Orlando Ashford, previously Chief HR and Communications Officer at
Mercer’s corporate parent, Marsh & McLennan Companies, will join Mercer
to lead the firm’s new business expansion in corporate board, CEO and
C-suite effectiveness. Mr. Ashford will also lead Mercer’s consulting
services in change management, diversity, and executive talent
development.
“The mission of the new business segment which Orlando will lead will be
to help our clients create shareholder value by developing their people
and addressing human capital issues at all levels of the organization,
starting with the CEO and extending to the management team and beyond,”
said Pat Milligan, President of Mercer’s Talent, Rewards and
Communications Group. “Plans are for this new business segment to offer
consulting expertise in corporate board, CEO and C-suite effectiveness,
change management, diversity and executive talent development, providing
a comprehensive and integrated set of capabilities that we can deliver
globally to our clients.”
Ms. Milligan said: “Over the next several weeks we envisage the transfer
of the leadership development group, previously part of Oliver Wyman
(which like Mercer, is an operating unit of Marsh & McLennan Companies),
along with most of those in the North American part of its Delta
business who focus on CEO effectiveness, culture change, employee
engagement, and talent and leadership, transitioning to Mercer under Mr.
Ashford's leadership.”
“In leading a major consulting group advising Mercer clients, we believe
Orlando brings the unique perspective of previously holding the top
human resources position at one of the world’s leading multinationals,
Marsh & McLennan,” said Julio Portalatin, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Mercer. “Human Capital management has moved to the forefront
of the C-suite agenda and Orlando has been a leader and advisor at the
most senior levels of decision making.”
Prior to joining Marsh & McLennan in 2008, Mr. Ashford was with the
Coca-Cola Company as Group Director of Human Resources for Eurasia and
Africa based in Istanbul, Turkey. Previously, Mr. Ashford was Vice
President, Global HR Strategy and Organizational Development for
Motorola, Inc. He has also held leadership positions with Mercer Delta
Consulting, Ameritech, and Andersen Consulting.
Mr. Ashford serves on the Board of Directors for ITT Corporation.
Additionally, he sits on the Board of Directors for the Executive
Leadership Council (ELC) and Streetwise Partners. Mr.