Steve Mollenkopf is the third annual recipient of the Russell S. Reynolds, Jr. Chair of the Year Award, recognized for his leadership as Chair during a defining, high-stakes period for The Boeing Company. 

“Steve Mollenkopf’s leadership as Chair came at a defining moment for Boeing,” said Brett Stephens, Chair of the selection committee and CEO of RSR Partners. “The company’s transformation is ongoing, but Steve’s leadership has helped establish a stronger path forward for both the board and the enterprise. His impact on board culture, effectiveness, and governance during a period of extraordinary consequence makes him a deserving recipient of this recognition.”

“As a director, you want to know that your experience and perspective matter, and Steve creates that environment,” said Akhil Johri, a member of The Boeing Company board of directors. “He cares deeply about the company, listens carefully, both in the boardroom and outside it, draws out the best thinking, and helps convert a range of views into clear priorities. That ability to harness the full intellectual capital of the board has and will continue to have a meaningful impact on how we help Boeing succeed.”

“Steve is precisely the kind of leader this award was created to honor,” stated Russ Reynolds. “He is motivated by service rather than recognition, approaching his role with quiet confidence and a clear desire to make a lasting contribution. Steve led with integrity and character, always keeping his focus on the company and the people who depend on it.”

Joseph J. Echevarria, Chairman of the Board of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, was awarded the 2nd annual Russell S. Reynolds, Jr. Chair of the Year Award.

“The profound governance transformation at BNY since 2019 is a direct result of the board’s exceptional ability to navigate unexpected challenges,” said Brett Stephens, Chair of the selection committee. “Joe can authentically connect with people at all levels, and he is known for his low ego and great sense of purpose. His calm, measured, and values driven leadership was never more evident than during the surprise CEO transition in 2019, when Joe stabilized the board, and ultimately guided a CEO succession process that selected Robin Vince as CEO-Elect in March 2022. Since then, BNY has been a leader in its sector and has achieved a 108% total return vs. 32% in the Financial Sector (IUFS ETF).”

“Joe’s ability to focus the board on BNY’s most critical priorities, never letting personal agendas or comparisons to other boards dilute the conversation,” stated Kim Lew, a member of the selection committee. “Perhaps most impressive is his behind-the-scenes influence: his steady guidance with the board and management along with strong relationships with regulators, even as the financial sector faces growing scrutiny.”

“Joe consistently places the institution above himself —listening first, speaking last, and ensuring every voice around the table is heard,” said Al Zollar, fellow board member at BNY. “In a time when boardrooms demand both diplomacy, trust-based relationships, and decisiveness, Joe has set the tone and tenor for the board to focus on doing the right things right.”

“I am honored and delighted that a board leader like Joe Echevarria was selected,” stated Russ Reynolds. “I have always believed that the best leaders are those that put others above themselves. And as any seasoned sailor knows, storms will come—and I believe all great companies need calm, capable captains to chart the course forward. Joe is the model of what great board leadership looks like.”

Sarah E. Nash, Chair of the board of Bath & Body Works, was awarded the inaugural Russell S. Reynolds, Jr. Chair of the Year Award at the annual RSR Partners Directors Dinner in New York City on October 25, 2023.

“Sarah led the Bath & Body Works board through an incredible governance and business transformation,” said Kim Lew, a member of the selection committee. “Her accomplishments include leading the spin-off of Victoria’s Secret; collaborating with the nominating and governance committee on the recruitment of exceptional and highly diverse talent to the board of Bath & Body Works and the new board of Victoria’s Secret; navigating a successful CEO transition and selection process; and building a constructive path forward after an activist campaign. The leadership and integrity exhibited by Sarah is an example of how important board leadership is during times of turbulence. She is very worthy of this award.”

“This award recognizes Sarah’s extraordinary leadership, dedication and service to Bath & Body Works over the past few years,” said Steve Steinour, Chair of the Bath & Body Works Audit Committee. “Sarah served as Bath & Body Works’ Interim CEO with very short notice, where she played a pivotal role in the company’s transformation with its spin-off of Victoria’s Secret. During her tenure, Sarah has exemplified strong business acumen including leading a successful shareholder derivative settlement and navigating a complex supply chain reset with partners. She has exemplary people management skills such as overseeing multiple chief executive officer transitions, recruitment efforts for eight board members, and leading the company during the onset of COVID. We are grateful for her contributions and leadership since her assumption of the role of chair in May 2020.”

“I’m incredibly proud of my fellow directors and the leadership team at Bath & Body Works,” stated Sarah. “They have shown irrefutable dedication to the vision we all share for this company. Their input and support throughout this past year was invaluable, and we have much to look forward to. I am also grateful to be recognized by an award that pays tribute to Russ, his legacy, and his impact on how board leadership is viewed and valued.”

“Sarah’s terrific,” commented Russ. “She possesses the characteristics of a great leader. She is objective, open to advice, decisive, and a good communicator. She operates with integrity and puts the company’s and others’ needs ahead of her own. I also started my career at JP Morgan, so I was particularly thrilled to see we share a fondness for finance and banking. I look forward to seeing how Sarah develops as a board leader and continuing to celebrate her achievements.”