The Wharton Club of Southern California invites all members and non-members to this continuing series. Catalysts represent leaders across different industries that continually drive change to enhance their business and community. Wharton Women proudly sponsors this series designed to create and foster collisions through rich discussion and connection. This month, Catalysts spotlights Suzanne Burns.
When: Wed Mar 22, 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Where: Online event (Zoom link will be sent to registered participants in advance of the event)
Cost: Paid Members, Free; Non-Members, $15
The Catalyst:
Suzanne M. Burns
Suzanne M. Burns is a trusted advisor to numerous public and private company CEOs and Board Nominating & Governance, and Compensation Committees, where she shares her knowledge of board best practices, CEO succession planning, insights on deliberate organizational and cultural alignment, and perspective on how to successfully attract and develop diverse talent to drive shareholder value. As a Partner at Spencer Stuart, Ms. Burns is a member of the firm’s Board of Directors, CEO, Industrial, Digital Transformation, and Private Equity practices. She also leads the firm’s B2B Distribution and Building & Architectural Product practices. Prior to joining Spencer Stuart, Ms. Burns served as Chief Talent Officer for W. W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW), a global MRO distributor. As President of Fluid Management, a subsidiary of IDEX Corporation (NYSE: IEX), she launched IoT-enabled digital predictive diagnostic technology into DIY big-box channels. During her 17 years with Eaton Corporation (NYSE: ETN), she served as President of the $1 billion global Power Quality business and oversaw the integration of $2.2 billion, 84 country, 15,000-person hydraulic manufacturer Aeroquip-Vickers. As Director, International Development, she also headed Eaton’s expansion beyond North America and Europe and established 15 start-up and joint venture investments in Asia and Latin America. Ms. Burns currently sits on the Board of Directors of Benco Dental, a leading global dental equipment distributor, and chairs its Growth and Diversification Committee. She also serves on the Executive Committee and chairs the Human Resources & Compensation Committee of the Chicago Botanic Garden. As Vice Chair of the Nominating Committee of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital Foundation, and Chair of the Membership Committee for Women Corporate Directors – Chicago, she strives to improve equity for women and children in Chicago. She is a member of The Economic Club of Chicago, The Chicago Network, The Chicago Club, and previously served on the boards of Communities In Schools of Chicago and Leadership Greater Chicago. Ms. Burns holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin and an M.B.A. from Case Western Reserve University.
The Host:
Sheila Bangalore WG21
As a board member, chief strategy officer and general counsel with a Wharton Finance MBA, Sheila Bangalore WG21 honed her legal/compliance, corporate strategy and governance experience over 20 years in senior roles across multinational, highly regulated, technology (B2B/C) and retail businesses, including Zappos, Bally Technologies, Aristocrat Gaming and MP Materials. Sheila’s results-oriented focus, collaborative style and ability to develop and lead high-performing, diverse teams enable growth and transformation.