Michael Williams

Michael Williams is Managing Partner of Odgers Berndtson's Ottawa office. A bilingual facilitator connecting people, ideas, and opportunities, Michael provides strategic guidance to clients and candidates throughout the executive search process. Drawn to innovation and a champion for diversity, he specializes in recruiting top candidates into leadership roles in technology, academia, not-for-profit, and the public sector.

When not working with clients, Michael’s leadership expertise and entrepreneurial passion have led to advisory roles across Canada, including as a start-up advisor to PayShepherd, a Calgary-based SaaS provider, and as a mentor with Invest Ottawa – Xtreme Talent Accelerator. Michael is also an active volunteer with the Shepherds of Good Hope.

Prior to joining Odgers Berndtson, Michael held senior business development and leadership positions at Canadian Onshore, HealthPartners, and two national executive search firms. Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Ottawa and received a Forty Under 40 award – one of Ottawa’s most prestigious business awards.

Michael is energized by meeting new people and discussing the future of work, emerging technology, and disruption in general.