World-class leader and talent recruiter John Strackhouse has been named chairman of the external board of Rice University’s Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Recognized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as one of the nation’s top executive recruiters, Strackhouse serves as a vice chairman at Caldwell. His practice recruits transformational talent to the boards and leadership teams of technology companies. He and his team have been crucial in shaping the leadership of companies like Breakthrough Energy Ventures, which was founded by Bill Gates and aims to accelerate innovation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“The Doerr Institute for New Leaders is fortunate to announce John Strackhouse as the new board chairman,” said Ann Doerr, co-founder of the Doerr Institute. “John is the vice chairman at Caldwell, a top executive recruiting firm. He has been responsible for building many transformative business teams throughout his career. Additionally, John is a trusted partner with the World Economic Forum. He will provide his expertise to help our new leaders become capable of assuming the highest-level positions in their chosen fields.”
“My objective is to help position Rice University as the top leadership institute in the world,” Strackhouse said. “I see immense potential here, and that potential is embodied by the students. Our goal is to set them on a path to make a profound impact on the world. This vision and commitment to developing young leaders are what truly attracted me to Rice University.”
In 2014, Strackhouse joined Caldwell from Heidrick & Struggles, where he had an accomplished 19-year career as a senior partner in its board and CEO practices. Earlier in his tenure, he established and co-led the company’s global e-business practice, which grew to become the largest practice in the firm at the time.
He was also the key architect in building the firm’s relationship with the World Economic Forum and placed some of the most influential leaders of the forum. Strackhouse is frequently quoted in leading publications, including Financial Times, BusinessWeek, Newsweek and Fortune, on topics ranging from global talent management and board effectiveness to C-suite leadership. He has also been a featured contributor at the World Economic Forum.
“Rice provides students with exceptional opportunities inside and outside the classroom,” said Amy Dittmar, the Howard R. Hughes Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Through the Doerr Institute for New Leaders, students develop professional-quality leadership skills, enabling them to lead with competence, compassion and integrity. John’s appointment will accelerate the institute’s impact on campus and globally.”
“The Doerr Institute for New Leaders is thrilled that John Strackhouse has consented to serve as the chairman of its external board,” said Bernie Banks, director of the Doerr Institute. “He has forged a well-deserved reputation as one of the best executive recruiters and strategic advisers operating today. John’s knowledge, humility, relationships, organizational acumen, leadership and integrative thinking will help the Doerr Institute to leverage its external board in the most effective manner possible.”
Strackhouse said he believes that under the leadership of Banks, the Doerr Institute can be a beacon for how leadership is adopted nationwide.
“I want to see Bernie Banks be the top statesman in the country on leadership,” he said. “He is an incredible leader and teacher who truly inspires me.”
Strackhouse previously worked for British Petroleum (ARCO) and was a general manager for the TAB Products Company. During his early career, he held a progression of management positions in Philadelphia, Atlanta and Toronto.
Strackhouse received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Pennsylvania State University. He serves on the board for Penn State’s Smeal College of Business. Additionally, he was previously a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Fostering Entrepreneurship and also served on the Global Agenda Council on Skills and Talent Mobility.