Korn Ferry adds partners to Miami and Washington, DC, offices

Korn Ferry has hired Michael Bell as Senior Client Partner, formerly at Spencer Stuart, to the firm’s Aviation & Aerospace practice, and Laura Balser, formerly at Mercer, as Associate Client Partner in the division’s Executive Pay & Governance practice. Bell joins Korn Ferry's Miami office, while Balser joins the firm’s Washington, DC, office.

Michael Bell joins Korn Ferry from his role as Partner at executive recruitment firm Spencer Stuart, where he worked for more than 22 years and founded the firm’s Aviation, Aerospace & Defense Practice. Previously, he worked at McKinsey & Company as a Senior Engagement Manager from 1988 until 1994. Earlier roles include Director of Administration & Executive Assistant to the Dean for the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Business Administration, where he started in 1984. Bell holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Toronto - Rotman School of Management.

Bell takes on the role of Senior Client Partner in the firm’s Aviation & Aerospace practice, leveraging more than 22 years of experience and more than 1,000 searches for clients globally, to boost the firm’s presence in the space. He works out of the firm’s Miami office.

“Michael is a true leader in the Industrial space and we look forward to adding his deep industry knowledge and expertise to our team", remarks Yannick Binvel, President of Global Industrial Market at Korn Ferry.

Prior to joining Korn Ferry Hay Group, Laura Balser worked at Mercer as a Principal in the firm’s Executive Rewards practice, providing Senior Consultant & Relationship Manager services to clients in the South of the US. In addition, she held the North America Regional Chair for Women@Mercer. Previously, from 2007 until 2011, she worked at NFP Executive Benefits as a Senior Vice President and Principal Managing Director. Earlier roles include Consultant at Watson Wyatt between 2001 and 2004. Balser holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the Emory University - Goizueta Business School. She is a Board Member of the Goizueta Business School Alumni Board.

Balser joins Korn Ferry Hay Group as an Associate Client Partner in the division’s Executive Pay & Governance practice. She brings in more than 15 years of experience in, among others, regulatory, funding and compliance matters impacting executive rewards programmes across the private, public and third sectors. She joins the firm’s Washington, DC, office.

Irv Becker, North American Leader and Executive Pay & Governance at Korn Ferry Hay Group, says that Balser's expertise in executive benefits is a "great addition" to the HR consultancy. "We are excited to have her join the team as we continue to expand our capabilities to serve clients in the executive pay and governance space.”