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Funk Associates Assists Clemson University with the Recruitment of 16th President
Following a national search, Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Guskiewicz as the 16th president of Clemson University. “The search committee was overwhelmed with the robust and highly qualified candidates who expressed interest in leading our great University,” said search committee chair Cheri Phyfer. “Dr. Guskiewicz rose to the top of a remarkable
A Midyear Opportunity to Reinforce Leadership and Talent
With June now underway, the midpoint of the year offers a natural opportunity for leaders to evaluate progress and prepare for the months ahead. As priorities shift and organizations look toward second-half objectives, now is an ideal time to focus on the people, structure, and leadership capabilities that will drive future performance. A deliberate investment
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 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
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?
Solomon Page Launches 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
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
6 Executive Search Trends Shaping Leadership in 2026
Executive search is no longer just a hiring function — it’s becoming a strategic response to how fast organizations are being forced to evolve. Boards and CEOs are facing a leadership environment defined by volatility, accelerated technology shifts, changing workforce expectations, and increasing pressure to deliver results with fewer resources and tighter timelines. In that
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.
Development Guild DDI Tapped to Find President for The Doe Fund
Non-profit specialist recruitment firm Development Guild DDI has been enlisted to find the next president of The Doe Fund (TDF), which helps homeless and formerly incarcerated men rebuild their lives. Kieran McTague, senior vice president and director, New York, is leading the assignment. The opening at the prominent New York City charity follows the death of founder
Harris Search Associates Recruits Dean for Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Dublin, OH-based executive recruitment firm Harris Search Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Monica G. Ferrini as dean of the College of Science and Health (COSH) at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) in Los Angeles. “I look forward to the flourishing of COSH under Dr. Ferrini’s leadership,” said Sylvia Manning, interim provost and
Kingsley Gate Partners Names Chief Digital Officer
Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate Partners has named Saurabh Gupta as chief digital officer. Based in Boston, he will be responsible for defining the strategy and technical vision of the firm. “Saurabh has proved himself to be both a visionary and builder of cutting-edge HRIS systems to benefit clients, candidates, and firm members,” said Umesh Ramakrishnan, CEO of
The CEO’s Role in Digital Transformation
Digital transformation is on a lot of people’s minds, and many chief executive officers are struggling to figure out where they fit within this. The CEO’s responsibility is to serve as the heartbeat of an organization, driving culture from the top down, owning and meeting key business objectives, and influencing internal and external stakeholders to
The Christopher Group Seeks Chief People Officer for Vervent
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while CHROs play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more emphasis on
WittKieffer Places Chief Diversity Officer at Gettysburg College
After a national search, Oak Brook, IL-based search firm WittKieffer has placed Eloísa Gordon-Mora as the new chief diversity officer of Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. Christine Pendleton, senior associate, and Randi Miller, associate, led the assignment. Dr. Gordon-Mora serves as a member of Gettysburg’s president’s council and is charged with advancing the school’s diversity, equity,
ZRG Partners Opens Office in Munich
ZRG Partners has opened a new office in Munich and named Ralph von Pallandt as managing director to spearhead a new location. He also furthers the firm’s reach into Germany and Europe. “With his great success as a CHRO across multiple countries for General Motors and SVP for Allianz in Europe and the U.S., Ralph
Daversa Partners Expands Senior Leadership Team
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has named Lindsay Keith as the firm’s newest partner adding nearly a decade of search experience to this senior leadership team. “Lindsay is one of those unique leaders with the ability to compel and encourage her team to take risks while simultaneously fostering a
Midst Inflation Pressures and Recession Fears, Data Reveals What Skills Will Drive Growth and Mitigate Risk
Companies today are facing a business landscape that offers significant opportunities for growth and innovation fueled by drastic changes in consumer demand, rapid technological advancement, and the widespread adoption of hybrid work. Yet new concerns have emerged— from the extraordinarily tight labor market to rapidly rising inflation to geopolitical tensions that stress not only supply
Five Tips to Help You Help Your Recruiter to Land Your Next Role
You just know the executive search recruiter you connected with is going to help you land your next job! He already has three roles he thought you’d be perfect for. Now, you just need to wait anxiously for the phone call to get the ball rolling, right? But, after hours, days, or maybe weeks of
