Francesco Buquicchio Named Next CEO of Egon Zehnder
Egon Zehnder, the world’s preeminent leadership advisory firm, today announced Francesco Buquicchio as its next CEO. Buquicchio succeeds Edilson Camara, following a strategic leadership transition and succession planning process.
Camara, who will have served the maximum of two terms in the position, will step down from his role effective October 31, 2024. During his tenure, Camara has overseen significant growth and expansion, opening Egon Zehnder offices in new regions and developing enhanced advisory services, as well as leading the firm through the Covid-19 pandemic and investing in internal IT infrastructure enhancements.
Incoming CEO, Buquicchio, is based in Milan and currently leads the firm’s global Leadership Advisory Services practice, a strategic focus for the firm. Previously, he held the role of Country Leader in Italy and served on the firm’s Executive Committee for six years. Prior to joining Egon Zehnder in 2007, Buquicchio worked for BT Italy, McKinsey & Company, TLcom Capital Partners, and Excite.com in roles based in Rome, London, and California.
Reflecting on his appointment, Buquicchio stated, “As we celebrate our 60th anniversary this year, I am honored and humbled to be a part of this remarkable Firm’s history. I look forward to writing our future chapters with our extraordinary and vibrant team, spanning many regions and world views, united by our purpose—leadership for a better world.”
The process to appoint the CEO was led by Chair Michael Ensser with the support of the Board and an Advisory Committee. It also included input from the entire partnership. “We thank Ed for his leadership over these past six years—he laid a strong foundation that enabled the firm to accelerate its growth. We are pleased to share that he will continue with the firm, returning to client work,” Ensser said. “As we begin our seventh decade, Francesco will leverage our expertise in discovering leaders, developing leadership, unlocking transformations, shaping successions and advancing governance to craft more distinct client and candidate experiences, prioritizing innovation, sustainability and long-term value creation.”
Buquicchio will be the seventh person to serve as CEO in Egon Zehnder’s 60-year history and formally assumes his role on November 1, 2024.
