Karen Greenbaum

Karen Greenbaum

CEO, KBG Strategic Solutions | Former CEO, AESC | Global Leadership & Talent Strategist

A Visionary in Leadership and Talent Strategy

Karen Greenbaum is a globally recognized business leader and the Founder of KBG Strategic Solutions, a firm dedicated to driving impactful changes through  leadership and talent strategies. With decades of experience guiding organizations through high-stakes initiatives, acquisitions, and operational excellence, she is a trusted advisor in aligning culture and talent for sustained growth and innovation.

Former CEO of AESC & Champion of Executive Search

Ms. Greenbaum previously served as CEO of the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC), leading the global $20 billion executive search and leadership consulting industry. Under her leadership, AESC expanded its influence worldwide, ensuring its 1,400+ member offices across 70+ countries upheld the highest professional and ethical standards in executive search and talent acquisition.

A Proven Business Leader with Global Impact

Before AESC, Ms. Greenbaum was President and COO of Mercer Consulting/MMC’s $1 billion U.S. business, a Fortune 200 company, and later served as COO of Nixon Peabody LLP, a global top 100 law firm. Her expertise in strategic growth, change management, and leadership consulting has made her a sought-after speaker, advisor, and author.

Advancing Diversity & Inclusion in Leadership

A passionate advocate for inclusive leadership, Ms. Greenbaum has been a driving force in advancing board diversity and executive inclusion. She was honored with AESC’s prestigious IDEA Award (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) for her focus and impact on the power of diverse talent and inclusive cultures. She is a member of The Committee of 200, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing women in business and The Chicago Network, focused on empowering women to lead.

Education & Thought Leadership

Ms. Greenbaum holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and continues to shape the future of leadership through her advisory work, public speaking, and strategic consulting. Her deep commitment to innovation, inclusion, and impact ensures that organizations worldwide are equipped to navigate complex business environments and achieve sustainable success.
To learn more about her work, visit KBG Strategic Solutions.