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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,
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.
CIO Partners Seeking Chief Information Officer for Resideo
CIO Partners was recently tapped by Resideo to lead in its search for a new chief information officer. This executive is responsible for defining and executing the enterprise technology strategy that enables innovation across connected home products, digital services, and global distribution operations at Resideo Technologies. This leader ensures that enterprise technology platforms, cloud infrastructure, and
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?
DSG Global Appoints Managing Directors
DSG Global has expanded with the additions of Kris McFeely, Chris Clarey, and Scott Murray as managing directors. Ms. McFeely, who joins the firm’s nonprofit and social impact practice, brings more than two decades of executive search experience to the team. She specializes in identifying and recruiting exceptional leaders for mission-driven organizations. Drawing on experience across
U.S. M&A Accelerates as Buyers Raise the Bar
EY-Parthenon’s September Merger Monthly points to continued momentum across the U.S. M&A market. Through August, deal value for transactions above $100 million reached approximately $2.2 trillion, up roughly 48 percent year-over-year, while volume increased 23 percent. Momentum remained strong from June through August, with deal value rising 23 percent and volume advancing 22 percent from
Why the Best Job Offer Is About More Than Salary
A higher salary can make a new job attractive, but compensation alone does not always tell candidates whether an offer is truly better. According to a recent report from NPAworldwide, recruiters can play an important role in helping candidates evaluate the complete package while also helping employers understand why a competitive base salary may not
Buffkin / Baker Recruits President for Valdosta State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Donald J. Green president of Valdosta State University (VSU). Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt led the assignment. “Don Green is a leader who knows how to deliver results, and he’s proven that time and again,” USG chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “At Gordon State, he focused on
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
Building Your IR Function: The Questions Every VC Should be Asking
As venture firms mature and fundraising becomes more institutionalized, building the right investor relations function is increasingly becoming a critical part of long-term growth. The best time to hire an investor relations leader is before you urgently need one, according to a recent report from SPMB’s Suzanne Heske and Emily Leder. “LP relationships take years to
U.S. Hiring Slows as Unemployment Rate Edges Up to 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 29,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate edged up to 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, also increased in September. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Black (7.0 percent) increased in September.
Cook Silverman Search Recruits Chief Development Officer for Common Sense Media
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has assisted in the recruitment of Alicia Chang as chief development officer of Common Sense Media to lead in its search for a chief development officer. Ms. Chang joins Common Sense Media after spending a decade with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where she most recently served as deputy chief development officer
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
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
Keys to Succession Planning in Healthcare
The number of CEO changes at U.S. companies surged 49 percent from 112 in January to 167 last month, says a new study from executive outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. February’s total is up 11 percent from the 151 CEOs who left their posts in the same month in 2022. Hospitals announced 18 CEO
Bryant Group Assists Kansas Leadership Center with CEO Search
Following a nationwide search, Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of V. Kaye Monk-Morgan as the new president and CEO of Kansas Leadership Center (KLC). She succeeds founding president and CEO Ed O’Malley, who after 15 years of service became president and CEO of KLC’s parent organization, the Kansas
Hanold Associates Recruits SVP of HR and Diversity for New York Giants
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has recruited Celeste Bell as senior vice president of HR and diversity for the New York Giants. The assignment was led by Jason Hanold, Lisa Yae, Ivy Arlia, and Meg McElroy. In this newly created role, Ms. Bell will lead all HR and DEI Initiatives and will be responsible for continuing to
Recruiting Platform IGNYTE AI Launches
IGNYTE AI, a recruiting, retention, and people development platform that uses a technology-forward approach to enhance the candidate and employee experience, has been launched by Kingsley Gate Partners. Demand for multi-incumbency roles – including scientists, engineers, and nurses – is intensifying, leaving talent managers feeling as though they need to choose between speed and quality
Elite Search Partners Opens Doors in London
Many companies are struggling to keep up with the changing world of work and the uncertainties of today’s business world in general. Executive search firms, new and old, have always served as a key support system for these organizations as they continue to need top talent to adapt. Last November, Matthew Eley launched Elite Search
ON Partners Places Chief Marketing Officer for ETQ
Executive search firm ON Partners recently helped to place Maureen Pienta as the new chief marketing officer for ETQ, a provider of quality, EHS, and compliance management software in Burlington, MA. Ms. Pienta is responsible for all aspects of marketing strategy, planning, and execution at ETQ. Partner Lenny Vairo spearheaded the assignment for the search firm.
JDG Associates Seeks HR Leader for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) to assist in finding its director for human resources (the de facto chief human capital officer). As a member of the JPL executive council and reporting to the JPL director/vice president of Caltech, the director for human resources is an integral and trusted
TurnkeyZRG Leads CFO Search for the Pac-12 Conference
TurnkeyZRG was recently called in by the Pac-12 Conference to lead in its search for a new CFO. A member of the conference leadership team the CFO will guide all finance, accounting, tax, and treasury functions for the Pac-12 Conference, Pac-12 Enterprises, and all related media, digital, and sales entities. Additionally, in partnership with the
FPC of Quad Cities, IA Opens Doors
F-O-R-T-U-N-E Personnel Consultants (FPC), a nationwide network of over 60 franchised executive recruitment offices, has opened FPC of Quad Cities, IA. Owned by Emily Strang, FPC of Quad Cities will specialize in placing mid-to-senior level supply chain professionals in various manufacturing environments. “We are very excited to have Emily join FPC,” said Jeff Herzog, president of
ChatGPT and AI’s Effect on Senior Leadership
Since it burst onto the scene in 2022, ChatGPT has become one of the hottest topics in the business world, and the world at large. OpenAI’s latest (and most popular) endeavor has been a hot topic of conversation among leaders in recent weeks, as it became the fastest growing “app” of all time. But can
New Frontier Search Company Seeks HR Leader for Filter Services Inc.
St. Charles, IL-based recruitment firm New Frontier Search Company has been retained by Filter Services Inc., the largest filter distributor in Chicago, to help find a human resources leader. The individual will be charged with helping to drive the company’s next level of growth and build a dynamic culture. With Filter Services’ recent expansion into
RevelOne Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Nextech Systems
Top-drawer chief revenue officers are commonly found at start-ups and smaller businesses and tend to the bottom line while the rest of the C-level team expands key partnerships, seeks growth opportunities, or sources funding. That is changing. Larger businesses now view the CRO post as an essential, long-term role. Greenwood Village, CO-based executive search firm RevelOne recently
DHR Global Appoints Chief Talent Officer and VP of Global Talent Acquisition
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has appointed April Drury as chief talent officer and Buckner Bell as vice president of global talent acquisition. ”These appointments strengthen DHR’s commitment to building the firm’s culture and a strong network of talent around the world,” the firm said. “The firm is highly committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting talent to help drive
TMG Search Canada Acquires VX Search Group
Acquisitions and consolidations continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. TMG Search Canada, a division of search firm The Mullings Group (TMG), recently acquired VX Search Group, an executive search firm located in Okanagan-Shuswap, Canada, servicing local communities across a diverse variety of industries. Financial terms of the deal
How One Search Firm is Adjusting to Today’s Market
Executive recruiters continue to point to sourcing top talent as one of the biggest challenges they face today. Finding the right candidates who possess the required skills, experience, and cultural fit is a major challenge for executive recruiters, according to Patrick Van Lijsebetten, managing director and CEO of Rialto Executive Search. He also points to
The Christopher Group Retained by the University of Chicago Medicine for CHRO Search
CHROs have become critical stakeholders in defining the strategy of a company. Their job description calls for them to tackle the HR challenges and evolving expectations of a dynamic workplace environment that will consist of constant change, calculated risk-taking, and evolving expectations from top stakeholders. Those well-equipped to achieve the greatest success will have diverse
Reffett Associates Recruits President for the United States Army Historical Foundation
After a nationwide search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has assisted in the recruitment of U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Burt Thompson as the new president of the United States Army Historical Foundation (AHF) in Washington, D.C. Managing director Eric Reffett led the assignment. He succeeds Roger Schultz, who has led the foundation since 2015. Eric Shinseki, chairman of
Herbert Mines Associates Places First Chief Merchandising Officer for Bloomingdale’s
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has helped to place Denise Magid to the newly created role of chief merchandising officer for Bloomingdale’s. Ms. Magid, who is being promoted from her role as a general merchandising manager, will be charged with driving the strategic direction and performance of all of
HR Start-up Rippling Secures $500 Million in Funding
HR software start-up Rippling has raised $500 million in a new funding round initially intended to help customers make payroll in the aftermath of Silicon Valley Bank’s (SVB) collapse. The round, led by technology investor Greenoaks Capital, gave Rippling the same valuation of $11.25 billion it had clinched after its previous capital raise last year,
Fewer Board Appointments; Diversity Efforts Slowing on Boardrooms in 2022
There were fewer board appointments in 2022 compared to 2021 across almost the same number of boards: 414 non-executive director appointments made on Fortune 500 boards in 2022, compared to 449 in 2021, according to the 2023 Board Monitor report from Heidrick & Struggles. The study, which analyzed Fortune 500 board appointments including representation by gender, race/ethnicity, and
Diversified Search Group Recruits Chief Diversity Officer for SUNY
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Ricardo Nazario-Colón as senior vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer of the State University of New York (SUNY). Euris Belle, managing director, and Nancy Helfman, senior associate, led the assignment. “Diversity,
Developing an Effective Internal Mobility Strategy
Internal mobility is an important aspect of any organization’s human resources strategy. Also known as “career mobility” or “career progression,” it refers to the ability of employees to move within their organization to different roles or departments. This can include promotions, lateral moves, or even rotational assignments. The benefits of internal mobility extend to both
R. William Funk & Associates Recruits Dean for University of Louisville
R. William Funk & Associates has helped to recruit Dayna Touron as the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for the University of Louisville (UofL) in Kentucky. Dr. Touran is associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and psychology professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). She will begin her
H.I. Executive Consulting Names CIO and CTO Global Leader
Global search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC) has appointed Tony Leng as a managing partner and CIO and CTO global leader. He will be based in San Francisco. “We are very pleased to add a partner of Tony’s quality to our rapidly expanding technology and software team,” said Richard Brennan, global managing partner and practice lead,
How Employers and Candidates are Navigating the Search Industry
During the pandemic, it was demonstrated that the world was ready to adapt and allow professionals to work from anywhere in the world. “This represents a new challenge and growth opportunity for organizations (especially for the human resources industry), because now it is necessary to internationalize workforce and identify talent in different countries,” said the
NU Advisory Partners Launched by Former Russell Reynolds Recruiters
Executive search firm NU Advisory Partners has been launched by former Russell Reynolds Associates recruiters Mar Hernandez, Libby Naumes, Meredith Rosenberg, and Nada Usina. Ms. Hernandez joined Russell Reynolds in 2016 as a consultant in the financial services practice. She advises and recruits C-suite level executives for clients in global private wealth management, asset management, private equity, insurance, and
B. Riley Financial Acquires Corporate Division of Farber Group
Diversified financial services platform B. Riley Financial Inc. has acquired the corporate division of Farber Group, a Toronto-based restructuring and business advisory firm. Financial terms of deal were not included. “The Farber acquisition represents an exciting addition for B. Riley,” said Ian Ratner, co-CEO of B. Riley Advisory Services. “This is a world-class organization with whom
Spencer Stuart Retained by Tivity Health for CEO Search
Tivity Health, a Franklin, TN-based provider of healthy lifestyle solutions, including SilverSneakers, Prime Fitness, Burnalong, and WholeHealth Living, have called in Spencer Stuart to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Richard Ashworth is stepping down as CEO to pursue another opportunity. Stone Point Capital, which acquired Tivity Health last June, has launched an executive search
AMN Healthcare Leadership Seeks CHRO for Tanner Medical Center in Georgia
Executive recruitment firm AMN Healthcare Leadership is seeking a new senior vice president and CHRO for Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, GA . Amy Simonson, an experienced senior executive recruiter with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital and healthcare industry, is leading the search. The CHRO is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating human resource
Using Analytics for Executive Search
As the competition for highly skilled talent intensifies, companies are turning to big data and analytics to gain a competitive edge. With the help of these tools, businesses can now identify top candidates with precision and speed, reducing the time and resources required to fill executive-level positions. By measuring data on the success of previous
4 Reasons to Hire a CEO From a Different Domain
When people set their minds to something, it’s hard to change them. It’s true in life — and in executive search when a board determines the type of CEO they want to hire. “I see it often in the staffing industry where a company intently focuses on hiring leadership talent only from within their domain,”
