Bonnie Gwin

Bonnie W. Gwin is vice chairman and managing partner of the firm’s Board Practice in North America. She focuses on searches both at the director and CEO level across a wide range of industries. Previously, Bonnie served as president, Americas and corporate officer responsible for all of Heidrick & Struggles’ operations in North and Latin America. She has served in many other leadership roles for the firm including global managing partner, Technology Practice and managing partner, North America Quality Council.

Bonnie has been widely quoted regarding leadership effectiveness at the CEO and board level, diversity and corporate social responsibility. She has written for Directors & Boards magazine, appeared on CNN and been quoted in Fortune magazine and Crain’s. Bonnie has also hosted multiple forums with senior women around the world to discuss diversity in the boardroom. Additionally, she was named by NACD Directorship to its “Directorship 100” 2010 and 2011 list of influential boardroom recruiters. She also recently received the John E. Struggles Award, the firm’s top honor, which is periodically given to the partner who most embodies the integrity, client focus, and partnership commitment of Heidrick & Struggles’ founder.

Prior to joining Heidrick & Struggles, Bonnie spent almost 13 years with the IBM Corporation. She most recently served as business unit executive, travel & transportation industry and senior location executive. Throughout her career, Bonnie held a variety of sales, marketing and management roles of increasing responsibility.

In conjunction with her career accomplishments, Bonnie has been active in a number of organizations. She is currently a member of the Georgetown University board of regents; on the board of trustees of Chautauqua Institution; and previously served as chairman of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.

Education Bonnie holds a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. She was a National Merit Scholar and also a Fellow, Diplomatic and Consular Officers, Retired (DACOR).