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Accenture Signals the Rise of the ‘Agentic Deal’
Accenture’s latest report, The Dawn of the Agentic Deal, points to a clear turning point in M&A. Over the past decade, technology has largely been used to improve speed and efficiency, enhancing diligence, financial modeling, and integration planning. That advantage, however, is quickly becoming table stakes. What’s emerging now is structurally different. AI is no longer
Why Your Most Difficult Hire Isn’t the One You Think
Headline employment data and hiring activity paint an incomplete picture of today’s workforce landscape. Beneath the surface, shifting candidate expectations and constrained talent pipelines are creating challenges that aren’t immediately visible. If you lead talent strategy in the insurance sector, you are navigating one of the most deceptive hiring markets in recent memory, according 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,
The CFO Talent Shortage Is Reaching a Breaking Point
According to global talent advisor ZRG, the shortage of chief financial officers and their finance teams is reaching epic proportions as we head into another busy year of executive recruiting. With market complexity increasing, CFOs are in high demand, yet the supply of qualified candidates is dwindling. This shortage is being driven by a convergence of
TMG Search Canada Acquires VX Search Group
Acquisitions and consolidations continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. TMG Search Canada, a division of search firm The Mullings Group (TMG), recently acquired VX Search Group, an executive search firm located in Okanagan-Shuswap, Canada, servicing local communities across a diverse variety of industries. Financial terms of the deal
How One Search Firm is Adjusting to Today’s Market
Executive recruiters continue to point to sourcing top talent as one of the biggest challenges they face today. Finding the right candidates who possess the required skills, experience, and cultural fit is a major challenge for executive recruiters, according to Patrick Van Lijsebetten, managing director and CEO of Rialto Executive Search. He also points to
The Christopher Group Retained by the University of Chicago Medicine for CHRO Search
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
Reffett Associates Recruits President for the United States Army Historical Foundation
After a nationwide search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has assisted in the recruitment of U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Burt Thompson as the new president of the United States Army Historical Foundation (AHF) in Washington, D.C. Managing director Eric Reffett led the assignment. He succeeds Roger Schultz, who has led the foundation since 2015. Eric Shinseki, chairman of
Herbert Mines Associates Places First Chief Merchandising Officer for Bloomingdale’s
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has helped to place Denise Magid to the newly created role of chief merchandising officer for Bloomingdale’s. Ms. Magid, who is being promoted from her role as a general merchandising manager, will be charged with driving the strategic direction and performance of all of
HR Start-up Rippling Secures $500 Million in Funding
HR software start-up Rippling has raised $500 million in a new funding round initially intended to help customers make payroll in the aftermath of Silicon Valley Bank’s (SVB) collapse. The round, led by technology investor Greenoaks Capital, gave Rippling the same valuation of $11.25 billion it had clinched after its previous capital raise last year,
Fewer Board Appointments; Diversity Efforts Slowing on Boardrooms in 2022
There were fewer board appointments in 2022 compared to 2021 across almost the same number of boards: 414 non-executive director appointments made on Fortune 500 boards in 2022, compared to 449 in 2021, according to the 2023 Board Monitor report from Heidrick & Struggles. The study, which analyzed Fortune 500 board appointments including representation by gender, race/ethnicity, and
Diversified Search Group Recruits Chief Diversity Officer for SUNY
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Ricardo Nazario-Colón as senior vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer of the State University of New York (SUNY). Euris Belle, managing director, and Nancy Helfman, senior associate, led the assignment. “Diversity,
Developing an Effective Internal Mobility Strategy
Internal mobility is an important aspect of any organization’s human resources strategy. Also known as “career mobility” or “career progression,” it refers to the ability of employees to move within their organization to different roles or departments. This can include promotions, lateral moves, or even rotational assignments. The benefits of internal mobility extend to both
R. William Funk & Associates Recruits Dean for University of Louisville
R. William Funk & Associates has helped to recruit Dayna Touron as the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for the University of Louisville (UofL) in Kentucky. Dr. Touran is associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and psychology professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). She will begin her
H.I. Executive Consulting Names CIO and CTO Global Leader
Global search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC) has appointed Tony Leng as a managing partner and CIO and CTO global leader. He will be based in San Francisco. “We are very pleased to add a partner of Tony’s quality to our rapidly expanding technology and software team,” said Richard Brennan, global managing partner and practice lead,
How Employers and Candidates are Navigating the Search Industry
During the pandemic, it was demonstrated that the world was ready to adapt and allow professionals to work from anywhere in the world. “This represents a new challenge and growth opportunity for organizations (especially for the human resources industry), because now it is necessary to internationalize workforce and identify talent in different countries,” said the
NU Advisory Partners Launched by Former Russell Reynolds Recruiters
Executive search firm NU Advisory Partners has been launched by former Russell Reynolds Associates recruiters Mar Hernandez, Libby Naumes, Meredith Rosenberg, and Nada Usina. Ms. Hernandez joined Russell Reynolds in 2016 as a consultant in the financial services practice. She advises and recruits C-suite level executives for clients in global private wealth management, asset management, private equity, insurance, and
B. Riley Financial Acquires Corporate Division of Farber Group
Diversified financial services platform B. Riley Financial Inc. has acquired the corporate division of Farber Group, a Toronto-based restructuring and business advisory firm. Financial terms of deal were not included. “The Farber acquisition represents an exciting addition for B. Riley,” said Ian Ratner, co-CEO of B. Riley Advisory Services. “This is a world-class organization with whom
Spencer Stuart Retained by Tivity Health for CEO Search
Tivity Health, a Franklin, TN-based provider of healthy lifestyle solutions, including SilverSneakers, Prime Fitness, Burnalong, and WholeHealth Living, have called in Spencer Stuart to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Richard Ashworth is stepping down as CEO to pursue another opportunity. Stone Point Capital, which acquired Tivity Health last June, has launched an executive search
AMN Healthcare Leadership Seeks CHRO for Tanner Medical Center in Georgia
Executive recruitment firm AMN Healthcare Leadership is seeking a new senior vice president and CHRO for Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, GA . Amy Simonson, an experienced senior executive recruiter with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital and healthcare industry, is leading the search. The CHRO is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating human resource
Using Analytics for Executive Search
As the competition for highly skilled talent intensifies, companies are turning to big data and analytics to gain a competitive edge. With the help of these tools, businesses can now identify top candidates with precision and speed, reducing the time and resources required to fill executive-level positions. By measuring data on the success of previous
4 Reasons to Hire a CEO From a Different Domain
When people set their minds to something, it’s hard to change them. It’s true in life — and in executive search when a board determines the type of CEO they want to hire. “I see it often in the staffing industry where a company intently focuses on hiring leadership talent only from within their domain,”
Egon Zehnder Recruits CFO for the NFL
After an intensive executive search, leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder recently assisted in the recruitment of Christine Dorfler as the new chief financial officer of the National Football League. She replaces 31-year league veteran Joe Siclare, who served 11 years as CFO before taking on a more senior title in 2022. Ms. Dorfler joins the NFL as league and
The Lancer Group Recruits CEO in Residence of Symphony Incubator
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm The Lancer Group has recruited Eshwar Belani as CEO in residence of Symphony Incubator, a technology incubator set up to drive innovation and invest in solutions that infuse large markets with cutting-edge breakthroughs in AI and analytics. Symphony Incubator is the technology incubator arm of Symphony Technology Group (STG), a 14-year old private
Carrington & Carrington Seeks CHRO for Cook County Health
Carrington & Carrington Diversity Executive Search has been enlisted to find an associate chief human resources officer, talent management for Cook County Health (CCH), a safety net health system for low-income patients in the Chicago area. This executive leads the human resources/talent management team providing leadership and direction to support and advance the mission and goals
ZRG Partners Recruits CEO for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Foundation
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, recently placed David V. Trulio as the new CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Foundation. Managing director Diane Charness led the assignment. Mr. Trulio succeeds John Heubusch who is retiring after 14 years of leading the foundation. The appointment marks
Heidrick & Struggles to Acquire London-based businessfourzero
Chicago-headquartered executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has entered into an agreement to acquire businessfourzero, a London-headquartered consultancy specializing in developing and implementing purpose-driven change. “This acquisition will not only deepen Heidrick & Struggles’ existing set of leadership advisory and industry-leading culture and organization solutions, but also accelerate the company’s
Slone Partners Recruits CEO for ONI
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has recruited Paul Scagnetti as CEO of biotechnology company ONI. He succeeds founding CEO Bo Jing, who will remain with ONI as a key contributor in product development to help inspire ONI’s next innovations. “Paul Scagnetti is a tremendously experienced, driven, passionate business leader and visionary with both the strategic and tactical
Renovata & Company Recruits CFO for Cinch Home Services
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has placed Heather Williams Avior as chief financial officer of Cinch Home Services. The search was led by partner Mannie Gill and principal Tom Dunn. “Heather has more than 25 years of entrepreneurial and executive experience leading finance, legal, operations, and corporate development for
TurningPoint Executive Search Launches HR Solutions Practice
TurningPoint Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Jennifer Pikoos to launch new human resources solutions practice. “Having partnered with her for more than four years as a client, we are thrilled to have Jennifer join the TurningPoint team,” said Ken Schmitt, founder and CEO. “We have seen first-hand how her incredible work ethic and
Knowing the Differences Between Retained and Contingency Executive Search Firms
What’s the difference between contingency and retained executive search firms and what makes the most sense for your needs? If you’re on the hunt for an executive search firm to help fill a key role in your organization (or have hired one in the past), you probably have spent quite a bit of time trying
Finding and Keeping Top Tech Talent
Candidates today are asking more questions about the financial stability of companies as well as about their growth strategy. With the recent waves of layoffs and downsizings, candidates, especially passive job seekers, want to be assured they are going to a company that is stable and they can grow with, according to Chris Beckage, vice
Artico Search Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for AMCS
As business becomes more complex and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging — and much more influential. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor of Artico Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Angela Schmidt as the new chief marketing officer of AMCS. Ms.
JDG Associates Seeks CFO for Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been enlisted to help find a chief financial officer for the Washington, D.C.-based Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), which manages the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a retirement plan available to federal employees and members of the armed services. FRTIB’s chief financial officer serves as an expert and
Fusion Consulting Group Acquires FDU Group
London-based professional services firm Fusion Consulting Group has entered the recruiting industry with the acquisition of FDU Group, an established international executive search and recruitment firm dedicated to finance, business, and operations sectors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Mitch Young and Adam Maurice formed Fusion Consulting in 2015 to cater to the
