John Stefanek
John Stefanek
John Stefanek is an executive search consultant with Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY), based in their Chicago office.
Recently, Stefanek joined Korn Ferry from a global executive search firm. While there, he worked closely with clients to identify and recruit leaders for transformational roles, helping organizations achieve long-term, sustained growth.
Early Life and Education
John Stefanek was born on August 24, 1919 in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up there before attending Benedictine Catholic High School. Additionally, he served in the United States Navy during World War II.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Benedict’s College in Atchison, Kansas and master’s from the University of Montana as a history major with an emphasis on U.S. presidents.
His senior thesis focused on Lyndon Johnson’s role as Senate majority leader in passing the 1957 Civil Rights Act. This law set a precedent for future civil rights legislation which Johnson would champion as president. This thesis was chosen as one of three winners of the Kapp Honors Day Prizes.
Professional Career
John Stefanek has been a Certified Accountant for over three decades. A member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants, he also serves as director on several boards.
Stefanek specializes in leadership search for senior executive roles within technology, telecommunications, industrial distribution and healthcare industries. He is based out of Korn Ferry’s Chicago office after having an illustrious career with a global executive search firm where he served as senior client partner of their technology markets and technology officer practices. While there, he helped recruit some of the best leaders from their respective fields – such as CFOs, CIOs, COOs and CEOs.
Achievements and Honors
John Stefanek has achieved many remarkable successes in his professional life. He currently works as a Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY)’s Chicago office, having previously served in the Technology Officers, Healthcare Services and Private Equity practices of an international executive search firm.
Stefanek worked closely with clients to identify and recruit leaders for transformational roles. Additionally, he enabled organizations to achieve long-term growth across consumer services, digital, industrial distribution, healthcare services, healthcare technology and ecommerce industries.
He has received numerous honors, including the esteemed Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education in Victoria. This award recognizes the contributions of public, independent and First Nations school teachers, principals, vice-principals and support staff at all levels of education.
Personal Life
John Stefanek is a Senior Client Partner with Korn Ferry, located in their Chicago office.
Before that, he served as a client partner at another international executive search firm where he worked closely with clients to identify and recruit leaders for transformational roles that helped organizations achieve long-term, sustained growth. His expertise encompasses technology, telecommunications, industrial distribution, healthcare services, retail outlets as well as serving private equity firms.
He is currently a doctoral student at the University of Montana and holds an interest in American history and contemporary society. For his thesis project, he recently interviewed two fraternity presidents which will be donated to Archives and Special Collections at UM’s Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library.