CHICAGO – October 16, 2023 –Ferguson Partners, the leading global talent management and strategic advisory firm for the real assets, hospitality, and health care real estate industries, announced today that Bill Ferguson, who co-founded the firm with Michael Herzberg in 1989, now leads the firm as Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Ferguson, Herzberg and the firm’s entire Board of Directors expressed their gratitude to Gemma Burgess who made the decision to transition from CEO to the role of Vice Chairman.
“We appreciate Gemma’s service as CEO, her dedication to our clients and the important steps she took in advancing the future of the firm,” said Ferguson. “I believe we have a very capable team to continue to grow the platform, and I’m happy to provide leadership, along with others, to make this happen.”
“I’m grateful to Bill, Michael, the Board, and my colleagues for supporting my decision and giving me the opportunity to return to the work I truly enjoy, which is to have more day-to-day, hands-on involvement with our clients,” said Burgess. “I believe my time will be best served driving our market presence, maximizing cross-sell opportunities and delivering the highest quality work to our clients.”
This transition launches a new phase of succession planning at the firm as Ferguson will work with a Search Committee of the Board to conduct a thorough search for new firm leadership. While the search is ongoing, Bill and Michael will continue to be supported by a senior management team that has decades of experience leading our work for our clients.
The firm has a goal of finding the best candidate to lead the organization for the long term and to expand the activities of the firm globally.
“As we conduct this search, our clients can be assured of continuing to receive the exceptional attention and service that Ferguson Partners has delivered over the years,” added Ferguson.
About Ferguson Partners
Founded in 1989, Ferguson Partners has built a reputation as the premier global firm dedicated to serving the talent management needs of the real estate and related industries. With offices in Chicago, Charlotte, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto, Ferguson Partners is unique in its global reach but executes its work with a boutique touch and highly specialized approach across four business lines. The firm’s website can be found at fergusonpartners.com.