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Jim Citrin

Senior Director, Partner & Member of Board of Directors

Jim Citrin, Leader of CEO Practice and Co-Leader of Board Practice at Spencer Stuart



Jim Citrin leads Spencer Stuart’s CEO Practice and co-leads the firm’s Board Practice. With over 25 years at Spencer Stuart, he has successfully led more than 850 CEO and top executive searches, as well as Board Director assignments. His extensive expertise encompasses a range of sectors, including:

  • Media and Entertainment

  • Consumer Goods

  • Industrial

  • Healthcare

  • Financial Services

  • Cultural, Educational, and Not-for-Profit Institutions


Professional Achievements and Contributions



Jim Citrin is a well-recognized thought leader in the areas of leadership and CEO succession. He has authored eight books on these topics, notable among them:

  • _Leading at a Distance_ (2021)

  • _The Career Playbook: Essential Advice for Today’s Aspiring Young Professional_

  • _You’re in Charge — Now What?_

  • _Lessons from the Top_

  • _The 5 Patterns of Extraordinary Careers_

  • _You Need a Leader — Now What?_


His insights have been featured across several prestigious media outlets, including:

  • The Today Show

  • CNN

  • The BBC

  • The Wall Street Journal

  • The New York Times

  • The Financial Times

  • Harvard Business Review


As a LinkedIn Influencer, Jim has garnered approximately one million followers, where he shares valuable insights on leadership and career strategies.

Career Background



Before joining Spencer Stuart, Jim gained significant experience at leading financial and consulting firms:

  • McKinsey & Company – Senior Consultant

  • Goldman, Sachs & Co. – Associate

  • Morgan Stanley & Company – Analyst


Educational Background



Jim graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Vassar College and served as a trustee on the school’s Board of Directors for 12 years, co-chairing the Nominating Committee. He also received an M.B.A., with distinction, from Harvard Business School.

Board Memberships and Recognitions



Jim has been acknowledged for his governance expertise, being named to the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Directorship 100. He is actively involved in several board roles:

  • International Tennis Hall of Fame – Board Member

  • Girl Effect, a global NGO – Board Member

  • Johnny Mac Tennis Project – Board Member


Additionally, he has served on the Executive Committee of the Board at Wesleyan University.

Practice Areas at Spencer Stuart



Jim leads and specializes in several practice areas, including:

  • Boards

  • Chief Executive Officer

  • Digital

  • Education & Social Impact

  • Financial Services

  • Hospitality & Leisure

  • Media

  • Private Equity

  • Technology

  • Technology, Media & Telecommunications

  • Telecommunications


Key Insights and Initiatives



Jim has been a key contributor to Spencer Stuart’s thought leadership initiatives, such as the Measure of Leadership report, which assesses CEO and board director priorities, and strategies for navigating change. He has also been instrumental in discussions about driving performance in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector, highlighting new playbooks for CEOs facing emerging challenges.

Contact Information:
  • Office Location: Stamford, Connecticut

  • Phone: +1 203.324.6333



For further insights and information, visit his detailed profile on [Spencer Stuart's Official Website](https://www.spencerstuart.com/our-consultants/james-m-citrin).