HVS Executive Search Names CEO
July 28, 2025 – Global hospitality consulting firm HVS Executive Search has appointed Alice Sherman as CEO, beginning January 1, 2026. After more than 35 years in the retained executive search industry—including 12 years as CEO of HVS Executive Search—Court Williams will be retiring from his role. To ensure a seamless leadership transition and continued support for the company’s clients and team, Mr. Williams will remain actively engaged with the firm as chairman emeritus, providing strategic guidance and mentorship over the coming years.
“Court has played a pivotal role in shaping HVS Executive Search into the respected global brand it is today,” said Stephen Rushmore, president and CEO of HVS. “His steady leadership and deep client relationships have had a lasting impact on our organization and the broader hospitality industry. We are fortunate to have Alice Sherman step into this leadership role—her energy, experience, and vision position her perfectly to lead the firm into its next chapter.”
Ms. Sherman has been instrumental in advancing the firm’s global capabilities, strengthening client partnerships, and fostering a high-performing team and collaborative culture. In her most recent role leading the Americas practice, she has overseen growth across the region and played a key role in supporting the firm’s broader global initiatives. “Her strategic perspective, operational focus, and commitment to client service have positioned her well to lead HVS Executive Search into its next chapter,” the firm said. “Her dedication to leadership development and commitment to excellence make her uniquely suited to drive the firm’s evolution, strengthen its position as a trusted partner to the global hospitality industry, and deliver lasting value for the company’s clients.”
In her new role, Ms. Sherman will take on a bi-coastal presence between Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles — two key hospitality hubs — as she guides the firm into its next phase of growth.
HVS has more than 300 professionals in over 50 offices throughout the world who specialize in all types of hospitality assets, including hotels, restaurants, casinos, shared ownership lodging, mixed-use developments and golf courses, as well as conventions, sports and entertainment facilities. The firm has offices in New York, Baltimore/Washington, D.C., Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, San Diego, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Frankfurt, London, Dubai, Hong Kong and New Delhi.
Leadership Appointments at Search Firms
Top leadership appointments have made headlines in recent months. Here’s a look at several examples taken from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:
Odgers Berndtson Canada has appointed Brad Beveridge as chief executive officer. The appointment follows a four-year period during which Mr. Beveridge served as president and led the firm’s transition from an executive search firm to an integrated leadership advisory firm. In addition to his CEO responsibilities, he will continue to serve on Odgers Berndtson’s global and U.S. boards of directors. “Brad assuming the role of chief executive officer recognizes the contributions that he’s made over the last four years,” said Carl Lovas, chairman and CEO of Odgers Berndtson. “Since 2021, with his strategic leadership the firm has implemented a new vision and purpose, attracted the industry’s best talent to broaden and deepen its expertise, facilitated greater alignment between its North American businesses, and introduced a people and culture strategy that has increased colleague engagement and development. All these contributions have positively impacted the client experience and the firm’s performance, while reinforcing that with Brad’s leadership as CEO, we are perfectly poised for our next phase of growth.”
L.Maxwell Global has named Kevin P. LeCompte as CEO. “As a private equity operating partner and former CEO of one of the country’s largest private equity backed staffing and professional services firms, Kevin LeCompte understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing leaders in human capital,” said Lisa Maxwell, founder of L.Maxwell Global. “He has an insider’s perspective on the demands of the C-suite, and draws on his deep experience to bring insight to the realities CEOs and boards are facing. Kevin will be instrumental in helping L.Maxwell’s clients navigate the complex and ever-changing talent solutions space while guiding the firm’s own plans for growth.” Mr. LeCompte brings over two decades of experience in consulting, global outsourcing, and staffing to L.Maxwell. “His operational expertise leading and advising private equity backed talent solutions firms on strategy, hiring and value creation aligns with L.Maxwell’s specialization in placing C-suite and executive talent for private equity backed companies,” the search firm said.
Toronto-based Caldwell has appointed Chris Beck as president and CEO. He will succeed John Wallace, who will assume the role of executive chair. Additionally, the independent directors of the board have selected John Young as lead independent director. “The board and I have tremendous confidence in Chris, and we know that his combination of experience, skills and vision uniquely prepares him to lead Caldwell,” said Mr. Wallace. “He has had a tremendous impact as president and CFO, helping us navigate the unprecedented challenges of the past few years while positioning the company for long-term success. We have the right leadership team, strategy, and financial foundation in place to ensure a bright future for Caldwell and IQTalent. It has been a privilege to serve this great firm as CEO, and I look forward to working alongside Chris and the Caldwell board of directors to continue to deliver on our mission to connect our clients with transformational talent.” Mr. Beck is a veteran of Caldwell and has served in multiple leadership roles over the last 11 years at the firm.
Related: Shaping Leadership, One Search at a Time
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
