Clare Kennedy Appointed as New Chief Financial Officer of Spencer Stuart

Clare Kennedy Takes the Helm as Spencer Stuart's CFO

In a significant leadership change, Spencer Stuart has appointed Clare Kennedy as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. This transition comes as the previous CFO, Christine Laurens, steps back to retire after years of dedicated service at the firm. The planned succession aims to ensure stability and continuity within the company's finance operations while acknowledging Laurens’ contributions to advancing the firm.

Kennedy, who is based in London, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She previously served as the global Chief Operating Officer at Maples Group, a prominent international advisory firm. There, she honed her skills in operational leadership, overseeing robust financial management practices. Her career trajectory also includes a significant stint at Freshfields, a respected international law firm, where she served as the global CFO and held a board position on the executive leadership team.

Having spent 18 years at Linklaters, another esteemed international law firm, Kennedy has faced various financial challenges, all of which contributed to her strong financial acumen and leadership capabilities. She began her professional journey in the realm of chartered accountancy, working with respected firms like Arthur Andersen and EY, where she specialized in taxation. With this broad spectrum of experience, Kennedy has worked in multiple global cities, including Amsterdam, London, New York, and Toronto, further solidifying her international finance credentials.

When making the announcement, Jordan Brugg, Chief Executive Officer of Spencer Stuart, expressed gratitude for Laurens' significant contributions to the firm's finance function. He emphasized the importance of Kennedy's extensive background, highlighting her proven track record in operational efficiency and her anticipated positive impact on the firm's leadership team.

Kennedy expressed her enthusiasm about joining Spencer Stuart, stating, "I am thrilled to lead the exceptional finance organization here. It’s an exciting opportunity to collaborate with a firm that is dedicated to helping organizations address their critical talent and leadership challenges."

Spencer Stuart, which has remained privately held since its founding in 1956, is renowned for its specialization in organizational performance. The firm operates more than 60 offices across over 30 countries, offering expertise in various practice areas related to executive search, board recruitment, succession planning, and culture transformation.

Kennedy’s appointment symbolizes Spencer Stuart’s commitment to not only maintain its leadership in advisory services but also to enhance it in line with the changing dynamics of the global market. With a strong emphasis on client-focused and values-driven approaches, Kennedy's leadership is anticipated to further develop and strengthen the firm's operational capabilities, enabling it to assist organizations in navigating complex leadership landscapes.

As Kennedy steps into her new role, she joins an accomplished team dedicated to advancing Spencer Stuart's vision. The firm looks forward to building upon the strong foundation laid by Laurens while embracing innovative strategies to drive growth and foster impactful transformations for clients worldwide.