Rich Conners is a Senior Consultant with The Hayes Group International, bringing over 30 years of experience in executive coaching, organizational development, and team building. Since joining Hayes in 1994, Rich has also built and led Conners Consultants, Inc., a successful management consulting firm serving clients across a variety of industries. He has coached executives, facilitated leadership development programs, and supported teams in achieving superior results. Rich’s deep expertise spans performance improvement, leadership coaching, and organizational change, helping clients navigate complex business challenges and achieve measurable success.
Before entering the consulting profession, Rich had an accomplished career as a Human Resources executive with both American and international companies. He has extensive experience in managing change, talent, and performance in environments characterized by rapid growth, acquisitions, downsizing, and organizational restructuring. Rich’s global work experience includes consulting for businesses in Canada, Mexico, India, Japan, and Western Europe, providing him with valuable insight into cross-cultural leadership and international business operations.
Rich is highly skilled in leadership, team dynamics, and performance improvement, and has worked with a diverse range of clients on sensitive issues such as talent retention, labor relations, and organizational design. His clients appreciate his ability to balance achieving business objectives while mitigating potential risks and organizational challenges.
Rich holds a B.S. in Business from Wayne State University and has completed numerous executive development programs in the U.S. and Europe. He has guest lectured at Shenandoah University and North Carolina State University and contributed to the Wake Forest University Executive MBA Program. Additionally, he has served as a labor arbitrator and is active in several professional organizations, including SHRM and the Triangle Area Personnel Executives.
