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WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search 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 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
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?
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,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
Kingsley Gate Unveils a New Approach to AI-Powered Executive Search
Under pressure to deliver faster results, deeper market intelligence, and stronger candidate outcomes, executive search firms and talent leaders are reevaluating the tools and processes that have long defined the profession. Advances in artificial intelligence are accelerating that shift, creating new possibilities for how searches are scoped, executed, and managed from start to finish. Yet
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CFO for Team Air
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, recently helped to recruit Jonathan Williams as the new CFO of Team Air, an HVAC distribution platform backed by Kian Capital. “Please join us in welcoming Jonathan Williams to the team,” Team Air said in a LinkedIn post. “A decade of CFO experience, scaling
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Seeking New CEO for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has been retained by the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Rod Dinger is leading the assignment. RTAA seeks an innovative, forward-thinking president and CEO who will be a champion for growth and development of the region, Reno-Tahoe International Airport and Reno-Stead
NU Advisory Partners Expands With Three Partner Additions
NU Advisory Partners has added Caitlin Maloof, Jessica Johnson, and Alan Mait as partners, continuing the firm’s buildout across key sectors and functional areas. Nada Usina, CEO and co-founder of NU Advisory Partners, said the additions reflect the firm’s focus on building a world-class leadership team. “We’re bringing together an exceptional group of partners who chose NU
CEO Turnover Surges as Boards Bet on First-Time Leaders
According to Spencer Stuart’s S&P 1500 CEO Transitions Report, 168 new chief executives were named across the index last year, the most since 2010. The surge reflects mounting board impatience with weak growth, activist pressures, AI-driven disruption, and a market environment that rewards speed over tenure. Turnover was broad-based but especially pronounced among smaller companies, with SmallCap
How AI Is (and Isn’t) Changing Search
In boardrooms and talent discussions alike, the conversation around AI has quickly shifted from curiosity to expectation. Organizations are no longer asking whether to use AI in executive search, but how to use it responsibly and effectively. This shift is forcing firms to rethink not just their tools, but their philosophy—how they evaluate leadership, how
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits Chief Experience Officer for the Saint Louis Zoo
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Kirby Meyer as chief experience officer (CXO) at the Saint Louis Zoo. This is a brand-new executive leadership on the Zoo’s executive team focused on shaping a unified, strategic approach to all external engagement functions. In this role, Ms. Meyer will oversee the Zoo’s creative services, events, guest experience, marketing,
Bryant Group Fills Senior Post for Belmont University
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Michele Miller as associate vice president for advancement services at Belmont University. Executive search director Colleen Rogers Aivazian conducted a nationwide search. “I am thrilled to welcome Michele Miller to Belmont University as our new associate vice president for advancement services,” said
DSG Global Expands Corporate Practice
DSG Global has expanded with the addition of Dustin Laws as managing director for its corporate practice. In this role, he will focus on recruiting financial, operational, and legal leadership for organizations across the business, professional, and commercial services sectors, supporting clients as they strengthen executive teams and position their organizations for long-term growth. Mr. Laws
Hunt Scanlon Reports Executive Recruiting Sector Grew 11 Percent
Executive recruiters entered 2026 from a position of strength, according to Hunt Scanlon, as the media, intelligence, and M&A advisory firm released its annual rankings of executive search firms. “Growth is once again the predominant narrative for the recruiting sector,” said CEO Scott A. Scanlon. “But the real story is the ‘Big Shift’ – the
Building an Effective, Diverse Board Across Growth Stages
Board composition is no longer a static exercise but a dynamic process that must keep pace with the company’s trajectory. As organizations progress through different stages of growth, the expectations placed on directors expand, requiring a deliberate and forward-looking approach to how boards are structured and refreshed. In the realm of corporate governance, having an
The Tolan Group Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for NLP Logix
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed D.J. Price as chief revenue officer at NLP Logix in Jacksonville, FL. “D.J.’s energy and leadership will push NLP Logix into a new phase of innovation and scale,” said Ted Willich, co-founder and CEO. “His ability to create high-performing teams and drive aggressive, sustainable growth makes him the ideal
Myers McRae Tapped by Florida A&M to Find CHRO
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been retained by Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) to lead in its search for an assistant vice president and chief human resources officer (AVP/CHRO). Jennifer Barfield, executive vice president, is leading the assignment. This senior executive position provides strategic vision, leadership, and oversight of all human resources functions
Signium Expands with New Office in Argentina
Executive search consortium Signium has launched Signium Argentina in Buenos Aires. Led by managing director Flavio Beretta, Signium Argentina will support organizations across the country and the wider region in identifying and developing senior leadership talent as Argentina undergoes significant economic transformation. With more than 35 years of executive search experience across Argentina and extensive work with
The Expanding CFO Mandate: From Scorekeeper to Value Creator
As business complexity increases across industries, the office of the CFO is experiencing a significant transformation. Traditionally focused on financial stewardship, today’s CFO organizations are evolving into enterprise-wide strategic drivers—supporting growth, overseeing risk, enabling transformation, and acting as key partners to the CEO and board. With the CFO role increasingly viewed as a pathway to
Chartwell Partners Recruits President and CEO for Texas Gulf Bank, N.A.
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners has helped to recruit Steve Thompson as president and CEO of Texas Gulf Bank, N.A. He succeeds James F. Brown, who will continue as vice chairman of the company. The appointment follows a disciplined and comprehensive executive search conducted in partnership with Chartwell Partners. Scott Petty, managing partner of Chartwell
Lancer Group Fills Senior E-Commerce Position for Liquidity Services
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has placed Cullen Rowley as the new vice president of e-commerce at NASDAQ-traded Liquidity Services. In this role, he will help to advance the company’s retail strategy and accelerate value creation within its marketplace ecosystem. Lancer Group partnered with Liquidity Services on this executive search, identifying a leader with the right
RH Perry & Associates Assists Illinois Central College with President Search
Following a comprehensive national search, RH Perry & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Jamonica Rolle as the next president of Illinois Central College (ICC). Senior consultants Jessie Thompson and Charlene Newkirk led the assignment. The presidential search included a national recruitment effort and engagement with campus and community stakeholders. Feedback from faculty, staff, students, and community members informed the board’s
The Barton Partnership Expands in North America
U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP) has added Marty O’Doherty and Purab Parikh as part of the continued expansion of its North American business and its CEO and board capability, based in Toronto and aligned with the firm’s global private equity platform. “The appointments reflect TBP’s continued investment in senior leadership hiring for
Juicebox Secures $80 Million in Funding at an $850 Million Valuation
AI recruiting platform Juicebox has announced $80 million in Series B funding at an $850 million valuation led by DST Global, with meaningful participation from Sequoia, Coatue, Y Combinator, NFDG, and Verified Capital. The company has tripled ARR since its Series A in July 2025, and now serves 5,000 customers spanning fast-growing technology companies and
Findem to Acquire Glider AI
Findem, an AI platform for talent, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Glider AI, a skills validation platform. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Together, the companies will deliver an AI-powered hiring solution that produces hire-ready candidates — candidates who are discovered, assessed, and verified before they reach hiring managers. “Companies do not buy
BroadView Talent Partners Seeking New Leader for Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Melania DaSilva Deaver, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The next CEO will lead GNEMSDC at a pivotal moment in its evolution. The organization is stable, credible, and mission-driven, and
Acertitude Recruits Chief Information Security Officer for Cast & Crew
Acertitude has assisted in the recruitment of Tal Hornstein as chief information security officer of Cast & Crew, an EQT Group portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Tim Cook and principal, Connor Gebhardt, with support from Finty Hunter and Jeremy Atwater. “Cast & Crew is thrilled to welcome Tal Hornstein to the crew as we
Resource Management Group Expands Financial Officer Practice
Resource Management Group (RMG), an executive search firm specializing in CFO placements, has expanded with the addition of Craig Sigovich as a partner in the financial officer practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Craig to RMG,” said Denis LaPolice, CEO of RMG. “He is nationally recognized for his work across the CFO market, and his
Global Shift Elevates DEI as a Strategic Imperative in the C-Suite
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are increasingly moving from corporate initiatives to core elements of business strategy as organizations respond to evolving workforce expectations and market demands. Companies are under growing pressure to demonstrate measurable progress, particularly at the leadership level, where representation and decision-making have the greatest impact on culture, performance, and long-term growth.
The Moran Company Recruits Executive Director for National Assistance League
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, recently placed Judy Zulfiqar as the new executive director of National Assistance League. Senior search consultant Mike English led the assignment. “After a comprehensive national search, we are thrilled to welcome Judy to National Assistance League,” said Andrea Goodman, board chair. “Her track
Allen Austin Fills HR Position for The Lebermuth Company
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin has assisted in the recruitment of Adria Logan as director, human resources at The Lebermuth Company. The search was led by Liz Townsend and Edie Bartlett, who partnered closely with Lebermuth’s leadership team to identify a leader who will strengthen HR strategy and champion a high-performance, values-driven culture. “This placement comes
The Forum Group Expands Private Wealth Management Practice
Executive search firm The Forum Group has expanded with the addition of Jack Manire as director of private wealth management. “We’re excited to welcome Jack Manire to The Forum Group as director of private wealth management,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Jack joined The Forum Group because of the people, culture, and commitment to excellence. He’ll
Kaye/Bassman Appoints Managing Partner
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International has appointed Will Smith as managing partner within its construction practice. “Will’s promotion to managing partner is a proud moment for our team as he is the embodiment of our life laws including leadership, performance, commitment to clients, flexibility, unselfishness, and fun,” said Lee Martin, managing director of the Midwest construction & real
Global Talent Drain: A Growing Challenge for Senior Leadership
Leadership markets around the world are entering a period of heightened imbalance as demand for experienced executives continues to outpace supply. Organizations are facing increasing difficulty securing the expertise needed to drive strategy, manage transformation, and sustain growth in a rapidly evolving business environment. This growing gap is forcing companies to rethink how they approach
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking HR Leader for the University of Central Missouri
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained to recruit the next associate vice president of human resources at the University of Central Missouri (UCM). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Reporting to the CFO and serving as a member of the president’s strategic leadership team, the AVP of HR will play a vital role in
NPAG Leading CEO Search for Horizons Foundation
Executive search firm NPAG has been retained by Horizons Foundation to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Ellen LaPointe. The next CEO will bring strategic clarity, fundraising acumen, community insight, and a demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, and LGBTQ belonging. This leader will navigate a rapidly evolving social, political, and
