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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
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
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
Walking the Talk Appoints CEO
Walking the Talk, a consulting and advisory firm focused on culture transformation which was acquired in 2021 by ZRG, has appointed Amanda Fajak as CEO. Walking the Talk founder Carolyn Taylor will transition to a senior advisor role and focus on key client and keynote speaking engagements. Ms. Fajak has been an integral part of the
Why Companies Miss the Most Important Factor in Executive Hiring
Surprisingly, the ability to make effective, timely decisions is often overlooked in leadership candidates. As companies search for new senior executives to navigate in these uncertain times, this skill is critical. In a new report, Kingsley Gate explains why this “missing piece” is so important in hiring strategy. The firm found that a quarter of
Bryant Group Seeks Vice Chancellor for Advancement for University of Washington Tacoma
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has been selected to help recruit the next vice chancellor for advancement for the University of Washington Tacoma (UW Tacoma). Sarah Hempen, vice president, and Heather Wilensky, senior recruiter, are leading the assignment. The University of Washington Tacoma’s next vice chancellor for advancement will be responsible for
EMA Partners Opens New Office in Seattle
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has opened a new Seattle office. The new location will focus on cloud computing and senior technology searches to support the executive search practice globally. EMA Partners Seattle will be co-led by the firm’s two managing partners, Ezra Hodge and Scott McKinley. Alberto Miranda, Barcelona-based chair
The Evolving Role of Chief Diversity Officers in Shaping DEI
Conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion have permeated global boardrooms in recent years. Increasingly, business leaders are recognizing the measurable benefits of DEI —from improved profitability and faster innovation to higher employee retention rates—and investing in initiatives that move DEI forward, according to a newly released report from JM Search’s Louis Montgomery. “Tasked with leading
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Salute Mission Critical
Baillie Parker of ON Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Louise Lopez as the new chief financial officer of Salute Mission Critical, an LLR company. Ms. Lopez joins the organization as part of its global growth and organizational development strategy. “Throughout her career, Ms. Lopez has demonstrated leadership in scaling enterprises while fostering leadership and business
Buffkin / Baker Seeks Director of Athletics for Middle Georgia State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has been called in to help find the next director of athletics for Middle Georgia State University (MGA) in Macon. The new AD search comes as the university is pursuing membership in the NCAA Division II and looks into the possibility of joining the Peach Bowl Conference. Leading the
A Look at Emerging Trends Affecting Leadership Teams Today
In 2023, the war for talent is accepted doctrine by boards and investors competing for human capital. The demands of new technologies, digital transformation, and trillions in capital funding have, for decades, outpaced the supply of capable leadership. Nowhere is this more true than among technology executives tasked with driving innovation from the C-suite, according
Nexus Search Partners Places Chief Diversity Officer for RAND Corp.
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has placed Rekha Chiruvolu as chief diversity officer for the non-profit Rand Corp., the Santa Monica, CA based research group. “We’re thrilled to have partnered with RAND Corp. to locate its next chief diversity officer,” said the search firm. “Rekha Chiruvolu joins the global
TurnkeyZRG Recruits Head Coach for Yale Men’s Golf Team
Following an extensive search, TurnkeyZRG has recruited Keith Tyburski as the men’s golf coach at Yale University in Connecticut. Colin Sheehan, who coached the team since 2008, stepped down from the role this spring to pursue other golf endeavors. “We conducted a national search to find a coach that will continue the strong legacy of Yale men’s
The Differences Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Can Make for Organizations Today
Realizing the advantages of diversity in the workplace can result in greater productivity, profitability, and team morale. It can also lead to a reduced rate of employee turnover for your business. Diverse workplaces employ people who represent a wide range of ages, races, backgrounds, languages spoken, sexual orientations, abilities (physical and mental), gender identities, and
N2Growth Acquires Spanish Search Boutique Blacksmith
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has expanded its operations in Spain with the appointment of Alberto Herrero as managing partner. Headquartered in Madrid, Mr. Herrero will be responsible for the firm’s operations in Spain and neighboring countries and will report directly to Kelli Vukelic, the firm’s chief executive officer. Mr. Herrero
Caldwell Revenues Fall 37.5 Percent
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q3 revenues of $25.9 million (Canadian), a 37.5 percent decrease from a year ago. The firm reported a “suppressed hiring environment” impacted business in its fiscal third quarter. “Our third quarter professional fees of $25.9 million represents a 21 percent sequential increase from our second quarter and our return to profitability,” said John Wallace, CEO.
Greenwich Harbor Partners Fills Board Seats for Teach For America Connecticut
Greenwich Harbor Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Aruna Hobbs, George Kollitides, Adrienne Parkmond, Robert Taylor, and Nicole Torraco as new members of the board of directors at Teach For America Connecticut. Ms. Hobbs has built investment based businesses for major Fortune 500 companies in pensions and DC markets, elevating them to ranks growing to
Talent Will Decide Who Wins in Today’s Tech Revolution
Technology has always been a major disruptor of business. Historically, innovations like electricity, the telephone, the typewriter, and of course computers have all resulted in work getting done more quickly and efficiently. In recent years, however, technological change has been faster and more expansive than ever before, reaching beyond just the tech giants and impacting
Cook Silverman Search Seeks Executive Director for Alliance for Girls
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has been enlisted to find an executive director for the non-profit Alliance for Girls (AFG), the nation’s largest association of girls’ organizations and school partners. Victoria L. Silverman, managing founder of the search firm, is leading the assignment. “Alliance for Girls seeks a dynamic, visionary, and strategic executive director to
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Leader of Israeli Office
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has named Cheli Nachman as partner in charge of its Tel Aviv, Israel office. She also becomes a partner in the technology practice. “Cheli is highly regarded both as a super-dedicated recruitment consultant and trusted advisor,” said Claire Skinner, regional leader, Europe and Africa. “She will provide clients with access to
Global Hiring Expectations Down for Q3
While temperatures in many countries are heating up, global hiring plans are cooling off heading into summer, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey of nearly 39,000 employers in 41 countries. The net employment outlook is negative four percent lower than this time last year suggesting that economic headwinds are starting to impact employers’
7 Key Trends Impacting Non-Profits
Having arrived at the halfway point of the year, the non-profit and social impact practice at Koya Partners | Diversified Search Group, recently pulled together some key trends they have been seeing. In a new report, managing directors Michelle Bonoan and Marissa Delgado and managing associate Tiara Muse identified seven key themes: 1.Continued Focus on Diversity,
Academic Career & Executive Search Places Dean of College of Arts and Sciences at Kansas State University
After a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has placed Chris Culbertson as the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Kansas State University (K-State). Dr. Culbertson, interim dean for nearly a year, has also served as a professor of chemistry and associate dean of research and graduate studies. He was
The LCap Group Takes Investment Stake in Altus Partners
The LCap Group, a strategic investor based in London, has acquired a stake in U.K.-based Altus Partners, a buy-side specialist executive search firm with 30 professionals focused on filling roles for investment, M&A, and finance leadership. The firm operates in several core areas of private equity, building out PE investment, finance, and investor relations teams, from analyst to partner level roles.
Unemployment Rate Drops Slightly as Fears of a Recession Continue to Loom
Employment rose by 209,000 in June as the U.S. unemployment rate dropped slightly to 3.6 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 6 million in June. Employment continued to trend up in government, health care, social assistance, and construction. Among the major worker groups, the
ON Partners Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Rent
ON Partners’ Jake Espenlaub and Tindall (Sewell) Hein recently placed Jeff Lautenbach as chief revenue officer of Atlanta-based Rent, a provider of marketing software and rental management solutions. With a track record in leadership roles across leading global software and service organizations, Mr. Lautenbach brings expertise and strategic vision to drive growth and market expansion. He has held several
The Prospect of a Recession Remains Murky
The Conference Board forecasts that weaknesses emerging in some parts of the economy will intensify and grow more diffuse over the coming months, leading to a recession. This outlook is associated with numerous factors, including, persistent inflation, Federal Reserve hawkishness, dampened bank lending amid the banking crisis, reduced government spending due to the debt ceiling deal,
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits Executive Director for the NFL Players Association
Russell Reynolds Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Lloyd Howell as the fourth executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). He will succeed DeMaurice Smith, who is serving in his last term as the organization’s leader. “We are excited to have Lloyd lead our union into its next chapter and succeed DeMaurice Smith, who
Enhancing CEO Succession Planning
Successful CEO succession planning is vital for the long-term sustainability and growth of an organization. Poor planning, however, continues to be a prevalent issue, leading to potential disruptions and instability in corporate leadership. There are reasons behind inadequate succession planning and potential solutions that corporate board members can implement to address this critical issue, says
Peña Search Seeks VP of HR for The Meadows Foundation
Peña Search has been retained by The Meadows Foundation to lead its search for a vice president of human resources. Travis Hillier and Cindy Maloney are leading the assignment. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of handling complex situations and multiple responsibilities simultaneously, balancing short–and–long–term planning and projects with the urgency of immediate demands. They should demonstrate the ability
Bespoke Partners Names Leader of Product and Technology Executive Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has appointed Ned Lanphier as partner and leader of its product and technology executive practice. “Since day one at Bespoke, Ned has displayed an unwavering commitment to deepen our expertise in technology executive recruiting and grow the business,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of Bespoke. “Ned brings unmatched understanding of
How Search Firms Can Help Their Clients Grow
As various pundits ruminate about the likelihood of a recession in 2023, executive search firms are already feeling the pinch, and many are seeing the industry stall when it comes to provocative thinking and creative problem-solving, according to Kelli Vukelic, CEO of N2Growth. “Executive search firms generally feel the recession first,” she said. “Tepid results
JM Search Recruits CEO for Elliott Aviation
Robert Sargent, Jim McGinley, and Bruce MacLane of JM Search have recruited Dan Edwards as president and chief executive officer of Elliott Aviation, a Moline, IL-based leader in developing and delivering quality aircraft solutions. “Dan is a strong communicator and team builder, bringing to Elliott Aviation a record of proven leadership and accomplishment,” said Bob Calton, co-managing partner of
Acertitude Recruits CFO for AIS Global
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited Mary Heitmann as the new chief financial officer of AIS Global (AISG) in Coeur d’Alene, ID. The search was completed by Acertitude’s industrial practice and co-led by Kevin O’Neill, co-founder and managing partner, and Dan Staats, principal. The search was completed in 85 days. “Mary’s blend of excellent financial expertise,
