Rick Routhier
A Career of Impact
Rick Routhier just retired from Spencer Stuart at the end of 2024 after 25 years as a leader and search consultant. His career began in consumer goods at Pepsi USA, where he focused on soft drinks, eventually leading their national sales and food service business. He left Pepsi USA in 1994 and joined Bantam Doubleday Dell, a book publishing company based in New York City. He soon realized it wasn’t the right fit. Rick’s strong team-oriented approach and consumer perspective clashed with the culture, and they eventually parted ways.
Finding EF: A Game-Changer
Living in Connecticut at the time, Rick’s networking led him to the Executive Forum (EF), which had recently been founded. As one of the younger members, he quickly embraced EF’s culture of helping each other find the next opportunity. The “other guys first” ethos was a natural fit, and the face-to-face interactions and lead-sharing proved invaluable.
Rick learned of a position at American Express from an EF member—who was interviewing for the role himself but still shared the lead. That generosity landed Rick a position with the company. Even after securing his role, he remained active in EF, grateful for the structure and community during uncertain times.
Rick stayed at American Express for four years before transitioning into consulting at Spencer Stuart in October 2000. The culture at Spencer Stuart—collegial, client-oriented, and intellectual—resonated deeply with him, reinforcing the values EF had instilled.
Leadership at EF
Rick joined the EF board in 2008, leading the Membership Committee for five years before stepping up as Board Chair when Jack Gelman’s term ended. Volunteering was a cornerstone of his EF experience, believing that post-placement, members should give back to strengthen the organization. Under his leadership, EF saw significant growth and retention, a major website overhaul, and the establishment of Special Interest Groups (SIGs). He also led the shift from labeling members as “in transition” to simply “members,” eliminating a two-class system and removing any stigma.
Advice for New EF Members
Rick’s guidance for newcomers is simple but powerful:
● Join with the right mindset. EF is about giving, not taking.
● Be active. The more you contribute, the stronger the organization becomes.
● Build relationships. Engage with members and as many people as you can. .
● Embrace EF’s evolving tools. While face-to-face interaction was key when he joined, today’s website, Zoom meetings, and cultural initiatives keep members connected in new ways.
Rick applauds the continued evolution of EF, ensuring its legacy of support, networking, and professional development remains strong for future generations.