Kevin Rutherford is the Managing Principal of TalentLeap, Inc,, an international human capital consulting, education, assessment, and research firm that helps companies produce superior business results through strategic talent management. He also serves as Head of Practice—HR Development, Lead HR Consultant and Board Member for Leoron Professional Development Institute and is the Chief Talent Strategist at Talent Management Academy, a strategic human resources education and knowledge exchange network dedicated to building HR professional’s strategic capabilities.
A successful entrepreneur, Kevin was an equity partner at Navicus, Inc, a leading employment screening and talent management software vendor. Serving in a variety of roles as CEO and Chief Talent Advisor, Kevin helped grow the business rapidly receiving Inc. 5000’s fastest growing company’s distinction four years in a row. The company’s success resulted in an acquisition by Pinkerton, a division of Securitas in 2010.
Kevin brings more than 35 years of human resources leadership in the retail, banking and grocery industries. He has had a number of unique challenges with high growth, international, turnaround, and start-up companies. Prior to his entrepreneurial endeavors starting in 2004, Rutherford held the Chief HR Officer position with Borders/Waldenbooks, Michaels Arts & Crafts, and Garden Ridge. Earlier, Kevin served in progressively responsible positions in recruiting, organizational development, labor relations, compensation, and benefits with Chemical Bank, The Limited Brands, HEB Grocery, and the US Air Force.
During his career, he developed numerous cutting-edge recruiting, compensation and people development systems that were profiled by Recruiting Strategist, HR.com, Human Capital Institute, National Association of Stock Planning Professionals, and The Corporate Leadership Council.
Leveraging his diverse background, Kevin is a strategic advisor to a wide range of organizations including emerging growth companies, global corporations, government and military agencies, and non-profit organizations. A sampling of consulting and education clients include Bank AlJazira, Saudi Redi-Mix, Kuwait Oil Company, Tatweer Educational Services, Robert Half International, Oracle, Abbott Labs, Fifth Third Bank, TIAA-CREF, FedEx, Molex, Waste Management, Northwestel, TengizChevroil, the Central Intelligence Agency, the US Army, the US Air Force, and the American Red Cross.
He shares his passion and knowledge of the field as a frequent speaker at HR conferences, industry and private events. His engaging style and “how to”, content-rich presentations always rank him in the top 10% of speakers. Mr. Rutherford holds multiple national certifications in Human Resources, Compensation, Human Capital Strategy, Recruiting, Workforce Planning, and Coaching. He has completed the University of Michigan Senior Human Resources Executive Program, Cornell University’s International Human Resources curriculum and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Health Care Management from Park College and a Master’s in Human Resources Management from the University of Texas. Rutherford also serves on several Advisory Boards for leading human capital and talent management firms.