CEO
Phil Johnston
Phil Johnston brings over 25 years of global leadership advisory and executive search experience, including CEO and succession work, board search, and CHRO recruitment. He previously served as a Partner at Spencer Stuart, led regional and international practices, and currently advises Spencer Stuart International.
Biography
Phil Johnston has over 25 years of international executive search and leadership advisory experience across life sciences and technology, with deep expertise in CEO and CEO succession, board search, and the C-suite.
He has led more than 200 board searches and more than 100 CEO search and succession engagements. Earlier in his career, Phil served as CHRO for three fast-growth companies, all of which achieved successful exits. He has also served as a CEO and as a board member for private and public companies.
Phil is currently an Advisor to Spencer Stuart International and serves on the advisory board of Cornucopian Capital as Head of Talent for the firm’s early-stage healthcare technology portfolio.
He holds a BA in Psychology (magna cum laude) and an MA in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the University of Minnesota and is a Certified Executive Coach through the Hudson Institute.
Experience
25+ years executive search experience
200+ board searches led
100+ CEO search and succession engagements
Former CHRO, three successful exits
Hudson Institute certified executive coach
Practice Areas
Executive Search
CEO, CEO succession, board, C-suite, and CHRO search across life sciences and technology.
Executive Coaching
Certified executive coaching for CEOs and senior leaders navigating growth, transition, and board dynamics.
Board and Leadership Advisory
Support on governance, leadership assessment, and critical leadership decisions.