Mike Distefano

Mike Distefano is a well-known figure in the world of leadership and talent consulting services. He has over 20 years of experience in executive search and is the CEO of Korn Ferry's Professional Search business. He is also the Global Leader for Search Delivery Operations. Previously, he was the President of Asia Pacific and the Chief Marketing Officer of Korn Ferry and President of the Korn Ferry Institute. Mr. Distefano earned his bachelor's degree in economics from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

Throughout his career, Mr. Distefano has been an active member of organizations such as the Public Relations Society of America, the CMO Council, the CMO Club, and the L.A. Chamber of Commerce. He has guided the transformation of the Korn Ferry brand from a leader in executive search into a single source of leadership and talent consulting services. He also helped launch the Korn Ferry Institute think tank and Korn Ferry Briefings on Talent & Leadership, the Firm's award-winning publication.

Before joining Korn Ferry, Mr. Distefano served as the Vice President of Acquisition Marketing and New Channel Development at GetSmart.com, which was acquired by Providian Financial Company and is now part of LendingTree.com. He began his marketing career at TIAA-CREF and served as the Director of Marketing at Benefits Consultants, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cendant Corporation.

Mr. Distefano has been named one of the world's top 500 CMO's by Exec Rank (number 146 in 2014 and number 499 in 2012). He splits his time between the US and Asia and is also a member of the Firm's Global Operating Committee.