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Jackson Lucas Acquires Affinity HR Advisory Group
New York City-based Jackson Lucas has acquired Affinity HR Advisory Group, led by veteran HR executive Gayle Feinstein. “When we look at the growing firms we partner with, we constantly see founders and COOs getting pulled into the weeds of sensitive employee issues when they should be focusing on scaling their business,” said Anthony Fanzo, founding partner, Jackson Lucas. “Bringing
Heidrick & Struggles Launches AI-Enhanced Leadership Assessment Platform
Heidrick & Struggles recently launched Heidrick Immersive, a next generation, AI-enhanced leadership assessment platform. “Today’s leaders must navigate constant disruption, shifting stakeholder expectations, and accelerating technological change,” said David Peck, partner and global leader of the High-Impact Leadership Center of Excellence at Heidrick & Struggles. “By integrating AI-driven simulation and personalized feedback into our advisory offering, we’re
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.
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for 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?
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
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
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
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
How Boards and CEOs Can Close the First-Year Learning Gap
Placing a chief executive is not the finish line for an executive search firm — it is the beginning of a new phase of accountability. The most effective firms understand that long-term success depends not only on selecting the right leader, but also on ensuring that individual transitions into the role with clarity, alignment, and
Agilium Worldwide Adds Merrion Executive Search in Toronto
Global executive search consortium Agilium Worldwide has added Toronto-based boutique search and advisory firm Merrion Executive Search as its newest member firm. Merrion Executive Search works across many industries, partnering with global financial services organizations and international banks, fintechs and technology firms, recognized brands and start-ups. “Merrion is recognized for its personal touch and commitment to high
Senior Leaders Walking the Talk During Challenging Times
To put it simply, the pandemic served as wake-up call for organizations and employees as the way we worked changed. The need to “walk the talk” became imperative, meaning organizations needed to put their words into action, say DHR Global partners Maryanne Wanca-Thibault and Tim Wiseman, in a recent report. “Today’s workplace is undergoing a revolution in reorganization and
Best Ways to Build Relationships with Search Consultants
In the age of social media, it is remarkably easy to turn up statements of distrust and even vitriol toward job recruiters with a simple internet search, according to recent report from ECA Partners’ Tony Topoleski. “Quora questions and subreddits like r/recruitinghell are filled with horror stories of abuse, endless lies of omission, and ghost
The Millard Group Places Chief Revenue Officer of Juniper Networks
The Millard Group, which focuses on building executive teams for venture capital and private equity backed growth stage technology companies, has assisted in the recruitment of Chris Kaddaras as executive vice president and chief revenue officer of Juniper Networks, a provider of secure, AI-driven networks. Mr. Kaddaras, who will report to chief executive officer Rami
Scott Miller Executive Search Recruits CFO for Fairplex
San Francisco-based Scott Miller Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Steve Birdwell as the new vice president of administration and CFO of Fairplex. “We are excited to welcome Steve into the Fairplex family, especially as we embark on a new vision for the next century,” said Walter Marquez, president and CEO. “With the work we are
StevenDouglas Opens New Offices in Cleveland and Dallas
Executive search firm StevenDouglas has expanded with the addition of new offices in Cleveland and Dallas. The office in Cleveland will be focused on technology search and staffing while the office in Dallas will concentrate on finance and accounting. The firm has hired Bryan Krieger as managing director to lead the Cleveland location and Rob Parker as
Odgers Berndtson Seeks Chief Cybersecurity Officer for U.S. House of Representatives
Cyber attacks show no signs of abating. A report last year from Accenture, in fact, said the threat is only growing, with an average of 270 attacks per company, up 31 percent from 2020. A new report from McKinsey & Company, meanwhile, projects that damage from cyberattacks will amount to about $10.5 trillion annually by
Letting Employees Go During the Great Resignation
Over the past six months, Summit Leadership Partners’ Heather Gordon has had numerous intelligent and successful CEOs approach her for coaching to help determine if they should let someone on their team go. It’s a tough decision, particularly amidst the Great Resignation and the difficulties of hiring the right talent. “But even before our current economic
Artico Search Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Showpad
Top-drawer chief revenue officers are commonly found at start-ups and smaller businesses and tend to the bottom line while the rest of the C-level team expands key partnerships, seeks growth opportunities, or sources funding. That is changing. Larger businesses now view the CRO post as an essential, long-term role. In one recent search, executive search firm.
Venor Seeking CFO for Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia
Halifax, Nova Scotia-based executive search firm Venor has been selected by Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) to lead in its search for a new CFO. Shardeigh McGillivray is leading the assignment. The CFO is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the organization by working with the senior executive and operational executive teams to establish long-range strategies,
PageGroup Appoints CEO
Top leadership appointments, of men and women, have been gaining traction at executive search firms over the past year. Just recently, executive recruitment consultancy PageGroup appointed Nick Kirk as its new CEO. This follows the firm’s announcement in April that it had begun a process to identify Steve Ingham’s successor. The appointment of Mr. Kirk
How Executive Recruiters Shape the Professional Outcomes of Black Applicants
Today, most corporate organizations divulge their desire for greater black representation. However, after years of extensive promises and modest change, data suggest that organizations’ willingness and desire to embrace black applicants is predicated on more than their ethos of inclusion, according to a new report from ZRG Partners’ Kelly Lewis. “It’s equally grounded in their
Starfish Partners Acquires Direct Recruiters Inc.
Acquisitions and consolidations continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Starfish Partners, an investment and ownership platform for niched professional and mid-to-upper management search specialists, has acquired Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Current Starfish Partners organizations include search firms
Academic Search Seeks Provost for New Mexico State University
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been enlisted to find the next provost and chief academic officer for New Mexico State University in La Cruces. In November, 2021, provost Carol Parker was placed on paid administrative leave after the NMSU Faculty Senate and the Associated Students of New Mexico State University passed resolutions of no-confidence in both
ON Partners Recruits CFO for ClearStar
Joe Olson and Aaron Clark of ON Partners assisted in the recruitment of Dave Morgan as the new CFO of ClearStar Inc., a provider of human capital integrity technology-based services in background and medical screening. “Dave has a proven track record of leading change at scale in technology and service organizations innovating in their fields,” said Chad Parodi, ClearStar’s CEO. “As
N2Growth Expands to Greece
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has expanded to Greece with the appointment of Rebecca Pitsika as managing partner. Headquartered in Athens, Ms. Pitsika will be responsible for the firm’s operations in Greece and neighboring countries and will report directly to Kelli Vukelic, CEO of N2Growth. “I’m delighted to add Rebecca and her team
Correlations Between Executive Search and Sustainability
Sustainability acts as an umbrella term for companies and organizations focused on advancing social and environmental impact initiatives. Organizations are looking to implement transformational change and forward their sustainability/ESG agenda. These changemakers have provided insights on the ever-evolving nature of the sustainability executive search market, and its importance within the U.S. market in a new
Five Tips to Help Design the Chief Diversity Officer Role
A diverse workforce is essential to the success of an organization. And when it comes to building strong teams, successful organizations focus on developing a more inclusive culture that welcomes and supports diverse leaders and talent. Many companies have created diversity, equity, and inclusion roles to align with their strategic goals and create a sense
Harris Search Associates Recruits CHRO for Cuyahoga Community College
A number of universities have recently turned to search firms to find new chief human resources officers. Following an extensive national search that included a highly competitive candidate pool from across the country, Dublin, OH-based executive recruitment firm Harris Search Associates has recruited Dua’a (Dee) Weber as vice president and chief human resources officer of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)
Chartwell Partners Recruits CFO for Choice Health at Home
Executive search firm Chartwell Partners has placed Jeff Kreger as CFO of Choice Health at Home (Choice), one of the Southwest’s largest and fastest growing providers of home health, hospice, rehabilitation, and private duty services. Partner William Ward led the assignment. Mr. Kreger will partner with Choice’s CEO David Jackson, Choice’s leadership team, and the company’s financial
WittKieffer Appoints Chief Operating Officer
Oak Brook, IL-based search firm WittKieffer has named Christina Boiler as its chief operating officer. “Christina is well known for inspiring organizations to achieve excellence and meaningful change,” said Andrew Chastain, president and CEO of WittKieffer. “She brings a unique, diverse skill-set developed through previous senior leadership roles while possessing an eager willingness to explore new opportunities
How Recruiting Has Become the Hottest Seat in HR
The velocity of the post-COVID hiring bounce-back, spanning virtually all industries and geographies, caught many companies cold and took many by surprise. As organizations scramble to meet what is an extreme skill shortage in some areas, it should perhaps come as no surprise that the individuals tasked with identifying, attracting, and on-boarding the capabilities necessary
Unemployment Rate Stands at 3.7 Percent
Employment rose by 261,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to 3.7 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Notable job gains occurred in healthcare, professional and technical services, and manufacturing. The number of unemployed persons edged down to 6.1 million in October. Among the major worker groups,
ZRG Partners Assists Center for Community Solutions with CEO Search
ZRG Partners recently completed a pro bono search for Center for Community Solutions (CCS), a San Diego-based non-profit dedicated to ending relationship and sexual violence, assisting in the recruitment of Cori Austin as the organization’s new chief executive officer. Robin Toft, Lisa McCann, and Sarah Cueto led the search. Ms. Austin, who has served as chief operating
Rosenzweig & Company Places Board Member for Blue Ant Media
Executive search firm Rosenzweig & Company has placed Lisa Hsia, former executive vice president of NBC Universal, as a new board member of Blue Ant Media, an international content producer, distributor, and channel operator. “Blue Ant was seeking a rare combination of digital transformation expertise and outstanding leadership and personal attributes in the media and entertainment space,
Ellig Group Forms Advisory Board
New York City-based Ellig Group has formed an advisory board consisting of 10 highly respected CEOs and board directors from various industries and non-profit organizations. “I am honored to have this amazing board, chaired by Truett Tate, to promote our vision of enhancing corporate cultures and good corporate governance with more diverse executives in senior level roles and
Executive Hiring Predictions Moving into 2023
Macro-environment factors have always had an impact, to some degree, for better and worse, on the jobs market, and in turn, the executive search industry. For the most part, the executive search industry has more than just weathered these tempests in the last two years. In fact, today, executive search firms are reporting they are busier than ever.
Navigating a Non-Profit Succession Plan
The executive director/CEO position in a non-profit organization is a central element in the organization’s success. Therefore, ensuring that the functions of the executive director/CEO are well understood and shared among senior staff and the board of directors is important for safeguarding the organization against unplanned or unexpected change. This kind of risk management is
Artico Search Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for parcelLab
As business becomes more complex and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging — and much more influential. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, co-founder of Artico Search, recently recruited Sidra Berman as chief marketing officer of parcelLab, an operations experience management platform.
Greenwich Harbor Partners Recruits Board Members for Teach for America Miami-Dade
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Recently, Greenwich Harbor Partners assisted in the recruitment of Romina Rosado and Deena LaMarque Piquion as
Mogul Forms Alliance with Brimstone
Recruitment platform and executive search firm Mogul has signed a deal with Oakland, CA-based Brimstone, a venture-backed climate technology company that created the world’s first carbon-negative Portland cement. “As we scale our operations and grow, we are dedicated to continuing to build the strong, diverse team we need to decarbonize cement production, one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries,”
