Former CEO of Aon Hewitt, Tony Gaffney, Joins Odgers Berndtson to Lead Board & CEO Talent Agenda

Odgers Berndtson announced that Tony Gaffney has joined the firm as Managing Partner, leading the firm’s work with Boards and CEOs in driving the strategic talent agenda. Known for being among Canada’s most experienced business transformation executives, Mr. Gaffney has joined at a time when many industries are being disrupted and where having the right leadership in place will be key for organizations to successfully compete and win.

Mr. Gaffney was formerly CEO of Aon Hewitt, Canada and also a key member of their Global Executive Committee. Prior to that he was a Managing Partner at Accenture, President and CEO of Bell Nexxia, and CEO of BCE Emergis. He has also held international leadership positions.

“Tony’s extensive Board, CEO and C-suite leadership experience across a wide variety of sectors and companies will be critical in helping us continue to innovate for our clients in Canada,” said Carl Lovas, Chairman and CEO of Odgers Berndtson in Canada. “Offering a seasoned global business perspective with a strong digital and technology background, he understands what’s needed to compete in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing environment.”

Mr. Gaffney stressed that this is a very challenging time for leaders. “The talent agenda is being prioritized more than ever before at the board level,” said Mr. Gaffney. “Having a robust talent and succession plan in place is an imperative for companies undergoing significant change.”     

Currently a member of the board at President’s Choice Bank and the Altus Group, Mr. Gaffney also previously served on the boards of the Toronto Region Board of Trade, The Bishop Strachan School, Crescent School, Canada’s Walk of Fame and the United Way Cabinet. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.A.I.) degree and M.A. from Trinity College Dublin, and is a graduate of the Rotman Corporate Directors program (ICD.D).