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Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
HelloSky Bringing AI Into the Core Workflows of Executive Search Firms
Artificial intelligence is entering executive search at a time when the pace and expectations of the work are already shifting. For many firms, the introduction of new tools naturally raises questions about how established workflows and practices will evolve. Search has traditionally relied on a blend of experience, process, and individual approach, which can make
The Tolan Group Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Behavioral Health Solutions
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Howard Weeks as chief medical officer of Behavioral Health Solutions in Henderson, NV. Dr. Weeks brings more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health leadership, clinical operations, and healthcare system strategy. Prior to joining Behavioral Health Solutions, he served as chief medical officer at Eating Recovery Center and
SearchWide Global Seeking President for the Music City Center
SearchWide Global has been retained by the Music City Center (MCC) to lead in its search for a new president. Executive vice president Mark Gnatovic is leading the assignment. The president is the senior executive responsible for the operational excellence, cultural leadership, and long-term performance of Nashville’s signature convention facility. Reporting directly to the CEO of the
Fairway Consulting Group Appoints VP
New York City-based executive search firm Fairway Consulting Group has expanded with the addition of Dan Strauss as vice president and client partner. “Strauss’s experience, industry relationships, and proven ability to partner with life sciences organizations make him an exceptional addition to our team,” said Dan Gold, president of Fairway Consulting Group. “Fairway is committed to delivering
The Keys to Hiring AI Advisory Partners
The idea that software has reshaped every industry is no longer a bold prediction—it’s a baseline assumption, and now artificial intelligence is accelerating that shift even further. A new report from CipherStone Partners’ Robin Abraham and Joel Richard asks: What does today’s ground-shifting moment mean for those advising the world’s top business and political leaders
AGB Search Recruits CHRO for the University of Colorado System
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Tony Gherardini as new vice president / chief human resources officer at the University of Colorado System (CU). Roderick McDavis and Margaret Plympton led the assignment. “We are thrilled Tony is joining our team,” said CU president Todd Saliman. “He has a long track record as
Brettschneider Executive Search Recruits Executive Director for the Carter Burden Network
Following a comprehensive national search, New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Joy Salvador as the new executive director of the Carter Burden Network. “Joy Salvador represents the very best of Carter Burden Network’s values,” said the board of directors. “Her leadership reflects our promise to always go above—and to ensure that
Jackson Lucas Names Chief Growth Officer
New York City-based Jackson Lucas has appointed Mark Esposito as chief growth officer. He is responsible for driving the firm’s strategic expansion and deepening client relationships across key markets. “Jackson Lucas is excited to welcome Mark Esposito as chief growth officer, said Anthony Fanzo, founding partner. “Mark is a proven growth leader who understands how
Long Ridge Partners Expands Search Staff
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has expanded with the additions of Isaac Springer, Matthew Rodriguez, and Chad Goldstein. “Isaac will be focused on real estate recruiting while Matt and Chad will specialize in tech recruiting,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “All three bring valuable experience and fresh perspectives as we continue to grow our
Bain Data Signals a More Selective Hiring Market
Bain & Company’s Global Job Market Trends report shows a synchronized global slowdown in hiring activity. Job postings declined across all major markets, with the U.S. down 32 percent, Germany down 34 percent, and India down 29 percent. Even sectors historically insulated from labor volatility, such as healthcare, saw meaningful contraction. The breadth of the decline
Reffett Associates Leading Provost Search for the Naval Postgraduate School
Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has been selected by the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) to lead the search for a new provost and academic dean. The search will be conducted by Marshall Reffett, managing director in Seattle and Washington, D.C., and Eric Reffett, managing director in Washington D.C. Mr. Marshall has spent the last 15 years recruiting talent for
Eastward Partners Fills Senior Sales Role for LRN
New York-based Eastward Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Dan O’Leary to VP of sales at LRN, a Leeds Equity Partners backed company. Brian Ippolito, Callie Swift, and Reagan Wren led the assignment. “We are pleased to celebrate the appointment of Dan O’Leary to VP of sales at LRN,” Eastward Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations
Potrero Group Seeking Board Members for 10,000 Degrees
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group was recently retained by San Rafael, CA-based non-profit 10,000 Degrees to its search for new volunteer leaders to join its board of directors and regional advisory boards. “We are excited to expand our search for committed board members who will deepen our impact and ensure that more students
BrainWorks Names Leader of Consumer Packaged Goods Practice
Warren, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks has appointed Jordan Kaliher will lead its consumer packaged goods (CPG) practice, succeeding company founder Andy Miller, who has guided the practice since its inception more than three decades ago. He will shift his full time focus to CEO. “Jordan’s appointment marks a natural next chapter for the practice,” the firm said
HR Leaders Take Center Stage as Companies Push to Scale AI Across the Enterprise
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how organizations operate, forcing leadership teams to rethink not only technology strategy, but how work itself is structured, delivered, and scaled. As adoption accelerates, companies are moving beyond early experimentation and pilot programs, with growing pressure to translate AI investment into measurable business outcomes. What was once a forward-looking initiative
U.S. Adds 178,000 Jobs in March as Unemployment Holds Steady at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 178,000 in March as the U.S. unemployment rate changed little to 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.2 million, changed little in March. Job gains occurred in healthcare, in construction, and in transportation and warehousing. Federal government employment continued to decline. “March’s report
The Folger Shakespeare Library Retained Isaacson, Miller for CFO Search
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been selected by the Folger Shakespeare Library to lead in its search for a new CFO. Dan Rodas is leading this search with Stephanie Simon, and Robin Dougherty. This is an opportunity to partner closely with director Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper at a time of strategic growth and organizational transformation. As the Folger embarks on a new strategic
Lock Search Group Forms Alliance with Red Bull Canada
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has formed a partnership with Red Bull Canada to help build out the leadership team at their new Frazer Valley facility in Chilliwack BC. The firm is actively recruiting for their new technical manager position. “This is a unique opportunity to join a globally recognized brand during a foundational phase —
Stevenson Search Partners Fills Senior Post for Royalty Pharma
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Benjamin Olenchock as head of clinical sciences at Royalty Pharma. Dr. Olenchock joins Royalty Pharma’s research & investments team, bringing senior clinical and regulatory expertise to the firm’s investment process. “We’re pleased to
Taurean Names VP in Value Creation Practice
Taurean recently appointed Abby Spare as vice president in the firm’s value creation practice. “This marks an important milestone for Taurean, fueling our mission to build distinct, enduring investment firms,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Abby’s reputation for delivering an exceptional experience to clients and candidates is well-known, and her deep network across the
AI Moves from Hype to Workflow in Executive Search as Innova Launches Hands-On Summit
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to execution within executive search, reshaping how firms approach everything from business development to candidate delivery. As expectations rise around speed, insight, and precision, search firms are under increasing pressure to rethink traditional workflows and identify where technology can meaningfully enhance performance rather than simply add complexity. Unlike
Recalibrating Talent: How Generational Dynamics and Mid-Level Hiring Are Reshaping Leadership Strategy in 2026
The hiring landscape is entering a new phase—one defined less by disruption and more by recalibration. After years of volatility, organizations are taking a more deliberate look at how talent aligns with long-term strategy and evolving business needs. That shift is bringing new attention to how companies build teams, assess potential, and define leadership across
Cooper Coleman Assists CAMP Rehoboth with Executive Director Search
Following a national search, Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has helped to recruit Robin Brennan as executive director of CAMP Rehoboth. This follows the planned retirement of its previously placed executive director. “CAMP Rehoboth has long served as a trusted and welcoming presence for its community, offering both connection and advocacy in meaningful ways,” said Johnny Cooper,
JDG Associates Seeking CFO for Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to lead in its search for a new CFO. Reporting to the PBGC director and overseeing a staff of approximately 100 with an operating budget of approximately $20 million, the CFO will be responsible for the effective and efficient planning,
Cento Acquires Assets of U.S.-Based Executive Search Firm SCW Consulting
U.K.-based executive recruiting firm Cento has acquired the assets of Broomfield, CO-based executive search firm SCW Consulting, bringing together two specialized firms in the global security recruitment sector. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The deal unites Cento CEO Brett Ennals and Tom Verzuh, combining experience across international security and technology recruitment markets. The
The Evolution of CEO Succession
Leadership stability has become harder to maintain in an environment defined by continuous transformation, shifting investor expectations, and increasing operational complexity. As a result, boards and sponsors are placing greater emphasis on how leadership evolves over time, rather than relying on static assumptions about tenure and timing. This shift is forcing organizations to take a
Academic Search Recruits 22nd President for Muskingum University
Following a comprehensive national search, education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has recruited Flavius Lilly as the 22nd president of Muskingum University in New Concord, OH. Susan Hasseler will retire in June 2026, after a decade of leadership. The search was led by senior consultants Sharon D. Herzberger and Dan DiBiasio, along with Carly Place, associate consultant. “Dr. Lilly is the right leader for
TalentRise Tapped by the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology for CEO Search
The Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) has retained TalentRise to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search follows the planned retirement of the organization’s current CEO, who has provided dedicated leadership to BCAT and its community mission for nearly 10 years. The search process is expected to take approximately four to
Z3Talent Helps CFO Selections Recruit Top Leader
Denver, CO-based executive search firm Z3Talent has assisted in the recruitment of Brian Turner as the new managing partner (CEO). He succeeds Kevin Briscoe, who is stepping down after 11 years. Steve Ziegler and Paula Stolebarger led the assignment. “Z3Talent was pleased to partner with the board at CFO Selections in conducting the search for their next managing partner (CEO),”
August Leadership Expands in Paris
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Marc Bartel as a partner in Paris. “We’re pleased to welcome Marc Bartel to August Leadership as partner, Paris,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Marc brings more than 20 years of experience advising boards, CEOs, and senior leadership teams across Europe, with a track record of
The Hidden Talent Pool: Turning AI Investment into Enterprise Value
Across industries, organizations are discovering that the most effective AI leaders don’t always emerge from traditional technical backgrounds. A new report from Modern Executive Solutions finds that as companies race to implement AI strategies, many are overlooking a hidden talent pool: executives with deep domain expertise, proven change management skills, and the business acumen to
