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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
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.
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
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?
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Inside the Evolving Role of HR Leadership
As organizations scale and evolve, building the right HR leadership structure becomes a critical driver of performance and long-term success. Yet many companies still rely on outdated benchmarks and assumptions that fail to reflect the complexity of today’s business environment. Increasingly, leaders are recognizing that effective HR is not about headcount ratios, but about aligning
How Research First Data-Driven Recruiting and Talent Mapping Make for Smarter Hiring Decisions
Finding the ideal candidate for the job is a delicate dance. Good recruitment firms are experts in understanding what potential employers are looking for in their ideal candidate and scouring the available talent pool to match them with that perfect fit. According to a report from SGA Talent’s Sheila Greco. “What sets these firms apart
ZRG Partners Recruits CFO for Traditional Medicinals, Inc.
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, recently assisted in the recruitment of Scott Bowman as the new CFO of Traditional Medicinals, Inc. Dave Pearce and Richard Dowd led the assignment. Experienced strategic and financial manager with expertise in analyzing businesses, developing strategic and financial goals, communicating with senior management, directors, and staff,
TalentoHCM Assists Lancer Skincare with CEO Search
Jill De Forest, managing director of TalentoHCM, Los Angeles, has assisted Marc Kravets as the new CEO of Lancer Skincare in Beverly Hills. “I was pleased that Jill De Forest at Talento, introduced this CEO role at Lancer Skincare to me,” said Mr. Kravets. “Jill and I have worked together over the past 10 years,
Krauthamer & Associates Recruits SunLine Transit Agency
Executive recruiting firm Krauthamer & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Mona Babauta as the new CEO of SunLine Transit Agency in Thousand Palms, CA. “We are so pleased to be welcoming Mona to the helm of SunLine Transit Agency today,” said Lisa Middleton, board chair of SunLine Transit Agency. “Our board is impressed by the
IMD International Search Group Adds Member Firm in Spain
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently expanded in Madrid, Spain, with the addition of Padula & Partners as its newest member firm. Padula & Partners has a track record in executive search on the Spanish market as it was founded in 2005. They have since then provided bespoke service to clients in a vast
5 Ways Search Firms Support the Talent Management Priorities of PE Companies
In recent years, private equity firms’ desire for top talent has reached an all-time high. This high level of demand is in response to a recognition across the industry that having the right people in key executive roles is a critical factor in how private equity firms are able to maintain growth amid significant market
Bespoke Partners Recruits CEO for Stax Payments
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners recently recruited Paulette Rowe as the new CEO of Stax Payments in Orlando, FL. The search was led by Brian Waivada and Alexandra Bossetta. “Following an extensive global search, we’re pleased to welcome Paulette to Stax,” said Ross Croley, founder and CEO of GSV and chairman of the board of Stax. “An accomplished
Frederickson Partners Recruits CFO for Bluberi Gaming
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In recent months, search firms of all varieties have placed chief financial officers at various companies, especially private equity-backed outfits. Global HR search firm Frederickson Partners has recruited Billy Register as the new CFO
Acertitude Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Sunrise Senior Living
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited Marco Trecroce as chief technology officer of Sunrise Senior Living, a provider of senior living lifestyles. “Marco — who is an accomplished technology executive with exemplary hospitality experience – is a pivotal addition as Sunrise continues to integrate digital solutions to deliver best-in-class resident-centered services that support holistic health and wellness,”
BarkerGilmore Appoints Senior Advisor
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has named Kristin Campbell as senior advisor. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Kristin to our team as a senior advisor,” said Bob Barker, managing partner of BarkerGilmore. “With her remarkable expertise in the consumer and hospitality sectors, Kristin brings a
CEOs Positioning their Companies for the Long Haul
How do you prepare for a recession that never quite arrives? More than halfway through 2023, economists and market watchers in the United States are starting to take seriously the possibility of a domestic “soft landing” buoyed by labor market resilience, moderating inflation and gently slowing final demand growth, according to EY. But corporate leaders
Six Recruiting Trends Effecting Non-Profits
As the last quarter of 2023 approached, a new report from DHR Global’s Sara Garlick Lundberg and James Abruzzo reflects on the trends affecting recruiting in the non-profit industry. Non-profits are navigating a number of challenges – from new work habits to political currents – as they plan for greater impact in 2024, the study
WittKieffer Leading President Search for the University of Hartford
A number of colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will provide high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, increasingly the case, globalization. Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has been selected by the University of Hartford to lead in its search for its seventh
Greenwich Harbor Partners Fills Senior Post for Fetch Pet Insurance
Greenwich Harbor Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kristen Easterday as the new controller of Fetch Pet Insurance. Ms. Easterday is a versatile leader with a diverse background and thought process. She uses an extensive data analysis as well as a collaborative team approach. Ms. Easterday was most recently the controller at Roof Maxx, a consumer-facing roofing
Cooper Coleman Expands Search Staff
Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has expanded with the addition of John Toolan as vice president, executive search. “Welcoming John into our firm was not a difficult choice,” said Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO. “We place exceptional value on authentically representing our clients as if we are members of their teams; centering a rich, dignified candidate experience
Achieving Boardroom Diversity Without Marginalizing Anyone
While women have come a long way, there is still a long way to go before we reach gender parity at the top levels of corporate America. As CEO of a women-owned search firm with the serious intention and track record of placing women and members of underrepresented groups in boardrooms and the C-suite (85
JDG Associates Recruits CFO for the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has recruited Trevor Williams as the new chief financial officer for the Washington, D.C.-based Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), which manages the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a retirement plan available to federal employees and members of the armed services. Mr. Williams is a financial executive with more than 26 years of
Hobson Leavy Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Serko Limited
Auckland, New Zealand-based executive search firm Hobson Leavy has assisted in the recruitment of Liz Fraser as the new chief revenue officer of Serko Limited. “Liz has extensive experience driving revenue growth across both the travel and media sectors in senior leadership roles at TVNZ, Air New Zealand and most recently as commercial director at MediaWorks,” said
TRANSEARCH Adds Involved Partners in Sweden
TRANSEARCH International has added Involved Partners in Helsingborg, Sweden as its newest member firm. Peter Ohman joins TRANSEARCH as senior consultant and manager. Mr. Ohman focuses on serving the industrial, utility/power, and FMCG market sectors. With a wealth of experience in both management and consultancy roles, Mr. Ohman brings a track record of catalyzing organizational, business, and
Compensation for Cybersecurity Leaders is on the Rise
The CISO role was partially shielded from the macroeconomic challenges of 2023. The average increase in total compensation among CISOs was 11 percent in the latest comp cycle—a drop from 14 percent in 2022, but a relatively small dip in light of the economic climate. One in five CISOs didn’t receive an increase in compensation.
Academic Search Seeking New Leader for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities
Jay Lemons, Jennifer Kooken, and Maria Thompson of education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search was recently selected by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. After five years of service, the current president, Mildred García, has stepped down. The president leads an accomplished and diverse staff of
ON Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer for MacStadium
Co-president Matt Mooney and partner Jake Espenlaub of ON Partners have recruited Jason Davis as chief product officer of MacStadium, an Atlanta-based Mac cloud provider. “We’re thrilled to welcome Jason to the team,” said Michael Landreth, MacStadium’s co-founder and CEO. “His proven track record of success in product strategy and development will be a significant advantage for us.
Randstad Announces Senior Leadership Changes
Randstad N.V. has made changes to its executive leadership team. “Our people are our foundation and we focus on ensuring our strong culture, values, and spirit of entrepreneurship are present at all levels of the organization,” said Sander van ‘t Noordende, CEO of Randstad. “We are fortunate to have exceptional home grown talent, who live our
Inside the Evolving CEO Hiring Landscape in Private Equity
The Economist wasn’t wrong in recently declaring, “Private equity is entering a new era.” Between ongoing inflation, rising credit costs, and lingering macroeconomic uncertainty, the near-term future for PE firms looks different, with fewer deals, more challenging exits, and longer holding periods. Having led more than 100 CEO searches for PE clients, Tony Hazen of
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Recruits Executive Director for TransitCenter
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, recently assisted in the recruitment of Stephanie Lotshaw as the new executive director of TransitCenter in New York City. Managing director Anne McCarthy, senior search associate Claire Hunt, and senior search coordinator Kaley Blaszinski led the assignment. “After months of careful searching, interviews, and dialogue we are proud to announce that
RH Perry & Associates Seeking President for New Mexico Highlands University
RH Perry & Associates has been retained by New Mexico Highlands University to lead in its search for its 19th president. Sam Minner recently retired after nine years with the school. Leading the assignment are senior consultants Sue DeWine and Pam Shockley-Zalabak. The president serves as chief executive officer of the university and reports to the board
BarkerGilmore Recruits Chief Compliance Officer for ChristianaCare
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Gregory Ehardt as the new senior vice president and chief compliance officer of ChristianaCare. The assignment was led by partner Brittney McDonough and managing director Katie Gilmore. “Greg’s emotional intelligence is off the charts,” said Ms. Gilmore. “ChristianaCare’s leadership team and board were immediately blown
Newland Associates Forms Alliance with Pandatron
Newland Associates, a provider of workforce development solutions, has formed a strategic partnership with Finland-based Pandatron, a provider of artificial intelligence micro coaching solutions. Through this collaboration, Newland Associates will introduce Pandatron’s AI micro coaching solution to its clients in the U.S. and assist Pandatron in expanding its reseller partnerships across multiple continents. “The bottom-up
Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 3.8 Percent
Employment rose by 336,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.8 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 6.4 million in September. Job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality; government; healthcare; professional, scientific, and technical services; and social assistance. Among the major worker groups, the
ECA Partners Recruits CEO for Vital Care Industries; Places President and COO for United Pet Care
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Harsh Singh as the new chief executive officer of Vital Care Industries. “Based on Harsh’s healthcare background and previous roles in banking, business development, investment management, and operational leadership, we believe that he is uniquely suited to execute on a growth strategy that
Shelli Herman and Associates Seeks Director for Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been selected to find the next director for the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park, a $230 million, 425-acre zoo expansion project that is scheduled to open to the public in 2027. “The realization of the WildCare Park will offer a new and exciting tourist attraction in St. Louis and







