The Russell S. Reynolds, Jr. Chair of the Year Award
The Russell S. Reynolds, Jr. Chair of the Year Award honors the independent public company Chairs whose vision and leadership guide their boards and help their companies reach their aspirational goals, often in ways stakeholders don’t fully see. It is named for Russell Reynolds, founder of RSR Partners and a pioneer of executive search. This year, the award was presented to Steven M. Mollenkopf, Chair of the Board of The Boeing Company, its third annual recipient.
Honorees
2026 Chair of the Year Recipient
2025-2026
Steven M. Mollenkopf
Chair of the Board, The Boeing Company
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."
About the Chair of the Year Award
In 2022, RSR Partners established the Russell S. Reynolds, Jr. Chair of the Year Award. The award celebrates the legacy of one of the search industry’s greatest leaders and icons, Russ Reynolds, who has spent more than 50 years advising boards and CEOs on leadership.
The role independent Chairs play in shaping the success and direction of organizations continues to rise in importance. The vision and strategic acumen Chairs provide to guide and inspire boards and management teams is instrumental in driving long-term growth and sustainable success. However, the value great Chairs deliver to their boards, management, and companies is not always entirely visible or appreciated by stakeholders. This award was created to recognize the impact great public company Chairs have on helping their companies get one step closer to their aspirational goals.
Any Chair at a U.S. company with revenue or market cap greater than $1 billion may be considered.
Sarah, Joe, and Steve exemplify what it means to be exceptional board leaders - but more importantly, they are people of extraordinary character and integrity. These are the qualities that define great Chairs.
Selection Committee
The Chair of the Year Award recipient is chosen by an independent selection committee comprised of renowned experts in the areas of strategic communications, shareholder activism defense, investment management, human capital, consulting, and corporate governance. This year's committee includes:
Mikaela Boyd
Americas Financial Services Practice Leader
Bain & Company
Nik Deogun
CEO of the Americas
Brunswick Group
Dan Hawkins
Founder & CEO
Summit Leadership Partners
Kim Lew
President and CEO
Columbia Investment Management
Sarah Nash
2023 Chair of the Year Award Winner
Brett Stephens
CEO
RSR Partners
Honorees
Past Chair of the Year Recipients
2024-2025
Joseph J. Echevarria
Chair of the Board, The Bank of New York Mellon Corp.
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)."
2023-2024
Sarah E. Nash
Chair of the Board, Bath & Body Works
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."
About Russ
Russell S. Reynolds, Jr. ("Russ") is an American business executive, author, and founder of two of the search industry's most prominent firms. Considered one of the pioneers of today's executive search profession, Russ has counseled the chairmen, presidents, and chief executive officers of many of the world's leading companies over the past 50 years.
In 1969, he founded Russell Reynolds Associates, which soon became one of the world's leading international executive recruiting firms. Russ sold his interest in the firm in 1993. In 1994, Russ founded the Directorship Group (later named RSR Partners), where he served as Founder and Chairman until 2022. Russ is now Chairman Emeritus of RSR Partners.
Prior to entering the search business, he was a lending officer at J.P. Morgan & Co. He has been a speaker before such groups as the American Society of Corporate Secretaries, The Conference Board, and the President's Dinner in Washington, DC. Russ also has been featured on the Today Show, The CBS Evening News, and in a BBC documentary.
He is a former trustee of the Oppenheimer Mutual Funds, where he served as a member of the Governance and Audit Committees, and he is a life trustee of International House. He is a trustee of The Mary Rose Trust in London, a fundraising organization involved in the raising of the Mary Rose, the flagship of Henry VIII, which sank in 1545. He is also a trustee of Christ Church of Dark Harbor in Islesboro, Maine and a former trustee of the Mystic Seaport Museum. Russ served as chairman of the George H. W. Bush for President Finance Committee in Connecticut and of the Connecticut Republican Finance Committee. He has served on the board of the Foreign Policy Association and on the Development Committee of the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale. Russ is a former director of the Manhattan Christian Academy in New York City. Russ graduated from Yale University and was President of the Yale Glee Club and a Whiffenpoof. He previously served as Secretary of his Class.