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U.S. Adds 172,000 Jobs in May as Unemployment Holds Steady at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 172,000 in May as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.3 million, changed little in May. Job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, local government, and healthcare. Employment in financial activities declined. “This is a labor
CarterBaldwin Recruits President and CEO for Kansas Fiber Network
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Danny Pate as the new president and CEO of Kansas Fiber Network (KFN). Partner Chris Guiney and search consultant Ted Wieber led the assignment. “We are pleased to bring Danny on board,” said Mark Gailey, chairman of KFN’s board of directors. “The board ran a diligent search 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.
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
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?
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
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
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
AI Hiring in 2026: Talent, Pay & Readiness
Artificial intelligence is no longer a side initiative championed by innovation teams executive search consultants continue to tell Hunt Scanlon Media. It has become a strategic lever that shapes competitive positioning, operating models, and enterprise value. As adoption deepens, the conversation is shifting from experimentation to execution — from what AI can do to how
The Burgeoning Demand for Cybersecurity Talent
The impact of a cybersecurity breach—be it from cyber criminals, business competitors, terrorist organizations, or foreign nations—is unsettling to say the least. In terms of dollars alone, the average data breach cost $4.35 million in 2022, an increase of 2.6 percent over last year and 12.7 percent since 2020, according to a new report by
Lindauer Seeks New Leader for California Rural Legal Alliance
Lindauer has partnered with California Rural Legal Assistance Inc. (CRLA) to find their next executive director. Senior consultant Diane Felicio, Ph.D. and consultant Elsa Gomes Bondlow are leading the assignment. California Rural Legal Assistance seeks applications and nominations for the position of executive director. This is a pivotal moment in the organization’s history as Jose Padilla, the organization’s longstanding leader is retiring after more
The Bowdoin Group Assists CodaMetrix in Recruitment of Chief Revenue Officer
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, Paul Manning, Jordan
Kirby Bates Associates Seeks CEO for Community-University Health Care Center
Orlando, FL-headquartered healthcare-focused search firm Kirby Bates Associates was recently enlisted by the University of Minnesota (UMN) to find a chief executive officer for its Community-University Health Care Center (CUHCC). Leading the assignment are Livonne Engebrecht, senior executive recruiter; Troy Keach, vice president search services; and Dennis Kain, senior vice president search services. The CEO will be
Coulter Partners Forms Alliance with Differing Minds
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners and Differing Minds, a neurodiversity training and consulting specialist, have formed a partnership agreement. “We are extremely interested to learn about neuroinclusive recruitment and how we can attract neurodivergent people, not only in recruitment of our own talent but with clients, too,” said Bianca Coulter, CEO of Coulter Partners. “This exciting partnership
How To Build Value Within Your Recruitment Business
What makes one recruitment business more attractive to an investor than another? Investors have their own strategic agenda; they may seek to invest in a particular sector or region and will measure value in their own unique way. But a “buyer’s” checklist will always be built on key principles. It’s important to focus inward first;
Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.5 Percent
Employment rose by 263,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to 3.5 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Notable job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality and in healthcare. Hurricane Ian had no discernible effect on the employment and unemployment data for September. The number of unemployed persons
Slone Partners Recruits CEO for Hygieia
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has placed Doug Lawrence as the new chief executive officer of Hygieia, a digital therapeutics company for insulin therapy. “Doug Lawrence is an extraordinarily driven and accomplished diabetes technology leader with a track record of tremendous success leading global business operations,” said Tara Kochis, president of Slone Partners. “He brings tremendous experience and a
Renovata & Company Recruits CFO for PE-Backed Pricefx
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has placed Gill Sheeran as chief financial officer of Pricefx, a software-as-a-service price-optimization management platform. “Gill is an experienced finance executive for the tech industry and fast-growing, global companies,” said Thomas Jepsen, Renovata & Company partner. “She has a proven track record in successful exits, PE fundraising, M&A,
Karen Shnek Lippman Executive Search Launches
Karen Shnek Lippman, former vice president at Bert Davis Executive Search and managing director for Koller Search Partners, among other roles, has launched her own search firm, Karen Shnek Lippman Executive Search. Ms. Shnek Lippman, principal and founder, specializes in recruiting director, vice president, and C-level positions. “I am a retained executive recruiter, hired exclusively
Focus Search Partners Acquires Brad Martin & Associates
Executive search firm Focus Search Partners, a Vaco company, has acquired Brad Martin & Associates (BMA), a Minneapolis, MN-based boutique executive search firm. Firm principals Brad and Andy Olson will continue to operate from their offices in Minnesota as managing partners for Focus Search Partners. Deeply rooted in industrial, manufacturing, and distribution clients, BMA has
Blue Rock Search Recruits VP of Global Talent Acquisition for LiveRamp
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top flight HR experts? Corporate leaders want HR leaders who are sophisticated, proactive, and strategic-minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they would a P&L, according to
Peña Search Seeks New Executive Director for Leadership ISD
During a time of tremendous societal transformation, not-for-profit organizations provide support and stability for individuals and their communities. Executive recruiters say today’s not-for-profits face a growing need for exceptional leaders. Carlos González Peña and Travis Hillier of Peña Search were recently called in to find a new executive director for Leadership ISD (LISD) in Dallas. Since its inception,
AIMS International Adds New Member Firm in Denmark
Executive search consortium AIMS International has further strengthened its presence in Denmark with the addition of Unique Human Capital. “We are very happy and excited to welcome Jørn Duhn and the entire Unique Human Capital team to AIMS International,” said Dimitris Kleftakis, president of AIMS. “Denmark and the wider Nordic region has always been an important market for AIMS International. With
Jensen Partners Secures Strategic Investment from JB Capital
Jensen Partners, a women-owned executive search and corporate advisory firm that enables data-driven talent solutions for the asset management industry, has received a strategic investment from JB Capital, a Bellevue, WA-based investor focused on market areas underserved by institutional investors. Although the amount was undisclosed, the investment will enhance Jensen Partners’ ability to empower asset
Caldwell Acquires The Counsel Network
Toronto-based Caldwell has acquired The Counsel Network Inc., a Canada-based executive search firm specializing in the Canadian legal market. The acquisition of was an all-cash deal, and no securities of Caldwell were issued in connection with the acquisition. “The Counsel Network is the most respected, connected, and powerful legal recruitment firm in Canada,” said Michael DeCosta, managing
TurnkeyZRG Assists Yale in Finding New Head Baseball Coach
TurnkeyZRG recently assisted Yale University in the recruitment of Brian Hamm as the school’s new head baseball coach. John Stuper, who has coached the team since 1992, recently announced his retirement. Mr. Hamm just led Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU) to an NCAA Division III National Championship, capping a season in which the Warriors went
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Brightspot
Partners Jeff Hocking and Tindall (Sewell) Hein of ON Partners assisted in the recruitment of Raleigh McClayton as the new CEO for Brightspot, a provider of content management, workflow solutions, and services for top global brands. “Brightspot is in the right position to serve the content industry which needs our platform and services,” said David Gang, the company’s CEO and co-founder.
Guerrero Search Launched
Guerrero, a minority-owned, privately held, executive advancement company at the intersection of media, professional networks, and talent acquisition, has launched Guerrero Search, a retained executive recruitment service focused on helping companies diversify their leadership ranks. “The demand for diversity at all levels of corporate America has never been greater, yet the needle hasn’t moved much,
Why Talent is Now at the Center of Value Creation
Talent has always been, and always will be, a driver of value creation. Talent management has been an important lever in the private equity industry for years, but it has never been more critical than today. Due to the scarcity of top-end talent in the labor market, it is crucial for private equity firms to
Venture Capital Firm QED Investors Acquires Lingua Franca Search
QED Investors, an Alexandria, VA-based venture capital firm focused on investing in financial services companies, has acquired Lingua Franca Search, a boutique retained executive and professional search firm. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The search firm allows QED to support portfolio companies with senior-level hires. Led by CEO Thomas King, Lingua Franca
Spencer Stuart Retained by Blue Apron for CFO Search
Spencer Stuart has been selected by meal-kit delivery services company Blue Apron Holdings to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. Randy Greben has notified the company that he has accepted a position at another company and plans to resign from his role, effective Oct. 17. Spencer Stuart recruited Mr. Greben into the
BoardWalk Consulting Seeks Executive Director for Soccer in the Streets
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been enlisted to find the next executive director for Soccer in the Streets (SITS), an Atlanta-based non-profit that empowers underserved youth through soccer, character development, mentoring, and employability programs. Leading the assignment are John Sparrow, senior director, and Lysondra Somerville, senior research associate. “As it looks toward the future, SITS seeks
Korn Ferry Announces Board Changes
Korn Ferry has elected Charles Harringtonv as a new member to its board of directors and appointed Jerry Leamon as a new non-executive chair. Christina Gold, who has served on the firm’s board since 2014, and most recently as the non-executive chair since 2019, has retired from the board. In addition, George Shaheen retired from the
Global Employment Outlook for Q4 Remains Strong Despite Macro Jitters
The global labor market remains strong with steady hiring expected for the remainder of 2022, according to the Q4 ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey of 40,700 employers. Used internationally as a bellwether of economic and labor market trends, the net employment outlook – calculated by subtracting the percentage of employers who anticipated reductions to staffing levels from
DHR Global Seeks Chief Zoological Officer for Woodland Park Zoo
DHR Global has been enlisted to find a chief zoological officer (CZO) for the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. The assignment is being led by James Abruzzo, managing partner, global non-profit practice, and Michele Baird Counter, principal. The chief zoological officer reports directly to the zoo’s president and CEO and serves many of the classical functions
Steven John & Associates Retained by Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities to Find New Leader
Executive search firm Steven John & Associates has been chosen by the Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities (CID) in San Mateo, CA to find a new executive director. Steve John and Jason Snyder are leading the assignment. The executive director acts as the CEO of the organization and is responsible for the overall management and direction of
RMN Electi Recruits Chief Product Officer for Northwoods
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
Newman Group Search Launches Interim Workforce Division
Sanford Rose Associates – Newman Group Search has launched a new interim workforce division and named Brigid Sciaccotta as its practice leader. “The newly created interim workforce department and leadership role are the firm’s response to escalating demand for interim talent in the insurance arena,” said Peg Newman, partner. She cites economic forces such as the pandemic, “The
Hiring Operators as Early Stage Investors — 5 Key Characteristics for Success
In the start-up world, seasoned operators have experienced product launches, growth cycles, fund-raises, and human capital challenges. They’ve achieved huge successes and endured great failures. Operators know firsthand how to build the ideal infrastructure for sustainable scaling and long-term growth, according to a new report from SPMB’s Emily Wallach. “Historically, venture capital firms brought in
Heidrick & Struggles Recruits CEO for LiqTech International
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has recruited Fei Chen as the new chief executive officer of LiqTech International, a clean technology company that manufactures and markets highly specialized filtration technologies. Ms. Chen, who will start on or before Nov. 1, will also be a member of LiqTech’s board of directors.







