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Daily Newswire
Where AI Belongs in Executive Search—and Where It Doesn’t
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the executive search profession, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency while raising important questions about where technology should—and should not—play a role in the hiring process. As firms continue to integrate AI into their workflows, the focus is increasingly shifting from whether to adopt these tools to how
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been selected by Virginia Tech to lead in its search for a new president. Current president Tim Sands announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti are leading this search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its
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.
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
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?
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
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 has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
The Keys to Hiring AI Advisory Partners
The idea that software has reshaped every industry is no longer a bold prediction—it’s a baseline assumption, and now artificial intelligence is accelerating that shift even further. A new report from CipherStone Partners’ Robin Abraham and Joel Richard asks: What does today’s ground-shifting moment mean for those advising the world’s top business and political leaders
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
Myers McRae Seeks Provost for Winthrop University
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been enlisted to find the next provost for Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. Kenny Daugherty, the search firm’s president, is leading the assignment. Winthrop’s previous provost, Adrienne McCormick, stepped down last summer to become provost at the University of Redlands in California. Peter Judge, a professor
The Millard Group Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for ReliaQuest
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 John Wallace as the new chief revenue officer of ReliaQuest. “John Wallace joins ReliaQuest having overseen successful go-to-market and growth efforts for well-respected companies,” said Brian Murphy, founder and CEO
RevelOne Recruits Top Marketing Executive for RevenueCat
Greenwood Village, CO-based RevelOne has assisted in the recruitment of Hendrik Haandrikman as vice president of marketing for RevenueCat in San Francisco. Vice president Harry Master led the assignment. “Hendrik’s years of experience in building marketing organizations from the ground up, exceeding year-over-year revenue goals and driving high rates of growth at various startups stood out to the
AETHOS Consulting Group Expands to Las Vegas
After taking a massive hit during the pandemic, employment and hiring within the hotel and hospitality industry has begun to rebound. Leisure and hospitality added 88,000 jobs in November, including a gain of 62,000 in food services and drinking places. Leisure and hospitality added an average of 82,000 jobs per month through 11 months last
Executive Hiring Predictions for 2023
With market uncertainty on the minds of senior executives as we move into the new year, ON Partners recently asked its consultants to offer predictions and insights about the executive jobs they expect to be in demand in 2023. The past few years have seen one of the most volatile business environments in memory. Political, social,
Heidrick & Struggles Plans to Acquire Atreus
Chicago-headquartered executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has entered into an agreement to acquire Atreus, one of the leading players for executive interim management in Germany. The acquisition expands Heidrick & Struggles’ on-demand talent offering into Continental Europe and is an important component of the firm’s broader strategy to
RMN Electi Recruits CFO for HomeX
The pressure on chief financial officers during the pandemic has been significant. That has made finding the best ones big business for executive recruiters. Just recently, RMN Electi, formerly RM Nephew and Associates, assisted in the recruitment of Zach Ripps as the new CFO of HomeX Services Group in Lincoln, RI. Mr. Ripps is formerly head
Brooke Chase Associates Recruits COO for Wellborn Cabinet
Chairman and CEO Joseph McElmeel, Richard Mohrman, and Gina Felicita of Sarasota, FL-based executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates have placed Richard Farr as chief operating officer for Wellborn Cabinet in Ashland, AL. “We are excited to have a person with Richard Farr’s experience and cultural fit join our company,” said Paul Wellborn, the company’s president and CEO.
Amrop Expands in EMEA and Asia-Pacific
Global recruiting organization Amrop has strengthened its European and APAC consulting team with new partner hires in Portugal, Italy, and Singapore. Filipe Morais joins Amrop as an independent partner in Portugal. He becomes a core member of Amrop’s global board services practice. Mr. Morais is an expert on board governance and has published books, academic and
Hunt Scanlon Looks Back at a Whirlwind Year in Executive Recruiting
Like every year, there were searches that caught the entire recruitment industry’s eye, and left competitors a bit envious that they had not won the assignment. Our story about TurnkeyZRG’s placement of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, nearing the end of his last term in office, as the new head of the National Collegiate Athletic Association
Hanold Associates Seeks Head of HR and Diversity for the New York Giants
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has been selected by professional football’s New York Giants to lead the search for a head of human resources and diversity. The assignment is being led by Jason Hanold, Lisa Yae, Ivy Arlia, and Meg McElroy. As the Giants organization has grown and evolved, the need for more rigor around the
Axiom Acquires Plexus’ Legal Talent Division Plexus Engage
Axiom, a global provider of on-demand legal talent, has acquired Plexus Engage, a subsidiary of Australian headquartered legal technology company Plexus. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Plexus Engage offers experienced, flexible lawyers for in-house legal teams to support projects or augment capacity. This acquisition further advances Axiom’s long-term M&A and geographic expansion
Answering the Growing Call for Interim Executive Talent
The trend toward executive-level interim services has only been growing in recent years. But now, as private equity firms grow savvier about their use of talent and prospects for the economy have dimmed, more companies are embracing short-term, temporary leadership. For recruiters like The Christopher Group (TCG), a leading HR executive search firm, this shift
Will Hot M&A Recruiting Market Cool and Reset Valuations?
Acquisitions made big news in the recruiting industry this year, and for good reason. Outside investors finally caught on to the sector’s expansion potential and long growth runway ahead. Top search leaders also found ways to maximize profit (cutting back on office space helped every search firm achieve a better bottom line in 2022). That
Diversified Search Group Places Board Member for Atkore
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has placed Joanne Edwards onto the board of directors of Atkore, a $3 billion electrical products manufacturer. Diversified managing director Lauren Smith led the assignment. “Joanne brings great value to the board,” said Ms. Smith. “She ran a $1 billion
Meeting the Challenge of Deglobalization
Beyond the health crisis it created, COVID-19 in many ways changed the world. In business and our work lives, the pandemic sparked and accelerated shifts that had already been stirring, driving them to the forefront, from the rise of technology and remote work to a greater emphasis on work-life balance. Concern about supply chains, meanwhile,
Targeting the Right Talent Pools
Whether you call it the Great Resignation, the Great Reshuffle, or any of the many names given to the COVID-era hiring woes, the fact remains that hiring in the CX world is tough these days. Competition for talent is intense, employees are changing their priorities, and the result is a frustratingly large number of job
JDG Associates Tapped by the Andrews Federal Credit Union to Fill VP of IT Security Role
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Andrews Federal Credit Union to lead its search for a vice president of IT security. Andrews Federal is seeking an inspiring, transformational leader who will be responsible for evolving and driving its security strategy across corporate systems, networks, branches, and third-party SaaS applications to safely serve
Herbert Mines Associates Recruits CEO for Walden Local Meat Co.
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Nancy Pak as the new chief executive officer of Walden Local Meat Co., a direct-to-consumer share program that hand-delivers meat to members’ doorsteps from farms across the Northeast. “As a founder, searching for a new CEO can be a
Hunt Club and Parentaly Partner to Help Companies Adopt Equitable Parental Leave Programs
Chicago-headquartered referral recruiting service Hunt Club has formed a strategic partnership with Parentaly, a start-up helping companies large and small turn parental leave into a competitive advantage. Hunt Club and Parentaly are joining forces to help companies attract and retain talent through actionable initiatives, such as more thoughtful parental leave programs. The companies pointed out
TurnkeyZRG Places Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker as Next Head of NCAA
TurnkeyZRG has assisted in the recruitment Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker as the next president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the major governing body for intercollegiate athletics, effective in March of next year. Gov. Baker’s term as governor ends on Jan. 5. He succeeds Mark Emmert, who will continue to serve the NCAA as
Bespoke Partners Offers Two-Year Executive Placement Guarantee
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has announced a two-year guarantee on executive placements with the company’s leadership assessment service. “Doubling the industry standard of one-year guarantees on executive placements, the two-year guarantee from Bespoke Partners ensures placed executives will remain with client companies for at least 24 months,” the firm said. “The new guarantee is
