Karen Fifer

Karen Fifer is a partner emerita of Heidrick & Struggles' Sydney office. She previously served as global managing partner for the Consumer Markets Practice, global sector leader for the Retail sector, and partner in charge of the Hong Kong office.

Karen is an accomplished consultant with three decades of experience in executive search and leadership advisory, which has earned her a strong reputation among decision-makers and executives in the industry. She has completed hundreds of C-suite searches for both listed and private companies, multinationals, private equity-backed companies and start-ups, representing some of the world’s most recognized and up-and-coming brands in the consumer packaged goods, retail and luxury, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.

Karen regularly interacts with senior executives locally and regionally, allowing her to bring deep insights to her clients on the leadership and cultural challenges that are unique to Australia and Asia. She is particularly adept at conducting complex, cross-border searches for presidents, country managers, and functional leaders. Karen has a strong focus on ensuring that executives have the technological acumen to accelerate transformational change and enhance customer engagement.

As a senior leader at Heidrick & Struggles, Karen has represented the firm at several prominent events, including the World Economic Forum and Fortune’s Most Powerful Women. Strongly committed to inclusion & diversity, Karen leads the firm’s Women’s Employee Resource Group for Asia Pacific.

Karen grew up in Hong Kong and has worked on four continents.

Cass Business School, London, BSc in Business Studies

Heidrick & Struggles, Asia Pacific Partnership Spirit Award