Mercedes LeGrand joins Odgers Berndtson as a Partner in the Aerospace, Defense & National Security Practice
”Odgers Berndtson is delighted to announce that Mercedes LeGrand has joined the firm as a Partner in the Aerospace, Defense & National Security Practice,” said Jon Barney, Partner and Sector Leader of the practice. “Mercedes’ strong industry background will allow Odgers Berndtson to continue serving clients with excellence. In addition, Mercedes’ deep technology consulting experience will assist emerging Aerospace, Defense & National Security technology companies as they search for transformational leaders to help them with growth capital and acquisition scenarios.”
“I am excited to join the terrific international Aerospace, Defense & National Security team at Odgers Berndtson, where I can leverage my background and industry perspective based on working and living on three continents,” commented Mercedes. “I believe my reputation for finding game-changing, diverse leaders at the board, CEO and C-suite levels will serve me well as Odgers Berndtson continues to grow this already distinguished practice around the world.”
Mercedes joins Odgers Berndtson from Raines International where she co-led the Aerospace, Defense and Government Services Practice as part of Raines’ broader industrial team. Mercedes previously led Russell Reynolds Associates’ (RRA) Aviation, Aerospace Defense practice, where she was also a member of the Digital Transformation and Diversity & Inclusion practices. Mercedes was recognized by ExecutiveBiz as a Top 10 GovCon Recruiter while at both RRA and Raines International.
Prior to RRA, Mercedes was a Managing Partner with Watermark Strategic Advisors, a consultancy that connects emerging technology companies with U.S. Defense, Intelligence and Security agencies. Before that, she was with Booz Allen Hamilton where she served as Acting Director of Strategic Planning for the Department of Homeland Security’s Preparedness Directorate. Mercedes began her career as an associate with the investment banking firm, Friedman Billings Ramsey.
Mercedes has an MBA from both Columbia Business School and London Business School. She received a B.A. in Government and International Politics from George Mason University. Mercedes is a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children in the cities of Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia. She will be based in the Washington, D.C. office.