Friisberg & Partners Appoints Chief Business Development Strategy Officer
October 31, 2024 – Friisberg & Partners International has added Sabine Pirkner to its executive board as chief business development strategy officer. In her new position, she will be responsible for leading and shaping the firm’s business development strategy, furthering its growth and market expansion goals.
“We are delighted to have Sabine on our executive team,” said Zoltan Petho, chair of Friisberg, “Her deep expertise in business development and her visionary leadership will be instrumental in helping us navigate new growth opportunities and achieve our long-term strategic goals.”
“Ms. Pirkner’s appointment comes as Friisberg continues to build on its legacy of success, which has been driven by the guidance and vision of its accomplished executive board,” Friisberg & Partners said. “Under this leadership Friisberg has achieved sustained growth, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the management consultancy and executive search industry. Their strategic approach has seen the company expand its global footprint, deliver unparalleled client service, and attract top-tier talent for clients across multiple sectors.”
Ms. Pirkner brings a wealth of experience to the role. With close to 20 years of experience in international board, C-level and leadership team assessment and development, she has worked with senior executives as a trusted coach and advisor. Ms. Pirkner has partnered with national and global organizations of all sizes, including publicly listed corporations, family-owned businesses and the public sector. She provides a breadth of insight and advice in talent management, CEO succession planning and executive development, leading advisory projects on cultural or organizational topics, as well as development audits, assessments for mergers, and executive search mandates.
Previously, Ms. Pirkner was with a leading international executive search firm for five years, as a senior principal in Germany and head of leadership & talent consulting for Austria and worked more recently for Russell Reynolds Associates in Germany. She also co-founded her own boutique management firm and has worked for leading multinationals, including Accenture and Aon Hewitt. Ms. Pirkner speaks fluent English and German.
“I am excited to join the talented executive board and take on this new role,” said Ms. Pirkner. “I look forward to contributing to Friisberg’s continued success and helping to shape its future by building strong partnerships and driving innovative growth strategies.”
“In my role, my focus is on bringing together the deep expertise we have in certain countries and, based on that, formulating an overarching strategy that better reflects our years of experience across various industries,” she said. “Together, it’s about defining strategic initiatives and directions that will strengthen and expand our growth and presence. The aim is to reassess the strategic directions for individual markets, while also taking into account industry trends and developments. I believe that by combining all our experiences, we can become even stronger together and gradually build up our presence step by step.”
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Founded in 1977, Friisberg & Partners International has been involved in executive search in Europe for over 40 years. Today, it has more than 200 search professionals in upwards of 40 major cities around the world. Many of the firm’s partners have worked for large international management consulting firms including PwC, McKinsey, KPMG, Hay Group, and Deloitte.
New Partner
Earlier this year, Friisberg & Partners announced that V.E.R.A. Consulting became part of Friisberg & Partners in Milan, offering executive search, assessment, executive coaching and organizational development consultancy. “As part of our dynamic and forward-thinking approach, we are thrilled to announce the opening of our new office in the vibrant city of Milan, Italy,” the firm said. “This strategic move is a testament to our commitment to global expansion, fostering innovation, and cultivating strong relationships with clients and partners worldwide.”
“Our strategically important office in Milan reflects our commitment to providing exceptional services, fostering innovation, and building lasting relationships on a global scale,” Friisberg & Partners said. “We look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, confident in our ability to thrive in Milan’s dynamic business landscape.”
“Milan, often regarded as the financial and fashion capital of Italy, serves as an ideal location for our new office,” Friisberg & Partners says. “The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, a thriving business environment, and a strategic geographical position within Europe. Renowned for its historical landmarks, world-class cuisine, and influential fashion and design industries, Milan provides a unique backdrop that aligns perfectly with our values of excellence and creativity.”
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
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