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Buffkin / Baker Expands Consumer Practice
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has expanded with the addition of Kevin Duffy as a partner in its consumer practice area. “We are delighted that Kevin has joined Buffkin / Baker and our consumer practice,” said David Alexander, partner, and consumer practice leader. “He brings a wealth of executive recruiting experience to our firm and
Speed vs. Certainty: How Leading Search Firms Deliver Fast Shortlists Without Increasing Risk
Executive search firms are under increasing pressure to deliver qualified leadership candidates faster without compromising diligence or decision quality. As hiring timelines compress and stakeholder scrutiny intensifies, many firms are turning to AI-driven intelligence tools to identify potential risks, validate candidate fit, and strengthen shortlists earlier in the search process. Balancing speed with certainty requires
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.
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
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?
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Sheffield Haworth Adds Private Equity & Growth Venture Portfolio Assets Veteran
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Michael McDonnell as managing director, private equity and growth venture portfolio assets. He is based in the New York office and works within the technology sector practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the team,” said Paul Gillespie, managing director of the
Leadership Needs Shift in a Changing Federal Market
Executive search across the federal contracting, government services, defense, and technology sectors is entering a new phase as companies look for more sophisticated ways to evaluate leadership beyond résumés, references, and past performance. In markets where specialized experience, relationships, and an understanding of complex government customers can be critical, the challenge is not simply identifying
Private Equity Rollup Wave Reshapes Executive Search
What may once have looked like a series of isolated transactions is increasingly taking on the shape of a broader industry shift. As capital moves into the sector and firms rethink where they have true competitive strength, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. “A year ago, I would have called this a prediction, today,
HARTZ Search Seeking Chief Revenue Officer for Geisinger
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently retained by Geisinger to lead in its search for a chief revenue officer. This executive will direct, manage, and implement programs to ensure efficient revenue management operations and sufficient cash flow to support Geisinger operations and strategic initiatives. The role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, reducing, and resolving revenue management issues
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
Noto Group Expands Global Consumer Practice
Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Noto Group has expanded with the additions of Kirsty Schofield and Cody Johns as senior partners in its global consumer practice. “Cody and Kirsty bring highly complementary experience, deep consumer sector expertise, and a genuine connection to how we work,” said Sara Spirko, managing partner of Noto Group. “Both understand that finding
millionways Brings a New Behavioral Intelligence Lever to Executive Recruiters
Hunt Scanlon Ventures this week completed its investment in millionways, a New York-headquartered company that builds a behavioral intelligence layer of AI for human agent workforces, utilizing a proprietary Large Psychology Model called Thorsten-4. The platform focuses on understanding human signals, motives, and behavior patterns, with applications used across AI governance, executive hiring, talent management,
AI Governance Jobs Platform Builds Early Momentum Through Privacy-First Model
AI-Governance-Jobs.com, operated by GRC Careers LLC and led by founder and CEO F. Jay Hall, has built its model combining specialized career content, organic search visibility, and privacy-focused architecture. The company’s latest executive summary reports 134,499 organic impressions over a recent 28-day period, achieved roughly three months after launch — without advertising. As demand grows
Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Linfield University with the Recruitment of Dean of the School of Business
Blue Rock Human Capital has helped to recruit Isaac Wanasika as the new dean of the School of Business at Linfield University. “Blue Rock Human Capital was pleased to work with Linfield University to identify their new dean of the School of Business,” said Jacquelyn Elliot, president and COO of Blue Rock Human Capital. “Today’s higher
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
Pacific International Launches Leadership Coaching and Onboarding Service
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has launched its new leadership coaching & onboarding service. This will support senior leaders through the highest-stakes moments of their careers. “The first months in a new leadership role, a step-change in scope, the pressures of C-suite leadership – these are just a few examples where an experienced coach can turn potential into value faster
Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources
Boyden Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
Signium Expands in Belgium
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of Valérie Schmitt to its Belgium team as leadership consulting partner. “She will support executive leaders and teams at pivotal moments, helping them navigate change and succeed in complex environments,” Signium said. “Drawing on more than 25 years in senior corporate roles, Valérie brings first-hand experience of the challenges
How AI Is Reshaping Executive Assessment and Leadership Development
As organizations look for better ways to evaluate leadership potential, attention is shifting beyond experience and credentials toward how executives actually think, communicate, make decisions, and respond under pressure. AI is creating new ways to analyze those behaviors at scale, giving executive search firms and their clients additional evidence when assessing qualities such as judgment,
Caldwell Assists the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the Recruitment of President for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the recruitment of Cheryl Nelms as president of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Her appointment follows a competitive international executive recruitment process. The search was led by Drew Railton, Lucy Antrobus, and Vicky O’Connor. “With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada, Cheryl brings
TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has helped to recruit Trent Anderson as vice president of development of Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). This follows an extensive national search led by senior strategist, Brenna Thomas. “Throughout the search process, Trent distinguished himself with his strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and thoughtful leadership,” said Daniel Battsek, president of Film
True Launches Forensic Referencing Offering
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Forensic Referencing, a new executive intelligence capability designed to help investors, boards, and executive teams make more informed leadership decisions before high-stakes investments, new business relationships, and governance milestones. The firm named Christopher Jaros as partner to build and lead the offering. This expands True’s executive intelligence platform, complementing the firm’s executive
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Director
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Chrissie Shin as director. “Please join us in congratulating Chrissie Shin on her promotion to director,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Chrissie’s expertise, dedication, and leadership have made her an invaluable member of the Long Ridge team. This well-earned promotion reflects the impact she’s made across
Navigating the Search for Tomorrow’s HBCU Leaders
Leadership searches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are becoming increasingly complex as boards weigh institutional legacy against rapidly changing demands on presidents. Executive search firms are being asked to identify candidates who can balance mission, financial stewardship, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy while navigating a more uncertain higher education environment. For HBCUs,
Beyond Expertise: How to Identify and Develop Transformative Legal Leaders
Demand for senior legal executives in both corporate and law firm environments continues to intensify as organizations confront growing regulatory complexity, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting risk landscapes. Boards and general counsel are placing a premium on leaders who are not just technically adept in areas such as compliance, litigation, and privacy, but who also serve
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
How to Build an Inclusive Company Culture
It’s one thing to include diversity, equity, and inclusion in your company’s mission and values. Consider it a prerequisite. It’s a much larger and more involved undertaking to show a commitment to DEI daily throughout your organization, according to a newly released report from DHR Global’s Nina Chatrath, Christine Greybe, Jonathan Hoyt, and Maryanne Wanca-Thibault. “Too
Envision Consulting Recruits CEO for Aviva
Pasadena, CA-based search firm Envision Consulting recently placed Amber Rivas as president and CEO for Aviva in Los Angeles. This follows the recent retirement of Regina Bette, who served as in the top role for 11 years. The appointment of Ms. Rivas comes after an extensive search and recruitment process led by board chair Jonathan Werner and the search
Carrington & Carrington Seeks Chief Behavioral Health Officer for Cook County Health in Illinois
Carrington & Carrington Diversity Executive Search has been enlisted to find a chief behavioral health officer (CBHO) for Cook County Health (CCH), a safety net health system for low-income patients in the Chicago area. The CBHO will serve the organization as both the lead on behavioral health strategy and program development. The CBHO will be
Payrolls Rise by 223,000 as Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.5 Percent
Employment rose by 223,000 in December as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to 3.5 percent, according to today’s U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons also decreased to 5.7 million in December. Notable job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, healthcare, construction, and social assistance. Among the major worker groups,
Former Netflix Talent Acquisition Lead Joins U.K. Recruiter Ibison Talent Group
U.K.-based executive recruiting firm Ibison Talent Group (ITG) has named former Netflix talent acquisition executive Lynnette Happ as a partner. “This appointment is significant as we continue to expand our business into the U.S. market,” said Nicola Ibison, CEO of ITG. “We’ve recently attracted outstanding U.S.-based talent to roles in the U.K., and Lynnette’s appointment will
What Senior Leaders Need to Ask Themselves in 2023
It’s the beginning of a new year and new possibilities. The global leadership team at Grace Blue Partnership has created a list of thought-provoking questions as well as some advice for leaders of all teams looking to retain, acquire, and develop their people in the year ahead and achieve business success. The executive search firm
SearchWide Global Tapped by Choose Chicago to Find Chief Marketing Officer
The travel and tourism industry is growing at an annual rate of 8.46 percent. By 2026, the projected market value will be just under $1 billion. This has created a heightened demand for senior leaders within the sector, keeping executive search firms busy. Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global was recently enlisted to find a chief marketing officer
Preng & Associates Recruits CFO for Flotek Industries
Houston-based executive search firm Preng & Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Bond Clement as the new chief financial officer of Flotek Industries Inc., a NYSE-traded provider of technology-driven specialty green chemistry solutions. “We are excited to welcome Bond Clement to Flotek,” said John W. Gibson Jr., chairman, president, and CEO of Flotek. “We believe
Sterling Martin Associates Seeks Executive Director for the Funeral Service Foundation
Sterling Martin Associates, an executive search firm which specializes in recruiting talent for associations and other non-profit organizations, has been enlisted to find the next executive director for the Funeral Service Foundation (FSF), the philanthropic voice of the funeral profession and the charitable arm of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). FSF’s executive director is
Riviera Partners Appoints Chief People Officer
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has named Decio Mendes as its chief people officer. “Mendes’ enthusiasm for people, expertise in organizational development, and ability to instill a positive culture is a key part of Riviera’s growth,” said Will Hunsinger, CEO at Riviera Partners. “As we continue to
What It Takes to Lead on DEI in 2023
Global leaders now overwhelmingly consider diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) a strategic business imperative as employees increasingly place value on equality advances in their work environment. A new report released by Heidrick & Struggles finds that 93 percent of leaders view DEI as more important now than three years ago. The report, Employees at the Center:
ZRG Partners Recruits CEO for Oasis Marinas
ZRG Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kenneth Svendsen as the new chief executive officer for Oasis Marinas, a provider of third-party marina management services. Dan Searby and Brian Meany spearheaded the assignment. “We are thrilled to have Kenneth join the Oasis team,” said Matt Shipman, president of Oasis Marinas. “Kenneth is a proven leader, and his decades
Reading a Prospect’s Commitment to a Job Opportunity
We’re in an era in which higher education leaders are doing a lot of looking around, wondering if there isn’t a better opportunity out there. It makes sense that individuals are wondering about their job security and whether another institution might offer a more stable, financially rewarding or friendly environment. There is also something to
Hudson Gate Partners Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Mogo
Hudson Gate Partners recently recruited Brad Shapcott as the first chief technology officer of Mogo, a NASDAQ-traded digital payments and financial technology company in Vancouver, British Columbia. Ryan Kellner, Hudson Gate’s head of technology recruiting, was retained to lead the search. “We are very excited to have Brad join as our inaugural CTO,” said Greg
Buffkin / Baker Recruits President and COO for aptihealth
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has recruited Tim Koehler as president and chief operating officer of aptihealth, a Saratoga Springs, NY-based tech-driven behavioral healthcare provider. Partner Jackson Ross led the assignment. “I am grateful to our entire aptihealth team for their dedication and hard work in helping us build a powerful, high-impact behavioral healthcare company,”
Changing the Focus in Succession Planning
What holds true for traditional talent management, in general, holds true for succession planning in particular. Both suffer from the same flaw: a focus on supply rather than demand, according to a new report from Hein Knaapen, managing partner of CEO.works. “Talent management is about the uninterrupted availability of the right talent to drive continuous company performance; succession







