Sue O’Brien is Non Executive Chair, People Advisory, UK having joined in 2020 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 led the partner team in both an MBO and subsequent sale to global CEO advisory firm, Teneo, in 2020.

In addition to her Chair role at Teneo People Advisory, Sue is non executive director of The Pipeline, a trustee of Ireland Funds of Great Britain and a member of the Corporate Advisory Board of the Royal Academy of Art. She advises several diversity organisations and was a founder member of The Women’s Business Council.

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