North America Retail Sector Leader & Senior Client Partner
John Long is a Senior Client Partner and North America Retail Sector Leader in Korn Ferry’s Retail and Consumer practices.
With over 30 years of experience in global operating and senior advisory roles, John is passionate about innovation and growth and is an expert in identifying the leadership required to bring it about. At Korn Ferry, he conducts senior-level assignments for clients across all retail and digital formats including specialty, fashion, consumer durables, luxury, and lifestyle brands.
He has completed numerous CEO, president, and senior merchandising, marketing, and operating searches and advises clients on broader strategic, structural, succession, leadership, and talent issues, including recruiting diverse talent in a highly competitive market and facilitating inclusive environments.
Prior to joining Korn Ferry, John was a leader in the Retail/Consumer practice of a global search firm. Prior to his many years in search, John was a Senior Partner at Bain & Company.
Over his career, John has served as a senior advisor to the Boards and CEOs of globally-recognized companies including Apple, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Disney, H-E-B, Home Depot, IKEA, Kate Spade, Lego, McDonald's, Neiman Marcus, Michaels, Nike, PetSmart, Select Comfort, The Children's Place, UPS, VF Corp. (Nautica, The North Face, Timberland), Williams Sonoma, Warner Bros., and Wal-Mart/Sam's Club. John has led assignments in over 15 countries -- including China and Russia -- across 5 continents.
Additional prior roles include an operating executive at Macy's (where he was in their storied Executive Training Program), SunVision, and Beiersdorf S.p.A. John has also worked extensively with private equity firms.
John serves on the Board of GiftingBrands.com, a Dallas-based charity start-up. He is a frequent speaker and panelist at industry conferences and has been cited in publications including The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Women's Wear Daily, and The Robin Report. John has been a guest on television and radio, including Fox Business, NPR, and CNBC's Power Lunch.
John has a B.A. from The University of Virginia and an M.B.A. from The Anderson School at UCLA. He lives in Dallas with his wife, Susan Bednar Long, a celebrated interior designer, their two children and a goldendoodle.
