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The M&A Predictions That Shaped 2026
Ansarada’s 2026 Global M&A Predictions Report brought together 26 dealmakers from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand around four central expectations: M&A would remain resilient despite uncertainty, interest-rate relief could unlock activity, energy and technology would attract capital while consumer sectors lagged, and AI would become increasingly important to both asset
Korn Ferry Posts Q1 Fiscal-Year 2027 Revenues of $756.5 Million
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q1 fiscal-year 2027 revenues of $756.5 million, an increase of seven percent year-over-year with growth in all regions. This marks the firm’s sixth consecutive quarter of top line growth. The growth was led by double digit growth in search and workforce solutions of 10 percent and 11 percent, respectively.In addition, first
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 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
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?
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,
Egon Zehnder Called in by CAAT Pension Plan for CEO Search
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by the board of trustees of CAAT Pension Plan to lead in its search for its next chief executive officer. This follows the departure of longtime CEO and plan manager Derek Dobson, who recently resigned. The search will focus on leaders who can combine strategic vision with operational discipline,
The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. To support the
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
RH Perry & Associates Retained by Skagit Valley College for President Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Skagit Valley College (SVC) to lead in its search for a new president. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Sue DeWine and and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The president will strengthen the College’s ‘One College’ approach by enhancing coordination across the Mount Vernon and Whidbey
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
HiBob Secures Funding to Drive AI-powered Enterprise
Tel Aviv-based HR tech platform HiBob has announced an investment led by Salesforce with additional participation from Farallon. This marks a key milestone in HiBob’s evolution from a modern HR platform into an organizational intelligence layer for modern businesses. The investment reflects a shared belief that trusted workforce data and organizational context will become critical infrastructure for the AI-powered enterprise.
The M&A Predictions That Shaped 2026
Ansarada’s 2026 Global M&A Predictions Report brought together 26 dealmakers from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand around four central expectations: M&A would remain resilient despite uncertainty, interest-rate relief could unlock activity, energy and technology would attract capital while consumer sectors lagged, and AI would become increasingly important to both asset
Korn Ferry Posts Q1 Fiscal-Year 2027 Revenues of $756.5 Million
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q1 fiscal-year 2027 revenues of $756.5 million, an increase of seven percent year-over-year with growth in all regions. This marks the firm’s sixth consecutive quarter of top line growth. The growth was led by double digit growth in search and workforce solutions of 10 percent and 11 percent, respectively.In addition, first
AGB Search Seeking University of Illinois System President
The University of Illinois Board of Trustees has tapped Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search to lead in its search for the University of Illinois System president. Roderick McDavis, Sally Mason and Garry W. Owens are leading the assignment. The president will lead the system into the next era of higher education with strategic vision, effective and authentic communication, and a
CarterBaldwin Assists AdelFi With Chief Innovation and Technology Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Cameron Forbes as chief innovation and technology officer of AdelFi, a division of Christian Community Credit Union. His appointment is a key piece of AdelFi’s strategy investing in enhanced cybersecurity and regulatory readiness, scaled digital channels for engagement and accessibility, and improved personalized, digitally enabled member experiences. Associate partner
Scaling Growth Through Transformative Talent
High-growth environments can compress time, magnify decisions, and expose leadership gaps in an instant. As companies move through periods of rapid expansion, the ability to build and evolve the right leadership team becomes increasingly critical to sustaining momentum and creating long-term value. Across private equity, venture capital, and technology-driven businesses, organizations are rethinking how they
Herbert Mines Associates Fills Operations Post for Guitar Center
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has placed Kinna Thomas as SVP, merchandising operations & musician’s friend of Guitar Center, the world’s largest retailer of musical instruments. “Kinna is a results-oriented leader with extensive retail management experience in manufacturing, planning, replenishment, and buying,” the company said. “She’s excited to join the
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits CEO for Gainesville Regional Airport
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Paul Mehrlich as the new CEO of Gainesville Regional Airport. His appointment comes after a comprehensive nationwide search to replace outgoing CEO Allan J. Penksa, who has retired after 18 years in the role. Mr. Mehrlich is a results-driven aviation executive with more than 15
JM Search Strengthens Healthcare and Life Sciences and Technology Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has added Ellen Travers, Shane McMahon, and Dave Cochran to the firm, strengthening its healthcare and life sciences and technology practices. “These new additions enhance the firm’s expertise in executive recruitment across both sectors,” JM Search said. Ms. Travers joins as a partner and brings over 25 years of experience in
Building Structured Interviews into Executive Search
As competition for senior talent intensifies, organizations are taking a closer look at how their hiring processes influence both decision quality and candidate experience. Executive interviews, long considered a cornerstone of leadership evaluation, are increasingly being scrutinized for consistency, efficiency, and alignment. In response, companies are exploring more deliberate approaches to ensure interviews generate meaningful
Choosing the Right Leadership: External vs Internal Candidates for C-Suite Success
The C-suite is arguably the most vital department in your business. When a leader leaves, it’s critical to focus on a succession plan, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. One crucial decision is whether to initiate external verses internal C-suite hiring. Stahl Recruiting
Lindauer Recruits Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Gary Grant as chief philanthropy officer of the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. The search was led by Lindauer assistant vice president Terri Rutter. “Gary is deeply committed to the belief that philanthropy begins with real relationships,” the Zoo said in a LinkedIn post. “He is excited to bring that
PierceGray Retained by Metglas for Senior Operations Search
PierceGray was recently retained by Metglas to lead in its search for a vice president of operations. This executive will serve as the senior on-site operational leader for Metglas’ 24/7 manufacturing facility, with responsibility for all aspects of plant performance excluding finance, HR, and IT. Reporting to the president and COO, this role represents a critical
Modern Executive Solutions Appoints CFO
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has appointed Apostol Nikolov as its new CFO. “Apostol brings a powerful combination of strategic insight and operating experience,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “His background advising on complex transactions and then leading finance functions within high-growth environments gives him a unique perspective that will be invaluable as
Candidate Confidentiality: Why It Matters
Executive search sits in a uniquely sensitive middle ground: recruiters are asked to represent an employer’s interests while also earning and protecting a candidate’s trust, explained a recent report from ExecSearches. That “in-between” position makes confidentiality more than a professional courtesy. “For the candidate, it can be the difference between a strategic career move and
AI Reshaping Leadership Hiring in Private Equity
Private equity investors are under increasing pressure to drive value creation quickly, placing greater emphasis on leadership decisions made early in the investment cycle. As deal timelines compress and operating demands intensify, firms are rethinking how they identify and evaluate executives capable of executing complex growth and transformation strategies. In response, new technologies are being
The Talent Studios Recruits President for Beach House Group
The Talent Studios has placed Fadi Sayegh as president at Beach House Group, the parent company of BÉIS luggage & PATTERN Beauty. The search was led by The Talent Studios’ Jeremy Cohen, Serena Smith, and Gretchen Koch. Mr. Sayegh is a seasoned finance and operations executive who recently served as the CFO of MaryRuth’s Organics, where he helped to build the accounting and
Massey Henry Assists Kindred Credit Union with Chief People and Culture Officer Search
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has assisted in the recruitment of Andrea Vrbanac as chief people and culture officer of Kindred Credit Union. “We’re thrilled to have served as a trusted partner of Kindred Credit Union in the appointment of Andrea Vrbanac as chief people and culture officer,” Massey Henry said in a LinkedIn post. “With
Mercuri Urval Appoints New Leader
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has recently appointed Lene Juul Pedersen as group director. Ms. Pedersen is the firm’s global head of compliance and data protection, where she leads compliance strategy and ensures high standards in data protection and operational excellence across the firm’s global executive search and talent advisory services. “I’m very proud and
Rethinking Executive Due Diligence: Beyond the Traditional Background Check
As organizations place greater scrutiny on leadership appointments, the scope of due diligence is expanding well beyond traditional screening methods. Companies are recognizing that evaluating senior executives requires a more comprehensive understanding of risk, reputation, and long-term impact. In this environment, firms are adopting more rigorous and nuanced approaches to assess candidates before they take
The Tolan Group Recruits Senior Director of Revenue Cycle for Ascension Living
The Tolan Group (TTG) has recruited Barbara Graham as senior director of revenue cycle at Ascension Living. She brings more than three decades of experience leading revenue cycle transformation across hospitals, physician groups, and specialty care organizations. Most recently, Ms. Graham served as vice president of operations at Medusind, where she directed global revenue cycle operations
GHP Search Recruits Three New Board Members for IDEA Public Schools
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has assisted is the recruitment of three new board members for IDEA Public Schools. New members identified by GHP include Najuma Atkinson, founder of The Joyful Harvest Project, Stacy Eng, principal at HR AI Strategy, and Ryan Green, founder and principal of Greenpoint Advisory. Ms. Atkinson is a seasoned corporate executive with nearly 30
20/20 Foresight Appoints Regional President
20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions has expanded with the addition of Anna Souers as regional president. “The appointment of Anna Souers illustrates exactly what 20/20 has been doing for years: identifying progressive, forward-thinking search consultants and positioning them as leaders within our ever-growing platform and the evolving landscape of the search business,” said Robert Peck, president of
Spencer Stuart Names Chief Communications Officer
Spencer Stuart has appointed Bill Launder as chief communications officer, a newly created position with the firm. “We are delighted to welcome Bill to Spencer Stuart in this important role at a pivotal time for our firm,” said Jordan Brugg, chief executive officer of Spencer Stuart. “We operate at the intersection of talent and strategy, and
Executive Search: Why It Matters and When to Use It
Leadership decisions at the senior level shape an organization’s trajectory in ways that are both visible and structural. Individuals appointed to board and C-suite positions influence capital allocation, operational priorities, governance standards, and organizational culture. Their judgment impacts not only performance, but also the confidence of investors, employees, and partners. Against that backdrop, executive hiring
Artico Search Appoints Partner
Artico Search has expanded with the addition of Andrew McCormack as partner, strengthening the firm’s New York-based growth equity and venture capital practice with a seasoned executive search leader. “Andrew brings the judgment, connectivity, and client partnership we value most deeply,” said Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, co-founder and chief executive officer of Artico Search. “He is relentlessly client-focused,
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Leading COO Search for Step Up For Students
DRiWaterstone Human Capital was recently tapped by Step Up For Students to lead in its search for a chief operations officer. The COO is a critical role for the transformation and growth of Step Up for Students. Reporting to the chief executive officer, the COO is responsible for leading the organization’s operational teams, including customer experience, scholarship
Peña Search Seeking Philanthropy Lead for The Rees-Jones Foundation
Peña Search has been retained by The Rees-Jones Foundation to lead in its search for a senior director of philanthropy. Travis Hillier and Carlos González Peña are leading the assignment. The Rees-Jones Foundation is seeking a senior director of philanthropy to help lead and advance its mission of serving vulnerable populations through faith-driven, high-impact grantmaking. This is
Egon Zehnder Appoints U.S. Market Leader
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Grant Clayton as U.S. market leader. He succeeds German Herrera, who has held the position since 2021 and was recently elected global chair of the firm. “It has been a privilege to witness the outstanding leadership that has driven Egon Zehnder’s growth in the United States, and I am
Accenture Signals the Rise of the ‘Agentic Deal’
Accenture’s latest report, The Dawn of the Agentic Deal, points to a clear turning point in M&A. Over the past decade, technology has largely been used to improve speed and efficiency, enhancing diligence, financial modeling, and integration planning. That advantage, however, is quickly becoming table stakes. What’s emerging now is structurally different. AI is no longer
Why Your Most Difficult Hire Isn’t the One You Think
Headline employment data and hiring activity paint an incomplete picture of today’s workforce landscape. Beneath the surface, shifting candidate expectations and constrained talent pipelines are creating challenges that aren’t immediately visible. If you lead talent strategy in the insurance sector, you are navigating one of the most deceptive hiring markets in recent memory, according to
Vetted Solutions Retained by GO2 for Lung Cancer for CEO Search
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions was recently retained by GO2 for Lung Cancer to lead in its search for a new CEO. GO2 for Lung Cancer seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and mission-driven CEO who will lead with vision, impact, and growth in mind. GO2 is facing an inflection point, expanding national networks and integrating research, early detection, and
Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Warren Wilson College With Senior Search
Blue Rock Human Capital has assisted Warren Wilson College in the recruitment of W. Eric Sykes as vice president for enrollment management. “Blue Rock Human Capital was pleased to work with Warren Wilson College to identify their vice president for enrollment management,” said Jacquelyn D. Elliot, president and COO of Blue Rock Human Capital. “In today’s
Wray Executive Search Names VP of Recruiting
Wray Executive Search, a provider of executive search and advisory services in the restaurant, foodservice, retail, and franchise industries, has expanded with the addition of Jonathan Kelley as vice president of recruiting. “Jonathan’s energy, responsiveness, and consultative approach align perfectly with how we serve our clients,” said Kevin Stockslager and Ray Kelley, managing partners. “He understands
Rising Demand for Data Expertise Forces Shift in Talent Strategy
In recent years, data has become business’s most valuable resource. Data analytics is no longer just an IT function, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. It has become critical to a company’s ability to innovate, optimize operations, and respond to shifting market demands. “However, as business leaders become increasingly aware of the importance of
What a Strategic Executive Search Partner Actually Delivers
In an environment where leadership decisions carry outsized consequences, the way organizations approach executive hiring has fundamentally shifted. What was once seen as a process-driven function is now a high-stakes exercise in judgment, timing, and alignment—one that directly shapes enterprise value and long-term performance. Executive search is not transactional—it’s strategic, according to a recent report
Coulter Partners Recruits CEO for Babraham Research Campus
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Rich Ferrie as the new CEO of Babraham Research Campus Ltd (BRCL). “It has been a privilege to partner with Jo and the board on this high-profile appointment,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Babraham Research Campus is fundamental to the U.K.’s scientific infrastructure. Our search focused on
