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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
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.
The Evolution of the CHRO: From Personnel to Enterprise Leadership
The responsibilities of today’s chief human resources officer extend far beyond talent management, reflecting a broader shift in how organizations view leadership and business performance. As workforce transformation, artificial intelligence, and organizational change reshape corporate priorities, the CHRO has become an increasingly influential voice in helping CEOs and boards navigate strategic decisions. Not long ago,
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?
GHP Search Assists Christel House with the Recruitment of New Board Members
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has helped Christel House Intl. to recruit John Gomes, partner, global telecom and technology at Bain & Co, and former partner, software at Kearney, Mani Iyer, chief AI and technology officer at Vanguard and former SVP – global head of infrastructure, data and technology at Paypal. Mr. Gomes is a globally recognized transformation and strategy leader in
TOC Arts Partners Assists Union Arts Center with the Recruitment of First Artistic Director
Following an extensive national search, New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has assisted Union Arts Center in Seattle, WA, with the recruitment of Yuvika Tolani as the first permanent artistic director. The search was led by vice president of executive search, Cynthia Fuhrman. “As a former resident of Seattle myself, I have enjoyed many performances
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group Seeking Chief of Development for the American LGBTQ+ Museum
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group was recently retained by the American LGBTQ+ Museum to lead in its search for chief of development. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the executive director, the chief of development will provide the leadership, direction, and coordination of fundraising strategies and activities to advance the mission of the American
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Janelle Padgett as VP and CFO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association in Glen Allen, VA. Ms. Padgett has more than 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience across complex healthcare systems, including multiple CFO, controller, and senior finance leadership roles within both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Most recently,
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
Kaye/Bassman Names Leader of North Division, Construction and Real Estate Practice
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has named Lee Martin as managing director and practice leader of the north division within its construction and real estate practice. In this expanded leadership role, he will lead the continued growth of the firm’s commercial real estate, building construction, and construction technology practices across the northern United States, further advancing KBIC’s integrated
How Executive Search Is Evolving Alongside Private Equity
With private equity firms placing greater emphasis on operational execution and long-term value creation, expectations around leadership strategy are rapidly evolving. Search firms are increasingly being asked to move beyond traditional recruiting models and serve as broader talent advisors aligned with investment outcomes. In this environment, the distinction between transactional hiring and strategic partnership is
DSG | Koya Retained by Gilda’s Club Chicago for CEO Search
DSG | Koya has been tapped by Gilda’s Club Chicago to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Cheryl Stevens and Claire Hunt. The next CEO will have the chance to build on Gilda’s Club Chicago’s strong foundation while leaving a lasting mark—expanding its reach, deepening community and healthcare
June Hiring Cools While Unemployment Holds at 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 57,000 in June as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, changed little in June. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services, social assistance, and healthcare. Leisure and hospitality lost jobs. The
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Five Questions with MJ Scott, Incoming CEO of Kirk Palmer Associates
Kirk Palmer Associates (KPA) an independent executive search firm dedicated exclusively to retail and consumer brands, this past July appointed search industry veteran MaryJeanne (MJ) Scott as its new CEO. A seasoned leader with more than 25 years in retail and executive search, Ms. Scott brings expanded capabilities to KPA’s global operations with a focus
Walking the Talk Names President for North America
Walking the Talk, a consulting and advisory firm focused on culture transformation which was acquired last year by ZRG, has named Amanda Fajak as president of Walking the Talk North America. Ms. Fajak has been a core member of the leadership team at Amsterdam-based Walking the Talk for 10 years, advising C-suite leaders in dozens
Odgers Berndtson Appoints Chairman of Global Life Sciences Practice
Odgers Berndtson has named Henry Miller as partner and chairman of its global life sciences practice. “We are thrilled that Henry has joined the firm as chairman of the global life sciences practice,” said Steve Potter, CEO of Odgers Berndtson US. “His leadership abilities and personal knowledge will allow him to create and execute strategy around revenue
The Top 8 Concepts New Entrepreneurs in Recruitment Need To Know
The allure of working from home combined with post-pandemic societal and tech back-up, has prompted many recruitment professionals to reconsider priorities, lifestyle, and future working practices. Growing and building your own business within this high-growth industry sector has become an increasingly attractive option and a new report from Recruitment Entrepreneur International’s James Caan has noted
Hanold Associates Recruits Head of People for Autograph
Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive recently placed Erica Perkins as head of people for Autograph, a leading platform for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), co-founded by NFL quarterback Tom Brady. Jason Hanold, Mayank Parikh, and Eleanor Tetreault led the assignment. “Autograph is rapidly growing, bringing a unique and innovative platform to a revolutionary new market that is quickly
HARTZ Search Recruits Chief Talent Acquisition Officer for Bon Secours Mercy Health
Healthcare is among the most rapidly growing employment fields, according to analysts at Hunt Scanlon Media, which tracks trends in the executive search and leadership solutions space. So it is that the need for recruiting firms to deliver top-drawer leaders throughout the sector has only grown. After an extensive national search, Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has placed Eric Van
Academic Search Seeks CFO and CIO for Marshall University
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been enlisted to help fill two key roles, chief financial officer and chief information officer, for Marshall University in Huntington, WV. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo and consultant Christopher Butler are leading both assignments. The CFO is the senior financial role for Marshall and is responsible for the overall financial strength
Horton International Germany Names Head of Business Unit Logistics
Horton International Germany has added logistics and digitization expert Frederik Luz to its management team as head of business unit logistics. “The fact that Frederik is now part of the team and heads the business unit logistics is a win for us on several levels,” said Martin Krill, managing partner of Horton International Germany. “He is a
Inside The Rapidly Growing High-End Independent Talent Economy
The world of work is undeniably different today than it was just a few years ago. During one of the most turbulent periods for business in decades, companies have undergone significant changes to rise to the challenges—from increased adoption of remote working to transforming their very business models and product offerings to meet the ever-increasing
Four Trends That Will Shape the Future
Change can come quickly, as we have seen in 2022. Since the start of the year, the global economy has been buffeted by international conflict, supply chain shortages, mixed economic numbers, and frenetic turnover in the labor market. The C-suite has not only been expected to mitigate material risk during all this uncertainty but also
DHR Global Assists La Salle University with Provost Search
DHR Global has helped place Shivanthi Anandan as provost and vice president of academic affairs at La Salle University in Philadelphia. Glenn Sugiyama, managing partner and global practice leader, and Dwain Celistan, managing partner and global practice leader, diversity practice, led the assignment. “Dr. Anandan brings a wealth of professional and leadership experience to our university
Cejka Search Seeks CEO for Oncology Practice Solutions
Cejka Search was recently selected to help recruit a new chief executive officer for Oncology Practice Solutions (OPS). Todd Wozniak, vice president, search consultant, is leading the assignment. The CEO will be expected to position OPS for rapid growth and expansion on a national scale while support both OPS and Southeast Radiation Oncology Group’s (SERO) operational and
Hudson Global Acquires Hunt & Badge Consulting Private Limited
Old Greenwich, Conn.-based recruiting firm Hudson Global Inc. has acquired Hunt & Badge Consulting Private Limited, an India-headquartered provider of recruitment services to customers operating in India. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are very excited to welcome the Hunt & Badge team to Hudson RPO and believe this accretive combination will generate
Korn Ferry Posts 19 Percent First Quarter Fiscal 2023 Revenue Gain
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2023 fiscal first quarter revenue of $695.9 million, an increase of 19 percent from the first quarter of last year. Revenue increased in all lines of business. The increase in fee revenue when compared to Q1 was primarily due to the continuing demand for the firm’s integrated service offerings and the
Diversified Search Group Seeks Chief Diversity Officer for SUNY
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has been retained by the State University of New York (SUNY) to spearhead its search for a vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer. Euris Belle, managing director and Nancy Helfman, senior associate, are leading the assignment. The
Russell Reynolds Associates Chosen by the National Hockey League Players’ Association to Find New Leader
The sports industry continues to be a growth area for executive search businesses. The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) has announced that its executive board has approved the executive director search committee’s recommendation to retain the executive search firm of Russell Reynolds Associates. Before making its recommendation, the search committee considered and met with several
KEES Seeks Executive Director for Bay Area Urban Debate League
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm KEES has been enlisted to find an executive director for the Bay Area Urban Debate League (BAUDL), an Oakland CA non-profit that partners with schools in the San Francisco Bay Area to found debate teams that help to transform the lives of their student participants. The assignment is led by Laura
NGS Global Opens New Office in Miami
Executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the addition of a new office in Miami. “Over the last five years, we have ramped up our capabilities in the Southeastern part of the U.S. as well as Latin America, where our global client organizations continue to expand their own footprints in building regional offices in the Miami
Strategic Insights for Hiring a Private Equity CFO
The signature of the private equity business model has always been a relentless focus on building value and wasting neither time nor resources on things that won’t add meaningful return on investment. In short, as a recent client of Caldwell’s Dave Winston said: “We buy chaos at a discount and sell clarity at a premium.”
CarterBaldwin Executive Search Tapped to Find President for Liberty University
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has been enlisted by Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA to help find its next president. Founding partner Price Harding is leading the assignment for the search firm along with partner Bill Peterson. The evangelical university’s current and interim president, Jerry Prevo, has served in the role for two years. Prior to his
ON Partners Recruits Chief Accounting Officer for Tegus
Joe Olson, Daniel Bolger, and Jake Espenlaub of ON Partners have helped to place Lisa Akhionbare as chief accounting officer for Tegus, a research platform for institutional investors. Previously, Ms. Akhionbare was vice president and corporate controller at Vroom where she scaled the accounting organization from 12 to nearly 100 team members. During her time at Vroom, sales revenue grew from
SGA Talent Opens Office in Delray Beach, FL
Amsterdam, NY-headquartered executive search firm SGA Talent has expanded with the addition of a new office in Delray Beach, FL. As part of this strategic move, SGA Talent is also creating employee benefits at the Delray location for flex workspace and incentive trips to encourage the team to take advantage of the new workspace and benefits. “As we
Buffkin / Baker Names Chief Clinical Officer
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has added David Ballard as chief clinical officer in its healthcare practice. “David is a welcome addition to the Buffkin / Baker team,” said Craig Buffkin, managing partner. “His extensive healthcare experience provides us with a strong foundation to provide quality service for our clients seeking today’s leading physician, nursing, and
Targeting the Most Impactful Points of Value Creation
Inevitably, be it through inflation, supply chain disruptions, global political turbulence, or other unavoidable calamities, change hits – sometimes suddenly and without warning. When this happens, CEOs pivot towards the “must do” work and should pivot towards the “must have” roles connected to that work. According to Sumeet Salwan, co-founder of CEO.works, this practice enables
Bespoke Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for BlueCat Networks
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners recently placed David Duncan as chief marketing officer of BlueCat Networks in Toronto. Katherine Baker and Kim Le led the assignment. “David’s experience and track record for leading and nurturing agile marketing teams is a tremendous asset,” said Stephen Devito, CEO of BlueCat. “His passion for DNS and extensive cybersecurity
Caldwell Places New CFO for Ponce Bank
Caldwell has placed Sergio Vaccaro as the new chief financial officer for Bronx, NY-based Ponce Bank. He was formerly CFO for Private Bank Americas, HSBC. Richard C. Perkey, managing partner, and Mark Dillard, consultant, led the assignment. Ponce Bank’s previous CFO, Frank Perez, remains with the bank as executive vice president; he has assumed the
Seven Critical Actions to Elevate Recruiting and Retaining Efforts
More than 47 million Americans quit their jobs last year, the highest number of resignations on record, and there was still recently a record 11.5 million job openings. As labor shortages continue, this year could go down as a “pit of despair for employers,” said one senior economist. “It’s not all bad news, though,” said Molly Brennan in a new report from Diversified
ON Partners Places Chief Revenue Officer for LastPass
Partners Aaron Clark and Tindall (Sewall) Hein of ON Partners have helped to place Amy Appleyard as the new chief revenue officer of Boston-based LastPass, which provides password and identity management solutions. A cybersecurity sales veteran, Ms. Appleyard will be responsible for leading key priorities across revenue-related functions, continuing to bolster global sales performance and
NPAworldwide Adds 28 New Member Firms
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added 28 new recruitment firms to its membership base. The latest members are from countries all over the world, including the U.S., Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, and the U.K. “The second quarter was an excellent period for us as we continue to expand our reach and provide our members with even more value,”
Surging Non-Profit Sector Seeks Senior Leaders
During a time of tremendous societal transformation, not-for-profit organizations provide support and stability for individuals and their communities. These mission-driven institutions create equitable opportunities for all, leverage funds and resources for critical social programs and initiatives, and ensure at-risk and underserved individuals are not left behind, according to WittKieffer. The value of not-for-profits has only
WittKieffer Appoints Co-Leader of Professional Search Practice
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has named Jeffrey Schroetlin as managing partner and co-leader of the firm’s professional search practice (formerly known as its mid-level executive search practice). He will share leadership responsibilities with managing partner Elaina Genser, who has guided the practice since 2020. Both individuals will continue their executive search work for WittKieffer—Ms. Genser in the healthcare practice and Mr.
Under Pressure to Fill Jobs? Here’s the Relief Valve You’ve Been Looking For
If you’re responsible for hiring at your organization, you are no doubt under tremendous pressure. The skilled talent shortage is driving a hiring frenzy. Top talent is more willing than ever to jump to a new job and employers are seizing upon that trend by offering huge bonuses and inflated salaries, according to a new







