Rajeev Vasudeva made cheif executive of Egon Zehnder

Egon Zehnder on Wednesday announced changes in the firm's global leadership team as current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Damien O'Brien appointed Rajeev Vasudeva as its Chief Executive Officer.

Vasudeva joins Damien O'Brien at the helm of the world's leading privately-owned executive search and talent management firm as it continues to grow and expand across global markets. O'Brien's decision to split the executive role into two - Chairman and CEO - is historically consistent with the firm's 50-year history and strengthens the firm's leadership in the face of great international opportunities.

"Rajeev's appointment reflects our firm's commitment to continuity of leadership and affirms our preeminent global positioning in the executive search and talent consulting profession as we continue to grow in key markets around the world," said O'Brien. He added, "Rajeev is uniquely suited as a global leader, trusted counselor and advisor, as well as a proven entrepreneur and I look forward to working together with Rajeev in advancing our firm's commitment to excellence on behalf of our clients around the world."

Vasudeva is currently based in New Delhi, India where he has led and advanced the firm's global leadership position successfully growing Egon Zehnder's footprint and prominence in the India market over the course of his 19 years with the firm. He has also spearheaded the firm's expansion into Africa and across the Middle East opening both the Johannesburg and Dubai offices to great success.

An expert counselor on CEO and Board matters, Vasudeva also co-leads the firm's global Family Business Advisory serving clients' executive leadership and governance needs across a spectrum of industries including telecom, IT and industrial organizations. Vasudeva joined Egon Zehnder in 1995 when his consultancy Sachar Vasudeva & Associates merged with Egon Zehnder. He started his career with Egon Zehnder in London, having previously worked as a management consultant in the US and India. He has served as a member of Egon Zehnder's Executive Committee for the last 10 years and serves on the firm's Board of Directors.

"I am extremely honored to assume the CEO role, and in partnership with Damien, look forward to strengthening our distinctive positioning as a trusted advisor to CEOs and Boards in solving their critical leadership challenges," noted Mr. Vasudeva. He added, "Leadership challenges in today's world are becoming more complex and global. I have witnessed first-hand the leadership challenges and the opportunities that exist in the growth markets and these attributes are extremely relevant globally, for our firm and our clients."

The firm's leadership heritage is exemplified by the fact that over the course of Egon Zehnder's 50-year history, there have only been five CEOs. Vasudeva's appointment marks the firm's fifth appointment as a CEO.

About Egon Zehnder
Founded in 1964, Egon Zehnder is the world's leading privately-owned executive search and talent management consulting firm with more than 420 consultants in 68 offices across 41 countries. The firm provides senior-level executive search, director search, board consulting, management appraisal, executive talent development and executive leadership strategy services, including potential assessments, to many of the world's most respected organizations. Egon Zehnder's clients range from the largest corporations to emerging growth companies, government and regulatory bodies, and major educational and cultural organizations.

Egon Zehnder has conducted leadership potential assignments globally for clients across Europe, the Americas and Asia. Assignments span industry sectors including consumer, life sciences, industrial, technology and financial services. The majority of assignments touch board-level executive positions including chief executive officers and primarily external hires