Bob Ryan

An Executive Advisor at Crenshaw Associates. Bob’s career has included global leadership roles with companies ranging from $500M to $84B that include Procter & Gamble, Tate and Lyle, Bombardier Recreation Products, Kimball Hill Homes and Griffith Laboratories. 

Born in Montreal, Canada, Bob began his career as a manufacturing engineer after graduating from Carleton University in Ottawa and McGill University in Montreal with a degree in mechanical/aeronautical engineering. He quickly developed a reputation for bringing the right people together to address issues, guiding creative problem solving, and ensuring successful outcomes. When approached by his CEO, he “jumped at the chance” to lead strategic human capital initiatives that directly impacted the bottom line. He is known as a gifted listener and go-to-coach for all levels in an organization.  

During his corporate career, Bob had extensive direct operating experience as a Manufacturing Engineer, Production, Group, Manufacturing & Plant Manager, and as General Manager with P&L responsibility. 

Now his Advisory work is with senior level executives who benefit from his enterprise wide view.  He frequently works with high potential succession candidates, newly promoted enterprise leaders and C-suite executives who value an insightful sounding board.

Bob is serving on the Board of Maddison Kipp Corporation, the Union League Club of Chicago, and the British American Business Council. He has also been on boards representing the Chicago HR community, economic development, education, and the arts.