Pedersen & Partners’ founder Poul Pedersen is taking on the role of executive chairman after over 18 years as managing partner. Gary Williams former deputy managing partner, has been appointed CEO. The company, started by Pedersen and a small team in Prague and Warsaw in 2001, has grown quickly to become a global firm with 57 wholly owned offices in 53 countries and 400+ dedicated team members.
As CEO, Gary Williams will have full P&L responsibility and lead the firm while Pedersen will continue working full-time for the company. He will lead the shareholders’ agenda and be responsible for opening new countries. Additionally, he will focus on an interim basis on relevant existing offices that require significant change. Both Gary and Poul will continue doing client work.
Williams has over 17 years of executive search consulting experience. He joined Pedersen & Partners in 2014 as the head of south east Asia. He was later promoted to the head of Asia, and in 2017 – to deputy managing partner. For the past two years, Gary has shadowed Poul as part of a carefully mapped succession plan, gradually taking on responsibilities for different regions and teams.
“Since the inception of the firm in 2001 it has been an exciting journey and a privilege to lead Pedersen & Partners,” commented Poul Pedersen. “My partners and I are confident that our new CEO, Gary Williams, will lead the firm in accordance with our values of Trust, Relationship and Professionalism, and I have every belief in Gary’s ability to take over and drive Pedersen & Partners to our next phase of development.”
Gary Williams, CEO: “I am honoured to assume the CEO role and appreciate the confidence the shareholders have entrusted in me. I am motivated and excited to continue working with Pedersen & Partners’ clients, extraordinary leaders and our global team. This firm is a values-driven organisation committed to providing an exceptional level of service worldwide and I look forward to further advancing our strategic goals.”
“I also wish to extend my personal appreciation to Poul for his guidance and sharing his knowledge over the past years. I look forward to the next phase of our journey together,” Williams added.
