Our Team

PATRICK KENNIFF has been active in executive search since 1997.  His clients benefit from his extensive experience in leadership and management.

Patrick holds undergraduate degrees in mathematics, political science and law.  He obtained his doctorate in laws from the London School of Economics.  After teaching law at Université Laval, he served as deputy minister of the Québec Ministry of Municipal Affairs where he led the implementation of major reforms to municipal institutions in the province.  As Rector (President) and Vice-Chancellor of Concordia University over a ten-year period, he led the financial turnaround of the University as well as an important building program.

His experience of the public and private sectors and in managing organisations and building teams is a key asset in his search practice.  He has successfully carried out assignments in many areas, including technology, manufacturing, research and development, colleges and universities, schools, professional firms, non-profit organisations and associations.

He is very active in community affairs and currently sits on the boards of the Québec Cancer Foundation, the Space for Life Foundation, the Grace Dart Corporation and Les Amis de la montagne.He has also served on the boards of the Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Museum of Archeology and History of Montréal (Pointe-à-Callière), the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation, the Metropolitan Montréal Chamber of Commerce and the Montréal Exchange.

Patrick is perfectly bilingual in spoken and written French and English.

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MARTHA ORTEGA joined Patrick Kenniff team in 2016 where she quickly demonstrated her extensive experience in the formulation of projects and the conception of process, her distinguished ability for research, writing, translation, review and editing. She stands out in regards to projects management, managing of work teams, achievement of objectives and work under pressure.  Travels in Europe and Asia and her long stays in South America allowed her to interact with different cultures, develop a great capacity for adaptation and learn about different beliefs and customs. She masters French, Spanish and English.

With a background in administration and extensive experience in translation of reference documents in human resources management, she has reoriented her career in executive recruitment by standing out thanks to her great ability to adapt. She assists corporate and institutional clients in executive recruitment mandates in human resources, communications and in the academic sector, among others. She distinguishes herself by her rigor, her creativity in her research methods and her communication skills.

Her passion for human contact has always been a common denominator. She is involved in social causes, including the integration of newcomers by giving conferences to inform the families on the study, investments and real estate acquisition possibilities in Quebec. She also participates in various philanthropic activities as a volunteer.

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