Globalization and Leadership: Developing a 'Dream Team' to Deliver on China's Promise

Gary Burnison, CEO
Korn/Ferry International

Human Resources Committee

As China's prominence as an economic powerhouse has risen, so have the expectations of foreign investors and multinational companies seeking to take advantage of the tremendous growth opportunities available there. CEO Gary Burnison will present Korn/Ferry's recent research, "The Dream Team: Delivering Leadership in Asia." The research results from a poll of over 300 C-level executives with primary responsibility for or familiarity with their company's Asian operations.

The paradox facing even the most sophisticated companies wanting to expand or enter Asia today is how to reconcile their growth targets with a paucity of indigenous "best-in-class" leadership talent. In order to deliver on China's promise, a longer-term view is needed that recognizes and plans for the complexity of the challenges in such a diverse market, with an eye towards developing world-class teams and co-leaders.

Mr. Burnison is CEO of executive recruitment firm Korn/Ferry International. Before his appointment in July 2007, he served as its chief operating officer and chief financial officer. Before joining the firm in 2001, Mr. Burnison was principal and chief financial officer of Guidance Solutions, and a partner at KPMG Peat Marwick.