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Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
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.
Myers McRae Leading CFO Search for Florida A&M
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting is currently leading the senior vice president and vice president for finance and administration and CFO search for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Senior consultant J. Barry Hasenkopf is leading the assignment. This executive position will serve as a key strategic advisor to the president and board of trustees
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?
Wilton & Bain Names Co-Leaders of North America
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has appointed partners Sam Wallace and Hannah Robb as co-leads of North America as the firm increases its focus and investment in the region. “Success in North America is the key strategic pillar in Wilton & Bain’s growth ambitions,” said David Heron, CEO. “I am delighted
The Talent Gap Behind the Next Organizational Shift
McKinsey’s The State of Organizations 2026 identifies three “tectonic forces” reshaping companies: technology disruption, economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and fundamental workforce shifts. Drawing on more than 10,000 leaders across 16 countries and 17 industries, including more than 3,000 U.S. respondents, the report finds organizational priorities shifting from short-term resilience toward sustained productivity, performance, and long-term value creation.
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Kairos Power
Partners Chris Clements and Cher Murphy of ON Partners have recruited Ignacio (Nacho) Redondo as chief financial officer of Kairos Power, marking an important step as the company builds the financial infrastructure to support its continued growth and expansion. “Nacho Redondo brings the experience, leadership, and financial expertise that Kairos Power needs as we enter this next phase of
The Rise of the Chief Growth Officer
The chief growth officer is rapidly emerging as one of the most discussed executive roles in today’s C-suite, yet adoption of the position remains surprisingly limited. This paradox highlights a critical shift in how modern organizations approach revenue generation and leadership accountability, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at
Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for the National Association for Interpretation
Cooper Coleman LLC has assisted in the recruitment of Karon Moody Harden as chief executive officer of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). She officially began her tenure on November 2, following a national search conducted by Cooper Coleman in partnership with NAI’s board of directors. “Throughout the search, we were looking for a leader who
Odgers Strengthens Global Financial Services Practice
Odgers has announced two strategic leadership appointments that further strengthen its global financial services practice. Charles F. Preusse, managing partner and chair of U.S. financial services, has been named executive director on the board of Odgers USA, while Kevin C. McKeon, managing partner and head of U.S. financial services, has been named co-head of the global
Local Vs. Global Leadership: Trends Shaping Executive Hiring
Executive hiring continues to evolve as organizations respond to increasingly interconnected markets, changing workforce expectations and rapid technological advancements. Building effective leadership teams requires a careful balance between global perspective and local understanding, ensuring that senior executives can respond to complexity, support sustainable growth and lead confidently across diverse business environments. The Kestria Global Leadership Barometer
U.S. Economy Adds 165,000 Jobs in October as Unemployment Rate Edges Down to 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 165,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment increased in professional and business services, in healthcare, and in transportation and warehousing. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates showed little or no change in October
Russell Reynolds Associates Assists the University at Buffalo in Recruiting 16th President
Following an international search, global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Caroline Attardo Genco as the 16th president of the University at Buffalo (UB). She succeeds Satish K. Tripathi, who is stepped down after 15 years of distinguished service as UB’s president. Jett Pihakis, Steve Newton, and Joi Hayes-Scott led
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
How Talent Diligence is Becoming a Priority for Private Equity Firms
Private equity firms are facing growing pressure to reduce execution risk as holding periods lengthen and operational performance becomes more critical to investment outcomes. In response, investors are placing greater emphasis on leadership evaluation earlier in the deal process, recognizing that management capability can have a direct impact on value creation, speed to scale, and
Jensen Partners Opens New Office in Austin
Jensen Partners, a women-owned executive search and corporate advisory firm that enables data-driven talent solutions for the asset management industry, has opened a new office in Austin, TX, and named Stacy Schiffman as managing director of distribution and leader of the new location. “Stacy’s role in Austin is the latest step towards enhancing our firm’s commitment to maintaining a strategic presence
How Artificial Intelligence is Affecting Private Equity
By now, everyone’s heard both ample hype and ample skepticism around the topic of AI, as well as predictions for how it will either jump-start or ruin our economy (or both), with plenty of sector-specific considerations, many of which are all equally speculative. What is clear is that AI is a hot topic and one
Options Group Acquires Dubai-Based Octavian Partners
Options Group has acquired Octavian Partners, an executive search firm based in Dubai and focused on financial services in frontier, emerging and developed markets across the U.K., Middle East and Asia. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We always believed that a global perspective with a local footprint was the right approach for us
Lochlin Partners Recruits General Counsel for National Audubon Society
Legal recruiting continues to be a hot area for search firms. Lawyers employed by government agencies in particular have been on the move in recent months. Demand for legal work is expected to be robust as individuals, businesses, and all levels of government require legal services in the U.S. and internationally. Executive search firm Lochlin Partners recently assisted in
SPMB Executive Search Places CEO for Dremio
SPMB Executive Search, which helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has assisted in the placement of Sendur Sellakumar as chief executive officer of data platform Dremio in Santa Clara, CA. Leading the assignment were managing partner Kevin Barry and partner Dean Nacey. “From all of us at SPMB, it was a pleasure to partner
6 Steps for Creating an Inclusive Workplace Culture
The culture around us influences everything we do. On a global scale, it influences the food we eat, the languages we speak, and the social norms that are expected. On a smaller scale, the culture of a company can speak volumes to its mission, values, and ideals. Even though culture is all around us, even
Isaacson, Miller Seeks President for Michigan State University
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller, which serves mission-driven organizations has been enlisted to find the next president for Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing. Leading the assignment are John Isaacson, the search firm’s chair; Joanna Cook, managing associate; and Debbie Scheibler, senior associate. MSU has seen three presidents depart over the last five years, the most
Acertitude Places New Leader for SLV Lighting Group in Germany
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited Mark Körner as chair of the management board (chief executive officer) of Düsseldorf, Germany-based SLV Lighting Group (SLV), a European leader in the lighting industry backed by private investment house Ardian. Michael Klingler, a partner and leader within Acertitude’s global healthcare and life sciences practice, led the assignment. Mr. Körner
The Evolution of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Executive Search
Over the past few years, every aspect of the business world has been touched by the growth of the diversity, equity, and inclusion field. As organizations attempt to move towards more expansive definitions of belonging and culture, finding the right leaders is critical for shaping the future, according to Ruben Moreno, HR practice lead for Blue
Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for Tivity Health
Spencer Stuart has placed Hill Ferguson as the new president and chief executive officer of Tivity Health, a Franklin, TN-based provider of healthy lifestyle solutions, including SilverSneakers, Prime Fitness, Burnalong, and WholeHealth Living. Richard Ashworth recently stepped down to pursue another opportunity. Stone Point Capital, which acquired Tivity Health in 2022, was seeking a leader to sustain Tivity
Anthem Executive Recruits Provost for Western Oregon University
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Jose Coll as the new provost and vice president of academic affairs of Western Oregon University. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. “Dr. Coll’s experiences in higher education leadership have prepared him perfectly to take the helm as provost at Western,” said Jesse Peters, president of
In Changing Times, Higher Education Sector Seeks New Types of Leaders
Recruiting senior leaders in the higher education sector has become a dynamic and evolving process. As universities face numerous challenges, including financial constraints, enrollment declines, and the need to prioritize diversity and inclusion, the demand for visionary and transformational leaders has never been higher. In recent years, the higher education sector has witnessed a significant
How to Maintain Remote Employee Engagement
Studies show that the last three years have brought the biggest workplace shift since the industrial revolution, as pandemic lockdowns put hybrid and remote work options in place for many. With some corporate leaders wanting staff back in the office while others are convinced of the benefits of working from home (WFH, also referred to
AMN Healthcare Leadership Recruits CHRO for Tanner Medical Center
CHROs have become critical stakeholders in defining the strategy of a company. Their job description calls for them to tackle the HR challenges and evolving expectations of a dynamic workplace environment that will consist of constant change, calculated risk-taking, and evolving expectations from top stakeholders. Those well-equipped to achieve the greatest success will have diverse
A Look at the High Demand for Top CFOs for Private Equity Firms
In times of volatility, financial stability becomes an understated hallmark of business success. Private equity firms have, appropriately, responded to the severe macroeconomic challenges of recent years with caution, making unprecedented pullbacks in investment and reaching record levels of dry powder, according to a new report from Slayton Search Partners’ Dan Dunn. “Today’s firms are steadying their balance sheets
ON Partners Recruits Chief Legal Officer for Meta Materials
Mike Lynch of ON Partners has recruited Daniel Eaton as chief legal officer of Meta Materials in Halifax, Nova Scotia. “As we stand on the cusp of significant product launches and continue to engage with new partners and suppliers, Dan’s diverse background will offer important strategic support at the executive and board level,” said George Palikaras, president and
WittKieffer Recruits CEO for March of Dimes
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has recruited Elizabeth Cherot as the new president and chief executive officer of non-profit March of Dimes, which supports the health of mothers and babies. The search was led by consultants Jim King, Donna Padilla, Christine Pendleton, and John Fazekas. As March of Dimes’ first physician leader, Dr. Cherot is responsible for the development and implementation of
Why Search Firms, and Their Clients, are Embracing Interim Talent
Business trend studies come and go, but you can be certain that executive search firm leaders everywhere sat up a bit straighter when they came upon the findings of this spring’s Business Talent Group (BTG) report on “high-end independent talent,” also known as on-demand or interim talent. Since last year, said the study, the need
Herbert Mines Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Claire’s Holdings
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has helped to recruit Claudia Lima-Guinehut as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of Claire’s Holdings in Hoffman Estates, IL. “Our product takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary for our consumers every day, and we are thrilled that Claudia is joining the
Work&Partners Recruits Chief Claims Officer for AIG Japan
New York-based Work&Partners has recruited Farhad Farshad as chief claims officer for AIG Japan. Founder and president Alan Work led the assignment. “Farhad brought a unique blend of the business side of the insurance world, coupled with his consulting experience and transformation background to this opportunity,” said Mr. Work. “In addition, being fluent in three languages
A Look at Leadership in Today’s Workforce and What Trends Lie Ahead
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, effective leadership is not a static concept. It must continually adapt, be situational, and embrace emerging trends to drive organizational success. As we navigate the ever-changing workplace dynamics, a new report from DHR Global says it is essential to stay informed about the latest leadership trends that can shape
Diversified Search Group Places General Counsel for Veralto Corp.
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has placed Sylvia A. Stein as the new senior vice president and general counsel for Veralto Corp., a company being spun off by Washington, D.C.-based Danaher Corp. Veralto will be formed from Danaher’s Environmental and Applied Solutions segment, a provider of water
Korn Ferry Appoints Senior Leaders
Korn Ferry has named Jeanne MacDonald as chief executive officer, Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) and Mathias Herzog will assume leadership of the firm’s digital solution. “Jeanne and Mathias are proven executives, and we are thrilled to have people of their caliber lead these offerings,” said Gary D. Burnison, CEO of Korn Ferry. “Jeanne is the
Predicting Future Behavior And Avoiding Costly Hiring Mistakes
Recruiting the right top talent is one of the biggest challenges in business today. Recruiters say that regardless of the ups or downs of the economy or changes in the workplace environment due to cultural trends or a worldwide pandemic, finding, hiring, and onboarding the people who will positively contribute to your team for the
Coulter Partners Places Two Leaders for Dalriada
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has assisted in the recruitment of two key leaders for Dalriada in Mississauga, Ontario. Adam Davenport joins the small molecule drug discovery company as chief research and development officer, and Frosty Loechel signs on as senior vice president biology, discovery strategy group. Both individuals previously worked for Hamburg, Germany-headquartered life science
IMSA Search Global Partners Adds New Member Firm in Denmark
Executive recruiters are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet the demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Executive search network IMSA Search Global Partners has added Nordic Headhunting as IMSA Denmark
Top 5 Trends Impacting Senior Leaders Half Way Through 2023
Organizations around the world are facing historic disruption that hasn’t been seen in generations. With continuous shifts in the economic and employment outlook, the rapid rise of technological advancements, and other unprecedented factors that are helping to define today’s workplaces, it’s imperative that organizations grasp these trends and harness them to their advantage. “As we enter
Kincannon & Reed Recruits VP of HR for Highline Mushrooms
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, recently placed Brian McCarthy as vice president of human resources of organic mushroom grower Highline Mushrooms in Leamington, Ontario. The assignment was led by managing partners Janet Wightman and John Wright. With more than two decades of experience as an
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
