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How AI Workflows Are Transforming Executive Search
In the rapidly evolving landscape of work, artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept; it is a present force reshaping industries, redefining roles, and reimagining possibilities. At The Energists, a Houston-based boutique search firm, they have embraced this transformation not with trepidation, but with strategic intent. “Each day, we witness firsthand how AI-enabled workflows are enhancing
N2Growth Recruits CEO for KTGY
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has placed William Bate as CEO of KTGY, a national design firm focused on architecture, interior design, branded environments, and urban design. Brian Greer led the assignment. The search was prompted by the planned retirement of Tricia Esser, who has been with KTGY since its founding and has
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.
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
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?
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
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
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Search Assignments for 2025
Executive search in 2025 remained steady and increasingly strategic, as organizations continue to rely on trusted advisors to navigate high-stakes leadership decisions amid ongoing market complexity. Hunt Scanlon Media now takes its annual look back at the top 10 searches of the year. Across these following assignments, executive search firms showcased how leadership recruiting is increasingly
Slone Partners Continues Growth
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has expanded with the addition of Fred McCallum as vice president, client partnerships. “Fred McCallum is a talented and driven leader with a successful track record as an external recruiting business partner with global stakeholders,” said Leslie Loveless, CEO. “He has vast experience with candidate development and recruitment all the way up through
M&A Activity for Recruiting and Talent Platforms Expected to Heat Up In 2023
Acquisitions made big news in the recruiting industry this past year, and for good reason. Outside investors caught on to the sector’s expansion potential and long growth runway ahead. Top search leaders also found ways to maximize profit (cutting back on office space helped every search firm achieve a better bottom line in 2022). That
Bespoke Partners Recruits CEO for AbsenceSoft
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Mark Schiff as the new chief executive officer of AbsenceSoft in Golden, CO. The search was led by Kristie Nova and Katherine Baker. “We couldn’t be more delighted to have partnered with such an outstanding team on this successful search,” the search team said. “We are
Should Your Next CEO be an Internal or External Hire?
Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, known as the “DACH” region, are German-speaking countries where supervisory boards not only define profiles and requirements for hiring the CEO, they are also responsible for their appointment. Consultants and management auditors support these processes, helping boards to ensure that suitable candidates have the required skills and experiences. “However, experience shows
Reffett Associates Recruits First Woman Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy
After a nationwide search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has assisted in the recruitment of rear admiral Joanna Nunan as the first woman superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, NY. She succeeds vice admiral Jack Buono. After announcing the appointment, transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg said Ms. Nunan is: “The right
ShiftKey Secures Funding Round from Lorient Capital
ShiftKey, a Dallas-based healthcare recruiting company, has closed on a funding round sponsored by majority investor Lorient Capital, valuing the company in excess of $2 billion. Crunchbase News reported the round was for $300 million. Lorient’s investment was completed through a continuation vehicle that was led by the Ares Management Secondaries funds and Pantheon. Additional investors
Getting Your Business ‘Exit Ready’ for a Sale
Scaling and creating a recruitment business which is attractive to investors or potential buyers is one of the most challenging areas for most entrepreneurs in recruitment. For many entrepreneurs, the end goal is to ultimately scale and exit the business they have built. Some believe that the business is ready for an exit as soon
Caldwell Posts 38 Percent Revenue Loss
Toronto-based Caldwell issued its financial results for the fiscal 2023 first quarter ended Nov. 30, 2022, posting consolidated professional fee of $23.7 million (Canadian), a 38 percent decrease from the same period a year ago when it reported $38.3 millon. “We experienced a slowing in our business segments in the last quarter of our record-breaking fiscal
TurnkeyZRG Recruits New Leader for the Fiesta Bowl
TurnkeyZRG has assisted in the recruitment of seasoned sports executive and business leader Erik Moses as executive director and chief executive officer of the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona. “It was important to identify the right person who could guide the future of the Fiesta Bowl, and help build innovative ways to engage our fans, community, stakeholders,
Furst Group Recruits Chief People Officer for Medica
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, recently assisted in the placement of Missy Durant as chief people officer of Medica in Minnetonka, MN. “We are absolutely thrilled to have Missy join Medica,” said John Naylor, president and CEO of Medica. “In addition to bringing strong human resources leadership to our team, she
Standish Executive Search Appoints Managing Principal
Providence, RI-based executive search and advisory firm Standish Executive Search has named Greg Mickelson as managing principal. In this position, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the firm. “Greg has been instrumental in our success these last few years since he joined Standish Executive Search,” said Stan Davis, founder. “As I look toward the
ON Partners Records 115 Percent Growth, Appoints Co-Presidents
ON Partners has recorded 115 percent three-year revenue growth rate. The search firm has also built out its executive leadership team to continue its expansion into growth markets, including the appointment of partners Matt Mooney and Tim Conti as co-presidents. ON has also promoted Vicky Wilkens to chief commercial officer and Greg Kleeh to chief operating officer. They join Mr. Conti,
Hiring Outlook Remains Stable: Signs of a Slowdown Emerge
Employers around the world are still expecting to hire more workers in the first quarter of 2023 with 12 of the 41 countries and territories reporting higher hiring intentions than the previous quarter, according to the Q1 ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. Employers reported a seasonally adjusted, net employment outlook of +23 percent. Hiring intentions decreased
The Christopher Group Seeks CHRO, Two Board Members for Bryant & Stratton College
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected to find a chief human resources officer and two board members for Bryant & Stratton College in Orchard Park, NY. Pam Noble, managing director, and Ayla Maloney, managing partner, are leading the assignments. The newly evolved CHRO role
Russell Reynolds Associates Called in by Penn State to Find Provost
Penn State is launching a national search for its next executive vice president and provost. The school has called in Russell Reynolds Associates to recruit this next leader. As the chief academic officer reporting directly to the president, the provost works with deans, chancellors, faculty, and staff across the university and helps set and lead academic
Amrop Expands in Istanbul
Amrop, a global leadership advisory and executive search partnership, has assembled a new team in Istanbul, marking its reentry to the Turkish market. With headquarters in Istanbul, Amrop Turkiye offers executive search and leadership advisory services across C-suite, board, and senior management functions. The firm will focus on a broad range of sectors including industrial,
Kingsley Gate Partners Acquires The Omerta Group
Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate Partners has acquired London-headquartered The Omerta Group (TOG), an executive search firm specializing in financial services. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “To have a truly global financial services practice, you must be in three locations: New York, London, and Hong Kong,” said Umesh Ramakrishnan, CEO of Kingsley Gate Partners.
Greenwood /Asher & Associates Assists in Search for President of Eastern Illinois University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood /Asher & Associates is helping to place the next president for Eastern Illinois University (EIU) in Charleston, IL. Leading the assignment are Betty Turner Asher, co-founder of the search firm, and Julie Schrodt, senior executive search consultant. Last October, current EIU president David Glassman announced that he would
WilsonHCG Acquires Personify
Global talent solutions provider Wilson Human Capital Group (WilsonHCG) has acquired Personify, a Raleigh, NC-based recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) provider. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Personify is one of the largest life sciences and healthcare RPO providers in the world, so this expansion enables continued growth while cementing our position as a global leader
Development Guild DDI Seeks New Leader for United Women in Faith
Non-profit specialist recruitment firm Development Guild DDI was recently selected to find a new CEO for United Women in Faith in New York City. Senior vice president and principal Tracy Marshall is leading the assignment. Together, the board and the CEO ensure United Women in Faith’s relevance to the membership, accomplish its mission and vision, and
Kennedy Executive Search Makes Senior Appointments
Kennedy Executive Search, a network of independent executive search firms, has elected Veerle Van De Vijver as president and György Kobelrausch as vice president. Former president Pablo Perella-Berdun will remain active as vice president of special projects. In 2023, Kennedy’s legal entity will also transition from an EIG to a limited liability company, allowing the
Diversified Search Group Recruits CEO for Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Federal Reserve Bank president searches are some of the most coveted assignments for executive recruiters to take on, and a number of leading search firms have gotten in on the action. Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Austan Goolsbee as the new
A ‘Historic’ Past Two Years and What’s Coming for 2023
With almost 25 years of experience in retained executive search, Chris Bull, co-founder and managing partner of executive search firm McDermott + Bull, is often asked what his firm is seeing in the market and what he expects moving forward. In summarizing what he has seen over the last 24 months, and making predictions for
Daversa Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Lacework
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has assisted in the recruitment of Meagen Eisenberg as chief marketing officer of Lacework, a data-driven cloud security company in San Jose, CA. Daniel Marr led the search. “Meagen deeply understands the customer-centric mindset that is crucial to our success,” said Jay Parikh, CEO, Lacework.
The Moran Company Recruits New Leader for The Arc of Colorado
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has recruited Elizabeth Moran as the new executive director of The Arc of Colorado in Denver, CO. The follows an extensive national and local search and selection process. Senior search consultant Mike English led the assignment. Ms. Moran comes to The Arc of
WittKieffer Creates Global Commercial Strategy and Insights Team
Oak Brook, IL-based search firm WittKieffer has launched a global commercial strategy and insights (CSI) team. The new team will partner with consultants across the firm to deliver data-driven insights, market intelligence, and commercial strategies that advance WittKieffer’s ability to help clients meet their strategic objectives through an integrated approach to the construction and development of
Nurturing Talent in the Digital Age
When companies create roadmaps for their digital transformation journey what remains as the critical piece of the plan is ironically not some form of technology. Human capital remains a cornerstone and central resource of any company, according to a report from Ward Howell’s Gary Abello. “After all, the success of a company’s digital transformation sits
ON Partners Recruits Chief Information Security Officer for Trellix
Andy Hickman and Tim Conti of ON Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Harold Rivas as chief information security officer of Trellix, a cybersecurity company based in San Jose, CA. Mr. Rivas’ appointment is part of Trellix’ ongoing effort to drive the future of extended detection and response, the company said, adding that his leadership will enable Trellix to
KEES Places Executive Director for Chicago Debates
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm KEES has placed Anthony J. Bolden Jr. as executive director of Chicago Debates, which uses academic debate to help advance Chicago’s youth. He previously served as the organization’s director and then senior director of programs. Most recently he was interim executive director. Mr. Bolden succeeds Toinette Gunn, now president and CEO
Slone Partners Cybersecurity Practice Launches
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has launched Slone Partners Cybersecurity, a national talent recruitment firm that delivers diverse commercial, operational, and technical cybersecurity specialists and leaders for companies in all business verticals and health systems. The firm is a successor to Wolf Hill Group, which was founded as a joint venture with Slone Partners in 2019. Adam
Heidrick & Struggles Opens New Office in Colombia
Chicago-headquartered executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has opened a new office in Bogotá, Colombia, and appointed Roberto Hall as the office’s new leader. He will be supported by four key consultants with a wide range of expertise across all of the firm’s existing sectors. “The expansion aligns with Heidrick & Struggles’ strategy
