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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
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.
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
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?
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
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
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
Hunt Scanlon Reports Executive Recruiting Sector Grew 11 Percent
Executive recruiters entered 2026 from a position of strength, according to Hunt Scanlon, as the media, intelligence, and M&A advisory firm released its annual rankings of executive search firms. “Growth is once again the predominant narrative for the recruiting sector,” said CEO Scott A. Scanlon. “But the real story is the ‘Big Shift’ – the
PE Firm Trivest Sells Workforce Solutions Provider PeopleShare
Trivest Partners LP, a private equity firm focused on investing in founder and family-owned businesses, announced that Trivest Fund V, along with PeopleShare co-founders Dave Donald and Ryan Clark and its employee shareholders, have completed the sale of its portfolio company PeopleShare to PROMAN, the U.S. based subsidiary of Groupe PROMAN. Financial terms of the
Cracking The Code For Talent: Why Leadership Decisions Are Now Tied To Capital Efficient Growth
Despite a drop-off in deal-flow last year, all signs indicate that the tight market for seasoned talent in the private equity sector will continue for the foreseeable future. And with that, experienced leaders will continue to command premium compensation packages. All good news, right? In a sense, the PE sector could almost be viewed as
McCormack+Kristel Seeks Executive Director for Alaska-Based Identity Inc.
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has been enlisted to find an executive director for Anchorage, AK-based Identity Inc. The non-profit works to advance Alaska’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, two-spirited + communities through advocacy, education, healthcare, and connectivity. Search consultants Zaria Davis and Bryan Epps are leading the assignment. The executive director is responsible for the
Russell Reynolds Associates Assists Penn State With Provost Search
Following a national search, Russell Reynolds Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Schwartz as Pennsylvania State University’s permanent executive vice president and provost. During the search Dr. Schwartz held the position on an interim basis. “Justin is the right person to lead our academic enterprise to new levels of success, and I am thrilled
Development Guild DDI Seeks Chief Development Officer for United South End Settlements
Non-profit specialist recruitment firm Development Guild DDI was recently selected to find a chief development officer for United South End Settlements (USES). The chief development officer will be expected to build on the organization’s success of more than doubling the annual fundraising program and lead USES’ fundraising, donor relations, marketing, and communications. USES is embarking into a
McDermott + Bull Adds Advisor to Help Lead Expansion in Germany
McDermott + Bull recently expanded with the addition of Hans Matthijsse as an advisory board member in Europe with a focus on the consumer brands, retail, and hospitality industries. His primarily focus is to serve the German market, playing a leading role in expanding the firm’s footprint and services across the region. “We are thrilled
Building a Thriving Company Culture in a Work-From-Home World
In a WFH (work from home) world, creating an engaging company culture can be challenging. Many questions arise: How does one lead a team effectively without seeing them every day? How do you retain top talent? How do you hold people accountable in a WFH setting? But there’s one question that Tim Gardner of Teamalytics
Harris Search Associates Seeks CHRO for Cuyahoga Community College
Dublin, OH-based executive recruitment firm Harris Search Associates has been enlisted to find the next vice president and chief human resources officer for Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in Northeast Ohio. Managing partner Jeffrey G. Harris is leading the assignment. “Tri-C seeks a collaborative and visionary leader with the experience and ability to intentionally and proactively guide
ZRG Partners Recruits CEO for Zennify
Todd Wesson of ZRG Partners recently recruited Chris Conant as the new CEO of Zennify, a Salesforce and nCino consultancy specializing in financial services. “We founded Zennify in 2013 on the conviction that people could solve any major challenge with the right data and technology,” said Manvir Sandhu, Zennify co-founder and the company’s new chief innovation officer.
Hatch Henderson Fivel Launched to Serve Legal Sector
Legal recruiters Dan Hatch, Jennifer Henderson, and Michelle Fivel have launched Hatch Henderson Fivel (HHF), a legal search firm with a presence in both California and New York. The firm is focused on helping lawyers find their career paths while also helping law firms find the best legal talent for their unique needs. With over
Cornerstone International Group Adds New Member Firm in Montreal
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has expanded into Montreal with the addition of DERGEL Executive Search. The firm is led by managing partner Samuel Dergel. “This new addition to our growing network of offices reflects our continued commitment to providing exceptional executive search and recruitment services to our clients
7 Ways to Jumpstart Your Diversity Recruiting Strategy
With recent, rising pressure from social justice movements; greater media attention; and growing scrutiny by the public, organizations are greater paying attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce. Data from HBR shows that having exemplary diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and inclusive leadership significantly enhances team productivity and company performance. While business leaders are
TurnkeyZRG Seeks Head Men’s Golf Coach for Yale
TurnkeyZRG has been retained by Yale University to lead its search for a new head men’s golf coach. The incoming coach will develop a varsity program within the parameters of the structure and regulations of the Ivy League, the NCAA, and the university. They will develop and determine the recruitment program for and final selection of
JDG Associates Seeks Chief Human Capital Officer for USAID
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been enlisted to find a chief human capital officer (CHCO) for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) the lead federal agency for development and humanitarian assistance around the world. Based in Washington, D.C., the chief human capital officer, a senior executive service position, serves as the director
Slone Partners Expands Search Team
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has expanded with the addition of Kate Portland as vice president of client partnerships. “Kate Portland is an accomplished and highly respected executive talent recruiter and client development specialist with an impressive track record of success over more than 20 years,” said Leslie Loveless, CEO. “With her vast experience formulating and executing high-level
Perrett Laver Appoints New Leadership Team
International executive search firm Perrett Laver has appointed a new global leadership team to steer the company through its next phase of growth. Arabella Chichester, Sinead Gibney, and Tom Weinberg will take over from co-founders Dan Perrett and Simon Laver, who after 20 years will transition to non-executive roles in the employee-owned company. Ms. Chichester and Dr. Gibney will be
How to Attract, Build, Retain & Engage Your Workforce Today
The COVID-19 crisis changed the world of work in many ways. And though it caused significant hardship, it also had some silver linings. “The greatest has been the increase in workplace flexibility including the expansion and acceptance of hybrid and remote work,” said JM Search’s Louis Montgomery. “This change has provided individuals and organizations much
6 Critical Skills for Senior Leaders
The most important factor for team success is cultivating a psychologically safe work environment where everyone feels comfortable showing up as their authentic selves. This means practicing the C-suite skills that matter most to enhance and improve your workplace culture. So how do we get there? For decades, “soft skills” weren’t considered essential for leaders to climb the
ON Partners Recruits COO/ CFO for Meta Materials
After a rigorous search, Mike Lynch of ON Partners has recruited Uzi Sasson as chief operating officer and chief financial officer for Meta Materials in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He replaces current CFO and COO Ken Rice, who is retiring. “We are excited to welcome Uzi to the executive leadership team,” said George Palikaras, president and CEO
The Moran Company Seeks New Leader for Texas Counseling Association
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been enlisted to find a new CEO for the Texas Counseling Association (TCA) in Austin. Senior search consultant Jon Rosell is leading the assignment. The search firm is looking for an energetic, experienced, and highly skilled leader to work collaboratively with the
HireVue Acquires Modern Hire
HireVue, a global provider of video interviewing, assessments, and text-enabled recruiting solutions, has acquired recruiting platform Modern Hire. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “HireVue’s mission is to change lives by connecting talent to opportunities,” said Anthony Reynolds, CEO of HireVue. “The acquisition of Modern Hire will enable us to continue to push
Nexus Search Partners Enters the Search Industry Built on Four Pillars for Success
When looking to fill an executive role, finding a value-aligned candidate is vital to your company’s future. Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, was launched last year by Thaddeus Jones with this in mind. “At Nexus Search Partners, our team is reimagining the executive search process built on four
3 Reasons For Job Seekers to Work with a Recruiter
Whether you’ve been recently laid off or you’ve finally decided that you need to leave your current company, the idea of launching a job search can seem daunting. Between sending out countless resumes, dealing with constant rejections, preparing for interviews, and struggling through salary negotiations, it’s no wonder that so many people put off job
N2Growth Recruits CHRO of EnerSys
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has placed Shannon Thomas as the new chief human resources officer of EnerSys, a global provider of stored energy solutions for industrial applications. Ms. Thomas succeeds Ted Fries, who announced his retirement after 26 years of service. Jessica Toth, senior director at N2Growth, led the assignment. “We are thrilled
The Christopher Group Recruits HR Leader for Adapt Community Network
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has recruited Tricia Singh as the new senior vice president of human resources for New York City-based non-profit Adapt Community Network. Managing director Pam Noble and recruiting director Carrie Longmire led the search. “It was a great experience partnering with Adapt, the largest non-profit organization in
Artico Search Fills Board Position for Payoneer
Recruiting for boards of directors, considered the backbones of organizations, has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. In one recent assignment, Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor of Artico Search placed Sharda Caro Del Castillo as a new member of the
As Investors Retreat, Healthcare/Life Sciences Sector Stays Resilient
Healthcare and life science organizations are facing an increasingly complex landscape, with rapid technological advancements, changing regulatory environments, and heightened public scrutiny. As a result, these companies have been turning to executive search firms more than ever to land world-class leadership. The most pressing challenge has been finding high-impact, innovative leaders who can navigate this
Carrington & Carrington Retained by Safer Foundation to Lead CFO Search
Carrington & Carrington Diversity Executive Search has been selected by the Safer Foundation to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. The CFO is responsible for all budgeting, financial accounting, financial and asset controls, purchasing, collections, payables, investments, financial analysis, the financial aspects of business planning, and a variety of administrative functions. This
CarterBaldwin Executive Search Places General Counsel for Pepperdine University
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Thomas H. Knudsen as general counsel at Pepperdine University. Mr. Knudsen, who most recently served as general counsel for California Lutheran University, had previously been with Pepperdine for nearly 15 years. He also received his bachelor’s degree from the Malibu, CA-based institution. “During his tenure at
WittKieffer Names Leader of Life Sciences Practice
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has appointed Nils Hopmann as global leader for life sciences and managing partner, WittKieffer International. He assumes leadership of the life sciences practice from Morten Nielsen, senior partner and member of WittKieffer’s board of directors, who continues to serve clients in the sector. “Nils has an impeccable reputation as someone who understands leadership and how
Kestria Adds New Member Firm in Switzerland
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has added Zurich-based executive search firm Viavanta as its newest member firm. “We are thrilled to welcome Viavanta as our new member in Switzerland,” said Stepan Motejzik, Kestria global alliance director. “As a leading executive search alliance, we recognize the importance of the Swiss market, which is
