Frank Birkel is chair of Spencer Stuart and of the firm’s board of directors. Prior to being elected chair, he served as a member of the Spencer Stuart board for nine years. Bringing to his work more than 30 years of leadership experience in professional services and consumer companies, Frank advises clients across industry sectors on CEO, senior general management and functional leader recruitment and succession.

Management and marketing experience with global brands

  • Frank is passionate about helping clients attract and develop exceptional talent from around the world to build high-performing leadership teams. He is a member of Spencer Stuart’s global Consumer Products, Private Equity and Technology, Media & Telecommunications practices.
  • Frank has served in numerous firm leadership roles. Before becoming board chair, he was chair of the compensation committee. He previously served as co-leader of Spencer Stuart’s regional operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
  • Before joining Spencer Stuart, Frank was with the William Wrigley Jr. Company, where he began as managing director for Germany and rose to the position of vice president for Western Europe. He was an elected officer of the William Wrigley Jr. Company and a member of the European board. Frank started his career at Procter & Gamble Co.

Frank is a graduate of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, where he earned his master’s degree in business administration and a doctorate in human resources management. He also attended business school in the United States. Frank is fluent in German and English.

Practice Areas