Cornerstone International Group brought together more than 60 leaders from across its global network in Warsaw, Poland, May 27-30, for its 2026 Global Conference, with sessions on leadership, succession planning, artificial intelligence, and the future of executive search.
WARSAW, POLAND. Cornerstone International Group (CIG) gathered partners from across its worldwide network in Warsaw for the 2026 Cornerstone Global Conference, held May 27-30 at the historic Hotel Bristol. Convened under the theme “Come and See,” the four-day program brought together leaders from CIG offices across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia for sessions on leadership, executive search, talent management, and the forces reshaping the profession.
The annual conference is the firm’s flagship gathering, combining industry-specific practice groups and regional working sessions with keynotes, fireside chats, and cross-border relationship-building that defines the network. This year’s host city was chosen deliberately: a capital destroyed and rebuilt in the last century, and a fitting backdrop for a network whose theme is resilience, trust, and long-term partnership.
Video Overview of the Conference
A Network Gathered in a City of Resilience
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The conference was hosted by Cornerstone Warsaw’s Iwona Szybka and Joanna Kania, who guided colleagues through the city’s history and culture over four days of programming and shared experiences. Many attendees were visiting Poland for the first time, and the host team paired the working agenda with a Chopin concert, a tour of Warsaw’s Old Town, and a closing gala awards dinner, where members’ outstanding performance was recognized .
Sessions and Themes
Future of search. AESC President and CEO Jim Datri delivered a keynote on the current status and future of executive search. His remarks underscored the enduring importance of trust, partnership, and human interaction in the profession, themes echoed by members throughout the week.
Succession planning. A fireside chat on succession planning brought together Göran Jansson, Dan Heiman, Vijay Karkare, Antonello De Medici, and Fabio Fonseca, who shared perspectives on preparing leaders and organizations for orderly transitions.
Leadership in the AI age. Diego Cubas led an interactive discussion on how member firms are applying artificial intelligence to better serve clients. Leadership Development in the AI Age was another fireside chat featuring Jyri Ratia, Antonio Cassano, and Sable Lomax, who explored how technology is reshaping how leaders are identified and developed.
Growth. Other meetings focused on sector and market priorities. Members learned about additional service offers, including interim and fractional management, career transition, and trainee programs. The conference also welcomed new members to the network.
Voices from the Network
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“As we conclude the conference, we return home with fresh perspectives, stronger global relationships, innovative ideas, and a renewed commitment to building an even stronger local organization backed by world-class global expertise.”
– Vijay Karkare, Cornerstone India
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“This network is much more than a professional alliance. It is a community where relationships are built on trust, generosity, and a true sense of belonging. We return to our local markets with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and stronger connections than before.”
– Marina Sourmpaiou, Cornerstone Greece
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“The true strength of a global network lies in the quality of its relationships, the trust built over time, and a shared vision to create meaningful impact. The future belongs to organizations able to combine human relationships, leadership, and technology.”
– Gonzalo Door, Partner and Executive Director, Cornerstone Mexico
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“A Cornerstone Global Conference is always an experience to connect with trusted colleagues around the world, to learn from others, and to discuss strategies, programs, and market dynamics. All of it is ultimately about how we benefit our clients and our relationships.”
– Samuel Dergel, Cornerstone Montreal
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“The real opportunity begins now: transforming conversations, learnings, and relationships into tangible results that help organizations identify, develop, and retain exceptional leadership.”
– Fabio Fonseca, Cornerstone São Paulo
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“The importance of trust, partnership, and ‘human interaction’ in the executive search business underscores what we have observed over the last few years, and what the AESC, as the top regulatory body in our sector, has been studying”
– Lydia Goutas, Cornerstone Vienna
Looking Ahead
Members left Warsaw with new ideas, renewed relationships, and a clear sense of the network’s shared direction, better prepared to serve clients around the globe. Cornerstone announced that the 2027 Global Conference, selected by members’ votes, will be held in Hong Kong.
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About Cornerstone International Group
Cornerstone International Group is a global executive search and leadership advisory firm founded in 1989, with offices worldwide. Cornerstone is a member of the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) and has been recognized by Forbes Media and Hunt Scanlon as one of the leading brands in executive search for delivering quality and execution. Cornerstone serves clients across industries, including Life Sciences/Health, Industrial, Consumer, Technology, Aerospace/Defense, and Energy/CleanTech.
Visit www.cornerstone-group.com.
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