Odgers Berndtson Canada Promotes Dr. Joanna Kraft to Head of its Canadian Leadership Advisory Practice
Toronto, April 16, 2024 – Odgers Berndtson Canada, the country’s premier integrated leadership advisory firm, announced today the promotion of Joanna Kraft, Ph.D., to Head of the firm’s Canadian Leadership Advisory Practice (LAP). Joanna succeeds Eric Beaudan who will continue in his role as Head of the firm’s global Leadership Advisory Practice, where he will focus on international expansion, in collaboration with regional leaders worldwide.
In her new role, Joanna will work closely with the Canadian team to further develop and leverage the firm’s expanded Leadership Advisory offering which focuses on five pillars: Succession + Executive Integration, Leadership Assessment, Executive + Team Coaching, Strategic Planning, and Board Effectiveness. These solutions, which represent a vital component of Odgers Berndtson’s integrated leadership expertise, allow the firm to engage clients at a more comprehensive level leading to superior solutions and greater efficiencies for clients.
In her prior role as Partner and Head of Succession and Development, Joanna was instrumental in creating effective succession and leadership growth strategies that leveraged data-driving insights. Before joining Odgers Berndtson, she served as the North American Assessment Practice Lead at a global talent consulting company where she helped expand its assessment practice. Her experience also includes roles as an Organizational Psychology Consultant for a boutique consulting firm, and as an Organizational Effectiveness Consultant for Home Depot. Joanna holds a Ph.D. and a Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Windsor, along with a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University. She is also an Associate Certified Coach within the International Coaching Federation.
“The Leadership Advisory Practice has become a core pillar of our business in Canada,” said Carl Lovas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Odgers Berndtson Canada. “Joanna’s expertise and strong record leading teams capable of designing and implementing impactful client solutions place her in a great position to steer the practice forward in a manner that continues to prioritize our clients’ needs.”
“Joanna’s appointment is one of the investments we’re making in talent, innovation, and technology that will allow us to deliver market-leading solutions and exceptional client service while achieving our bold ambitions for this critical part of our business,” said Brad Beveridge, President, Odgers Berndtson Canada. “Our LAP team of highly experienced professionals are looking forward to collaborating with Joanna as she leads the practice in its next phase of growth.”
“I am excited to embrace this broader role and build on the momentum our team has created,” said Joanna Kraft. “The Leadership Advisory Practice presents unique opportunities for growth, and I look forward to working with our clients across Canada to deliver fresh, comprehensive solutions that enable leaders, teams, and organizations to achieve their strategic goals.”