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Alexander Hughes Appoints Managing Partner U.K and Ireland
Alexander Hughes has expanded with the addition of Richard Ingram as managing partner U.K. and Ireland. In his new position, he will lead the firm’s activities across the U.K. and Ireland, supporting strategic growth and strengthening client partnerships across key sectors. With over three decades of international executive search experience, Mr. Ingram has built a track
Hunt Scanlon Launches Training Program for Executive Recruiters
The executive search industry has a training problem. For decades, recruiting firms have relied on apprenticeship models, learning by osmosis, informal coaching, and individual manager styles. It works for a few. But it does not scale. In a market now defined by AI, speed, precision, and commercial pressure, inconsistency in recruiter performance is no longer
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
The Unseen Drivers of Leadership Misalignment
Boards often treat executive recruiting like a precision fix: identify the capability gap, import the proven performer, and expect momentum to follow. But leadership isn’t installed into a vacuum—it lands inside a living system with habits, loyalties, and unwritten rules that shape what’s possible. When that system isn’t ready for the kind of authority, pace,
Caliber Associates Places Executive Vice President of Research and Development for Aurinia Pharmaceuticals
San Diego, CA- based Caliber Associates recently placed Dr. Volker Knappertz as executive vice president of research and development of Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. He will be responsible for leading the consolidated research and development function. “Volker has a strong track record of advancing biotechnology and medical innovation and is recognized for his leadership in creating diverse,
ECI Group Adds Member Firms in China and New Zealand
ECI Group, a global network of independent executive search firms, has added Fitco Consulting in China and Baxter Executive Search in New Zealand as its newest member firms. “We at the ECI Group are delighted in welcoming Fitco Consulting and Baxter Executive Search to our network and to expand our footprint in the APAC region,” said Marcus Meyer,
The Interim Executive Model Has Become Mainstream
Organizations are having to respond to the Great Resignation by looking outside of the traditional channels to source talent. And they’re finding one of the best ways to address skills shortages is to tap into a highly skilled, diverse interim executive talent pool that is readily available and adept at dealing with the ambiguity of
Finding Insights From Losing
No one enjoys losing, but there is much we can learn and take away from a loss. Steve Ziegler, founder of Denver-based executive search firm Z3Talent, recently shared a story from about a year ago in which he and his team drove an hour to kick off a search for a chief operating officer of a
Herbert Mines Assists Invited in Finding New CHRO
Chief human resources officers have become critical stakeholders in defining the strategy of a company. Their job description calls for them to tackle the HR challenges and evolving expectations of a dynamic workplace environment that will consist of constant change, calculated risk-taking, and evolving expectations from top stakeholders. Those well-equipped to achieve the greatest success
To Integrate AI, Companies Must Alter Management Styles
As technology develops, business as well as executive search firms must develop with it. Companies that want to keep up with society must find ways to effectively integrate new technologies that will benefit them and allow them to continue to grow, according to a new report from ZRG Partners’ Lisa Hooker and Rahul Kapur. AI
Jorgenson Consulting Assists Quad Cities Chamber with CEO Search
The economic strength of the non-profit sector has increased in recent years, and it is now the third largest employer in the U.S. This has certainly kept search firms busy. Greensboro, NC-based Jorgenson Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of LaDrina Wilson as the new CEO of Quad Cities Chamber in Davenport, IA. She succeeds Paul Rumler, who stepped
Artico Search Appoints Partner
Artico Search recently expanded with the addition of cybersecurity specialist John Wilson as a partner. “Mercedes and I have known John for years,” said Matt Comyns, co-founder of Artico. “We are thrilled he joined Artico as he will deepen our go-to-market expertise and network globally. John will leverage his incredible experience as a chief revenue officer
How Employers Can Adapt to Remain Competitive in Today’s Labor Market
Worker confidence is at an all-time high, with a majority of job seekers believing it’s easier to find a job this year than the previous year and one-third feeling comfortable quitting a job without having another lined up, according to the 2022 Job Seeker Nation Report from Employ Inc., the parent company of Jobvite, JazzHR, and NXTThing RPO.
JDG Associates Selected by the Government Accountability Office to Find Chief Data Officer
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to lead the search for its first chief data officer. This incoming executive will be expected to design and implement enterprise-wide data management, governance, and compliance strategies and frameworks to manage GAO’s data assets, said the search firm. The individual will
Daversa Partners Expands Into Miami
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, is expanding into Miami, “the country’s next hyper growth tech hub,” said the firm. Partner Nicolette Hartman will be leading the new location. She will be joined by three additional team members: Jodie Salzberg, Caroline Didelot, and Olivia Witmer. “This has been one of
TalentoHCM Acquires De Forest Search
TalentoHCM has acquired De Forest Search, a Los Angeles-based executive search firm known for its 28-year history with Fortune 500 companies in consumer products, media and entertainment, alongside deep functional experience in sales, marketing, creative, product, ecommerce, human resources, finance and supply chain. Together, the combined organizations offer a broader human capital services menu and
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for Omaha’s Zoo and Aquarium
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Luis Padilla as the new president and chief executive officer of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. He will succeed Dennis Pate after his retirement in late 2022. Dr. Padilla’s first day at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium will be Nov. 14. “Our challenge
Riviera Partners Adds Partner in European Office
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Pete Alexander as a partner in the firm’s European office, in London. Mr. Alexander joins Riviera Partners after 11 years with The Up Group, a digitally focused search, advisory, and networking firm where
Keys to Diversifying Your Workplace
It is by now widely known that diversity and inclusion are good for business—especially for high-powered companies. When considering high-quality candidates for new C-suite positions, what are some policies, procedures, or practices that business leaders can implement to diversify their hires? To answer this question, Carl Kutsmode, SVP of talent consulting and executive search at TalentRISE,
ON Partners Places Chief Financial Officer for Niche
ON Partners has placed Tosin Okojie as the new chief financial officer of Niche, a leading platform connecting students and families with colleges and schools. He was formerly vice president of finance for Andela, a unicorn global engineering network. Spearheading the assignment were partners Jake Espenlaub and Danny Bolger. Mr. Okojie joins Pittsburgh, PA-based Niche during a
Chartwell Partners Recruits CEO for Four Plus Corporation
Executive search firm Chartwell Partners has placed Matt Volpano as the new CEO of Four Plus Corporation. Sean O’Neal, real estate principal, and his team culminated a thorough national search working alongside the CEO selection committee of the Four Plus board to select Mr. Volpano. “Matt brings exceptional depth of real estate industry experience that aligned with the
CHRO Role in PE-Funded Organizations
In the current and increasingly competitive business climate, with dynamic and shifting markets and associated customer requirements, the chief human resources officer is one of the essential links to the successful growth and profitability of PE sponsored companies. The top HR officer is at the vortex, with the CEO, in defining and cultivating the culture
Women CFOs at Top Companies See Gains in First Half of 2022
Although the percentage of chief financial officers hired by Fortune 500 and other notable companies continue to skew male, over a third of new CFOs hired by Fortune 500 companies and companies of note in 2022 have been female (36 percent), suggesting a steady incline in female representation among CFOs in the Fortune 500, according
CIO Partners Seeks Chief Information Officer for Veritas Veterinary Partners
The chief information officer is considered one of the most strategic roles in any organization. Still, recruiting within the function remains challenging, as skilled C-suite IT professionals are among the toughest to find, and move. CIO Partners was recently selected by Veritas Veterinary Partners as its exclusive partner to lead the search for a CIO.
Essential Leadership Skills For A “Work Anywhere Anytime” World
COVID has changed the workplace forever. While working remotely began as a virus-driven imperative, its success has made it an option in most corporate structures. The hybrid/remote model is here to stay, and new leadership skills are needed to succeed in this “work anywhere anytime” world, says a recent report from IMSA Search. Today’s leaders
The Moran Company Seeks Leader for The Arc of Colorado
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been enlisted to help the Arc of Colorado find its next executive director. The Denver, CO-based non-profit promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community
Kingsley Gate Partners Adds Several Members of GattiHR
In a new partnership, private equity-backed Kingsley Gate Partners has added several key members of GattiHR, who will support the firm’s continued expansion across the human resources, industrial and supply chain sectors. These members include: J.L. Baker, senior partner; Michelle DesChenes, partner; Jeffrey Kartheiser, partner; and Bob Cwenar, vice president. “We’re excited to welcome the newest members of
ZRG Partners Assists the Government of the District of Columbia with CFO Search
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, recently partnered with the Government of the District of Columbia on the search for the District’s new CFO. Managing directors Diane Charness, global non-profit practice leader, and Tim Ward, of ZRG’s professional and technology services practice, led the search that resulted in Glen Lee’s
Accenture Acquires YSC Consulting
Acquisitions and consolidations continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. The latest: Accenture has acquired YSC Consulting, a CEO advisory and leadership consultancy that helps organizations align leadership strategies with their business goals. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Accenture’s capabilities to
Caldwell Recruits CEO for Bright Cellars
John Strackhouse and Bethany George of Caldwell have assisted in the recruitment of Joe Megibow as the new chief executive officer of Bright Cellars, a data-driven wine discovery, curation, and production platform. He formerly served as CEO and board member of Purple Innovation Inc., a digitally-native vertical brand with a mission to help people feel and live better
Signium Adds Former HR Executive in Dublin, Ireland
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR executives looking for a career change. Executive search consortium Signium recently appointed former HR executive Jim O’Brien as consulting partner in Dublin, Ireland. Mr. O’Brien is an accomplished HR veteran with 25 years of experience. He joins Signium from Aramark, where he was
Women Still Lag on Boards and in the Executive Suite
While economic uncertainty remains a key theme in 2022, advancing gender equity remains a prominent corporate topic. Many studies have shown that companies with more diverse boards and leadership teams benefit from a wider range of experience, skills, and perspectives, and perform better. It only makes sense that stakeholders are increasing the pressure on leading
WittKieffer Recruits Senior Advisor to Chancellor and Chief Inclusion Officer at Texas Christian University
Oak Brook, IL-based search firm WittKieffer has placed Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado as senior advisor to the chancellor and chief inclusion officer at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth. Consultant Shelley Arakawa, principal Charlene Aguilar, and consultant Alejandra Gillette-Teran led the assignment. “I am delighted that Dr. Benjamin-Alvarado has accepted this position and am eager to
ON Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer for Intellect
Today’s chief product officer is responsible for all product-related matters, and the role is growing in demand, according to executive recruiters who place them. The position typically includes product conception and development, production, innovation, and project and product management. In many IT/ telecommunications companies, the position includes release management and production. Chief product officers generally work on
The Skills That Help CEOs Make the Right Choices
Has decision making just become harder? With the business world spinning faster than ever before—and with no pre-established playbooks to fall back on—making high-stakes judgments in exhausting situations is now a daily task for every CEO, according to a new report from Russell Reynolds Associates’ Anita Wingrove, Alistair Macrae, Aimee Williamson, Ruben Hillar, and Eric
