Diversified Search Group

Executive Search Review

Past Articles From The Archives

Influencing the Composition of Tomorrow’s Leaders

With more than 22 years’ experience in the staffing industry, Jodi Chavez oversees the field organization and provides direction for Tatum. As president, Ms. Chavez is responsible for continuing to transform Tatum into a data-driven organizational search and consulting firm helping clients select the key financial talent they need to execute their business strategies. Throughout

Achieving Diversity in Private Equity

Diversity is a major topic of conversation in the private equity community, and many leaders think it is a long over-due, wakeup call to action. There simply are too few women and people of color serving in lead investment roles across the industry. A study by the data analysis firm Preqin, for example, found that

Hanold Associates Assists The New York Times Co. in CHRO Search

Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has assisted The New York Times Co. in the recruitment of Jacqueline M. Welch as chief human resources officer (CHR0). She will report directly to president and CEO Meredith Kopit Levien and sit on the company’s executive committee as well as lead its talent and inclusion department.

Pandemic Changes CHRO Role for Good

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed C-suites all over the world. But for the role of CHRO, the changes have been revolutionary. A new report from IMSA Search examines how the COVID-19 crisis has demanded new capabilities and duties for chief HR officers. Its conclusion: the role of CHROs shouldn’t be overestimated. “At a time when

New Ways to Move the Needle on Diversity Hiring

As executive search professionals, Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor and Gina Barge of Caldwell have taken note of a lack of diversity at large technology companies. A new report they have co-authored examines why there are limited opportunities on senior leadership teams for people of color and women, and what can be done to change the trajectory. “What’s

Canadian Executive Search Market Recovery Expected by Second Half of 2021

According to the latest Best Countries survey by U.S. News & World Report, Canada enjoys second best-ranked status among countries around the world. The Great White North is second only to Switzerland and jumped ahead of Japan in the latest roster, which is based on global perception metrics that include cultural influence, entrepreneurship, heritage, power,

A Look at the Canadian Search Market

John Wallace is CEO of Toronto-based Caldwell. He also serves on the firm’s board of directors. A results and client-focused leader, Mr. Wallace draws on 20 years of executive search experience to drive results based on objective measures, market intelligence, strategic planning initiatives, and clear targets for growth. Since becoming CEO in 2008, Mr. Wallace

Executive Recruiting for Canadian Organizations

Pascal Bécotte leads the Canadian operations for Russell Reynolds Associates and co-leads the firm’s global corporate officers’ group, which includes practices covering finance, human resources, operations, and supply chain, legal, regulatory, and compliance and corporate affairs. He is also a member of the firm’s global executive committee, as well as a member of its healthcare

Madison MacArthur Merges with The ExeQfind Group & The Qualifind Group

The ExeQfind Group, based in Atlanta and San Diego-based The Qualifind Group have merged Toronto-based executive search firm Madison MacArthur Incorporated into its search and recruitment platform. The dual practices, according to Sylvia MacArthur, president of Madison MacArthur, are now better positioned to provide expanded sector expertise, consultant depth, cultural fluency, and geographic reach while

Planning for 2021: Five Key Steps for Success

Even as COVID-19 played a disruptive role in business and professional lives this year, one thing remains certain: Organizations will need every ounce of talent they can acquire to guide them through the current situation and to drive growth in 2021 and beyond, according to a new report by Ontario-based The Verriez Group. As such,

Global Pandemic and Social Upheaval Ignite Executive Recruiting for Non-Profit Sector

What makes a not-for-profit organization great? Its mission, of course, as well as dedicated staff, volunteers, board members and various stakeholders. But according to executive recruiters, what may be most important is exceptional leadership – especially in such a politically-supercharged climate supported by a challenging economic environment. According to a new report just released by

Recruiting Non-Profit Senior Executives

Nowhere are leaders and talent more deeply passionate about what they do than in the mission driven sector. According to Korn Ferry, non-profit, philanthropy, and social enterprises are evolving at a rapid pace. Leaders are challenged with doing more with less as they navigate increasing demand. Jodi Weiss serves as practice leader for Korn Ferry’s

Non-Profit Leadership During the COVID-19 Crisis

Not-for-profit CEOs, who are already used to working with limited resources, are under enormous pressure as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. “Most chief executives are facing new financial constraints, shifting priorities among donors, and uncertain regulatory aid – all while tackling the operational challenges of running an enterprise with staff and volunteers trying gamely

Searching for Non-Profit Jobs as a Person of Color

Melissa Madzel has been a managing director with Koya Partners, part of the Diversified Search Group, since 2015. She leads and contributes to executive searches, mainly in the social justice community, as well as developing and deepening Koya’s relationships in the progressive movement. As the managing director, equity initiatives for Koya Partners, Ms. Madze is

Cyber Technology Recruiting Heats Up as Risks, and Opportunities, Multiply

With technology has come the insatiable – and merciless – need for talent. Having the right leaders and teams in place is now more critical than ever. Cyber technology leaders appear in various forms: chief information security officer (CISO), chief information risk officer, chief security officer (CSO), VP information security, chief trust officer, chief information

The State of Cyber Recruiting in Private Equity

Matt Comyns is managing partner of the cybersecurity practice at Caldwell. His focus is on recruiting chief information security officers and next-level-down top lieutenants in information security for large global corporations and fast-growing private companies, as well as cybersecurity consultants for leading professional services firms and top executives for cybersecurity technology companies. Mr. Comyns also

The Counter-Cyclical Hiring Impact of COVID-19

Having spent over a decade delivering executive search mandates in the professional and technology services domain, Gene Allmark-Kent is a partner and part of the global leadership team for the risk and data advisory practice at Wilton & Bain. He supports clients and their boards addressing the complex and ever-changing regulatory agenda, appointing key executives

COVID-19 Impact on Cybersecurity

While the COVID-19 pandemic has rendered offices and meetings passé, we as a society have moved much of our communication, purchasing, and general interaction directly to the internet. Zoom, Slack, Teams and WeChat dominate – and people suddenly seem busier than ever, according to a new report by Martin Mendelsohn at Kingsley Gate Partners. “We

JM Search Forms Dedicated Cybersecurity Practice

JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, recently formed a dedicated cybersecurity practice to assist public and private equity-backed companies in identifying and recruiting high-performance leaders. Partners Kevin Kernan and Tom Figueroa are co-leaders of the firm’s center of excellence for cybersecurity leadership. The search firm brings

Dateline London: Optimism Persists as Growth Sectors Emerge in the Hunt for Talent

For all the challenges that 2020 has brought to the executive search industry in London – from COVID-19, a global economy under pressure, and continuing worries over Brexit – recruiters are looking ahead to the new year with a certain degree of optimism and even confidence. Playing off their strengths and opportunities, and never forgetting

Serving Clients During Critical Times

Alex Cormack, group managing director at Sheffield Haworth, is responsible for global practices within the London-based search firm. Additionally, he oversees the organization’s alternative investments business. Mr. Cormack focuses on senior executive search in financial services, working in partnership with a range of clients including institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, asset managers, alternative investors, and

How One U.K.-Based Recruiter is Working During COVID-19

Ralph Grayson is a partner with U.K.-headquartered executive search firm Sainty, Hird & Partners. He has 30 years of recruitment experience in the financial services sector. Mr. Grayson specializes in global capital markets across all functions, products, and geographies. He has been instrumental in the establishment of many of the leading equities and investment banking

Armstrong Craven Moves to Employee-Owned Business Platform

Armstrong Craven, headquartered in Manchester, U.K., has become a majority employee-owned business. The firm will continue to be led by joint managing directors Rachel Davis and Peter Howarth. “We have long believed that the well-known benefits of employee ownership, when combined with our extremely dedicated team, will be a recipe for success, and we expect

Acertitude Opens London Office; Appoints Guy Barnes to Lead New Office

Executive search firm Acertitude has opened a new office in London and appointed Guy Barnes as managing partner to fuel global growth and lead the new location. Working closely together with co-founders Kevin O’Neill and Rick DeRose, Mr. Barnes will help drive the continuing evolution and international growth of the firm. Based out of Acertitude’s

Executive Recruiters See Shrinking New York Market as Opportunity for Talent Growth

No matter how much business activity is taking place in London, Hong Kong or Dubai, New York City rules as the world center of commerce and deal making. From Wall Street and its stock exchanges to the bustling world of retail, fashion and high tech, millions of people and billions of dollars come in and

Start Spreading the News: New York Will Be Back

Steven B. Potter, managing partner of Odgers Berndtson in New York, has spent over two decades as a founder, CEO and senior executive of several financial services executive search firms, all based in midtown Manhattan. Mr. Potter recently sat down with Hunt Scanlon Media to discuss how the business climate has changed in New York

Federal Reserve Bank of New York Launches Search for Chief Diversity Officer

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has retained Chicago-based Hanold Associates to lead its search for the organization’s first chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer. Keri Gavin, Sandra Peña, Jason Hanold and Katrina Prospero are leading the assignment. “We are honored to serve an organization that is playing such a vital role in our

The Key to Coping: Focus on the Silver Linings

Scott Page is a founding partner, and a managing director of Solomon Page, a Manhattan-based provider of staffing solutions (temporary, contract, temp to perm, project staffing, direct hire and executive search) and heads the financial services division since the firm’s inception in 1990. He has nearly three decades of experience in the executive search industry

Crisis Management: CFOs Confront New Layers of Risk in Pandemic Era

If one thing is certain that has come out of the current pandemic crisis it is the importance of continuity planning in the C-suite, and beyond. In the crosshairs: chief financial officers who are suddenly dealing with a vast array of new challenges, from cash flow, declining revenues, and employee health, to advising the CEO

A Rapid and Dramatic Change Comes to the CFO

Pietro Sartori is a senior associate with Wilton & Bain. He joined the firm in 2017 after graduating with distinction in global business management at Coventry University. He works in the CFO & board practice at WB Interim as well as focusing on private equity markets. Mr. Sartori specializes in placing board level and senior

Using People Analytics to Acquire Top Talent, Predict Performance & Reduce Turnover

The value of combining Big Data with statistical predictive modeling has been highly touted in recent years. The idea is to apply advanced computing capabilities to talent-related data to better predict employee behavior. “This people analytics approach has been adopted with the aim of simultaneously doing a better job of improving performance, acquiring top talent

Korn Ferry Called in by Gaming and Leisure Properties to Lead CFO Search

Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. has announced that Steven T. Snyder will be stepping down as CFO effective August 31, 2020. The company has retained Korn Ferry to lead a search for Mr. Snyder’s successor and will evaluate internal and external candidates for the position. Korn Ferry notes that finding outside candidates requires in-depth sector

Banks Turning to Search Firms

Like all financial institutions, banks continue to turn to executive recruitment firms to find new leaders. McDermott + Bull recently placed Sean Foley as the chief banking officer of Pacific Mercantile Bancorp, the holding company of Pacific Mercantile Bank, a wholly owned banking subsidiary with more than $1.3 billion in assets. The assignment was led

Global Pandemic Endows Universities With Big Challenges in the Hunt for New Leaders

Leadership roles in today’s colleges and universities have become increasingly demanding and complex. Senior academic leaders must balance the needs of numerous constituents—needs that require a cross section of skills far beyond the traditional set of scholarly and research accomplishments. Those who lead today’s universities are CEOs of publicly scrutinized institutions with requirements to fundraise,

Recruiting College Presidents During the Pandemic

Many industries have experienced delays and pauses in current searches, but Jay Lemons, president of Academic Search, claims that he has noticed only a slight delay in higher education searches. Mr. Lemons says, in fact, that demand for college and university presidents is at an all-time high. Here are his expectations for the overall sector

Page 6 of 10

Executive Search Review

Influencing the Composition of Tomorrow’s Leaders

With more than 22 years’ experience in the staffing industry, Jodi Chavez oversees the field organization and provides direction for Tatum. As president, Ms. Chavez is responsible for continuing to transform Tatum into a data-driven organizational search and consulting firm helping clients select the key financial talent they need to execute their business strategies. Throughout

Achieving Diversity in Private Equity

Diversity is a major topic of conversation in the private equity community, and many leaders think it is a long over-due, wakeup call to action. There simply are too few women and people of color serving in lead investment roles across the industry. A study by the data analysis firm Preqin, for example, found that

Hanold Associates Assists The New York Times Co. in CHRO Search

Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has assisted The New York Times Co. in the recruitment of Jacqueline M. Welch as chief human resources officer (CHR0). She will report directly to president and CEO Meredith Kopit Levien and sit on the company’s executive committee as well as lead its talent and inclusion department.

Pandemic Changes CHRO Role for Good

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed C-suites all over the world. But for the role of CHRO, the changes have been revolutionary. A new report from IMSA Search examines how the COVID-19 crisis has demanded new capabilities and duties for chief HR officers. Its conclusion: the role of CHROs shouldn’t be overestimated. “At a time when

New Ways to Move the Needle on Diversity Hiring

As executive search professionals, Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor and Gina Barge of Caldwell have taken note of a lack of diversity at large technology companies. A new report they have co-authored examines why there are limited opportunities on senior leadership teams for people of color and women, and what can be done to change the trajectory. “What’s

Canadian Executive Search Market Recovery Expected by Second Half of 2021

According to the latest Best Countries survey by U.S. News & World Report, Canada enjoys second best-ranked status among countries around the world. The Great White North is second only to Switzerland and jumped ahead of Japan in the latest roster, which is based on global perception metrics that include cultural influence, entrepreneurship, heritage, power,

A Look at the Canadian Search Market

John Wallace is CEO of Toronto-based Caldwell. He also serves on the firm’s board of directors. A results and client-focused leader, Mr. Wallace draws on 20 years of executive search experience to drive results based on objective measures, market intelligence, strategic planning initiatives, and clear targets for growth. Since becoming CEO in 2008, Mr. Wallace

Executive Recruiting for Canadian Organizations

Pascal Bécotte leads the Canadian operations for Russell Reynolds Associates and co-leads the firm’s global corporate officers’ group, which includes practices covering finance, human resources, operations, and supply chain, legal, regulatory, and compliance and corporate affairs. He is also a member of the firm’s global executive committee, as well as a member of its healthcare

Madison MacArthur Merges with The ExeQfind Group & The Qualifind Group

The ExeQfind Group, based in Atlanta and San Diego-based The Qualifind Group have merged Toronto-based executive search firm Madison MacArthur Incorporated into its search and recruitment platform. The dual practices, according to Sylvia MacArthur, president of Madison MacArthur, are now better positioned to provide expanded sector expertise, consultant depth, cultural fluency, and geographic reach while

Planning for 2021: Five Key Steps for Success

Even as COVID-19 played a disruptive role in business and professional lives this year, one thing remains certain: Organizations will need every ounce of talent they can acquire to guide them through the current situation and to drive growth in 2021 and beyond, according to a new report by Ontario-based The Verriez Group. As such,

Global Pandemic and Social Upheaval Ignite Executive Recruiting for Non-Profit Sector

What makes a not-for-profit organization great? Its mission, of course, as well as dedicated staff, volunteers, board members and various stakeholders. But according to executive recruiters, what may be most important is exceptional leadership – especially in such a politically-supercharged climate supported by a challenging economic environment. According to a new report just released by

Recruiting Non-Profit Senior Executives

Nowhere are leaders and talent more deeply passionate about what they do than in the mission driven sector. According to Korn Ferry, non-profit, philanthropy, and social enterprises are evolving at a rapid pace. Leaders are challenged with doing more with less as they navigate increasing demand. Jodi Weiss serves as practice leader for Korn Ferry’s

Non-Profit Leadership During the COVID-19 Crisis

Not-for-profit CEOs, who are already used to working with limited resources, are under enormous pressure as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. “Most chief executives are facing new financial constraints, shifting priorities among donors, and uncertain regulatory aid – all while tackling the operational challenges of running an enterprise with staff and volunteers trying gamely

Searching for Non-Profit Jobs as a Person of Color

Melissa Madzel has been a managing director with Koya Partners, part of the Diversified Search Group, since 2015. She leads and contributes to executive searches, mainly in the social justice community, as well as developing and deepening Koya’s relationships in the progressive movement. As the managing director, equity initiatives for Koya Partners, Ms. Madze is

Cyber Technology Recruiting Heats Up as Risks, and Opportunities, Multiply

With technology has come the insatiable – and merciless – need for talent. Having the right leaders and teams in place is now more critical than ever. Cyber technology leaders appear in various forms: chief information security officer (CISO), chief information risk officer, chief security officer (CSO), VP information security, chief trust officer, chief information

The State of Cyber Recruiting in Private Equity

Matt Comyns is managing partner of the cybersecurity practice at Caldwell. His focus is on recruiting chief information security officers and next-level-down top lieutenants in information security for large global corporations and fast-growing private companies, as well as cybersecurity consultants for leading professional services firms and top executives for cybersecurity technology companies. Mr. Comyns also

The Counter-Cyclical Hiring Impact of COVID-19

Having spent over a decade delivering executive search mandates in the professional and technology services domain, Gene Allmark-Kent is a partner and part of the global leadership team for the risk and data advisory practice at Wilton & Bain. He supports clients and their boards addressing the complex and ever-changing regulatory agenda, appointing key executives

COVID-19 Impact on Cybersecurity

While the COVID-19 pandemic has rendered offices and meetings passé, we as a society have moved much of our communication, purchasing, and general interaction directly to the internet. Zoom, Slack, Teams and WeChat dominate – and people suddenly seem busier than ever, according to a new report by Martin Mendelsohn at Kingsley Gate Partners. “We

JM Search Forms Dedicated Cybersecurity Practice

JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, recently formed a dedicated cybersecurity practice to assist public and private equity-backed companies in identifying and recruiting high-performance leaders. Partners Kevin Kernan and Tom Figueroa are co-leaders of the firm’s center of excellence for cybersecurity leadership. The search firm brings

Dateline London: Optimism Persists as Growth Sectors Emerge in the Hunt for Talent

For all the challenges that 2020 has brought to the executive search industry in London – from COVID-19, a global economy under pressure, and continuing worries over Brexit – recruiters are looking ahead to the new year with a certain degree of optimism and even confidence. Playing off their strengths and opportunities, and never forgetting

Serving Clients During Critical Times

Alex Cormack, group managing director at Sheffield Haworth, is responsible for global practices within the London-based search firm. Additionally, he oversees the organization’s alternative investments business. Mr. Cormack focuses on senior executive search in financial services, working in partnership with a range of clients including institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, asset managers, alternative investors, and

How One U.K.-Based Recruiter is Working During COVID-19

Ralph Grayson is a partner with U.K.-headquartered executive search firm Sainty, Hird & Partners. He has 30 years of recruitment experience in the financial services sector. Mr. Grayson specializes in global capital markets across all functions, products, and geographies. He has been instrumental in the establishment of many of the leading equities and investment banking

Armstrong Craven Moves to Employee-Owned Business Platform

Armstrong Craven, headquartered in Manchester, U.K., has become a majority employee-owned business. The firm will continue to be led by joint managing directors Rachel Davis and Peter Howarth. “We have long believed that the well-known benefits of employee ownership, when combined with our extremely dedicated team, will be a recipe for success, and we expect

Acertitude Opens London Office; Appoints Guy Barnes to Lead New Office

Executive search firm Acertitude has opened a new office in London and appointed Guy Barnes as managing partner to fuel global growth and lead the new location. Working closely together with co-founders Kevin O’Neill and Rick DeRose, Mr. Barnes will help drive the continuing evolution and international growth of the firm. Based out of Acertitude’s

Executive Recruiters See Shrinking New York Market as Opportunity for Talent Growth

No matter how much business activity is taking place in London, Hong Kong or Dubai, New York City rules as the world center of commerce and deal making. From Wall Street and its stock exchanges to the bustling world of retail, fashion and high tech, millions of people and billions of dollars come in and

Start Spreading the News: New York Will Be Back

Steven B. Potter, managing partner of Odgers Berndtson in New York, has spent over two decades as a founder, CEO and senior executive of several financial services executive search firms, all based in midtown Manhattan. Mr. Potter recently sat down with Hunt Scanlon Media to discuss how the business climate has changed in New York

Federal Reserve Bank of New York Launches Search for Chief Diversity Officer

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has retained Chicago-based Hanold Associates to lead its search for the organization’s first chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer. Keri Gavin, Sandra Peña, Jason Hanold and Katrina Prospero are leading the assignment. “We are honored to serve an organization that is playing such a vital role in our

The Key to Coping: Focus on the Silver Linings

Scott Page is a founding partner, and a managing director of Solomon Page, a Manhattan-based provider of staffing solutions (temporary, contract, temp to perm, project staffing, direct hire and executive search) and heads the financial services division since the firm’s inception in 1990. He has nearly three decades of experience in the executive search industry

Crisis Management: CFOs Confront New Layers of Risk in Pandemic Era

If one thing is certain that has come out of the current pandemic crisis it is the importance of continuity planning in the C-suite, and beyond. In the crosshairs: chief financial officers who are suddenly dealing with a vast array of new challenges, from cash flow, declining revenues, and employee health, to advising the CEO

A Rapid and Dramatic Change Comes to the CFO

Pietro Sartori is a senior associate with Wilton & Bain. He joined the firm in 2017 after graduating with distinction in global business management at Coventry University. He works in the CFO & board practice at WB Interim as well as focusing on private equity markets. Mr. Sartori specializes in placing board level and senior

Using People Analytics to Acquire Top Talent, Predict Performance & Reduce Turnover

The value of combining Big Data with statistical predictive modeling has been highly touted in recent years. The idea is to apply advanced computing capabilities to talent-related data to better predict employee behavior. “This people analytics approach has been adopted with the aim of simultaneously doing a better job of improving performance, acquiring top talent

Korn Ferry Called in by Gaming and Leisure Properties to Lead CFO Search

Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. has announced that Steven T. Snyder will be stepping down as CFO effective August 31, 2020. The company has retained Korn Ferry to lead a search for Mr. Snyder’s successor and will evaluate internal and external candidates for the position. Korn Ferry notes that finding outside candidates requires in-depth sector

Banks Turning to Search Firms

Like all financial institutions, banks continue to turn to executive recruitment firms to find new leaders. McDermott + Bull recently placed Sean Foley as the chief banking officer of Pacific Mercantile Bancorp, the holding company of Pacific Mercantile Bank, a wholly owned banking subsidiary with more than $1.3 billion in assets. The assignment was led

Global Pandemic Endows Universities With Big Challenges in the Hunt for New Leaders

Leadership roles in today’s colleges and universities have become increasingly demanding and complex. Senior academic leaders must balance the needs of numerous constituents—needs that require a cross section of skills far beyond the traditional set of scholarly and research accomplishments. Those who lead today’s universities are CEOs of publicly scrutinized institutions with requirements to fundraise,

Recruiting College Presidents During the Pandemic

Many industries have experienced delays and pauses in current searches, but Jay Lemons, president of Academic Search, claims that he has noticed only a slight delay in higher education searches. Mr. Lemons says, in fact, that demand for college and university presidents is at an all-time high. Here are his expectations for the overall sector