-house executive recruiter with Canada's second largest grocery retailer, Emily also worked for a boutique search firm where she specialized in supply chain, procurement and operations searches. "Emily's experience on the client side, along with her passion for talent and professionalism, make her a natural fit for Odgers Interim," said Mr. Peetsma. "We look forward to the value Emily will bring to our clients."
With Odgers Berndtson's acquisition of RenaudFoster, one of Ottawa's most established search firms, Odgers Interim is also expanding its services into the Ottawa market. According to Mr. Peetsma, providing Ottawa organizations with a broader offering of services is key given how the recruitment needs of the public and private sectors are becoming more complex. "We are perfectly positioned in Canada to help our clients meet their succession needs, while supporting them to take a truly integrated approach to talent management."
About Odgers Interim
Odgers Interim is an acknowledged leader in interim executive appointments, helping clients to fill critical skills gaps with experienced interim executives. Specialist consultants have the deep business experience needed to understand the intricacies of each specific assignment. Exclusive access to an exceptional pool of pre-selected interim executives ensures highly effective senior appointments in the private and public sector. Odgers Interim is complementary to Odgers Berndtson Executive Search and the two teams work closely together, often within the same markets, adhering to the same rigorous standards.
About Odgers Berndtson
Odgers Berndtson is a global leader in executive search with more than 200 partners in 27 countries, committed to providing an integrated approach to talent management. With a focus on industry and functional specialization, the firm specializes in recruiting and assessing senior executives and board members in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors across Canada, and internationally. Through executive search, executive interim and leadership assessment services, Odgers Berndtson helps its clients build world-class leadership teams.
SOURCE Odgers Berndtson
Jacqueline Foley, Chief Marketing Officer, Odgers Berndtson, 416-366-1990, [email protected]
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