Office address: Barrington Tower, Tenth Floor, 1894 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2A8
Website: www.kbrs.ca
Year established: 1975
Company type: staffing and recruiting
Employees: 80+
Expertise: recruitment, outsourcing, executive search, executive coaching, onboarding, HR consulting, leadership development, career management, compensation consulting, academic search public, private and non-profit search, DEI consulting, board advisory services, coaching, assessment, individual and organizational support
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Andrea Forbes-Hurley (managing partner), Natalie Hand (MP), Katherine Risley (MP), Kevin Stoddart (MP), Ryna Young (regional head), Katherin Frank (partner), Amorell Saunders N'Daw (partner)
Financing status: corporation

KBRS, headquartered in Halifax, is a recruitment firm and leadership adviser providing executive search and HR solutions across Canada. The company specializes in attracting and developing diverse talent, working with over 80 professionals from offices in Toronto, Moncton, and St. John’s. Through consulting, they offer services that foster organizational readiness, onboarding, and inclusive leadership development.

History of KBRS

KBRS was founded in 1975 as Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette, focusing on executive search in Atlantic Canada. Over time, they expanded into leadership development, career transition, and HR consulting, helping organizations improve talent and performance. Their unique combination of a global network and boutique approach has placed leaders in hundreds of institutions.

The company also supports communities, contributing over $140,000 to United Way and volunteering with various charities. Additionally, they have focused on diversity and inclusion by completing Indigenous Treaty Partners' Professional Indigenous Ally Training Program, showcasing their commitment to Indigenous communities.

Products and Services of KBRS

It offers a variety of services focused on leadership recruitment and development:

• executive search: identifying and placing senior leaders within organizations
• academic search: recruiting leaders for academic institutions
• Meridia Recruitment Solutions: specialized recruitment for mid-level roles across sectors
• talent and leadership development: training programs designed to enhance leadership skills
• HR consulting: strategic support for improving workforce management and performance
• outplacement and career transition: assisting employees through career changes with coaching and resources

KBRS offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at building stronger organizations by developing leadership and talent. Their approach focuses on partnering with clients to improve individual, team, and overall performance. By supporting both company growth and individual career transitions, it strives to make a positive impact through each partnership.

Culture at KBRS

The company fosters a culture focused on excellence, partnership, and delivering effective solutions. Their team believes that success comes through strong relationships and a commitment to core values. The firm’s work environment is built on these guiding principles:

• respect: valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusive communication
• excellence: maintaining high standards in every interaction and outcome
• learning: encouraging growth and continuous professional development
• partnership: working collaboratively with clients, candidates, and colleagues to achieve mutual success

KBRS is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization through ongoing learning and meaningful action. Their team actively incorporates DEI principles in all processes, supported by leadership and a dedicated DEI committee. They aim to create welcoming environments for all, especially equity-deserving groups, with guidance from their DEI co-leads:

• volunteer work: participation in boards, task forces, and community events
• territorial acknowledgment: recognition of Indigenous territories where they work
• ally training: completion of Indigenous Treaty Partners’ Professional Indigenous Ally Training Program

It invests heavily in community work by volunteering thousands of hours through leadership, fundraising, and hands-on support. They also donate financially, with over $140,000 contributed to United Way. In terms of sustainability, it is committed to reducing its environmental impact in the workplace while continuing to support local organizations.

About KBRS Managing Partner Andrea Forbes-Hurley and Key People

Andrea Forbes-Hurley MBA, CPHR, is a managing partner at the company and has successfully completed hundreds of executive search assignments over the past decade. She oversees the firm’s large research and recruitment teams while managing daily operations. She holds certifications from Cornell University, Saint Mary's University, and CPHR Nova Scotia, with a BA in psychology from St. Francis Xavier University.

Its leadership team includes several key professionals who contribute to the firm's success:

• Natalie Hand CPHR, as a managing partner, leads recruitment efforts and oversees strategic growth initiatives
• Katherine Risley FEC (Hon), a managing partner, focuses on executive search and talent management
• Kevin Stoddart MBA, CMC, as managing partner, specializes in leadership consulting and organizational development
• Ryna Young, regional head, executive search and DEI co-lead, guides diversity initiatives and recruitment strategy
• Katherine Frank CPHR, serving as a partner, leads HR consulting and talent development
• Amorell Saunders N'Daw MEd, as partner and DEI co-lead, drives diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and leadership development

The Future at KBRS

KBRS and Meridia’s partnership with techNL, a group supporting Newfoundland’s tech sector, aims to attract diverse talent and provide HR services. This collaboration helps techNL foster innovation and build inclusive workplaces. Through this initiative, it strengthens its focus on fostering innovation and diversity in Newfoundland’s technology sector, contributing to both local and industry-wide development.

It also recently partnered with Indigenous Treaty Partners to launch the Emerging Indigenous Leaders Scholarship. This initiative supports Indigenous students pursuing higher education while developing leadership skills. The company is aiming to promote future leaders and continue their commitment to working with Indigenous communities across Canada.