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.
Wendy Spalding is a seasoned executive search and leadership advisor with more than 30 years of experience guiding organisations through critical board, C‑suite, and leadership appointments. She is known for her ability to navigate complex talent markets, build trust with stakeholders, and deliver exceptional leaders through rigorous assessment, strategic insight, and a personalised approach.
Professional Focus
- Over 30 years of experience in executive search, talent advisory, and executive coaching
- Deep expertise in C‑suite and board recruitment, leadership development, talent strategy, talent mapping research, and critical market intelligence
- Background in HR and management consulting, including talent management, interim recruitment, career coaching and facilitation, and stakeholder engagement
- Long-standing commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion
- Respected thought leader and author of global white paper “Securing the Future: How global organisations are tackling the challenge of hiring the next CEO and executive team”
Business Expertise
- Managing Director at an executive search and advisory firm providing talent sourcing solutions throughout Africa; part of a global alliance of top independent executive search firms
- Interim Recruitment Manager at Standard Bank Group
- Operations Executive at The Oval Office, part of global workforce solutions group Adcorp
Additional Expertise
- Consumer & Retail
- Financial Services
- Professional Services
- Technology
- Education & Social Impact
- Executive Coaching
- CEO & Board Services
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- Master’s Diploma in human resource management (MDip HRM) from University of Johannesburg
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology and education from University of South Africa (UNISA)
- Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coaching Federation (ICF)
- Certificate in Vocational Coaching Training Program, International Coach Academy (ICA)
- Certificate in Systemic Organisational, Executive, Group, Team & Board Coaching, Beckett McInroy
- Certificate in Ontological Coaching and Leadership in Action, Ontological Coaching Institute
Affiliations & Awards
- Founding Member, South African 30% Club
- Director and Deputy Chair, School Aid South Africa
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A European family-owned business approaching generational transition recognized that its U.S. operation required more than continuity—it required growth. The challenge was to redefine leadership for a critical market while navigating family dynamics and cross-border complexity. Here’s how the right appointment helped unlock the company’s U.S. potential.
Discover why MedTech leadership succession is a strategic imperative—and how these companies can build strong, future-ready executive pipelines.
The Business Times explores the growing demand for Chiefs of Staff as CEOs navigate increasing complexity, with insights from Boyden Managing Partner Craig Stevens on why the role has become an essential strategic partner in today's business environment.
As CEOs navigate the growing complexity of the AI era, demand for chiefs of staff is surging as organizations seek trusted strategic advisors who can help leaders prioritize, execute, and solve critical business challenges.
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