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Ben Williams is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Spencer Stuart. Previously, Ben led the firm’s North American business, and prior to that served as the leader of Spencer Stuart's North American Financial Services Practice. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Ben regularly advises clients on a variety of board and executive leadership recruiting, succession and culture related matters. Prior to joining Spencer Stuart, Ben spent 25 years in the financial services industry, most recently serving as President of the Investment Banking and Capital Markets Broker-Dealer of Wachovia, the nation’s 4th largest banking institution at the time. As Head of Wachovia’s Global Markets and Investment Banking division, Ben led the company's fixed income and equity sales, trading, and research activities, as well as investment banking, capital markets, corporate banking and commercial real estate. Ben was responsible for a $200 billion balance sheet, more than 5,000 employees worldwide, and was directly involved in the recruiting, hiring and on-boarding of many of the company's senior leaders. Ben also served as a member of Wachovia's corporate operating committee, asset liability committee, corporate diversity committee, and as a management representative to the risk committee of Wachovia's Board of Directors.

Successful executive with global operating experience, a track record of building profitable businesses, and a strong leader and motivator with a warm, collaborative style. Past experience spans leadership positions with start-ups, venture and private equity backed businesses and public companies. Expertise includes strategy development, vision and values creation, hiring, developing and mentoring world class employees, creating a cadence of accountability, transforming troubled businesses, identifying, negotiating and integrating strategic acquisitions, and leading successful exits.