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Alexander Hughes Names Heads of Global Defense Practice
Alexander Hughes has named Norbert Alix-Buguet as head of its global defense practice. Jean-Brice Le Gayic was also named co‑head of the practice. “The unique added value of this duo lies in their ability to gain an in‑depth understanding of the strategic and operational challenges of such a demanding sector as defense, and to support their clients
Executive Search Continues Its Confident Climb As Transformation Takes Center Stage
The executive search industry entered 2026 from a position of strength. According to Hunt Scanlon, fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. / Americas – the global talent sector’s largest and most dominant region – jumped 11 percent last year, topping out at $6.69 billion. Seventy-five percent of search firms
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.
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
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?
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
From Experimentation to Infrastructure: How AI is Redefining Executive Search
What was once considered “experimental” technology (AI-powered sourcing, workflow automation, and predictive analytics) has quickly become foundational, according to a recent Cluen survey. It found that a majority of firms are not only adopting these tools but reshaping entire business models around them. Yet with maturity comes new challenges. How do you balance speed with
PierceGray Seeks Chief Procurement Officer for Cornerstone Chemical
PierceGray has been retained by Cornerstone Chemical to lead its search for a chief procurement officer. Director Vince Sanchez is leading the assignment. To support the professionalization of their procurement function, Cornerstone is seeking to hire a chief procurement officer with global responsibility for $600 million in spend across all external vendor spend and internal procurement
Penrhyn International Adds New Member Firm in Germany
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. Global executive search consortium Penrhyn International has added expertalis in Germany as its
TurnkeyZRG Assists Big Ten Conference in Recruiting Seventh Commissioner
Following an extensive national search, TurnkeyZRG has assisted in the recruitment of Tony Petitti as the seventh commissioner of the Big Ten Conference. He will begin his tenure on May 15. He replaces Kevin Warren, who is becoming president and CEO of the Chicago Bears. TurnkeyZRG conducted a comprehensive and inclusive recruitment process that delivered a diverse
The Christopher Group Recruits EVP of People, Culture, and Engagement for Myriad360
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has placed Monica Mehta as the new executive vice president of people, culture, and engagement of Myriad360, a company that delivers industry-leading technology solutions to transform and secure their clients’ IT strategy, infrastructure, and business partnership. President and managing director Nat Schiffer and managing director
Ivy Group Seeks Executive Director for Altruvest Charitable Services
Toronto-based executive search firm Ivy Group has been enlisted to find an executive director for Altruvest Charitable Services, which matches and trains qualified leaders for critical board positions within local charities. Founding partner Catherine Graham is leading the assignment for the search firm. Working closely with the board, the executive director is responsible for realizing
Russell Reynolds Associates Adds Veteran Search Consultants
Leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA) has expanded with the additions of Alison P. Ranney and Theodore Dysart who have joined the firm as managing directors. Both are based in Chicago. Ms. Ranney and Mr. Dysart bring nearly five decades of combined experience advising CEOs and boards and leading director and senior executive searches across the
ChatGPT’s Future in Recruitment
Overall, artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for recruiters looking to streamline their recruitment process, find the best candidates for their job openings, and increase their efficiency and effectiveness. Yet it still has its shortcomings. “Right now as a recruiter, the utility of ChatGPT to identify and source potential candidates is very limited
Interpreting Pitchbook’s M&A Report for Human Capital Investing
Despite harsh macroeconomic headwinds that persisted most of last year, above average deal flows persisted in 2022. But, according to the latest research from Pitchbook, it was a marked slowdown in activity from 2021, a record shattering year for M&A. What threw markets off course? According to Jinny Choi, a PE analyst at Pitchbook, staggering inflation
Odgers Berndtson Appoints CEO
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has named Kennon Kincaid as its new CEO for its U.S. business, succeeding Steve Potter, who has held the position for the past 12 years. Mr. Potter, who will remain an active board member, has grown the firm to become No. 12 on the Hunt Scanlon Top 50 Recruiters ranking in the U.S.
Academic Search Seeks President for Texas Wesleyan University
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search is seeking the 21st president for Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, TX. The next president will have the opportunity to lead this liberal arts university to its next level of success through a continued commitment to student-centered achievement; academic rigor; diversity, equity, and inclusion; community engagement; financial discipline; and the passionate
Cooper Coleman Seeks Strategic Partnerships Officer for Proteus Fund
Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has been enlisted to find a strategic partnerships officer for the RISE Together Fund (RTF), an initiative of Proteus Fund, a public foundation that works to advance democracy, human rights, and peace, in New York City. The assignment is being led by executive search consultant Paul Towne. “Ongoing violence and discrimination
DHR Global Names Leader of Las Vegas Market
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has named Andrea Bricca as managing partner and leader of the Las Vegas, NV market. The firm notes that her appointment adds another market to its continually growing presence throughout the country and the globe. “We’re excited to continue to grow our reach across more than 50 markets with our latest expansion into Las Vegas,”
Organizations Face Heightened Need for Interim Leadership
Despite slow, sometimes halted, hiring and frequent budget tightening amid global economic uncertainty, an acute need remains for high-end independent talent—also known as on-demand talent with skills to pivot adeptly in today’s increasingly competitive business environment. In its sixth annual High-End Independent Talent Report, Business Talent Group (BTG), a Heidrick & Struggles company and talent marketplace for
AGB Search Assists Ohio University in Finding New President
Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Lori Stewart Gonzalez as the 23rd president of Ohio University. She replaces Hugh Sherman, who agreed to serve a two-year term with plans to retire at the end of this academic year. Sally Mason, Larry Ladd, and Garry W. Owens led the
ON Partners Recruits CIO for STACK Infrastructure
Seth Harris and Tim Conti of ON Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of experienced data center industry professional Ravi Thota as the new chief information officer for STACK Infrastructure in Denver, CO. “Ravi has a proven history of delivering innovation and leading IT implementation and integration across global IT infrastructure and systems,” said Brian Cox, CEO of STACK Americas.
RevelOne Places Chief Marketing Officer for Incredible Health
Greenwood Village, CO-based executive search firm RevelOne recently assisted in the recruitment of Peter Scherr as the new chief marketing officer for Incredible Health, a hiring platform that connects health systems with job-seeking nurses. He joins the company from Pagaya, a financial technology company, where he oversaw global marketing, design, and public relations functions. The
The Taplow Group Expands to Bulgaria
Global recruiting consortium The Taplow Group has expanded to Sofia, Bulgaria with the addition of Top Skills Recruitment as its newest member firm. The new location further strengthens the firm’s global presence and expands its ability to serve clients in the region. With Eli Stoyneva and Dimitar Kalev as joint managing partners, The Taplow Group, Bulgaria, will
Breaking the Boardroom Glass Ceiling
For far too long, leadership positions have been less accessible for women than their male peers. This has resulted in frustrating gender imbalances across organizations’ top ranks globally—seven percent of the world’s largest companies still have all-male boards, and only 10 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs are women. But despite longstanding barriers, female leadership is
The Evolving Role of the Chief Risk Officer
In the aftermath of the NPA (non-performing asset) blowout, the stress across key financial institutions both in the public and private sector and the potential of a contagion effect, the burning need for stringent risk management practices emerged as a top priority for financial institutions including NBFCs (non-banking financial companies). Therefore, it came as no
WittKieffer Seeks President for Manhattan College
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has been selected to find the next president for Manhattan College in New York. The assignment is being led by Robin Mamlet, Amy Crutchfield, and Jeff Compher. “Manhattan’s 21st president will have a significant leadership opportunity to imagine, develop, and execute an ambitious plan for an even brighter future for the college,” said
Cowen Partners Launches Proprietary Personality Assessment
Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search has launched a proprietary personality assessment measuring behavioral, motivational, and thinking style assessments (DISC, motivators, and critical thinking) in one applicable tool. The firm’s personality assessment report offers insight into: the individual’s behavioral and communication tendencies; what can drive action toward, away, or against others, based on values; how an individual’s
Shifting Trends in Technology Recruitment
Executive recruiting is a critical aspect of any industry, and the tech sector is no exception. As the demand for talented leaders in the tech industry continues to grow, executive recruitment has become increasingly competitive and sophisticated. In recent years, big tech companies have dominated the executive recruitment scene, luring top talent with generous compensation
Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 3.5 Percent
Employment rose by 236,000 in March as the U.S. unemployment rate stands at 3.5 percent, according to today’s U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons is 5.8 million in March. Employment continued to trend up in leisure and hospitality, government, professional and business services, and healthcare. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment
Caldwell Recruits CFO for Big Box Outlet Store
Adam Cotterall, Maryse Robichaud, and Christiana Chan of Toronto-based Caldwell recently recruited Mohammed Mahabub as the new chief financial officer of Big Box Outlet Store. Mr. Mahabub is a seasoned senior finance executive and leader. He has over 25 years of finance and operations experience concentrated in the retail, technology and tourism industries. Mr. Mahabub spent 12
Kincannon & Reed Recruits CEO for Top Ag
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, recently placed Jeff Hendricks as the new CEO of Southwestern Illinois cooperative Top Ag. “A strategic thinker with demonstrated success, Jeff is a proven leader that welcomes accountability,” said Jim Gerardot, managing partner at Kincannon & Reed. “Jeff
Vaco Appoints President
Brentwood, TN-headquartered recruiting firm Vaco has appointed Kevin Witt as president. Mr. Witt joined Vaco in 2004 from his previous role as a senior manager in Ernst & Young’s tax consulting practice. He has held a variety of leadership positions throughout the nearly 20 years he has been with Vaco. Mr. Witt most recently was chief
Creating a New Paradigm for the Work World
Smooch Repovich Rosenberg believes that we are at a pivotal point in which leaders at organizations everywhere can help change the world when it comes to inclusivity and corporate culture. These late-to post-pandemic days hold a rare opportunity, she says, for senior-most executives to effect change on a grand scale, and what’s more, improve their
A Look Inside the Evolving Roles of Top Security Executives
The roles of the chief security officer and chief information security officer have evolved significantly over the decades and require these operators to be adept and agile as they navigate a world of mass digitization and increased regularity of cyber attacks. Rife with tumultuous economic markets with proclivities toward uncertainty, information technology and online security
Greenwood Asher & Associates Retained by the University of the District of Columbia to Find New Leader
The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) has chosen Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Ronald Mason will step down from his position at the end of June. Marion Frenche, search manager/practice leader of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and senior
Chartwell Partners Assists Dieterich Bank with CEO Search
Executive search firm Chartwell Partners has assisted in the placement of Jason Semple as the new CEO of Dieterich Bank, effective May 1. He succeeds Chuck Deters who is retiring after 15 years with the bank. “Chartwell’s financial services team was pleased to partner with the board of directors on this CEO succession project,” the firm
ZRG Partners Names New Practice Group Leaders
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has appointed three new practice group leaders in their executive search business. Samantha Foster, Davonne Helmer, and Richard Dowd have been tapped to step up to leadership roles in their major practice groups.







