In memoriam Dr. Egon Zehnder

Dr. Egon Zehnder has touched the lives of many people and has left a lasting legacy. His Firm is thriving globally and continuously reinventing itself while keeping the values and principles that have guided him and the Firm that will continue to carry his name.

I had the great honor and privilege to be part of the Egon Zehnder family for 22 years. While I had a wonderful career in Egon Zehnder, the memory that will stay forever in my mind is my yearly pilgrimage to Zurich since 2002, where I would always meet Egon for coffee or lunch, the meetings always the highlight of my European trips. His energy, passion for life, and his Firm and his optimistic spirit make conversations with him always lively, memorable, inspiring. Egon was my beacon, my spiritual leader in my working career and life whom I greatly admire and love.

I am often asked what makes Egon Zehnder a great person? My answer: If you were a founder of a company, how many of you would sell all your shares and distribute them to make an equal Partnership? That's what Egon did in 1974, this becoming the foundation of the Firm's success. Egon envisioned a "One Firm" globally, wholly owned by its Partners. I am grateful to be part of this Partnership. For me, being an equal owner at Egon Zehnder, having equal rights, responsibilities as anyone else in the world is a powerful motivating force inspiring me every day.

Secondly, his philosophy of Clients first and Professionalism. Egon would always say his Firm is not a business but a profession. He strongly believes in long-term relationships, generosity of spirit, and of not being transactional.

Thirdly, Egon Zehnder’s leadership. Despite the economic crisis and security risks, Egon came to Jakarta in November 1998 to officiate the opening of the office. He demonstrated unwavering commitment and belief in all of us and in our country and supported us all the way.

Being a sentimental person, I have kept all the letters and correspondence from Egon since the beginning of my career with the Firm. I have read and re-read his letters and also listened to many more stories about Egon Zehnder from former colleagues and friends on his impact on their lives. Memories of Dr. Egon Zehnder will continue to "light the corners of my mind", and his inspirational legacy will continue to live now in Wardhana & Co.