Three Visionaries Honored with AESC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025

Three Visionaries Honored with AESC Lifetime Achievement Award

On December 1, 2025, the prestigious Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to three exceptional leaders: Marcus Herold, Dr. Bjørn Johansson, and Patrick Johnson. This recognition highlights their significant impact on the executive search and leadership consulting profession, which is valued at over $20 billion globally.

Marcus Herold: A Legacy of Leadership

James Edmund Datri, President and CEO of AESC, praised Marcus Herold for epitomizing enduring leadership in the executive search sector. Over his remarkable 50-year career, Herold has transformed MPS Enterprises Ltd. into a leading firm in Northern Europe. With an emphasis on a people-centered philosophy, he resolutely believes that the success of any business is fundamentally tied to its people.

Founded in 1975 alongside Thomas GrosJean, Marcus has led MPS through various growth phases and has served in crucial leadership roles, including as CEO for 42 years and later as Chairman of the Board. His nomination for the award came from Roy Herold, a Senior Advisor at MPS, who emphasized Marcus’s unwavering integrity and commitment to ethical standards.

Under Marcus's guidance, MPS has evolved into a powerhouse with 130 experts across multiple Finnish cities, pioneering leadership consulting, assessment, and recruitment in the Nordic region. His initiatives have resulted in over 65,000 recruitment assignments and 1.5 million online learning experiences, emphasizing his belief in the potential of individuals.

Dr. Bjørn Johansson: An Icon of Advisory

Dr. Bjørn Johansson is celebrated as a leader who has significantly influenced boards and CEOs' perceptions of leadership, governance, and succession planning. For more than 40 years, he has made formidable contributions to the field of executive search.

Since establishing Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates AG in 1993, he has focused exclusively on executive and non-executive board appointments, accomplishing searches in over 40 countries, advising major global organizations such as Apple, Nestlé, and the World Economic Forum. His commitment to gender diversity in board placements is particularly noteworthy, as he has ensured that more than half of his placements in recent years are women.

Dr. Johansson has been pivotal in shaping international standards for board leadership, championing diversity, and encouraging collaboration among search firms through initiatives like Global Board Advisers (GBA).

Patrick Johnson: Driving Change in Leadership

Patrick Johnson rounds out this elite trio, embodying the highest standards of excellence in executive search. Beginning his expertise in 1992, Patrick has played a crucial role at Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA), where he has led transformational projects in both public and private sectors.

Under Patrick's leadership, RRA's UK and EMEA Non-Profit Practice flourished, advising countless mission-driven organizations and driving growth across the region. His effective leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was instrumental in navigating challenges while prioritizing the firm's commitment to clients and colleagues.

He has been a passionate advocate for professional development within RRA, having developed numerous programs to enhance leadership skills among colleagues, ensuring the elevation of excellence in the field.

Honoring Excellence

The AESC's Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented since 1982 and is regarded as the pinnacle of recognition in the executive search profession. It acknowledges individuals who exemplify excellence, ethics, and integrity throughout their careers. Marcus Herold, Dr. Bjørn Johansson, and Patrick Johnson have not only impacted their respective organizations but have also shaped industry standards, reinforcing the values of trust and respect in leadership consulting.

Recognizing their achievements is not merely an acknowledgment of their success but a celebration of their enduring legacy that will inspire future generations in the executive search industry. Their commitment to ethical leadership and professional excellence serves as an inspiration to all within the sector, proving that integrity and humanity are at the core of successful leadership in business.