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June Hiring Cools While Unemployment Holds at 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 57,000 in June as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, changed little in June. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services, social assistance, and healthcare. Leisure and hospitality lost jobs. The
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
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.
What a Great Executive Onboarding Plan Actually Looks Like
Executive search firms devote significant time and expertise to identifying leaders capable of driving organizational success, yet the work of ensuring those executives thrive often begins only after the search concludes. As organizations face mounting pressure to maximize leadership investments and accelerate executive impact, onboarding is emerging as a critical extension of the search process
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?
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Prolynx
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has recruited Amer Mirza as chief scientific officer at Prolynx, a biotechnology company developing a next-generation portfolio of ultra-long-acting medicines for obesity and related metabolic conditions. “Dr. Amer Mirza is an accomplished scientific leader whose deep expertise in drug discovery and development and passion for innovation make him exceptionally well suited to serve as
Wilson Appoints New CEO
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has announced a planned leadership transition as founder and CEO John Wilson moves into a role on the board after nearly 24 years leading the company. Jean-Francois Vezina has been appointed CEO and will lead the next phase of Wilson’s growth and innovation. “It was important to me that the company be
ATS vs. CRM: Why Both Matter in Executive Search
An ATS is designed to move candidates through a single search, not to maintain relationships over the years between searches. In executive search, however, those long-term relationships are where most of the revenue is actually generated. A new report from Recruiterflow breaks down the difference between an ATS and an executive search CRM, why relationship-driven
Potrero Group Leads Search for the Leader of Bay Area’s Largest Trail Network
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has assisted in the recruitment of Kirsten Saenz Tobey as the executive director of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. This follows a national search. “Kirsten brings exactly the combination of strategic vision, entrepreneurial leadership, and genuine passion for conservation that this moment calls for,” said Taylor
Caldwell Appoints COO; Announces New Regional Managing Partner Structure
Toronto-based Caldwell has named John Blank as chief operating officer. The firm has also established a new regional managing partner structure designed to support the firm’s continued growth, strengthen operational effectiveness, and enhance coordination across its global platform. In his new role, Mr. Blank will oversee Caldwell’s business and people operations, including regional leadership, talent and people
The Evolution of the CHRO: From Personnel to Enterprise Leadership
The responsibilities of today’s chief human resources officer extend far beyond talent management, reflecting a broader shift in how organizations view leadership and business performance. As workforce transformation, artificial intelligence, and organizational change reshape corporate priorities, the CHRO has become an increasingly influential voice in helping CEOs and boards navigate strategic decisions. Not long ago,
GHP Search Assists Christel House with the Recruitment of New Board Members
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has helped Christel House Intl. to recruit John Gomes, partner, global telecom and technology at Bain & Co, and former partner, software at Kearney, Mani Iyer, chief AI and technology officer at Vanguard and former SVP – global head of infrastructure, data and technology at Paypal. Mr. Gomes is a globally recognized transformation and strategy leader in
TOC Arts Partners Assists Union Arts Center with the Recruitment of First Artistic Director
Following an extensive national search, New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has assisted Union Arts Center in Seattle, WA, with the recruitment of Yuvika Tolani as the first permanent artistic director. The search was led by vice president of executive search, Cynthia Fuhrman. “As a former resident of Seattle myself, I have enjoyed many performances
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group Seeking Chief of Development for the American LGBTQ+ Museum
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group was recently retained by the American LGBTQ+ Museum to lead in its search for chief of development. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the executive director, the chief of development will provide the leadership, direction, and coordination of fundraising strategies and activities to advance the mission of the American
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Janelle Padgett as VP and CFO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association in Glen Allen, VA. Ms. Padgett has more than 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience across complex healthcare systems, including multiple CFO, controller, and senior finance leadership roles within both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Most recently,
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
Kaye/Bassman Names Leader of North Division, Construction and Real Estate Practice
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has named Lee Martin as managing director and practice leader of the north division within its construction and real estate practice. In this expanded leadership role, he will lead the continued growth of the firm’s commercial real estate, building construction, and construction technology practices across the northern United States, further advancing KBIC’s integrated
How Executive Search Is Evolving Alongside Private Equity
With private equity firms placing greater emphasis on operational execution and long-term value creation, expectations around leadership strategy are rapidly evolving. Search firms are increasingly being asked to move beyond traditional recruiting models and serve as broader talent advisors aligned with investment outcomes. In this environment, the distinction between transactional hiring and strategic partnership is
DSG | Koya Retained by Gilda’s Club Chicago for CEO Search
DSG | Koya has been tapped by Gilda’s Club Chicago to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Cheryl Stevens and Claire Hunt. The next CEO will have the chance to build on Gilda’s Club Chicago’s strong foundation while leaving a lasting mark—expanding its reach, deepening community and healthcare
June Hiring Cools While Unemployment Holds at 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 57,000 in June as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, changed little in June. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services, social assistance, and healthcare. Leisure and hospitality lost jobs. The
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Cooper Coleman Assists CAMP Rehoboth with Executive Director Search
Following a national search, Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has helped to recruit Robin Brennan as executive director of CAMP Rehoboth. This follows the planned retirement of its previously placed executive director. “CAMP Rehoboth has long served as a trusted and welcoming presence for its community, offering both connection and advocacy in meaningful ways,” said Johnny Cooper,
JDG Associates Seeking CFO for Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to lead in its search for a new CFO. Reporting to the PBGC director and overseeing a staff of approximately 100 with an operating budget of approximately $20 million, the CFO will be responsible for the effective and efficient planning,
Cento Acquires Assets of U.S.-Based Executive Search Firm SCW Consulting
U.K.-based executive recruiting firm Cento has acquired the assets of Broomfield, CO-based executive search firm SCW Consulting, bringing together two specialized firms in the global security recruitment sector. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The deal unites Cento CEO Brett Ennals and Tom Verzuh, combining experience across international security and technology recruitment markets. The
The Evolution of CEO Succession
Leadership stability has become harder to maintain in an environment defined by continuous transformation, shifting investor expectations, and increasing operational complexity. As a result, boards and sponsors are placing greater emphasis on how leadership evolves over time, rather than relying on static assumptions about tenure and timing. This shift is forcing organizations to take a
Academic Search Recruits 22nd President for Muskingum University
Following a comprehensive national search, education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has recruited Flavius Lilly as the 22nd president of Muskingum University in New Concord, OH. Susan Hasseler will retire in June 2026, after a decade of leadership. The search was led by senior consultants Sharon D. Herzberger and Dan DiBiasio, along with Carly Place, associate consultant. “Dr. Lilly is the right leader for
TalentRise Tapped by the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology for CEO Search
The Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) has retained TalentRise to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search follows the planned retirement of the organization’s current CEO, who has provided dedicated leadership to BCAT and its community mission for nearly 10 years. The search process is expected to take approximately four to
Z3Talent Helps CFO Selections Recruit Top Leader
Denver, CO-based executive search firm Z3Talent has assisted in the recruitment of Brian Turner as the new managing partner (CEO). He succeeds Kevin Briscoe, who is stepping down after 11 years. Steve Ziegler and Paula Stolebarger led the assignment. “Z3Talent was pleased to partner with the board at CFO Selections in conducting the search for their next managing partner (CEO),”
August Leadership Expands in Paris
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Marc Bartel as a partner in Paris. “We’re pleased to welcome Marc Bartel to August Leadership as partner, Paris,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Marc brings more than 20 years of experience advising boards, CEOs, and senior leadership teams across Europe, with a track record of
The Hidden Talent Pool: Turning AI Investment into Enterprise Value
Across industries, organizations are discovering that the most effective AI leaders don’t always emerge from traditional technical backgrounds. A new report from Modern Executive Solutions finds that as companies race to implement AI strategies, many are overlooking a hidden talent pool: executives with deep domain expertise, proven change management skills, and the business acumen to
DHR Global Recruits Head Coach for Oregon State Men’s Basketball
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Joyner as the next head coach of the Oregon State men’s basketball team. “It is vitally important that we create momentum and an upward trajectory for this program,” vice president and director of athletics Scott Barnes said. “Our move to the new Pac-12 demands a leader like Justin who
Anthem Executive Leading President Search for the University of Montevallo
Anthem Executive was recently retained by the University of Montevallo (UM) to lead in its search for its next president. Terry Roberson is currently served as interim president. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy are leading the search. The next president will inherit an institution with a proud mission, deeply committed faculty and staff, and a strong
McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders Continues Expansion
Irvine-based McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders (MBIL) has expanded with the addition of Chris Clarke as managing director, based in Chicago. “Chris joins the firm as McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders continues to expand its presence across the Midwest, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations navigating leadership transitions, transformation, and time-sensitive business initiatives,” the firm said. “Chris
Goldman Sachs Signals a New M&A Supercycle
Goldman Sachs’ 2026 Global M&A Outlook suggests the market is entering a new phase of strategic transformation driven by technological disruption, scale ambitions, and unprecedented levels of capital deployment. The report highlights a surge in large-scale deals during the second half of 2025, with global M&A volumes rising sharply and mega transactions accelerating across regions.Corporate and private
Creating Predictable Recruitment Firm Revenue in an Unpredictable Industry
In a market where deal flow can shift quickly and client priorities change just as fast, many boutique recruitment firms find themselves operating without a clear line of sight on future income. What separates firms that consistently grow from those that stall isn’t just performance—it’s the ability to build structure around uncertainty and turn activity
Bespoke Partners Recruits CEO for Billtrust
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has recently placed Grant Halloran as the new CEO of EQT Group-backed Billtrust. “We are excited to congratulate Grant Halloran on his new role as chief executive officer at Billtrust,” Bespoke Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Thank you to EQT Group for placing their trust in Bespoke Partners on this search.
EQU Advisors Seeking Dean for California State University, Chico
Executive search firm EQU Advisors is currently seeking a dean of the Meriam Library at California State University, Chico (Chico State). Reporting to the provost and vice president of academic affairs, the dean of Meriam Library serves as the lead academic and administrative officer, providing leadership in advancing its mission, programs, and operations. The dean promotes academic excellence
Options Group Appoints Vice President
Options Group has expanded with the addition of Luke Wilmot-Sitwell as a vice president. He will specialize in the private equity sector for the firm. Mr. Wilmot-Sitwell was most recently a consultant at One Search, where he focuses on infrastructure and energy transition recruitment within a specialist financial services search firm. Prior to this, he co-founded
Southfield Capital Makes Investment in Metric Search
Private equity firm Southfield Capital has made a majority investment in Metric Search, Ltd., a specialized provider of talent solutions and human capital placement services for niche, high-growth sectors, including MedTech, life sciences, engineering, and data centers. “Metric has built a highly compelling platform by staying disciplined in its focus on specialized, high-growth sectors where
TurnkeyZRG Tapped by the University of North Carolina to Find Men’s Head Basketball Coach
TurnkeyZRG has been retained by the University of North Carolina to lead in its search for a new men’s head basketball coach. Hubert Davis, who has served as head coach for five seasons, will not return to coach the Tar Heels. This was after UNC was upset in the first round by VCU in the NCAA
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CFO for Team Air
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, recently helped to recruit Jonathan Williams as the new CFO of Team Air, an HVAC distribution platform backed by Kian Capital. “Please join us in welcoming Jonathan Williams to the team,” Team Air said in a LinkedIn post. “A decade of CFO experience, scaling
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Seeking New CEO for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has been retained by the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Rod Dinger is leading the assignment. RTAA seeks an innovative, forward-thinking president and CEO who will be a champion for growth and development of the region, Reno-Tahoe International Airport and Reno-Stead
NU Advisory Partners Expands With Three Partner Additions
NU Advisory Partners has added Caitlin Maloof, Jessica Johnson, and Alan Mait as partners, continuing the firm’s buildout across key sectors and functional areas. Nada Usina, CEO and co-founder of NU Advisory Partners, said the additions reflect the firm’s focus on building a world-class leadership team. “We’re bringing together an exceptional group of partners who chose NU
CEO Turnover Surges as Boards Bet on First-Time Leaders
According to Spencer Stuart’s S&P 1500 CEO Transitions Report, 168 new chief executives were named across the index last year, the most since 2010. The surge reflects mounting board impatience with weak growth, activist pressures, AI-driven disruption, and a market environment that rewards speed over tenure. Turnover was broad-based but especially pronounced among smaller companies, with SmallCap
How AI Is (and Isn’t) Changing Search
In boardrooms and talent discussions alike, the conversation around AI has quickly shifted from curiosity to expectation. Organizations are no longer asking whether to use AI in executive search, but how to use it responsibly and effectively. This shift is forcing firms to rethink not just their tools, but their philosophy—how they evaluate leadership, how
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits Chief Experience Officer for the Saint Louis Zoo
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Kirby Meyer as chief experience officer (CXO) at the Saint Louis Zoo. This is a brand-new executive leadership on the Zoo’s executive team focused on shaping a unified, strategic approach to all external engagement functions. In this role, Ms. Meyer will oversee the Zoo’s creative services, events, guest experience, marketing,
Bryant Group Fills Senior Post for Belmont University
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Michele Miller as associate vice president for advancement services at Belmont University. Executive search director Colleen Rogers Aivazian conducted a nationwide search. “I am thrilled to welcome Michele Miller to Belmont University as our new associate vice president for advancement services,” said
DSG Global Expands Corporate Practice
DSG Global has expanded with the addition of Dustin Laws as managing director for its corporate practice. In this role, he will focus on recruiting financial, operational, and legal leadership for organizations across the business, professional, and commercial services sectors, supporting clients as they strengthen executive teams and position their organizations for long-term growth. Mr. Laws
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
Building an Effective, Diverse Board Across Growth Stages
Board composition is no longer a static exercise but a dynamic process that must keep pace with the company’s trajectory. As organizations progress through different stages of growth, the expectations placed on directors expand, requiring a deliberate and forward-looking approach to how boards are structured and refreshed. In the realm of corporate governance, having an
The Tolan Group Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for NLP Logix
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed D.J. Price as chief revenue officer at NLP Logix in Jacksonville, FL. “D.J.’s energy and leadership will push NLP Logix into a new phase of innovation and scale,” said Ted Willich, co-founder and CEO. “His ability to create high-performing teams and drive aggressive, sustainable growth makes him the ideal
Myers McRae Tapped by Florida A&M to Find CHRO
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been retained by Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) to lead in its search for an assistant vice president and chief human resources officer (AVP/CHRO). Jennifer Barfield, executive vice president, is leading the assignment. This senior executive position provides strategic vision, leadership, and oversight of all human resources functions
