Damien O'Brien

• Global Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Egon Zehnder International, United Kingdom

Bachelor's in Commerce, University of New South Wales, Sydney; diploma in Theology and Philosophy, Saint Columban's College, Sydney; MBA, Columbia University. Formerly: management positions in family-owned group in Australia; Associate, McKinsey, Australia. Since 1988, with Egon Zehnder: International including Sydney; London, leading establishment of China practice, and now Paris office; oversaw global industry and functional practices; responsible for global operations and professional development; primary practice areas included consumer products, private equity, leadership strategy services and board consulting; since 2008, Chief Executive Officer; since June 2010, Chairman, spends most of his time visiting colleagues and clients in 64 wholly-owned offices in 37 countries.