AESC, the Association of Executive Search & Leadership
Consultants, honored Terry D.
Thornley and Yanqing Sui of
Spencer Stuart, David Evans of Watermark Search International,
and Louisa Wong of Global Sage with
critical awards.
SINGAPORE, Sept. 10,
2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today at their annual AESC
Global Conference in Singapore,
the Association of Executive Search and Leadership
Consultants (AESC) recognized three individuals for their impact on
the profession.
- Terry D. Thornley and
Yanqing Sui, Spencer Stuart - AESC Award of Excellence
- David Evans, Watermark Search
International - AESC IDEA Award
- Louisa Wong, Global Sage - AESC
Commitment to the Community Award
AESC AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Terry D. Thornley, Spencer Stuart
General Counsel, APAC, and Yanqing Sui "Sui", Spencer Stuart
Assistant General Counsel, were honored with the AESC Award of
Excellence for their outstanding impact on the profession.
Over the last few years, Terry and Sui have been integral in
charting AESC's approach to helping members comply with
China's data protection laws,
reinforcing their commitment to AESC's highest professional
standards.
Terry and Sui's collaborative partnership with AESC led to the
creation of the "AESC Guidance on Chinese Personal Information
Protection Law"—a vital document that serves as a foundation for
understanding and complying with China's complex data protection laws within
the executive search industry. The document thoroughly addresses
the nuances of the Personal Information Protection Law, emphasizing
individual rights, stringent personal information processing
standards, and outlining explicit consent requirements.
Terry and Sui worked with the AESC to continuously refine the
guidance from the initial draft in 2021 to its final publication in
2024, as the laws, regulations, and interpretations evolved. Their
work notably impacted the executive search and leadership
consulting profession, emphasizing robust compliance and ethical
standards essential in today's regulatory landscape.
"I am incredibly proud of Terry
Thornley and Yanqing Sui for
their critical contributions and impactful work toward the release
of the AESC China PIPL Guidelines," said Spencer Stuart Chief Legal Officer Lucy Lopez. "This past year, Terry and Sui
prioritized the PIPL Guidelines to ensure that we are all meeting
applicable standards and expectations. Both Sui and Terry are
highly committed to excellence, collaborative, thoughtful, and
oriented towards setting and working against a high bar."
By translating complex legal frameworks into actionable
compliance steps, Terry and Sui have significantly elevated the
profession's understanding and position in relation to Chinese data
protection laws. This not only safeguards AESC members from legal
and financial risks but also aligns with AESC's high ethical
standards, showcasing an exemplary commitment to professional
excellence.
The document is a clear roadmap for compliance amid severe
penalties for non-compliance, such as penalties of up to 5% of
annual business income and personal liabilities for executives. Not
only does the document help mitigate legal and financial risks for
AESC members, but it also safeguards the reputation of the
profession at large.
Their work underscores the industry's commitment to
confidentiality, including data protection, which fosters trust
among clients and candidates, and elevates the reputation of the
executive search and leadership consulting profession as a leader
in upholding high ethical and professional standards.
"I would like to recognize Terry
Thornley and Yanqing Sui for
the important contribution they made in leading the efforts to
produce the AESC Guidance on China's Personal Information Protection Law,"
said AESC CEO Karen Greenbaum. "They
did a superb job ensuring that our members understand the critical
components of this legislation, reinforcing AESC's requirements for
confidentiality, data protection and data security. I've known
Terry for many years and respect him for his expertise and his
commitment to collaborate for the good of the profession."
About the AESC Award of Excellence
The AESC Award of Excellence honors individuals at the height of
their careers who have made significant, outstanding contributions
to the executive search and leadership consulting profession. Since
2000, this award has been given to recipients who promote AESC's
commitment to the highest professional standards through its
Professional Practice Standards at their firm and within the
profession.
AESC IDEA AWARD
David Evans, Watermark Search
International Managing Partner, was honored with the AESC IDEA
Award for his commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and access
(IDEA).
Over his career in executive search and leadership consulting,
David has remained steadfast in his dedication to the principles of
IDEA. David has developed and released the annual Watermark Search
International Board Diversity Index, which has been published for
ten years. It reports on progress towards diversity and inclusion
on the boards of ASX300 listed companies, and inspires both
reflection and action by Australia's corporate Boards.
This report is the only comprehensive analysis of Australian
boards that measures diversity well beyond the conventional
dimension of gender. It puts five types of diversity in the ASX300
under the microscope, including Gender, Cultural Background,
Skills/Experience, Age, Tenure, and Independence. For the last two
years, the report has also analysed First Nations, LGBTQ+,
Disability, and Socioeconomic Background. By examining more types
of diversity each year, it encourages boards and organisations to
embrace diversity in all of its types and to include all
people.
"What sets the Watermark Board Diversity Index apart is its
breadth of data, which enables David and his team to offer analysis
of the current state of diversity in corporate Australia," said Football NSW Chairman
Gilbert Lorquet. "This comprehensive
approach not only highlights under-representation of many groups
but also gives advice for future progress. With over 5000 views in
the past three years alone, the Index has become a resource for
stakeholders seeking to advance diversity and inclusion."
The Board Diversity Index's breadth of data allows Watermark and
David to share meaningful analysis of where corporate Australia currently stands on diversity, where
diversity is trending and what else needs to be done.
"The Index encourages organisations to evaluate their board
compositions," said Jacinta Whelan,
Watermark Search International Lead Partner – Melbourne. "By highlighting gaps and
opportunities, it empowers companies to take steps toward greater
diversity. When boards embrace inclusivity, it sets a powerful
example for the entire organisation."
"As a board member, I have witnessed the impact of David's work
on promoting diversity and inclusion within corporate Australia," said Standards Australia Chair
Tracey Gramlick. "Through the
analysis of various types of diversity, including gender, cultural
background, skills/experience, age, tenure, independence, and more
recently, First Nations, LGBTQ+, disability, and socioeconomic
background, the Board Diversity Index has sparked conversations and
promoted meaningful changes. The impact of David's efforts is deep
in the market, which we can see through the distribution of the
Board Diversity Index findings in various news stories and
articles."
As Managing Partner, David is responsible for the leadership,
strategy and direction of Watermark Search International. Whilst
leading the firm, David also conducts executive searches and
personally focuses on building and shaping leadership teams to grow
businesses, appointing Non-Executive Directors and CEOs.
Karen Greenbaum, AESC CEO,
commented: "AESC members play a critical role in the
professionalism of Boards around the world. Australia is known for its strong commitment
to corporate governance and David and the entire Watermark
organization have elevated this commitment through their focus on
diversity and equity in the boardroom. This report helps to broaden
how corporate boards in Australia
view diversity while driving important conversations about
representation, fairness, and belonging. David is fully deserving
of this meaningful recognition."
About the AESC IDEA Award
The AESC IDEA Award was established in 2020 to support the goals of
the AESC Diversity Pledge, signed by more than 100 CEOs of leading
executive search and leadership consulting firms. The award
recognizes initiatives within the executive search and leadership
consulting profession that demonstrate an exemplary commitment to
inclusion, diversity, equity and access. These initiatives must be
of sufficient significance and external impact to be recognized as
excellent by the profession.
AESC COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY AWARD
Louisa Wong, Executive Chairman of
Global Sage, was honored with the AESC Commitment to the Community
Award for her high-impact service.
Over the course of her nearly 40-year career in the executive
search and leadership consulting profession, Louisa has continued
to have a profound impact on the Hong
Kong community and beyond.
In response to the devastating Sichuan earthquake in 2008, Louisa established
Giving Hand, a non-profit organization that facilitates the
donations of major international corporations and retailers, by
helping them "donate" their unsold goods to people in need through
charitable organizations in Greater
China.
Since its establishment, Giving Hand has facilitated the
donation of:
- 14,728 backpacks worth USD400,000
by REI, the recreational equipment manufacturer, to the Sichuan
Charity Federation in 2009. They were delivered to schools in six
locations within the earthquake zone.
- 60,000 electronic items by Chinese electronics manufacturer
TCL. The nonprofit worked with the Red Cross Society of
Sichuan province to assist in
rebuilding earthquake-affected regions.
- 1,000-plus pairs of shoes and various sports apparel to the
Chengdu Disabled Charity Federation.
Today, this organization provides seed capital and management
support to the growth of NGO start-ups, with the aspiration of
being the "Gift that Keeps Giving."
Louisa has also been a staunch supporter of New Wine Ministries
Hong Kong (NWMHK), the leading ministry for cancer patients and
ministry for asylum seekers and refugees in Hong Kong. Through her position as a board
member, she has facilitated numerous fund-raising campaigns and
community events.
"Louisa has been a strong supporter of New Wine Ministries and a
devout champion of our mission in Hong
Kong society, especially among cancer patients and asylum
seekers over the past many years," said NWMHK Reverend Noreen Siu Richards. "Her reputation and
professional network have significantly elevated public awareness
of our cause, as she has actively participated on the board of
fundraising campaigns and championed our community and ministerial
events."
Louisa has also committed all sales proceeds from her book,
Women Who Chase Butterflies, to be donated to local NGOs in
Asia to support Harmony House, a
non-profit organization in Hong
Kong that provides services to help families affected by
domestic violence.
"I am privileged to have been part of her journey in authoring
and publishing her book, Women Who Chase Butterflies, which has
inspired countless individuals across diverse professional
communities," said James Hogan,
Chief Executive Officer of Asia Pacific Loan Market Association
(APLMA), who has known Louisa for many years. "The book has also
empowered her to advocate for the causes she holds dear through
numerous book talks and events, raising both awareness and funds
via sales proceeds and direct donations."
In addition to her community work, Louisa is an industry
pioneer, having founded China's
first and Asia's largest executive
search firm, Bó Lè Associates. In 2012 Louisa acquired Global Sage,
a firm specializing in financial services, and expanded the firm
into China and SEA and other
industry coverages.
Louisa's dedication to and passion for the profession led to her
involvement with AESC. Global Sage has been a proud member of the
AESC since 2008. Louisa first joined the APAC Council in 2013 and
remained involved in its governance for 10 years, becoming Council
Chair and joining the Global Board in 2021. As Global Sage's CEO,
Louisa committed to the AESC Diversity Pledge to create a world
that is inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible for all.
Karen Greenbaum, AESC CEO,
commented: "Louisa Wong's
extraordinary work exemplifies our profession's highest ideals.
From disaster relief to supporting asylum seekers and combating
domestic violence, her far-reaching initiatives have transformed
countless lives, and inspired creative giving across the region.
Louisa also serves as a champion of quality and integrity in the
profession serving in leadership roles first in the Asia Pacific region and then by joining AESC's
Board of Directors. It is an honor to recognize her with AESC's
2024 Commitment to the Community Award."
About the AESC Commitment to the Community Award
AESC's Commitment to the Community Award was established in 1993 to
recognize a firm, office or individual who combines excellence in
executive search or leadership consulting with a strong commitment
to community service and volunteerism toward charitable causes.
Media Contact
Martha Clement Rochford, AESC, +
1 (585) 789 0057, mrochford@aesc.org, aesc.org
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SOURCE AESC