Bernard Zen-Ruffinen passed away suddenly on January 17, 2024, near his home in Zermatt, Switzerland. He leaves behind an adoring family, notably his wife, Anna, and his children Leo, Greg, and Michelle; along with his mother, brothers, nieces and nephews, and a legion of friends, colleagues, and clients around the globe who benefited from his guidance and advice over decades at the pinnacle of the Executive Search industry. Known by many simply as “Bond” – Bernard spoke five languages fluently and traversed the globe with unmatched ease. He found true purpose, passion, and pleasure in his work as a Global Managing Partner at the world’s two largest talent advisory firms – Heidrick & Struggles and Korn Ferry. He derived particular joy over decades in identifying and developing the world’s next generation of leaders, many of whom now occupy positions of prominence thanks to his work and wisdom. The epitome of a Servant Leader, Bernard’s business impact – which touched so many - is immeasurable. Bernard was a passionate outdoorsman who excelled in skiing, mountaineering, and boating, and who was happiest with family and friends on the slopes of the Swiss Valais or the waters of Mallorca, often with his dog Ursula by his side. He will be sorely missed. A memorial service followed by a reception will be held on Tuesday 6 February at 15H00 CET. Location: Pfarrkirche St Mauritius Kirchpl. 3920 Zermatt Switzerland RSVP: For catering purposes, if you are planning to attend please email rsvp@duncannyc.com or message Michelle Duncan
Nigel Lilley
3mo
Bernard was one of the nicest people you could meet in our business. On at least three occasions I have watched him come into the London office and quietly announce himself and wait to be “signed in” when a new receptionist didn’t recognise him. He was very effective at board level in both his native and neighbouring countries and was a quiet enabler rather than a forceful presence. He treated everybody the same regardless of the status in the firm and recognised where his own strengths and weaknesses lay. He will be missed by many and matched by few. One of his greatest assets was recognising and encouraging those who would grow the firm beyond even his ambitions for it. RIP
Claude BEGLE
3mo
Je n’arrive pas à le croire. Bernard est un des personnages les plus fascinants que j’aie connus. Nous ne nous voyions pas souvent, mais nous étions très proches. Il avait cet art rare d’aller en quelques mots au fond des choses. Derrière les apparences, il captait la face cachée des gens, leurs aspirations comme leurs zones d’ombres. Rompu aux discours convenus, il préférait à ceux-ci ce zeste d’authenticité qui sonnait vrai et faisait toute la différence. Il avait beau fréquenter énormément de gens influents, il n’a jamais cessé de rester très fidèle en amitié. Merci, Bernard!
Beat Simon
3mo
What to say, what to write … My heart hurts, a true loss - my thoughts are with Bernard. Though death is an integral part of life - it hurts to loose a friend - one of few people I call a friend. I will always recall the valuable time we spent talking about an infinite range of topics - A person, I am honored to have known for many years and I will never forget … Bernard, que en paz descanses
palma michel
3mo
Incredibly sad news...Bernard was an extraordinary human, leader, mentor and friend. He will be deeply missed. I have so much gratitude to Bernard for his support, his mentoring, his kind heart, his friendship. He was instrumental in my career and in allowing me to fulfil not only my dream of moving to Asia but also helping me to return back to Europe many years later. Bernard was an amazing role model for so many in the industry. Sending all my love to his family. Bernard thank you so much for being YOU ❤️
Pilar Perez
3mo
Life gave me the privilege of working with you at Danzas and then at Heidrick & Struggles. I still remember my job interview, 28 years ago! Dear Bernard, the first word that comes to mind when I think of you is “exemplary”. The second one is “kind”. You truly embodied these two virtues. You lived a full life and made an impact everywhere you went. You are part of my best memories, and I am truly thankful for that. My deepest condolences to Anna, your children, and all those who loved you. We were lucky to walk with you, this time around. Rest in peace, dear Bernard.
Diese traurige Nachricht macht mich tief betroffen. In Bernard verlieren wir einen guten Freund und inspirierenden Menschen, der mich mit seiner positiven Ausstrahlung und seiner zugewandten Art sehr beeindruckt hat. Seiner Frau Anna und seiner Familie wünsche ich viel Kraft in dieser schweren Zeit. Gute Reise, mein Freund.
Fei Yu 余笑飞
3mo
Very sad and shocking news... Bernard will live on in many people's hearts. I will deeply miss him. He was one of the most beautiful minds/souls I've encountered in my professional life. He was the reason I joined the supply chain practice. In the executive search world, he stood out as the most inspiring, encouraging, and kindest leader. During his leadership, my time at Swiss H&S was one of the best experiences. He led with heart and wisdom, driven by the betterment of others and the world. Would love to attend and say goodbye to Bernard but unfortunately unable to come to Zermatt.
RIP my dear friend Bernard Zen-Ruffinen You will be missed by all who knew you. Your warmth, wit, understated but remarkable presence, depth, eyes that twinkled and contagious laugh were a combination for the ages. You touched thousands of lives and your heart was so big it could no longer be contained in this world. We are gutted by your loss and wish you joy for eternity. May your memory live on in all of us who knew and loved you Bernard. So long friend….
A very wise, elegant, warm, charming friend, leader, mentor, and connector left us way too early. ‘Be generous and work with the best’: Bernard’s wonderful quote and so much more will always stay with us! We miss you, Bernard, and are incredibly grateful for everything you’ve given us and done for us! Our thoughts are with you, your family, nearest and dearest ones.
Group Chief Supply Chain Officer | Purpose & Triple Impact | Digitalized & Sustainable Supply Chains | Independent BM | PPP| English,French,Arabic & Armenian|
3moBernard passing away was an incredibly sad news for me as for many. Beside being an inspiring and authentic leader, he was an outstanding human being. I remember our numerous career counseling dinners in Paris that end up in conversations between friends about Life, Civilization, Politics, Middle East (I was born in Beirut). We used to laugh a lot ! His advices where spot on and so forward looking. He had an exceptional intuition, empathy, , culture, sense of humour. He used to like a lot Gregor Fiabane whom he mentioned often with a lot of pride. For me he was ‘une force tranquille à la simplicité désarmante’ Rest in peace my dear Bernard. Until we meet again.