Sue O’Brien is Executive Chair, People Advisory, UK & Vice Chair, Teneo, having joined in 2021 on its acquisition of Ridgeway.

With over 30 years’ experience working with boards, serving as an executive and non executive, Sue advises CEOs on the pressure points of people risk and talent innovation. As a key relationship builder, her network of clients spans the boardrooms of the UK and a global network of candidates and clients. Understanding the complexity and challenge of navigating CEO change is her key skill.

After an early commercial career in retail and the leisure industry she led a reverse IPO as Chief Executive Officer of a listed search firm which she grew for seven years. Sue joined Ridgeway in 2015 and has led the partner team in both an MBO and subsequent sale to global CEO advisory firm, Teneo, in 2020.

In addition to her Executive Chair role at Teneo People Advisory, Sue is non executive director of The Pipeline and was a founder member of The Women’s Business Council. Sue also serves as a member of the global talent advisory business in Teneo. She was previously a trustee and Chair of the Nominations Committee for KidsOut children’s charity.

In January 2014, she was awarded an OBE for services to business and charity, and for promoting equality in the workplace.