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Bespoke Partners Expands Go-To-Market Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has expanded with the addition of Alyssa Berardi as a partner in the go-to-market practice. “Alyssa’s combination of executive search experience and data-driven insight makes her an exceptional addition to the Bespoke team,” said Tess Fischer, partner and practice lead of Bespoke Partners’ go-to-market practice. “She brings a modern, data-informed perspective to go-to-market
Middle Market Momentum Meets a Talent Bottleneck
PitchBook’s latest report, 2025 Annual US PE Middle Market Report, highlights a market that is stabilizing but not yet fully normalized. Deal activity rebounded in 2025, with value rising 8.5 percent year-over-year to $410.7 billion across more than 4,000 transactions, supported by improving sentiment and a more accommodative financing environment. The recovery, however, is uneven. Deal sizes
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 Questions to Ask an Executive Search Firm (That Most Don’t)
Browse a handful of executive search firm websites and they quickly begin to look alike. Every firm makes the same promises about senior expertise and deep networks, a new report from PierceGray. “They all claim to have a proven process and strong track record,” the study said. “There’s just one thing missing: the information you
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?
The Christopher Group Retained by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to lead in its search for a chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Pam Noble, and Partner Jeff Wilbanks are leading the assignment. “The ACGME plays a vital role in shaping the future of
Resource Management Group Assists Biomerics with CFO Search
Resource Management Group (RMG), an executive search firm specializing in CFO placements, has assisted in the recruitment of Kristin Mason as CFO of Biomerics, a vertically integrated contract manufacturer for the interventional medical device market in Salt Lake City, UT. “Kristin brings a unique combination of strategic financial leadership, operational rigor and growth experience,” said
Why Slow Hiring Processes Cost Companies Their Best Candidates
You’ve heard it countless times: “Hire slow, fire fast.” It’s sound advice in principle. Taking the time to thoroughly evaluate candidates before making an important hiring decision simply makes good sense. However, facilitating a comprehensive selection process and moving quickly are not mutually exclusive, according to a recent report from Noto Group’s Roy Notowitz. “It is a good thing
Bauer Harris Fills Senior Marketing Position for PREMIER Bankcard
Boston, MA-based executive search firm Bauer Harris has assisted in the recruitment of Mark Halpern as the vice president of marketing operations for PREMIER Bankcard. “Congratulations to Mark Halpern on his new role as VP, marketing operations at PREMIER Bankcard,” Bauer Harris said in a LinkedIn post. “We’re excited for Mark as he steps into this new
Sheffield Haworth Names Managing Director of the Real Estate Practice in the U.S.
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has named Sun-Sun de Swaan as managing director of the real estate practice in the U.S. She will work closely with Sheffield Haworth’s international real estate teams to build and strengthen the firm’s global search and advisory practice. “We are delighted to welcome Sun-Sun to Sheffield Haworth,” said
Why PE-Backed Companies Need a Talent Operating System
PE-backed companies rarely underperform because they lack urgency. They underperform because they fail to translate strategy into talent with enough precision, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at Talentfoot Executive Search. “In our experience leading executive searches for PE-backed businesses, the real breakdown usually happens before a search begins,
Acertitude Recruits Head of Cybersecurity/CISO for Adevinta Spain
Acertitude has assisted in the recruitment of Xavi Bertomeu as head of cybersecurity and chief information security officer for Adevinta Spain, an EQT portfolio company. The search was led by partners, Eliza Baker and Tim Cook with support from Finty Hunter and Hannah Elwiss. Mr. Bertomeu brings more than a decade of experience in cybersecurity,
Anthem Executive | Anthem Academics Seeking Director of Athletics Texas A&M International University
Athletic directors are playing an increasingly vital role at colleges and universities across the country. With the expansion of athletic departments and, for the larger schools, the infusion of big dollars for sports, more schools have turned to search firms when such positions become open. Too much is at stake, they feel, to go at
Reducing Risk Through Informed Executive Search
As organizations face increasing pressure to make the right leadership decisions, executive search is becoming less about simply filling senior roles and more about reducing risk of a bad hire through better information, stronger alignment, and a deeper understanding of the leadership market. Companies are increasingly seeking search partners that can provide strategic insight before
Rokos Group Seeking CHRO for Keck Medicine of USC
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Keck Medicine of USC to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. The CHRO will serve as a strategic executive leader responsible for recommending, developing, implementing, administering, interpreting, coordinating, and evaluating human resources strategies, policies, programs, laws, and procedures pertaining to
Academic Career & Executive Search Retained by Briar Cliff University to Find New CFO
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been selected by Briar Cliff University to lead in its search for a vice president of finance and chief financial officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Briar Cliff University seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial financial leader. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the
How Adaptive Governance Is Reshaping Leadership in Private Equity
Private equity firms have transformed how they create value, placing greater emphasis on operational execution, leadership effectiveness, and strategic oversight throughout the investment lifecycle. As a result, executive search firms are increasingly being called upon not only to recruit high-impact leaders and board directors, but also to identify executives capable of operating within governance models
Why the Chief AI Officer Is Becoming a C-Suite Essential
Artificial intelligence is reshaping executive leadership, prompting organizations to rethink who should guide enterprise-wide AI strategy and oversee its responsible adoption. As companies move beyond experimentation to large-scale implementation, executive search firms are seeing growing demand for leaders who can combine technical expertise with business acumen, regulatory awareness, and the ability to drive transformation across
Yale University Taps Lindauer to Lead Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Development
Lindauer has been retained by Yale University to lead in its search for a vice president for alumni affairs and development. The search is being led by Lindauer CEO Deb Taft, executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Andrew Machado. Yale University seeks an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader. Reporting directly to president Maurie McInnis and serving
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
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
The AI-Ready Chief People Officer
As artificial intelligence accelerates across the enterprise, the people function is emerging as one of its most critical proving grounds. Nowhere is the balance between innovation and responsibility more visible than in the evolving role of the chief people officer. AI is reshaping how organizations operate, how leaders make decisions, and how people experience work.
Leaders International Seeks Executive Director for Youth Media Alliance
Leaders International, an executive search firm with eight offices across Canada, has been enlisted to find the next executive director for Youth Media Alliance (YMA), a Montreal-based non-profit that works to improve the quality of screen-based media content for youngsters. The assignment is being led by managing partner Cynthia Labonté and consultants Samantha Peloso and
Bauer Harris Assists PREMIER Bankcard in the Recruitment of New President
Boston, MA-based executive search firm Bauer Harris has helped to place Benvenuto Marcello as president of PREMIER Bankcard, the 9th largest issuer of Mastercard credit cards in the U.S. The assignment was led by Bauer Harris founding partner, Brad Bauer. Mr. Marcello was selected from a strong group of qualified finalist candidates. Mr. Marcello is
Greenwood Asher & Associates Adds Four Professionals to Senior Leadership Team
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) has expanded with the additions of Robert Caret, Jeremy Duff, Jim Johnsen, and Tracey Weldon as new vice presidents. These experienced higher education and executive search professionals become senior members of its leadership team, alongside vice president and managing director Susanne Griffin who leads
Revisiting Cultural Norms May be Key to Adopting New Technologies
As technology develops, business must develop with it. Companies that want to keep up with society must find ways to effectively integrate new technologies that will benefit them and allow them to continue to grow. AI technology is relatively new to both business and the technology field. Successful adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits New Leader for the National Hockey League Players’ Association
The sports industry continues to be a growth area for executive search businesses. Russell Reynolds Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh as the new executive director of the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA). He succeeds Donald Fehr, who has led the organization since 2010. The formal announcement of
Herbert Mines Assists RugsUSA with CEO Search
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Alyssa Steele as the new CEO of RugsUSA, an E-commerce retailer and supplier of area rugs and home décor products. RugsUSA’s interim CEO Dinesh Lathi will continue with the company and return to his prior role as chairman of the
DHR Global Combines Consumer & Retail Practice Groups; Names Global Leaders
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has announced that it has formally merged its consumer and retail practice groups into one global practice, now called consumer and retail. Kristi LeBlanc and Marcey Rubin Stamas, formerly global leaders of the consumer practice group, and Tricia Logan, formerly global leader of the retail practice group, will assume leadership positions
Sheffield Haworth Adds Former UBS Head of Business Development & Special Projects
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of former UBS executive Philippe Reynier as a managing director within the technology arm of the global functions practice. “We are thrilled Philippe has decided to join the team at Sheffield Haworth,” said Mark Dixon, managing director – global functions. “His background
Jobless Claims Remain at Historically Low Level
First-time applications for unemployment benefits rose last week to 196,000, a slightly higher total than the 190,000 that economists were expecting — but still a historically low number. Despite widely publicized layoffs from tech giants, media companies and the financial sector in recent weeks, the U.S. labor market remains robust after eight rate hikes in 11
ON Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer for Bigleaf Networks
Today’s chief product officer is responsible for all product-related matters, and the role is growing in demand, according to executive recruiters who place them. The position typically includes product conception and development, production, innovation, and project and product management. In many IT/ telecommunications companies, the position includes release management and production. Chief product officers generally work on
Coulter Partners Places Board Members for Our Future Health Trading
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed three board directors—Cristina Ortega Duran, Andy Richards, and Simon Sturge—for Our Future Health Trading Ltd., the trading subsidy of Our Future Health, a U.K.-based collaborative health research program. “It has been our privilege to work with Coulter Partners over the last six months with our recruitment of three non-executive
Kingsley Gate Partners Names Leader of Financial Services Practice for the Middle East and Asia-Pacific
Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate Partners has expanded with the addition of Firoze Patel as head of the financial services practice for the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions. He will be based in Dubai. “We are thrilled to have Firoze join the Kingsley Gate team,” said Umesh Ramakrishnan, CEO. “With his wealth of search experience and credibility in
Angott Search Group and Park Avenue Group Form Alliance
Angott Search Group (ASG) has entered into an operating alliance with Park Avenue Group (PAG). The partnership is intended to provide clients with increased executive recruiting capabilities, broader geographic reach, and added in-depth knowledge in the banking and credit union industries. The relationship combines ASG’s over 40-year tenure providing talent advisory services with PAG’s 25-year
CEOs Anticipate a Possible Recession
As 2023 starts to take shape, corporate leaders are already braced for a recession. The only mystery is what final form the downturn will take: mild or deep — and will the U.S. weather the storm better than the rest of the world? Other economic and geostrategic subplots add uncertainty to the story: Will supply
Fostering Relationships in Recruitment
Recruiting is a relationship business. Having conversations and building relationships with clients, candidates, and trading partners will lead to long-lasting relationships, loyalty, and repeat business, as opposed to one-off hires. But due to the current nature of the recruiting business and a candidate shortage, recruiters must act quickly to fill roles, and because of this,
Greenwood / Asher & Associates Recruits CHRO for the University of Wisconsin–Madison
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood /Asher & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Sheehan as associate vice chancellor and chief human resources officer for the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Vice chancellor for finance and administration Rob Cramer says Sheehan brings a variety of leadership experiences, extensive knowledge about the university, solid existing relationships with
Frederickson Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
Global HR search firm Frederickson Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Marcus Bryant as chief people and inclusion officer for Second Harvest of Silicon Valley in San Jose, CA. “Welcoming an experienced DEI leader into this new role reinforces Second Harvest’s commitment to foster authentic and meaningful growth in equity and inclusion both internally and externally,”
Accordant Group Acquires Hobson Leavy
Recruitment company Accordant Group Limited has acquired Auckland, New Zealand-based executive search firm Hobson Leavy. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of another well-respected and market leading brand into the Accordant Group,” said Jason Cherrington, CEO of Accordant Group. “Hobson Leavy’s commitment to quality work and excellent
Transforming Portfolio Companies and Driving Value Creation via Human Capital
At the beginning of last year, Gartner predicted a 20 percent rise in turnover rate across industries. Heightened inflation, rising interest rates, post-pandemic priority shifts, and hybrid work preferences have created a fierce scrimmage for companies worldwide trying to hire the people necessary to drive long-term profits. These challenges are compounded for private equity firms with
Is the Non-Compete Soon to be History?
The federal government has announced a proposed rule which would ban non-compete agreements between employers and employees, independent contractors, externs, interns, volunteers, apprentices, and even sole proprietors who provide a service to a client or customer. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) stated the widespread use of non-competes agreements is an “often exploitative practice that suppresses
Renovata & Company Recruits CFO for Siteimprove
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has placed Elliott DeLoach as chief financial officer of Siteimprove, a marketing performance platform in San Francisco. “Elliott is an experienced CFO who brings more than 25 years of experience serving private equity-backed and public companies,” said Joanna Chang, partner at Renovata & Company. “His
Egon Zehnder Leading CEO Search for Vodafone Group
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by Vodafone Group to lead in its search for a new CEO. At the end of the year, Rick Read agreed with the board that he will step down as CEO. “It has been a privilege to spend over 20 years of my career at Vodafone and I am proud
Korn Ferry Closes Acquisition of Salo
Korn Ferry has completed its previously disclosed acquisition of Salo LLC, a provider of finance, accounting, and HR interim talent. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Korn Ferry’s adjusted earnings. “Salo will be a great fit, with highly relevant interim professional offerings and expertise that speak
Technology, Quality, and Quantity in Private Equity Recruiting
The recruiting industry is booming, and search consultants expect this to continue. To facilitate such growth, many firms are embracing the digital transformation. Almost 60 percent of respondents to a StaffingHub survey agreed that technology provides a competitive advantage, and respondents plan to increase their tech investment this year. The recruiting industry is booming, and
Hanold Associates Recruits Chief People Officer for The Howard Hughes Corp.
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has recruited has recruited Hope VonBorkenhagen as chief people officer of The Howard Hughes Corp. (HHC). Jordan Blackmon and Adam Watson led the assignment. “We are pleased to have Dr. Hope VonBorkenhagen join The Howard Hughes Corp. as we continue to grow and develop the exceptional HHC team that is driving our
Finding Talent That Drives Value Creation
Despite macro-environment challenges of virtually every stripe, and hard-to-miss layoffs at major tech companies, many executive search firms continue to thrive as the new year takes hold. Few, however, can boast the impressive results that Bespoke Partners, which serves private equity backed software companies, has seen. In the last three years, the San Diego, CA-based
JDG Associates Recruits New Leader for American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists Foundation
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has placed Diane Swecker as the new executive director of the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists Foundation (AARST). “Everyone on the committee is pleased that Ms. Swecker has accepted the offer and is going to help lead the association into the future,” said Peter Hendrick, former CEO
Leathwaite Expands in Singapore
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has expanded in Asia with the additions of Amanda Cowley and Yuting Goh in Singapore. “I’m delighted to welcome Amanda and Yuting, both of whom bring impressive track records, networks, and reputations within their respective practices,” said James Lawrence-Brown, partner and head of Asia. “Our expansion into Singapore is an opportunity for us
7 Talent Acquisition Trends to Look Out for 2023
The last few years have seen unprecedented disruptions in how, when, and even why we work. As we look to 2023, Korn Ferry talent acquisition experts offered their thoughts on what talent acquisition trends will bring to the job market in the coming year. 1. The rise of internal mobility: moving around – but not
Unemployment Rate Hits 53-Year Low
Employment rose by 517,000 in January as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to 3.4 percent, according to today’s U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons also decreased to 5.7 million in January. Job growth was widespread, led by gains in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and healthcare. Employment
Retaining Your Employees During Challenging Times
The Great Resignation took many companies by surprise and led to a new competition for talent. While turnover is expected to slow in 2023, a recent survey showed that 65 percent of employees are looking for a new job. So, what’s making employees leave, and what will make them stay? Ultimately, employees today are more empowered







