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Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
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.
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as 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?
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
The Chief Commercial Officer: Driving Private Equity Value Creation
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on organic growth, commercial leadership is taking on a more central role in value creation. The chief commercial officer (CCO) has become one of the most important post-acquisition hires for private equity sponsors, according to a recent report from Spencer Stuart’s Dave Vidor. As extended hold periods and
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for U.S. Mobile Health Exams
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Eric Hepburn as CEO at U.S. Mobile Health Exams (USMHE) in Jacksonville, FL. He brings more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, business operations, strategic growth, and organizational transformation. Mr. Hepburn’s appointment brings USMHE an experienced executive with a track record of strengthening business operations, developing scalable
Cooper Coleman Leading CFO Search for Jacksonville Zoological Society
Cooper Coleman LLC has been retained by Jacksonville Zoological Society, Inc. to conduct a national search for its next CFO. “Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has an ambitious vision for its future, and its next CFO will help shape how those plans move forward,” said Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “We’re looking for someone
The Christopher Group Tapped by MITRE for Head of Total Rewards Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by MITRE to lead in its search for a head of total rewards. The search is being led by managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director Kat Kilkenney. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a total rewards leader who wants to make
True Establishes Dedicated Private Credit Practice
Global executive talent platform True has launched a dedicated private credit practice, led by Rick Bank, managing director and head of the private credit and private equity practices. The launch comes as private credit enters a significant credit cycle, with 67 percent of portfolio managers citing greater competition and 64 percent citing defaults and credit losses as
Inside the Decisions That Shape Hiring and Careers
Hiring and leadership decisions continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping both individual careers and organizational performance. As companies navigate tighter talent markets, rapid technological change, and evolving expectations around leadership, greater attention is being placed on how executives identify high performers, assess potential, and make decisions about who is ready for greater
ON Partners Recruits Board Members for Artisan Industries
Partners Seth Harris and Shawn Oglesbee of ON Partners have assisted in the recruitment of Stephen S. Schwartz and Gary A. Doyon as new members of the board of directors of Artisan Industries. The addition of two independent directors strengthens the company’s governance and strategic leadership, as Artisan expands its core technologies into high-growth markets, including specialty chemicals, PFAS removal, drug
Reffett Associates Seeking Vice President of Development for the Army Historical Foundation
WA-based Reffett Associates was recently retained by the Army Historical Foundation to recruit its next vice president of development. The Army Historical Foundation is the non-profit organization that supports the National Museum of the United States Army, which honors the service and sacrifice of American soldiers throughout the Army’s history. The vice president of development will play
DHR Global Expands Middle East and Africa Presence
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Michael Patrick Okumu-Ringa as managing partner, Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai, he will lead the expansion of DHR’s regional business, building its team and strengthening its executive search and leadership advisory capabilities while connecting regional clients with international talent in partnership with DHR’s London office. “The
Talentfoot Grows HR Practice
Talentfoot Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Gabe Peacock as associate partner, helping drive the continued growth of the firm’s human resources practice. “With Gabe joining the team, Talentfoot is continuing to expand our ability to support clients in finding HR leaders who can solve complex people challenges, strengthen culture, scale people operations,
Artico Search Founders Reflect on Five Years of Growth and Lessons Learned
Five years after its founding, Artico Search has grown from a two-person venture into a boutique executive search firm serving venture capital, private equity-backed, and publicly traded companies. Founded in 2021 by Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO and co-founder, and Matt Comyns, president and co-founder, the firm has built its business around emerging technology, with particular depth
Caldwell Sells IQTalent Partners to WinMil for $4.7 Million
Toronto-based Caldwell has completed the sale of substantially all of the net operating assets of its wholly owned subsidiary, IQTalent Partners, Inc., to WinMil, Inc. WinMil will continue to operate the business under the IQTalent name and brand. In 2020, Caldwell acquired IQTalent to broaden its service offerings into technology-enabled recruiting solutions at the professional level.
A New Role For HR: Powering Growth, Not Just Managing Talent
According to McLean & Company’s HR Trends Report 2026: Leading Through Change: Human-Centric and Future Ready, HR organizations are being pulled into the center of enterprise transformation as companies grapple with relentless change driven by AI adoption, economic pressure, and shifting employee expectations. Leadership development remains the top priority for HR, but innovation has surged 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
Myers McRae Seeks President for Pierpont Community & Technical College
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been enlisted to find the next president for Pierpont Community & Technical College in Fairmont, WV. Leading the search are Emily Parker Myers, CEO, and Kenny Daugherty, president, along with Jennifer Barfield, senior vice president. “This presidential search is an opportunity to lead one of West Virginia’s largest community
Furst Group Recruits CEO for Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Thomas J. Dohm as president and chief executive officer of Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers in Morris, IL. He succeeds Mark Steadham, who is retiring after serving 12 years in the organization’s top leadership position. According to Brian Angwin, board
Unemployment Rate Hits Pre-Pandemic Low
Employment rose by 528,000 in May as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to 3.5 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Job growth was widespread, led by gains in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and healthcare. Both total nonfarm employment and the unemployment rate returned to their February 2020 pre-pandemic
PE-Backed Tandym Group Acquires Longford & Company
Tandym Group, a recruitment, contract staffing, consulting, and workforce solutions company, has acquired Longford & Company, a Boston-based technology consulting and executive search company. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Tandym is backed by Mill Rock Capital, a growth and operations-oriented private investment firm that invests in well-positioned industrial businesses in North America. “Longford
Wilton & Bain Adds Two New Practice Leaders
Wilton & Bain has added two new practice leaders, John Wittorf and Chris Rogerson, to its ranks. Mr. Wittorf, who will lead the North American consulting and tech services practice, joins the firm as a managing partner. Mr. Rogerson, a principal, will lead the global ESG and sustainability practice. They will be based in Austin, TX
Looking into the HR Crystal Ball
2022 is halfway over, so it’s the perfect time to take a look back at some of the predictions Blue Rock Search made when the year first started. How are the year’s biggest workplace trends playing out so far? Ruben Moreno, HR practice lead for Blue Rock Search, joins Hunt Scanlon Media to lay it all out.
Artico Search Recruits Chief Technology Officer for connectRN
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum. Chief technology officer hiring, in fact, is expected to grow 18 percent by the end 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, co-founder of Artico Search, recently recruited Jonathan Bourgoine as the new chief technology officer of connectRN in Waltham, MA. Mr. Bourgoine is
ON Partners Places Chief People Officer for Rent
ON Partners has placed Sheila Dehdashti as chief people officer for Atlanta-based Rent, a provider of marketing software and rental management solutions. Partners Jake Espenlaub and Tindall (Sewell) Hein, and consultant Whitney Craigo spearheaded the assignment. “Great news from our colleagues at Rent,” said ON partners in an online posting. “Sheila brings over two decades of experience in strategic global HR
The Great Resignation: Developing A Robust Retention Strategy
Significant changes to recent employment rates have forced employers to re-evaluate their approach to staff retention and the factors that influence longevity and strength in a workforce. The Great Resignation, in which millions of people are leaving their jobs in search of better lifestyles, has caused upheaval in almost every industry, creating large gaps in
TurnkeyZRG Seeks CEO for United States Soccer Federation
TurnkeyZRG has been chosen by the United States Soccer Federation, the national governing body for the sport of soccer, to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Current CEO Will Wilson announced last month that he will be stepping down at the end of October to pursue new professional ventures and opportunities. “The U.S.
Isaacson, Miller Assists University of Michigan in the Recruitment of New President
Isaacson, Miller’s John Isaacson, and John Muckle, along with Elizabeth Dorr Weithman have assisted in the placement of Santa J. Ono as the next president of the University of Michigan (UM). Dr. Ono, who is currently president and vice chancellor of the University of British Columbia (UBC), will begin his five-year term on Oct. 13. He will
The Changing Climate for CFOs in Private Equity
Though much has changed for CFOs in private equity in the past two years, it remains true that when a private equity firm acquires a company, one of the first three roles that the new owners usually look to reshape is that of the CFO, the others being chair and CEO. Typically, a PE firm
The Tolan Group Spins Out Healthcare Contract Business
The Tolan Group (TTG) has spun out a new business from its healthcare contract staffing division. The company will be known as ClinTech Health LLC with a primary focus on providing contract employees for short and long-term assignments as well as temp-to-perm assignments for clinical and healthcare IT professionals. ClinTech Health is led by industry veteran
Korn Ferry Acquires Interim Search Firm Infinity Consulting Services
Top experts in talent management and C-suite recruitment agree that interim leaders will likely play a significant and growing role in top grading senior-level positions in a post-pandemic era, where costs and efficiency underpin executive hiring. Korn Ferry has acquired Infinity Consulting Solutions (ICS). Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to be
The High Demand for Higher Education Leaders Continues
With a new school year approaching, a number of top colleges and universities have announced they are seeking new, high profile leaders to take them into new eras of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, in some cases, globalization. Several universities haven’t changed leaders in years or even decades, and their boards of trustees and search committees
CarterBaldwin Executive Search Places Chief Marketing Officer for Pepperdine University
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to place Sean Burnett, formerly with the Gulf Coast division of HCA Healthcare, as senior vice president for integrated marketing communications and chief marketing officer at Pepperdine University. Mr. Burnett will lead Pepperdine’s award-winning marketing and communications team to share the university’s brand story through signature events, publications, and emerging
Kestria Names Americas Practice Leader for its Technology Practice Group
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has appointed Travis Hann of Kestria Canada and USA, as the Americas practice leader for its technology practice group. “Kestria helps identify effective technology leaders who act as catalysts to enable quantum business growth,” said Gurdeep Hora, global technology practice leader, Kestria India. “We are constantly enhancing our
Managing Through the Great Resignation and Reshuffle
The Great Resignation and Reshuffle has continued into the summer, and it’s hitting the C-suite particularly hard. While the demand for top talent exceeds the supply, talented executives are more inclined to consider external opportunities, according to a new report from DHR’s Mike Magsig, Mary Matthews, and Heather Smith. As a result, companies seeking such talent
ON Partners Places CEO for GXC
Fast-growing executive search firm ON Partners has helped to place Allen Proithis as the new chief executive officer of Austin, TX-based GXC, a leading network-as-a-service communications company. The assignment was spearheaded by Brad Westveld, the search firm’s co-founder and partner. “Allen’s unparalleled combination of experience, leadership, market acumen, and technical proficiency, especially in the emerging 5G
Ackermann International Selects Ezekia CRM Software
Ackermann International, a global executive search and human capital solutions provider headquartered in Spain and with offices in North, Central, and South America, has entered into an agreement with Ezekia to adopt its CRM software platform across its office network. “Ezekia aims to offer the best features and the best service, but perhaps even more significantly,
Do You Really Need an Executive Search Firm?
The people that make up any organization are critical to its success. From senior executives to middle managers, a company’s talent shapes its future and is of great importance to leaders of the organization. So it is that engaging an executive search firm in the talent acquisition process can help a company achieve its specific
Gauging the Forces That are Shaping Today’s Recruitment Environment
For many in the tech ecosystem, 2022 has brought the first true, deep market correction they have directly experienced. Market caps have been wiped out, pre-IPO shares are once again starting to resemble wallpaper, and companies are beginning to initiate hire freezes. But those who have lived through these dynamics know that the money does
Caldwell Recruits Managing Director, Head of People and Workplaces for Marlette Holdings
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted in the recruitment of Graham Kennedy as managing director, head of people and workplaces at Marlette Holdings Inc., a financial technology company operating the Best Egg financial platform. Partner Brian Lawton led the assignment. “This new leadership role highlights, among other things, the investments our company is making to scale and grow our
Professional Development Is Key to Retaining Talent
As talent shortages persist, a new survey reveals that professional development opportunities are one tool for retaining employees. Indeed, 58 percent of those surveyed in a new report by The Conference Board say they are likely to leave their company without professional development—or continuing education and career training to help develop new skills, stay up
E.A. Hughes & Co. Places Head of Inclusion and Diversity for JCPenney
E.A. Hughes & Co., a division of Solomon Page specializing in retail and consumer-focused executive search, has partnered with JCPenney in identifying and placing Shenece Johns as the department store chain’s head of inclusion and diversity. Managing directors Ann MacCarthy and Bob Marchant led the search and took a unique and personalized approach to the assignment. Reporting to the chief human resources
