Title: Vice Chairman of Board Advisory Services
Company: Korn Ferry
Location: Menlo Park, California, United States
Joseph E. Griesedieck, Vice Chairman of Board Advisory Services at Korn Ferry, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in strategic planning and management consulting.
With decades of experience to his credit, Mr. Griesedieck embarked upon his professional path at Brown University, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in classics in 1966. Soon thereafter, he began his career as the president and chief operating officer at Falstaff Brewing Corporation, Inc., positions that allowed him to gain significant experience in leadership and corporate governance. Mr. Griesedieck supervised operations and ensured the growth and stability of the aforementioned corporation until his departure in 1978.
Mr. Griesedieck subsequently served as the vice president of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, between 1978 and 1979. During this time, the chief executive officer who had hired him resigned and the new chief executive officer decided to discontinue the acquisition program he had been recruited to support. Faced with a difficult decision regarding his future at Alexander & Baldwin Inc., Mr. Griesedieck exited the company after only a year rather than continue under a new direction that did not align with his professional goals.
In that same year, Mr. Griesedieck incidentally crossed paths with Russ Reynolds, a prominent figure in the executive search industry. Despite not having a background in human resources, he embraced the challenge of establishing a new office for Russell Reynolds Associates, Inc. in San Francisco upon joining the firm in 1979. Over the next six years, Mr. Griesedieck worked as managing director, gaining expertise in executive search and building a strong client base in a competitive market.
Between 1985 and 2004, Mr. Griesedieck found much success with Spencer Stuart, Inc. as chief executive officer, during which time he focused on expanding the firm’s business. His impressive tenure at Spencer Stuart was defined by his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to adapt to new industries, particularly in the growing technology sector. Furthermore, Mr. Griesedieck has served as a board member for Strategic Partnerships, LLC since 2003.
In 2004, Mr. Griesedieck joined Korn Ferry as the vice chairman of board advisory services, a post he continues to hold to this day. In this capacity, he works closely with corporate boards of directors, both public and private, as well as family-owned businesses. His focus has been on enhancing board effectiveness, conducting board evaluations, and helping organizations plan for chief executive officer succession. His work at Korn Ferry allows him to remain client-focused, which he has emphasized as a key priority throughout his career. Mr. Griesedieck has also played a pivotal role in developing Korn Ferry’s board practice, further cementing his reputation as a leader in the executive search industry.
In addition to his primary responsibilities, Mr. Griesedieck has been involved in multiple civic organizations. He was active as a long-serving board member for Jobs for America’s Graduates from 1996 to 2018, reflecting his commitment to workforce development and education. Moreover, he was appointed as a board member for the American Mural Project, an organization focused on celebrating American workers through art. Mr. Griesedieck is also affiliated with the National Association of Corporate Directors.
Mr. Griesedieck attributes much of his success to a combination of luck, perseverance, and a commitment to any task he undertakes. While there were moments of doubt, particularly during his early years in executive search, he found great satisfaction in helping people find meaningful job opportunities, as he has been especially moved by the gratitude expressed by clients and candidates alike. Likewise, Mr. Griesedieck’s long and distinguished career has been shaped by his willingness to embrace challenges and his openness to learning.
Outside of his professional life, Mr. Griesedieck is a proud grandfather to ten wonderful grandchildren. His legacy is marked by his dedication, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. Looking toward the future, Mr. Griesedieck hopes to continue contributing meaningfully to his firm and clients but is open to exploring new opportunities while pondering an eventual retirement in the coming years.
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