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AI-Forward Leadership: Driving Strategy, Innovation, and Performance in the Digital Age
AI-forward leadership describes an approach that emphasizes the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence into organizational strategy. It reflects a forward-looking mindset among leaders who understand AI’s transformative potential and use it to drive business outcomes. Such leaders are characterized by their willingness to embrace technology, their adaptability in evolving environments, and their commitment to
Chartwell Partners Assists Farm Credit Bank of Texas with CEO Search
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Brandon Blaut as the new CEO of Farm Credit Bank of Texas. He succeeds Amie Pala, who is retiring following a distinguished and impactful tenure with the organization. J. Scott Petty, managing partner of Chartwell Partners’ financial services practice, led the search. “We were honored
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
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
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,
Five Questions with MJ Scott, Incoming CEO of Kirk Palmer Associates
Kirk Palmer Associates (KPA) an independent executive search firm dedicated exclusively to retail and consumer brands, this past July appointed search industry veteran MaryJeanne (MJ) Scott as its new CEO. A seasoned leader with more than 25 years in retail and executive search, Ms. Scott brings expanded capabilities to KPA’s global operations with a focus
Expanding the Role of CISOs on Boards
Not since 2002 and the passing of the massively consequential Sarbanes-Oxley Act, when the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) required America’s boards of directors to appoint chief financial officers and form audit committees, has there been such a critical impending change to board skill-sets and reporting. The SEC has once again identified a serious gap
Growing and Developing Next Generation Leaders
Today’s members of the C-suite have a special responsibility to help mold the leaders of the future. In a new report, Signium’s Matthew Dallisson looked into what attributes are needed in next generation leaders, and how to develop them. “Clients engage Signium to enhance the NextGen leadership in their own organizations by identifying a pipeline of
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Royal House Partners
ON Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Doug Hart as the new CEO for Royal House Partners (RHP), a CPS Capital-owned provider of residential HVAC, plumbing and electrical services. Partners Baillie Parker and Matt Mooney led the assignment. “We are thrilled to have Doug join the RHP team,” said Jason Fenn, partner at CPS Capital. “Doug is an incredible leader
RPA Nearing End Stages of President Search for Slippery Rock
Williamsport, PA-based higher education executive search firm RPA Inc. has been involved in the recruitment of a new president for Slippery Rock University (SRU). William Behre, who has led the school since 2018, announced in February that he plans to retire, effective June 30, 2023. Dana John Cohick and Kendra Mozug are leading the assignment. The search firm has
ZRG Partners Opens New Office in Dubai
ZRG Partners has opened a new office in Dubai which will be led by Natalie Sleiman, managing director and EMEA lead for the firm’s professional and technology services practice. The firm now has team members positioned in key global markets on five continents. “UAE is a crucial financial and cultural hub,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “Our
Caldwell Posts 31 Percent Revenue Gain
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q4 revenues of $35.9 million (Canadian), a 11.6 percent decrease from a year ago. Full year revenues rose by 31 percent, from $119.5 million last year to $156.2 million. Financial results include those of IQTalent Partners, Inc. “This was an exceptional year in our firm’s history, as we shattered previous records for revenue and
Effective Reference Checking: A Definitive ‘Why’ and ‘How-To’ Guide
In an era of increasing artificial intelligence, automation. and digitization, the importance of traditional reference checking as a risk management mechanism cannot be understated. A recent report from NGS Global’s Steve Lavelle, Mark Lelliott, and Fernando Zavala looks at why it is so fundamental to hiring success, and provides helpful tips for ensuring that your process
NFP Acquires Juno Search Partners
Philadelphia-based executive search firm Juno Search Partners LLC, has been acquired by NFP, a property and casualty broker, benefits consultant, wealth manager, and retirement plan advisor. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Co-founders Mikal C. Harden and Vicki Sack will join NFP as senior vice presidents. “I’m beyond excited to welcome Mikal, Vicki,
Riviera Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer for Versapay
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
SearchWide Global Seeks CEO for Visit Spokane
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has been enlisted to find the next president and chief executive officer for Visit Spokane, a destination marketing organization in Washington State. Last month, Meg Winchester announced her retirement from the non-profit’s top job effective Jan. 1. Nicole Newman, the search firm’s vice president, is leading the assignment. Responsibilities of the role
True Names Leaders for Climate Tech and Healthcare & Life Sciences Practices
Executive recruiting firm True Search has named EMEA and APAC leaders for its climate tech practice as well as its healthcare and life sciences practices. Partner Nathaniel Hook, formerly managing director of global executive search firm WittKieffer, is now head of healthcare and life sciences practices, EMEA, and APAC. Partner Rafe Jackson, who has been instrumental in True’s expansion into new markets as a global
The Benefits of Using an Executive Search Firm
Great recruitment takes hard work. You need a solid and effective process end to end to be able to access the best candidates and provide the offers that keep them once you’ve found them. This all requires a certain expertise and approaching not just those officially interested in a position, but also those who don’t
DHR Global Recruits CFO for Scotts Miracle-Gro
DHR Global has placed Matthew Garth as the new CFO of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., a leading lawn and gardens products company. Rob Tillman, managing partner of DHR’s global financial officer practice, led and completed the search in less than 60 days. “The chairman and CEO of Scotts Miracle-Gro challenged us to move quickly while
Arts Consulting Group is Tapped to Find Executive Director for New England Foundation for the Arts
Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has been enlisted to find the next executive director for the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA). Wyona Lynch-McWhite, senior vice president, is leading the assignment for the search firm. NEFA values an equitable, diverse, and inclusive world and is committed to hiring individuals who share, value, and support
Morgan Samuels Appoints Chief Financial and Operations Officer
L.A.-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels has named Jarrod Gray as chief financial and operations officer. “We are delighted to have Jarrod on our team. His strong background in finance, human resources, and business development operations is in direct alignment with our growth strategy goals,” said Bert Hensley, CEO of Morgan Samuels. “He is a world class leader, and
Mercuri Urval Names Leader of Frankfurt Office
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has named Thorsten Kocherscheidt as group director and leader of the Frankfurt office. “I am confident that Thorsten will support our growth plans in Europe and help us to become even stronger in financial services, and I am convinced that he will bring further success for our clients particularly
How CHROs can Prevent Top Talent from Leaving
The COVID-19 pandemic, rising economic uncertainty and geopolitical risk, and the increasing emphasis on environment, social, and corporate governance matters all have important leadership implications. As advisors to the C-suite, Russell Reynolds Associates has been closely monitoring these trends and advising leaders and teams through this tumultuous time. The search firm’s Netila Demneri and Harsonal
Winning and Keeping Talent During the Great Reshuffle
In today’s post-pandemic talent landscape, employers and companies not only need to worry about the Great Reshuffle and Great Resignation, but also the latest workforce trend of “quiet quitting.” The pandemic upended the traditional workforce, giving candidates and employees more power than ever when it comes to hiring, compensation, and benefits. In a new report,
Northwind Partners Recruits Chief Growth Officer for Integral Federal
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has recruited Jason Siminski as the new chief growth officer of Integral Federal, an intelligence and national security solutions provider. The assignment was led by director Jonathan Rice. “We are happy to bring on board Jason Siminski as Integral Federal’s new chief growth officer as we focus on our next level of
Artico Search Recruits Chief Customer Officer for Showpad
Customers matter. It sounds simple. But these days, companies are coming to better accept and understand that concept and weave it into their strategic vision. So it is that businesses of all kinds are increasingly bringing aboard chief customer officers (CCO), the most effective of whom wield influence across an organization and into the C-suite.
Leathwaite Adds Two Non-Executive Board Members
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has added two new non-executive members, Beatriz Rodriguez and Raashi Sikka, to its board. “It’s such a pleasure to welcome Raashi and Beatriz to our board,” said Andrew Wallace, managing partner. “The fresh perspectives they both bring will be invaluable as we continue to grow and thrive as a business. I’m
Successfully Hiring Your First Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader
In the past two years, there has been an unprecedented focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Prompted by the 2020 murder of George Floyd, followed by months of Black Lives Matter protests, business leaders have finally begun to recognize the racial inequities embedded deep in the systems in which we operate each day, including
10 ‘No Cost’ Ways to Improve Employee Retention
If you are an executive, business owner, or team leader, employee retention is undoubtedly top-of-mind. You’ve may have even done a web search on “how to retain employees.” Recent data suggests that as much as 70 percent of all Google searches related to teams, talent, employees, and human resources right now are focused on the
TurnkeyZRG Retained by West Virginia University to Lead Athletic Director Search
West Virginia University has called in TurnkeyZRG to lead its search for a new athletic director. The school recently parted ways with director of athletics and associate vice president Shane Lyons. The search firm is looking to have a new director in place within three to four weeks. “I deeply appreciate Shane’s leadership over the past eight
Hanold Associates Recruits Chief People Officer for Fanatics
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Orlando Ashford as the new chief people officer of Fanatics in New York City. The search was led by Jason Hanold, Lisa Yae, Mayank Parikh, and Eleanor Tetreault. “Orlando is an outstanding person and business leader, who brings an exceptional sense of wisdom, innovation and drive to
TRANSEARCH Adds Y Scouts to Network
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International recently added Scottsdale, AZ-based Y Scouts as its newest member firm.
How Diversity Initiatives Have Become More Prevalent
There is a quiet revolution taking place that is affecting every company that is looking for transformational leadership. So what is that revolution? Ruben Moreno, HR practice lead for Blue Rock Search, explains that one in which candidates are saying: “I am no longer going to take full responsibility for moving a company’s DEI initiatives forward.
Vetted Solutions Seeks CEO for National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions has been chosen to find the next chief executive officer for the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), a Chicago-based association dedicated to fee-only financial planning. At the same time, Leslie M. Stokes, vice president of the search firm, who has worked for various associations throughout her career, was named interim
ON Partners Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Arcserve
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum and executive search firms have been there to meet this demand. Tim Conti of ON Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Christian van den Branden as chief technology officer of Arcserve. “Christian is an exciting addition to Arcserve’s leadership team,” said Brannon Lacey, CEO of Arcserve. “His in-depth
Caldwell Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for AffiniPay
Jay Millen and Carlos Cata of Toronto-based Caldwell recently assisted in the recruitment of Ana Villegas as chief marketing officer of AffiniPay, a leading SaaS for professionals. Following the news of AffiniPay’s acquisition of legal practice management software company MyCase, Ms. Villegas will lead marketing and help drive growth for AffiniPay’s payment and software offerings. “As AffiniPay and MyCase join
Egon Zehnder Opens Office in Dublin
Egon Zehnder recently opened a new office in Dublin, Ireland. The Dublin location marks Egon Zehnder’s 63rd global office, now across 36 countries. The office is led by Andrew Roscoe and senior advisor Karl Croke. “While we’ve served clients in Ireland for more than 20 years, this deepening of our commitment strengthens our presence in Ireland, so we
