Richard Sumner, Partner, Heidrick & Struggles

Richard is a Principal in the Consumer Practice in the London office of Korn Ferry and a member of the firm’s Global CMO Centre of Expertise.

He joined Whitehead Mann in 2008 and then Korn Ferry Whitehead Mann in 2009. He specialises in senior-level commercial roles across the international FMCG and Consumer Products sector as well as leading the recruitment of leadership roles in the Marketing function for blue-chip and emerging brands across all industry sectors.

Richard had previously worked for Korn/Ferry’s strategic talent acquisition subsidiary, Futurestep, where he was a Consultant focusing on search and selection assignments for the UK Consumer sector.

Prior to this Richard spent four years at Mellor Watts International, a specialist media search consultancy becoming Head of Research.

Richard has a degree in European History and French from the University of East Anglia.

He speaks French and German

Richard Sumner

NOMINATIONS FOR 2026 ARE OPEN!

The program is free but highly selective so firstly we ask senior business leaders working within Marketing, Media and Advertising to nominate the best of their emerging leaders for a place on the program. All ‘nominees’ then receive an ‘Invitation to Apply’ which includes essential information about the process.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2026 ARE OPEN

Applicants may apply to EITHER cohort regardless of country of residence, but must commit to attend both Residential dates & the Virtual day of their chosen cohort. Attendance is mandatory and a condition of acceptance onto the program.