Tess Lean

Tess is a Consultant at Odgers, where she focuses on both Executive Search and Leadership Advisory.

Thoughtful and intentional in her approach. Structured, calm and precise. Someone who seeks to understand both the harder business context and the softer human elements that make leadership truly effective. That’s Tess.

She focuses on finding the perfect leaders in the areas of Private Equity and Financial Services. Intellectual challenge energises her, particularly when it involves balancing experience, capability, motivations and character to identify the right leadership match.

Tess built a diverse international career. She began at Robert Walters, focusing on hiring investment banking professionals in the London market. She then moved into executive search at Korn Ferry, working across a wide range of sectors with a global scope. After Korn Ferry, she spent four and a half years at McKinsey & Company, where she led Talent Acquisition for the Private Equity practice across Europe. A role that deepened her problem‑solving mindset and shaped her into a strong sparring partner for senior stakeholders.

Tess holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and an Honours degree in Organisational Psychology, both from Stellenbosch University. She is currently completing a part‑time Master’s in Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London. In her personal life, she is passionate about animal welfare, sustainability and longevity – and loves running.

For Tess, Odgers stands out for its bespoke and deeply personalised way of working. A place where leadership advisory and search are genuinely integrated, offering clients a holistic and high‑value partnership. It is an environment that encourages curiosity, learning and depth. This allows her to deliver work that is intellectually rich, meaningful and impactful.