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The Hidden Talent Pool: Turning AI Investment into Enterprise Value
Across industries, organizations are discovering that the most effective AI leaders don’t always emerge from traditional technical backgrounds. A new report from Modern Executive Solutions finds that as companies race to implement AI strategies, many are overlooking a hidden talent pool: executives with deep domain expertise, proven change management skills, and the business acumen to
DHR Global Recruits Head Coach for Oregon State Men’s Basketball
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Joyner as the next head coach of the Oregon State men’s basketball team. “It is vitally important that we create momentum and an upward trajectory for this program,” vice president and director of athletics Scott Barnes said. “Our move to the new Pac-12 demands a leader like Justin who
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.
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,
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?
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
AGB Search Recruits 11th President for Lewis University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. The Lewis University board of trustees recently announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. “After
Kincannon & Reed Assists CCI Prime with CFO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Jamie Broad as CFO of CCI Prime, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Jamie’s ability to connect financial insights to operational realities makes her an exceptional
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Sarah Lawrence College to lead in its search for an associate vice president of enrollment. This executive will serve as a key member of the senior enrollment leadership team and a collaborative partner across the institution. This role is designed to strengthen coordination, elevate shared strategy, and support
Egon Zehnder Forms Alliance with IMD
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and IMD, a leading business school in global executive education, have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate board directors’ personal growth and elevate board performance. The partnership combines IMD’s academic rigor and deep connections to global boards with Egon Zehnder’s expertise in leadership and board effectiveness. Together, they will co-create tailored
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits Provost for the University of Cincinnati
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the recruitment of Rudolph Buchheit as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. His selection follows a national search led by a dedicated search committee that was informed by
HARTZ Search Assists Geisinger with Recruitment of CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Bill Bellando as executive vice president and chief information officer of Geisinger. He joins Geisinger after serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Georgia-based Wellstar Health System from 2022 to 2026. In this role, Mr. Bellando oversaw information technology and digital initiatives across the health system.
BCG Sees Strategic Acceleration Defining The Next Chapter Of M&A
BCG’s latest M&A report – The Brave New World of Dealmaking in the Global Market – finds that despite upheaval in the market, dealmakers are proving more strategic, and more versatile, than ever. “After navigating significant turbulence earlier this year, the market has shown its resilience, driven by strategic adaptability among experienced dealmakers,” noted BCG. The firm’s M&A
Mercuri Urval Names Cybersecurity Practice Leader in Americas Region
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has added Stephen Spagnuolo to build and lead its cybersecurity Americas practice. “Information and cybersecurity is a priority for CEOs and boards, and it’s fair to say will remain so for many years to come. We are delighted to welcome Stephen to further strengthen our advisory expertise in this essential
NorthWind Partners Recruits Chief Growth Officer for Parry Labs
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has helped to place Chris Pehrson as the new chief growth officer of Parry Labs LLC, a defense technology company in Alexandrea, VA. Director Chris Barner managed the search. “We are delighted to have Chris join Parry Labs, as we look to deliver our technology and capabilities to new platforms and
EFL Associates Seeks Provost for Ottawa University in Kansas
Executive search firm EFL Associates, a CBIZ Inc. company, has been called in by Ottawa University (OU) in Ottawa, KS to lead its search for a new provost and chief academic officer. Steve Waldron, the recruitment firm’s managing director—legal practice and higher education practice, is leading the assignment. The new provost must be an articulate spokesperson
Harris Search Associates Seeks CHRO for Cuyahoga Community College
Dublin, OH-based executive recruitment firm Harris Search Associates has been selected to help find the next vice president and chief human resource officer of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in Cleveland. Search firm founder and managing partner Jeffrey G. Harris is leading the assignment. Tri-C is seeking a collaborative and visionary leader with the experience and
Post-COVID Recovery Sees the Rise of Revenge Hiring
The global workplace upheaval wrought by COVID-19 has seen employers scramble to play catch-up as the world emerges from the pandemic, spawning what’s called “revenge hiring,” according to a new report from DHR Global. “As Western markets continue to bear the brunt of ‘The Great Resignation,’ with thousands leaving the employment market, elsewhere in the world
Isaacson, Miller Seeking President for Tufts University
Tufts University has retained Isaacson, Miller to assist in the search for its next president. John Isaacson is leading the assignment along with Keith Mason. Tufts’ executive search committee will work with Isaacson, Miller, which led the searches that culminated in the selection of presidents Lawrence Bacow in 2001 and Anthony Monaco in 2010. “We are
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Allmark Door
ON Partners partner Baillie Parker has assisted in the placement of Tom Woodruff as CEO of LLR Partners-backed Allmark Door. “We are excited to welcome Tom to the Allmark family,” said Gilbert Markham, founder of Allmark Door. “Tom brings a strong background in operational and sales excellence as well as a customer-first mentality to the team. We have confidence that
KEES Recruits CEO for Youth Job Center
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm KEES recently recruited Lucretzia Jamiso as the new executive director of Youth Job Center (YJC), a youth workforce agency in Cook County, IL. She will succeed Karen Tollenaar Demorest, who is departing in June after eight years leading the organization. “The entirety of Lucretzia’s professional experience has been in roles that help
Wilton & Bain Launches Executive Interim Practice in North America
Wilton & Bain has appointed James Royall to establish and grow an interim management offering for the U.K.-based search firm in North America. He will be based at the firm’s location in Austin, TX. Mr. Royall’s appointment comes as Wilton & Bain faces increasing demand to solve the flexible resourcing challenges of its clients. Mr.
Reimagining Corporate Boardroom Searches to Support Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Goals
Recent events have laid bare America’s past failures in supporting equality in our diverse culture. Perhaps nowhere has this been more evident than in corporate boardrooms. But according to a report from Ellig Group’s Nicole Sandford, we still see incremental steps rather than the dramatic shift many have been seeking. Since joining Ellig Group in
Buffkin / Baker Retained by Oklahoma State University to Lead Provost Search
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has been called in by Oklahoma State University to lead its search for a new senior vice president and provost. Leading the assignment is Martin M. Baker, managing partner and Chelsie Whitelock, principal. The provost serves as the chief academic officer of the university and reports directly to the president of the
ZRG Partners Recruits Advisory Board Member for QIAGEN
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has recruited health diagnostics and biotechnology veteran Eva Pisa to the advisory board of QIAGEN. Robin Toft, of the firm’s global life sciences and boardroom diversity practice, led the nationwide search along with managing associate Janet Carl, and managing director Lauren Lee
Quick Leonard Kieffer Recruits Chief People Officer for FirstHealth of the Carolinas
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers 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
Kestria Appoints Agribusiness & Agriscience EMEA Practice Leader
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has appointed Tracy Dawson as the new agribusiness & agriscience EMEA practice leader. “In the rapidly growing and dynamic field of agribusiness, technological trends meet rising demand for digitalization, farm automation and sustainability,” Kestria said. “Sophisticated technologies such as robots, GPS, temperature and moisture sensors will allow
Talent Shortages Reach Highest Levels in 16 Years
Hiring optimism has returned to levels not seen since the start of the pandemic with employers in 36 of 40 countries reporting stronger hiring outlooks year-over-year according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey of more than 40,000 employers. Yet that optimism is being tempered by the highest levels of global talent shortages in 16
Daversa Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for Bloom and Wild
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has assisted in the recruitment of former Facebook executive Fiona Mullan as the chief people officer of online flower retailer Bloom & Wild. “Congratulations to the team at Bloom & Wild on naming Fiona Mullan as the company’s first chief people officer,” said Wendy Colvano, managing director and head of Europe for
Steven John & Associates Assists Earthjustice in General Counsel Search
Executive search firm Steven John & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Conchita Lozano-Batista as the new general counsel of Earthjustice. She succeeds Kelley McKenzie, who retired after nearly six years as general counsel. Steve John and Jason Snyder led the assignment. Ms. Lozano-Batista was previously chair of the Sweatfree Procurement Advisory Group, which assists the city
DHR Global Supports HKW with Leadership Consulting Services
As the war for talent reaches epic proportions, private equity firms are banking on recruiting, developing, and retaining high-performing leaders who deliver returns. Middle market private equity investor HKW has partnered with Chicago-based executive search firm DHR Global to optimize talent with the goal of speeding up the value creation process and continuing to deliver strong
Jobless Claims Fall by 8,000 Remaining Near Historic Low
The Labor Department reported that 210,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 8,000 from the previous week’s unrevised level of 218,000. The four-week moving average was 206,750, an increase of 7,250 from the previous week’s unrevised average of 199,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.0 percent
A New Lever for Private Equity Value Creation: Talent Optimization
The very nature of private equity’s value proposition demands continuous evolution, innovation, and quick, nimble strategy. Historically speaking, however, private equity value creation levers have remained relatively static over time, generally shifting only in response to significant external pressures, according to a new report from Business Talent Group (BTG). The timeworn, “if it ain’t broke…” adage certainly applies,
Tips for Retaining Your Talent
If you’re surprised your A-player is leaving, you’re in good company. Too often, employers miss the strongest weapon in their arsenal against employee turnover—communication. Quality communication goes beyond annual reviews and occasional check-ins, according to Ken Schmitt and Victoria Willenberg of TurningPoint Executive Search, in a new report. Big box retailers, large tech companies, and
Artico Search Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for CM Group
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, Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, co-founder of Artico
Howard Fischer Associates Recruits CFO for KKR-Backed Emsi Burning Glass
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. Philadelphia-headquartered executive search firm Howard Fischer Associates has helped to place Eric Chan as the new CFO of Emsi Burning Glass. Mr. Chan brings more than 20 years of experience building and scaling leading SaaS
True Search Adds New Leaders, Expands CFO Role
Executive recruiting firm True Search has added Aisha Christian as general counsel, Didi Dayton as head of platform and community, and is expanding current chief financial officer Korhan Kivanc’s role to include responsibilities as True’s chief operating officer. “The addition of Aisha to the team and Korhan’s expanded role signify that our business has entered a new phase of strategic growth.
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires Frederickson Partners
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Today, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., one of the world’s largest consulting and risk management companies, has acquired global HR search firm Frederickson Partners. Frederickson Partners has locations in a dozen cities across the U.S., including San Francisco, New York, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles and Nashville,
ON Partners Recruits CIO for OneDigital
ON Partners recently placed Marcia Calleja-Matsko as the new chief information officer of OneDigital, an insurance brokerage, financial services, and HR consulting firm in Atlanta. Partners Jake Espenlaub and consultant Tindall Hein led the assignment. “We’re excited to have Marcia join the executive leadership team as a strategic partner to all our business units as we continue to evolve our platform and
Academic Search Places President for Wesleyan College in Georgia
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has placed Meaghan Blight as the next president of Wesleyan College in Macon, GA. Ms. Blight, vice president of university growth and chief of staff at Huron University College in London, Ontario, Canada, assumes the role on July 1. She succeeds Vivia Fowler, who announced last fall that she would be stepping
Heidrick & Struggles Seeks CEO for LiqTech
LiqTech International, a clean technology company that manufactures and markets highly specialized filtration technologies, has been retained by Heidrick & Struggles to lead its search for a new CEO. In May, the company entered into a separation and release agreement with CEO Sune Mathiesen, who had previously taken a medical leave of absence. The company’s interim CEO, Alex Buehler, has
SGA Talent Opens Office in Saratoga Springs
Amsterdam, NY-headquartered executive search firm SGA Talent has expanded with the addition of a new office in Saratoga Springs, NY. “We are proud to announce that due to our remarkable growth, we are adding a Saratoga location,” said Sheila Greco, founder and CEO of SGA Talent. “Part of our growth to Saratoga is to attract top talent to
Consider This Before Joining the Great Resignation
If you’re thinking about joining the Great Resignation and quitting your job, you’re in good company. Resignations are at a 20-year high, and depending on what study you’re reading, one-third to one-half of all U.S. workers are considering leaving their jobs right now. This record number of resignations is fueled by a range of factors,
AGB Search Seeks New President for Princeton Theological Seminary
Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, was recently called in by Princeton Theological Seminary to lead its search for a new president. Consultants Loren Anderson and Shannon McCambridge are spearheading the assignment. The seminary is deeply committed to its Presbyterian identity and heritage. Credentials as an ordained minister in the Presbyterian
