Duncan

Smithson

Senior Client Partner

Based in Chicago, Duncan is a member of Korn Ferry’s Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) practice, with 25+ years of experience in planning, leading and managing all people- and talent-related aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, sales, spin-offs, IPOs and joint ventures, especially in the context of global deals.

Duncan helps clients meet and exceed their deal goals by leveraging his detailed knowledge of the deal life-cycle and the dynamics of the deal process. By focusing on the intersection of talent and strategy, Duncan not only effectively helps clients’ HR teams understand and execute the business strategy underpinning the transaction, but also helps business leadership and Corporate Development teams understand the talent- and people-related risks and issues. Having lived and worked in the USA, the UK, South Africa and on assignment in Singapore, Duncan is able to bring a global perspective to his work for clients.

Duncan is a regular speaker at conferences, as well as a presenter at HR M&A training courses. He has written or co-written several articles on a range of M&A issues, including most recently “How Leading Companies Approach Inclusion and Diversity in M&A”, “Where Does Employee Engagement Fit within M&A Deal Priorities”, “5 Limited Integration Best Practices from Serial Acquirers” and “The HR Guide to People and Cultural Problems in M&A Integrations”.

Duncan is a qualified actuary. He holds degrees in mathematics and economics, as well as a diploma in global total rewards. He speaks English and French.