Gerard R. Roche Joins The Safe Water Network Board

Safe Water Network is pleased to announce the appointment of Gerry Roche, Chairman Emeritus at Heidrick & Struggles, to its Board of Directors. 

“Gerry has an unmatched ability to connect talented individuals with institutions in need. I look forward to his support to help build out our network of highly skilled professionals and organizations. We are fortunate to have him on our team.” − Kurt Soderlund, CEO, Safe Water Network. 

With more than 40 years as an executive recruiter, Gerry Roche has worked with hundreds of corporations and their boards. He has identified top executives throughout the world in almost every function and industry. 

“I look forward to helping Safe Water Network attract more capability and partnerships so it can accelerate its work to bring safe water to those most in need.” − Gerry Roche. 

Joining Heidrick & Struggles in 1964, Gerry became president and chief executive officer in 1978. In 1994, he co−founded the firm’s office of the chairman with John Thompson. 

Widely recognized in the industry, Gerry was named “Recruiter of the Century”, chosen by his peers in a poll conducted by Hunt−Scanlon. Gerry is featured in the book “Leaders Talk Leadership: Top Executives Speak Their Minds”, published by Oxford University Press. He has served as a distinguished member of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Expert Panel and has also been a featured speaker on shows such as CNBC’s “Business Center” and “NBC Nightly News”. 

Gerry is a member of the Knights of Malta, and sits on the board of directors of the Community Anti−Drug Coalitions of America. He is a former director of Gulfstream Aerospace and a former chairman of the board of trustees of his alma mater, the University of Scranton. He is also a past member of the executive council of The Inner−City Scholarship Fund, the executive board of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Business School and the advisory council of The Divinity School at Harvard University. 

Gerry received a bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Scranton, an MBA from New York University and an honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of Scranton.