Tim Nelson Appointed Managing Director of Korn Ferry Australasia

Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY) announced that Tim Nelson has been appointed Managing Director of its Australasian operations.

Mr Nelson succeeds Katie Lahey AM, who after eight years as CEO and then executive chairman, will remain with the firm as non-executive chairman. She has recently been appointed to the Carnival Corporation board and is a non-executive director of Star Entertainment.

Mr Nelson joined Korn Ferry as a financial services partner in 1998 before launching and growing Korn Ferry’s Recruitment Process Outsourcing business across Australasia and Asia. He re-joined Korn Ferry’s executive search practice in 2014 to lead the Melbourne Board, CEO and Financial Services practice and, in 2016, he was appointed Managing Director of Korn Ferry’s Advisory business unit in Australasia.

Mr Nelson has deep experience in growing professional services businesses and advising clients on leadership change, business transformation and governance. At Korn Ferry he has established high performing, profitable businesses and built and motivated teams to achieve great results. Most recently, he successfully completed the integration of the Hay Group into Korn Ferry developing a new strategy, structure and vision for growth across ANZ.

“Tim’s deep experience across our three lines of business will position Korn Ferry’s Australasian business to deliver comprehensive talent solutions to our clients. The future of talent relies on an organisation’s ability to access a suite of compatible solutions that can be designed to fit the future growth plans of businesses in Australia and New Zealand. Tim is a results-driven leader, passionate about talent and leadership and has the knowledge and the passion to help businesses source and develop their talent for the future,” Michael Distefano, President Asia Pacific for Korn Ferry said.

Mr Nelson said: “I am honoured and excited to be appointed Managing Director of Korn Ferry, Australasia and look forward to leading the firm through our next phase of growth. It is a privilege to head a team dedicated to improving the quality of leadership in Australasia.”

“I would like to thank Katie Lahey for her support and guidance and acknowledge her leadership during a period of great change. Katie oversaw the evolution of Korn Ferry Australasia in to a full service organisational consulting firm. I am thankful for her mentorship and pleased that we will continue working together,” Mr Nelson added.

Mr Nelson’s early career experience was gained in change management at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) working on engagements across Australia, New Zealand, United States and Asia.

Mr Nelson holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Diploma of Education as well as a Masters of Business Administration (Executive) from the AGSM, University of NSW. He is an Independent Member of Remuneration Committee, University of Melbourne, and Council Member Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN). He has completed the Leading Professional Services Firms program at Harvard Business School and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Directors.

The transition from Ms Lahey to Mr Nelson will take effect on 1 May 2019.