Ms. Elaine Arozarena

biography

Elaine came to Gundersen Partners with unique experiences in finding solutions for global companies in human capital related issues. She has a proven track record in adding value when building leading international teams and is able to align people with effective business strategies. This ability reflects the combination of experience she brings to search.

A native of Mexico, Elaine was educated in the U.S. earning both a BA in International Affairs and a BS in Environmental Studies from Sweet Briar College in Virginia. She is now on the Board of Trustees of the college. Elaine also has a Diploma from Institut des Sciences Politiques and from Universite de Paris VII in Paris.

Early in her career, she was with the Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público, División de Asuntos Hacendarios Internacionales of the Mexican Government. She also worked in the Renewable Energy Resources Division of the World Bank in Washington, D.C. Elaine later worked with Dun & Bradstreet International - Credit Services Division for ten years where she held several senior regional Management positions in Latin America and Europe. Prior to beginning her career in executive search, Elaine served as Vice President and Managing Director of Media and News Services for Nielsen International, and Vice President of International Client Sales and Services for Nielsen Europe.

She started her career in international executive recruiting with Russell Reynolds Associates, where she was part of the team that opened the Mexico office. Later, from NYC, she led the firm’s efforts in Latin America while conducting the leading assignments in this region. Later, Elaine moved to Heidrick & Struggles where she was a partner in the New York office and head of the International practice.

Prior to joining Gundersen Partners her most recent corporate role was as Regional Managing Vice President for Korn/Ferry International in charge of the Iberian Peninsula. Elaine split her time between the US and Spain as she was also the Senior Client Partner responsible for major relationships/accounts in the Americas and Europe. Elaine was a member of the Advanced Technology, Global Board Services, Financial Services, and Consumer Practices at the firm.

Elaine is married to a Spaniard and lives in Madrid and New York. She speaks fluent Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and English. Elaine is a member of The Cousteau Society, The Smithsonian Institution, The World Wildlife Fund, The Sierra Club and The International Women’s Forum in the United States. In Spain she is an elected member of the two leading business organizations, El Círculo de Empresarios in Madrid and El Círculo de Economía in Barcelona.