Odgers Berndtson Hires HR Consulting Leader, Susannah Crabtree, to Head Ottawa Office & Address Senior Talent Shortages

Ottawa is home to many world-class institutions that are experiencing profound organizational transformation driven by technology and demographic change. With nearly a third of Ottawa’s workforce at retirement age and an accelerating rate of executive retirements, succession planning to identify and develop the next generation of leaders is critical to the strategic plan for many, if not all, organizations. 

 

To help organizations meet these challenges, Odgers Berndtson announced that Susannah Crabtree has joined as Partner and Head of its Ottawa office. With deep expertise in human resources and talent consulting, Susannah will drive the firm’s continued growth in Ottawa – which has more than doubled over the last two years. Specializing in the recruitment of senior executives in the Ottawa market, with a focus on the public and not-for-profit sectors, Susannah is also a key member of Odgers Berndtson’s Leadership Practice, helping clients assess and develop their leadership teams, succession plans and high-potential talent. 

 

“I’m really excited to be joining a forward-looking firm that understands that talent is a top priority for all organizations,” said Susannah, who was most recently the Ottawa Office Leader at Mercer Canada. “I like the way Odgers Berndtson helps clients identify and address their leadership challenges through a range of customized services – from the recruitment of top C-suite leaders and interim executives through to the assessment and development of leaders and their teams. I have also been really impressed with the way the firm works across the country and the globe to bring leading insights and talent solutions to Canadian clients.”

 

Before joining Mercer, Susannah held various senior roles with Aon Hewitt in Toronto and the United Kingdom. An active volunteer in the community, she currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Ottawa YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region and the Committee for the Royal Ottawa Inspiration Gala. 

 

“We are thrilled to have such an accomplished and capable leader heading up our Ottawa office,” said Carl Lovas, Chairman of Odgers Berndtson in Canada. “Susannah’s extensive experience in working with organizations to help them develop and optimize their talent strategies will be key to helping our clients compete and grow in these challenging times. She brings a fresh, dynamic perspective to the search industry.”

 

Susannah holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours from McGill University, specializing in Psychology and Mathematics. She is also a qualified actuary and Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (FCIA) and the Society of Actuaries (FSA).