Family business succession requires more than informal agreements. Boyden Canada Managing Partner Jim Harmon explains why formal succession planning, governance, and objective leadership assessments are critical to protecting business value, family wealth, and long-term stability.
Dr. Chris Janzen led a distinguished career in higher education spanning three decades, during which he excelled as a senior administrator and professor in applied sciences, later transitioning to educational consulting. He now leverages his leadership experience, management skills, and industry insights to support executive recruitment and talent development in education and other sectors.
Professional Focus
- 30 years’ experience in higher education as a professor, senior administrator, and educational consultant
- Track record in talent acquisition, leadership development, strategic planning, program development, organizational transformation, human resources, and career coaching
- Education sector-specific expertise in operations, community partnerships, corporate training, business development, innovation, and entrepreneurship
- Experience serving on and leading college-wide, provincial, and national committees
- Department leader, educator and researcher in chemistry, technology, applied sciences, environmental science and extreme environments, healthcare and life sciences
Business Expertise
- Higher Education Consultant at Janzen Higher Ed Consulting
- Senior Vice President, Academic at Algonquin College, Ontario; prior roles included Dean, Faculty of Technology and Trades, overseeing the School of Advanced Technology and Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence; and Chair, Applied Science and Environmental Technology
- Department Chair and Professor, Department of Chemistry at Susquehanna University, Pennsylvania
- Borough Council President and Council Member, Borough of New Berlin
- Post-doctoral fellow at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Maryland
Additional Expertise
- Education
- Technology
Education & Certifications
- Ph.D. in chemistry from Texas A&M University
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota
In the competitive realm of global agribusiness, our client required a transformative COO to enhance operational efficiency and spearhead growth. Here, we share how Boyden identified and secured the ideal candidate, driving innovation and sustainability in a rapidly evolving industry.
As Detroit City FC prepared for a transformative move to a new stadium, Boyden partnered with the club to appoint a Chief Revenue Officer capable of driving commercial growth while preserving the community spirit that defines one of the most distinctive organizations in North American soccer.
How Boyden’s Vienna, Munich and Zurich teams combined their networks and market expertise to appoint a transformational digital leader for one of Europe’s largest construction groups.
Healthcare transformation demands more than change. It requires leaders who can sequence change, protect patient care, and align boards.
Featuring Marie-Hélène Gaudreault, Leader in Boyden’s Social Impact Practice
A family enterprise approaching its first generational transition found leadership fragmented across sibling-led divisions. Growth was possible, but cohesion was not guaranteed. By introducing independent executive leadership, the family gained clarity, strengthened governance, and set a foundation for long-term continuity. Here’s how unified leadership replaced complexity.
Featuring Marie-Hélène Gaudreault, Leader in Boyden’s Social Impact Practice
Boyden is pleased to share the appointment news of Drake Reid, a recruitment led by Andrew Dumont
An Extraordinary Benefit Concert for the 25th Anniversary!
Contact Dr. Chris Janzen today and let's get started