Laurie A.

O'Shea

Global Financial Markets Practice Leader, Insurance, Member, Board & CEO Services

Laurie A. O'Shea is the Global Financial Markets Practice Leader of Korn Ferry’s Insurance Practice and the Board & CEO Services Practice and is based in the Chicago office. She is the former Co-Vice Chair of Korn Ferry’s Global Diversity Council. Her work includes supporting clients in the Americas and globally on Executive and Board Director Recruiting, Succession Planning and Advisory Services.

Prior to Korn Ferry, Ms. O’Shea worked at a global search firm, where she was Global Head of the Insurance Practice, as well as a member of the CEO & Board and Inclusion Practices.

Ms. O’Shea has worked with Boards, CEOs, and senior-level executives for more than 30 years, recruiting and consulting on succession, leadership and talent development.  Ms. O’Shea partners with organizations to help develop and identify leaders both externally and internally positioned for the new age requirements of change, growth, and disruption.

Ms. O’Shea has been a guest speaker at events on Board and CEO selection.  She has been a contributor and speaker at the IICF Global Women in Insurance Conference, NAMIC, as well as several events focusing on board governance, CEO selection, and the impact of diversity of thought in the boardroom and C-Suite.  Ms. O’Shea was a contributing partner in the Women CEOs Speak research series as well as CEO for the Future.  She is currently a participating partner in the global Korn Ferry research study on Board Chairs for the Future.  She is also the former Co-Vice Chair of Korn Ferry’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Ms. O’Shea is a former member of both the Chicago Finance Exchange and Illinois Venture Capital Association. She also serves on the board of One Million Degrees, a Chicago-based not-for-profit focusing on education for low-income students and is a member of The Chicago Network.

Ms. O’Shea received her undergraduate degree from Beloit College and her master's degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a dual citizen of the United States and Ireland.