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Peña Search Seeking Philanthropy Lead for The Rees-Jones Foundation
Peña Search has been retained by The Rees-Jones Foundation to lead in its search for a senior director of philanthropy. Travis Hillier and Carlos González Peña are leading the assignment. The Rees-Jones Foundation is seeking a senior director of philanthropy to help lead and advance its mission of serving vulnerable populations through faith-driven, high-impact grantmaking. This is
Egon Zehnder Appoints U.S. Market Leader
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Grant Clayton as U.S. market leader. He succeeds German Herrera, who has held the position since 2021 and was recently elected global chair of the firm. “It has been a privilege to witness the outstanding leadership that has driven Egon Zehnder’s growth in the United States, and I am
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.
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
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?
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,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
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
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,
How Functional C-Suite Roles Are Changing
Functional C-suite roles are being reshaped by rising complexity, pushing companies to build leadership teams that are not only individually strong but strategically integrated across the enterprise. Spencer Stuart has long tracked the evolution of key functional C-suite roles as part of its client work. Specifically, the firm found that senior functional roles have become
Koya Partners/Diversified Search Group Names Leader of Chicago Office
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners has appointed Marissa Delgado as leader and managing director of its Chicago office. “Continuing to grow our impact nationally and globally requires exemplary leadership,” said Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of Diversified Search Group. “We are thrilled that Marissa will lead our Chicago office, which has more than tripled in size over the
An Inside Look at the World of Sports Recruiting
Given the search industry’s knack for finding a need and filling it, it was only natural that recruitment firms would soon step to the fore in the sports sector, which has become a growth area for executive search businesses. Many C-suite-focused recruiting firms are now active in the sector and some specialize only in the
Harris Search Associates Recruits CISO for the University at Buffalo
Following an extensive national search, Dublin, OH-based executive recruitment firm Harris Search Associates has recruited Joseph Grupp as assistant vice president and chief information security officer at the University at Buffalo (UB). Mr. Grupp began his career with UBIT in 2011 as a programmer for HUB, later becoming technical coordinator. He joined UB’s dental school in 2017
Altair Executive Search Launches
Veteran executive search consultant Shawn Woessner has launched Altair Executive Search in Minneapolis, MN. Altair was founded to cater to small- and mid-market organizations as they look to find top-quality talent to drive significant enterprise value. “The global firms have largely ignored serving our targeted clients,” said Mr. Woessner. “Our white-glove, customized search approach combined
True’s Climate Tech Practice Grows Leadership Team
Global talent provider True has named Paul Gilkerson to co-head of its climate tech practice and added Wrendon Hunt to lead climate tech’s industrial and manufacturing sector. “Paul and Wrendon exemplify the innovative leaders that make True the world’s best talent partner to clients taking advantage of the investment opportunities of today,” said Andy Towne, co-head of the climate tech practice. “Paul’s experience
PFM Executive Search Seeks CFO for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation
PFM Executive Search has been chosen to find the next vice president and chief financial officer for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation (BCCHF) in Vancouver, British Columbia. The non-profit raises funds on behalf of BC Children’s Hospital, the sole hospital in the province devoted exclusively to the care of children. Associate partner Jennifer Madden and senior
Developing Sustainability-Focused Leaders
Sustainability is one of the most pressing issues on the CEO agenda today. Employees, investors, customers, and communities are looking for business leaders to pivot their organizations to a more sustainable future. Yet, as Clarke Murphy, veteran leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates, outlines in his new book: there’s just one problem: Many are struggling
Buffkin / Baker Recruits Sixth President for Christopher Newport University
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has recruited Rear Admiral William G. Kelly as the sixth president of Christopher Newport University (CNU). Leading the assignment were Martin M. Baker, managing partner and Chelsie Whitelock, principal. Mr. Kelly was selected after a year-long rigorous, inclusive nationwide search. The board was unanimous in its decision, noting that Mr. Kelly’s life of public
BoardWalk Consulting Places New CEO for Louisiana Children’s Museum
BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Tifferney M. White as the new CEO of the Louisiana Children’s Museum (LCM) in New Orleans. John Sparrow, senior director, and Lysondra Somerville, senior research associate, spearheaded the assignment. An experienced and nationally recognized leader in the children’s museum field, Ms. White will officially begin her new
Slone Partners Appoints Chief Business Officer
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has expanded with the addition of Bridget K. Burke as chief business officer. This is a new position that reflects the firm’s commitment to long-term business planning and growth. “Bridget Burke is a tremendously talented, driven, and accomplished business leader with a wide range of experience over more than 20 years in
Saxton Bampfylde Recruits CEO for the Royal Albert Hall
U.K.-based executive recruiter Saxton Bampfylde has placed James Ainscough as the new CEO of the Royal Albert Hall in London. Craig Hassall stepped down from the role in December. Dan Freeman, Royal Albert Hall’s chief operating officer, will continue to act as interim CEO until Mr. Ainscough starts in the late spring. Mr. Ainscough joins the Royal Albert Hall from Help Musicians,
Keys for Attracting and Retaining Top Talent in the Cannabis Industry
Attracting and keeping talented cannabis employees that fit your company culture is top priority for all human resources departments in the industry. One market, the legal cannabis industry, has over 420,000 full-time employees. However, the revolving door of the space is an issue every cannabis business must deal with, like any other industry, according to
Egon Zehnder Recruits CEO for Primedia Group
After an intensive executive search, leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has recruited Bongumusa Makhathini as the new CEO of Primedia Group in Johannesburg, South Africa. He takes over from Dave Roberts who now serves as chairman of Primedia Outdoor and also heads up mergers and acquisitions at Primedia Group. “Last year I shared the Primedia Group’s Vision
Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette Seeks CEO for New Brunswick Medical Society
Nova Scotia-headquartered executive search firm Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette (KBRS) has been enlisted to find the next chief executive officer for the New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The CEO will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the NBMS and the general management of the society while representing New Brunswick physicians and
ON Partners Recruits Chief Information and Technology Officer for ClearCaptions
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum and executive search firms have been there to meet this demand. Andy Hickman and Tim Conti of ON Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Sanjay Singam as the new chief information and technology officer of ClearCaptions and Vimient in Roseville, CA. He will report directly to the companies’ CEO, Robert Rae.
Furst Group Appoints Vice President
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has named Paul Esselman as vice president. “We are excited and honored to welcome Paul Esselman to the Furst Group community of leaders,” the search firm said. “With more than 35 years of experience leading healthcare executive searches and providing client consultation focused on physician leaders and
Executive Search Firms Continue to Adapt to Economic Conditions
Beyond the health crisis it created, COVID-19 in many ways changed the world. In business and our work lives, the pandemic sparked and accelerated shifts that had already been stirring, driving them to the forefront, from the rise of technology and remote work to a greater emphasis on work-life balance. Concern about supply chains, meanwhile,
Choosing a CEO in Financial Services
Boards—especially within a financial services environment—play a critical role in providing direction on organizational strategy and performance while operating with shareholders, consumers, and key stakeholders top of mind. While the scope and oversight of boards have grown exponentially in recent years, there are two critical responsibilities that are especially pertinent for directors. These include approving
N2Growth Recruits President for Hiffman
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has assisted in the recruitment of John Heiberger as president of Hiffman. This includes NAI Hiffman, an independent commercial real estate company in the Midwest, and Hiffman National, a project management, property accounting and lease administration services company. The assignment was led by senior director Tom Dunn. “With John’s vast
RevelOne Recruits Top Marketing Executive for Sézane
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. Greenwood Village, CO-based executive search firm RevelOne recently assisted in the recruitment of Kelsie Lo-Pelletier as vice president of marketing,
Agilium Worldwide Names New Chairperson
Global executive search consortium Agilium Worldwide has appointed Matthias Rode as chairman. He succeeds Olivier Bouhoulle. “I would like to thank Olivier for leading the group successfully during the past three years,” said Dr. Rode. “Despite difficult times adapting to the COVID pandemic Olivier kept the group together and provided us with positivism and stability.” Dr.
How to Attract the Best Cybersecurity Talent
Recruiting a chief information security officer (CISO) is crucial for any organization looking to protect itself from cyber threats executive recruiters say. The CISO is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, as well as overseeing a team of security professionals. Finding the right CISO for your organization, however, can take time and
Griffith Group Seeks New President for Acadia University
Toronto-based executive recruitment firm Griffith Group has been called in by Acadia University to lead its search for a new president and vice chancellor. Jane Griffith, managing partner and founder, and Sam Walton, partner, are spearheading the assignment. “Reporting to the board of governors, and working with engaged and committed faculty, staff, students, and alumni
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Seeks Executive Director for Justice at Work
Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has been enlisted to find the next executive director for Justice at Work (JAW), a Philadelphia-based legal non-profit that supports organizations of workers in low-paying jobs. The executive director leads JAW in the day-to-day pursuit of its mission. The individual appears on behalf of the organization and the movement it
CIO Partners Recruits Portfolio President and CIO for AccelerEd
CIO Partners recently placed Ashish Patel as portfolio president and chief information officer for UMGC Ventures’ AccelerEd. A seasoned technology executive, Mr. Patel brings more than 20 years of experience in IT services, consulting, and E-commerce operations to AccelerEd. As portfolio president and CIO, Mr. Patel leads the IT strategy and oversees the teams that
McDermott + Bull Expands into Texas and Tennessee
Search firm McDermott + Bull has expanded into Texas and Tennessee with the additions of Craig Rickard and Brian Cox as managing directors. “As organizational growth booms in Texas and Tennessee, these hotspots offer a valuable opportunity for the firm to serve markets in need,” the search firm said. “Craig and Brian’s previous experience throughout these regions offers the firm
Keys to Building a Winning Bench
In sports, winning teams have the right players at every position to take on challenges, overcome circumstances, and move forward with consistency, focus, and confidence. The same formula applies in business. Just as star players switch teams or eventually retire, business leaders move on, too. Who will step up to lead the way? Ideally, you
Diversified Search Group Retained by National Urban League for Executive Director Search
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has been called in by the National Urban League to find a senior vice president, policy and executive director for the Washington bureau. Sandra Goldman and Denielle Pemberton-Heard are leading the assignment. Under the general supervision of the president and chief executive
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeks Provost for Clarkson University
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been enlisted to find the next provost for Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY. Robyn Hannigan stepped down from the role last June to become president of nearby Ursinus College. Goodarz Ahmadi, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, is serving as interim provost. “This is an exciting opportunity for
True Launches Private Equity Practice
Global talent provider True has launched a private equity practice and named managing director Matt Goldstein as its leader. “The creation of the PE practice formalizes True’s existing authority in the ecosystem,” the firm said. “Starting from True’s innovative roots in venture capital and technology, the firm has grown with clients across industries and asset classes to
Workday Invests $250 Million in Ventures Business
Workday, a provider of finance and human resources solutions, has announced a $250 million expansion of its Workday Ventures fund. The additional investment capital from Workday into Workday Ventures, the strategic capital arm of Workday Inc., builds on the company’s solid performance. “This additional investment capital into Workday Ventures is reflective of our continued commitment to serving our customers, helping
