A consultant in Spencer Stuart’s global private equity and HR practices, Chris Smith advises leading investors, boards, CEOs and CHROs on critical leadership and human capital priorities. Regarded as an expert in commercially oriented functional leadership and the role of talent in driving transformation, he focuses on functional, operating partner, CHRO and other leadership appointments and brings extensive insight into how talent unlocks value and enables high performance.
Chris guides his clients to think holistically about critical leadership appointments, talent strategies, succession planning, pre-deal due diligence, team structures and cultures that will drive organizational success. His experience includes working with a range of public and private clients spanning sectors including consumer, financial services, industrial, healthcare, technology, business and professional services.
Known for providing a strategic perspective and advisory-led approach, Chris is passionate about helping clients and leaders unlock their potential and has a long track record of working with some of the world’s leading investors and corporate companies. Based in London and working globally, he has particularly deep expertise in EMEA and North America.
Connecting leadership and talent strategy to enable business performance
- Prior to joining Spencer Stuart, Chris was a partner at another executive search firm that specializes in corporate functions, where he was responsible for the strategy and growth of the global corporate officer, private equity and HR practices. Additionally, he built and led relationships with several of the firm’s key clients.
- Previously, Chris was a senior partner in the HR and corporate functions practices with one of the world’s leading executive search and talent advisory firms. Working globally, he led critical CHRO appointments, alongside the development of leadership and talent strategies, for major public and investor-backed firms.
- In his early career, Chris worked in television in the development and production of factual entertainment and documentary programs.
A regular speaker, contributor and author on leadership and talent strategy in both the U.S. and Europe, Chris holds a B.A. (Hons) in broadcasting and management from the University of Leeds.