Michael Williams

Michael Williams is Managing Partner of Odgers Berndtson's Ottawa office.

He is a bilingual facilitator who connects people, ideas, and opportunities, providing strategic guidance to clients and candidates throughout the executive search process. Drawn to innovation and a champion for diversity, he specializes in recruiting top candidates into leadership roles in technology, academia, not-for-profit, and the public sector.

Beyond his client work, Michael’s leadership expertise and entrepreneurial passion have led him to advisory roles across Canada. This includes as a start-up advisor to PayShepherd, a Calgary-based SaaS provider, and as a mentor with Invest Ottawa’s Xtreme Talent Accelerator. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation.

Before joining Odgers Berndtson, Michael held senior business development and leadership positions at Canadian Onshore, HealthPartners, and two national executive search firms. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Ottawa and received a Forty Under 40 award – one of Ottawa’s most prestigious business awards.

Michael is energized by meeting new people and discussing the future of work, emerging technology, and disruption in general.