Korn Ferry adds Matthew Espe to board of directors

Korn Ferry, a global organizational consulting firm, has appointed Matthew Espe to its board of directors. He is based in Philadelphia.

Espe is a seasoned C-suite executive and board member with over 40 years of experience across manufacturing, infrastructure, business services, and private equity.

He is currently an operating partner at private equity firm Advent International and serves on the boards of Wesco Distribution and Anywhere Real Estate. He is also a member of Centri Business Consulting’s advisory board.

Espe was previously the CEO of several companies, including Armstrong World Industries, a manufacturer of flooring products and ceiling systems; Ricoh Americas Corporation, an information management and digital services firm; and IKON Office Solutions, a document management services firm.

Earlier in his career, Espe spent 23 years at GE, latterly serving as president and CEO of GE Lighting.

He has an MBA from Whittier College and bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Idaho.

“We are pleased to have Matt join our board of directors,” said Gary Burnison, CEO of Korn Ferry. “Matt’s extensive credentials at world-class organizations will be a great fit for Korn Ferry and our diversification strategy.”

Korn Ferry’s board has nine members, including Burnison and Espe. The other directors are Doyle Beneby, former president and CEO of Midland Cogeneration Venture; Laura Bishop, former EVP and CFO of USAA; Charles Harrington, former chairman, CEO, and president of Parsons Corporation; Jerry Leamon, non-executive chair of the board; Angel Martinez, former chairman of Deckers Outdoor Corporation; Debra Perry, former senior managing director of Moody’s Corporation; and Lori Robinson, a retired US Air Force general.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Korn Ferry helps clients design organizational structures, hire talent, and reward and develop employees. The firm has more than 10,000 people globally.