Jake Barney

He has nearly 20 years of experience in the executive compensation and broader total rewards areas. Jake has extensive experience in forming relationships of trust with board members and senior executives and translating complex technical executive compensation topics into accessible, actionable information.

Prior to joining Korn Ferry, Jake led the executive compensation function at Tyson Foods, Inc., a Fortune 100 company. At Tyson Foods, Jake advised the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee of the Board and the executive leadership team on all aspects of executive and incentive compensation strategy and design.

Jake’s background as an attorney allows him to identify, and advise clients on, risks and opportunities related to their executive pay programs. He served as in-house counsel at both Tyson Foods and Ford Motor Company. Prior to his work as in-house counsel, he was in private legal practice with multiple large Texas-based law firms. His legal practice focused on various aspects of executive compensation and broader employee benefits.

Jake’s current scope of services includes working with both boards and management on executive compensation and governance, including peer group development, executive and director benchmarking, plan design, CD&A support, and other technical areas like proxy advisory, 280G parachute payments, and equity plans. In addition, he has extensive experience with M&A transactions. While supporting clients across Korn Ferry, Jake has significant experience in the consumer and industrial sectors.

Jake received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Utah and his law degree from Vanderbilt University. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and holds the Certified Equity Professional designation.