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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
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,
CHRO Succession Grows More Deliberate as Organizations Prioritize Experience and Transformation
The role of the chief human resources officer continues to evolve as organizations navigate workforce transformation, leadership succession, technological disruption, and shifting employee expectations. Once viewed primarily as a steward of talent and culture, today’s CHRO is increasingly expected to serve as a strategic business partner, helping shape enterprise priorities while ensuring organizations have the
Boyden Recruits CEO for the Canadian Marketing Association
Boyden has assisted in the recruitment of Esther Benzie as the new president and CEO of the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA). Ian Collyer led the assignment. Following Alison Simpson’s retirement announcement in September 2025, the CMA board of directors launched a comprehensive executive search to identify the association’s next leader. The search attracted strong interest from highly
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in Bucharest
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Resolute Advisory as its newest member. Located in Bucharest, Resolute Advisory expands IIC Partners’ capabilities across Romania and Eastern Europe. “I am delighted to welcome Resolute Advisory into membership,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “Their philosophy of search as a strategic intervention, combined with their rigorous,
Hiring vs. Hustling: When It’s Time to Add to the Team
There’s a point in almost every growing company where things come to a head. Revenue is up, the pipeline is strong, and the team is stretched but still getting the job done, explained a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners. So leaders decide, “Let’s wait before making that hire.” “On paper, this seems disciplined, responsible, and
The Tolan Group Assists MAX Surgical Specialty Management with CFO Search
The Tolan Group (TTG) has recruited Jeff Couper as the new CFO of MAX Surgical Specialty Management. He brings more than two decades of leadership experience in healthcare finance, operational transformation, and strategic growth. Mr. Couper most recently served as CFO for multiple multi-site healthcare organizations including Absolute Dental Group and Children’s Dental Health, where he
Furst Group Fills CEO Position for PracticeWise
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has placed Eric Meier as the new CEO of PracticeWise. Principal/senior client partner Tim Frischmon and senior consultant Judy Kliethermes led the assignment. “Practicewise has appointed Eric Meier as its new CEO, further strengthening its focus on providing evidence-based solutions in pediatric and adolescent mental health,” said Sharon
Potrero Group Selected by Solano Land Trust to Assists COO Search
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group was recently retained by Solano Land Trust to assist in its search for its first chief operating officer. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. This is a newly created senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO and working in partnership as a member of the
Bay Street Advisors Strengthens of Leadership Team
New York City-based Bay Street Advisors has announced two promotions that reflect the continued growth of the search firm and the strength of its leadership team. John Gregory has been promoted to managing director, leading Bay Street’s business development and search activities across liquid and structured credit. “John brings a rare combination of strategic perspective, market
Gen Z’s Growing Impact in the Workplace
As Generation Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) steadily expands its presence in the global workforce, its influence is beginning to reshape how organizations think about leadership, culture, and talent strategy. For executive search firms and the clients they serve, understanding the expectations and motivations of this emerging generation is becoming an important factor
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Trust for Public Land with CFO Search
Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan of BoardWalk Consulting have assisted in the recruitment of Keysha Bailey as the new CFO of Trust for Public Land (TPL). “Keysha brings a rare combination of financial expertise, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of how to align resources with impact,” said Carrie Besnette Hauser, president and CEO of Trust for Public
TalentRise Seeking Executive Director for Grassroots Gardens of WNY
TalentRise has been retained by Grassroots Gardens of WNY (GGWNY) to lead in its search for a new executive director. GGWNY is seeking an executive director to provide strategic leadership and overall management for the organization. The next leader of Grassroots Gardens must be capable of responding to the multi-faceted needs of a land trust while
Reffett Associates Retained by Army & Air Force Exchange Service
Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has been retained to conduct a nationwide recruitment for the position of senior vice president of real estate for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). The search is being spearheaded by a veteran leadership team at Reffett Associates: Marshall Reffett, managing director; Eric Reffett, managing director; and Sam Mayberry, senior advisor. “It is a privilege to partner
Flatiron Search Partners Expands
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has expanded with the additions of Jonathan Scotto as head of business operations & strategy and Suzannah Brown as an associate director. “Our team continues to grow,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Thrilled to welcome two exceptional colleagues to Flatiron Search Partners. Excited to have both of you on the team as
A New Role For HR: Powering Growth, Not Just Managing Talent
According to McLean & Company’s HR Trends Report 2026: Leading Through Change: Human-Centric and Future Ready, HR organizations are being pulled into the center of enterprise transformation as companies grapple with relentless change driven by AI adoption, economic pressure, and shifting employee expectations. Leadership development remains the top priority for HR, but innovation has surged to
WittKieffer Retained by the American Hospital Association to Find New Leader
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been tapped by the American Hospital Association (AHA) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris are leading the assignment. The organization seeks a dynamic, transformative leader to serve as its next president and CEO. This is a career-defining opportunity to advance
McCormack+Kristel Leading CEO Search for Resource Center
McCormack+Kristel has been retained by Resource Center to lead in its search for a new CEO. After more than four decades influencing legal change and shaping Dallas’ civic community — including 16 years as CEO of Resource Center — Cece Cox has announced she will retire in early 2027. McCormack + Kristel will conduct a
Harris Search Associates Tapped by Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) recently selected Harris Search Associates to lead its chair, department of electrical and computer engineering technology search. Jeffrey Harris and Peter Rosenthal are leading the assignment. RIT seeks a dynamic, visionary leader who fosters innovation and collaboration in a shared governance environment to lead its vibrant educational, research, and service
Options Group Expands in Mumbai
Options Group has strengthened its search team with the addition of Anjum Attar as a director within its private equity and venture capital practice. “Welcome to Options Group, Anjum Attar,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Anjum has joined Options Group Mumbai as a director and will specialize in the private equity and venture capital
What to Look for When Hiring an Executive Search Firm
Securing the right leadership talent can shape an organization’s strategic direction for years, making the choice of a search partner an important business decision. As companies compete for experienced executives who can drive growth, manage complexity, and guide transformation, many are turning to specialized firms that focus exclusively on identifying and attracting senior leaders. Understanding
Rokos Group Tapped by Contra Costa Health for CFO Search
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Contra Costa Health (CCH) in California to lead in its search for a new CFO. Greg Rokos and Mark Lukacs are leading the assignment. This leader will help guide the financial strategy for a large, integrated public health system delivering hospital, health plan, behavioral health,
Cook Silverman Search Retained by Common Sense Media to Find Chief Development Officer
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has been retained by Common Sense Media to lead in its search for a chief development officer. This executive provides strategic leadership and guidance for the development department, while supporting the president and board chair. They are responsible for building a multi-year sustainability strategy to deepen, diversify, and support the organization’s
True Adds Digital Infrastructure Expert
Global executive talent platform True has expanded with the addition of Ros Deans as a partner in its digital infrastructure practice. Based in London with a global remit, Ms. Deans will work with data center operators, infrastructure investors, real estate developers, private equity firms and hyperscalers. She will place C-suite, functional and regional leaders who drive
Hudson Talent Solutions Completes Purchase of Acquired Philadelphia
Tampa, FL-based Hudson Talent Solutions has completed the acquisition of Acquired Philadelphia, a female-founded talent acquisition consultancy. The integration brings the expertise of Acquired Philadelphia’s founder, Jessica Dombkoski, into Hudson Talent Solutions’ growing platform and strengthens the firm’s capabilities across executive search, success-fee recruitment, strategic talent advisory, and its proprietary agentic-AI platform, HudsonFlow. “Jessica has built deep,
AI Adoption Linked to Stronger Revenue Growth Across Executive Search Firms
Macroeconomic conditions were unpredictable and labor markets remained sluggish in 2025, but many firms were able to find success in this challenging market. One way was with AI, which revolutionized the recruitment industry in 2025. Top-performing firms are four times as likely to be using AI, and 55 percent have seen KPIs increase more than
2026: A Year of Intentional Growth for HR Leadership
Global markets are moving out of a period defined by uncertainty and into one that favors disciplined execution. Organizations are no longer waiting for perfect conditions before acting; instead, they are recalibrating how they grow, where they invest, and which leaders they rely on to deliver results. In this environment, HR leadership is becoming increasingly
Eastward Partners Fills CEO Positions for Aropha and General Trucking
New York-based Eastward Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of CEOs for Aropha and General Trucking. The firm placed Tammy Deblock as CEO of Aropha, a Comeback Capital backed company. “Congratulations to the team for a great outcome and for entrusting us with this important search,” Eastward Partners said in a LinkedIn post. The assignment was led
AGB Search Assists Lewis University with Recruitment of 11th President
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. The Lewis University board of trustees previously announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
Modern Executive Solutions Names Leader of HR Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has named Brad Pugh has joined the firm as senior partner, where he will lead and grow the firm’s global HR practice across executive search, leadership advisory, organizational consulting, and executive communities. “Brad’s experience sits at the intersection of executive search, leadership advisory, and technology — exactly where the future
Atlanta Fed Retains Heidrick & Struggles for President/CEO Search
Leadership searches for top roles within the Federal Reserve system rarely come to market, making them highly visible assignments within the executive search industry. When they do, institutions often turn to globally recognized firms to help identify candidates with the experience and credibility required to guide regional monetary policy organizations. One such search is now
Jobplex Acquires Her Scout
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Her Scout, a boutique recruiting firm that specialized in early and growth-stage technology startups, and named its founder, Amy York, a partner in the firm’s advanced technology practice. The acquisition expands Jobplex’s capabilities in emerging technology and founder-led businesses, particularly among small, scaling companies that build leadership teams
Slone Partners Recruits CEO for Syra Health
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has placed Gregory R. Alexander as CEO at Syra Health, a healthcare technology company dedicated to powering better health outcomes through prevention-focused, accessible, and affordable solutions. “Gregory Alexander is a highly respected leader in the industry, having led several major healthcare initiatives and driving positive change for high-profile organizations throughout his impressive career,” said Sona
Russell Reynolds Associates Leading President Search for the University of Buffalo
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates was recently tapped by the University of Buffalo (UB) to lead in its search for its 16th president. Satish K. Tripathi has announced that he will step down next July. Jett Pihakis, Steve Newton, and Joi Hayes-Scott are leading the assignment. The presidential search committee is composed of a diverse group of
