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How PE-Backed Businesses are Redefining the Interim CFO Role
Interim CFOs are increasingly central to the performance and stability of private equity-backed businesses. As deal cycles extend and operating conditions tighten, they are deployed not only for financial stewardship but also as value creation partners across the investment lifecycle. “Today’s interim CFOs are increasingly deployed as execution-focused operators responsible for stabilizing performance, improving financial
The Talent Studios Places CEO at GIBBON North America
The Talent Studios has placed Luke Droulez as the new CEO of GIBBON North America. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Droulez is an executive leader with a proven track record of scaling consumer brands from early stage to nine figures. He was an early executive leader and chief marketing officer of native digital
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.
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
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?
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
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
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
Why Most Boards Underperform and Why 2026 is the Year to Fix It
Even the most capable boards can struggle to translate individual expertise into collective performance. If you spend enough time in boardrooms of any flavor, whether public, private, PE-backed, family-owned, or non-profit, you eventually notice a strange phenomenon, explained a recent report from Rob Andrews, founder and CEO of Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin. “Everyone is
ON Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pagaya
Bryan Buck, a partner at ON Partners, recently placed Peter Scherr as the new chief marketing officer for Pagaya, a financial technology company that enables financial institutions to expand access to more customers through its partnerships and artificial intelligence network. Mr. Scherr joins Pagaya from Vroom, a leading E-commerce platform for buying and selling used vehicles, where
Parker Executive Search Seeks DE&I VP for Kansas State University
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has been enlisted to find the new vice president of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. The position was created earlier this spring, elevating the former chief diversity and inclusion officer role. Leading the national search are principal Erin Raines and vice president Porsha Williams. “The vice
Kaplan Partners Places President and CEO at Farmers & Merchants Bank
Kaplan Partners, which specializes in conducting searches for C-level executives primarily in the financial services, corporate financial, private investor, and technology sectors, recently assisted in the placement of Gary Harris as the new president and CEO of Farmers and Merchants Bancshares in Hampstead, MD. He will replace James R. Bosley, who announced in January that
Chasm Partners Launches Outsourced Recruiting Solutions Division
To address the increasing recruiting challenges facing high growth healthcare companies, Rowayton, Conn-based executive search firm Chasm Partners has launched ChasmTeam, a new division that provides outsourced recruiting solutions for positions across all levels and functions. “The majority of CEOs leading high growth companies in the digital health and healthcare services space lack the needed in-house recruiting capacity,
4 Actions Organizations Can Take When a Leader Exits
Increasingly, search firms are receiving urgent calls from CEOs with an immediate need to replace a high-performing member of their senior leadership team tempted to another role. DHR Global is no exception. The firm’s phones are ringing off the hook with such requests. “Most are understandably concerned that it will be difficult to replace a
5 Key Differences Between Managers and Leaders
When it comes to business, growing and succeeding requires more than just maintaining the status quo. To do that, you need people who are leaders – not just managers. But aren’t leaders the same thing as managers? In a word, no, says executive search and leadership consulting firm Alder Koten in a new report. “Sure, both
McDermott + Bull Recruits CEO for the Chicano Federation
Search firm McDermott + Bull has placed Elizabeth Ramirez as the new chief executive officer of the Chicano Federation in San Diego, CA. The search was completed by McDermott + Bull partner Sue Waterbury. “Elizabeth’s passion and voice for the underserved will serve as a guiding light as the organization seeks to expand its impact and increase the
JDG Associates Recruits Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the American Veterinary Medical Association
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Latonia Craig as the first chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “As one of the largest and most influential veterinary associations in the world, the AVMA has a unique opportunity to increase DEI across our profession, and
Teneo Acquires WestExec
As executive search firms continue to seek ways to scale their brands, and serve clients more holistically, integration is likely to become the new buzzword in the industry. Global CEO advisory and executive search firm Teneo recently acquired a majority stake in WestExec Advisors, an advisory firm based in Washington, D.C. “Now, more than ever, business leaders around the
Executive Recruiters Enjoying Best Run in Over 20 Years
Performance-related pay is helping drive total compensation upwards in the executive search industry, according to an early preview of Tempting Talent’s USA Executive Search & Recruitment Compensation Report for 2022. That and a growing degree of collaboration with executive search firms in the Silicon Valley venture capital community and across private equity are contributing to
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for CARsgen Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Raffaele Baffa as chief medical officer of CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings Limited, a company focused on innovative CAR T cell therapies for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. “Dr. Baffa is a medical professional and industry veteran with extensive experience in clinical development and translational
TurnkeyZRG Retained by Pac-12 Conference to Lead Chief People and Inclusion Officer Search
TurnkeyZRG has been called in by the Pac-12 Conference to lead its search for chief people and inclusion officer. The recruiting firm is seeking a leader to provide comprehensive human resources leadership for the Pac-12 organization and influence over its 12 universities’ athletic departments and student-athletes. The executive will be expected to provide a strategic vision
Spencer Stuart Appoints Advisory Services Co-Leader
Spencer Stuart has named Miranda Pode as co-leader of its global advisory services platform. “We are delighted that Miranda has joined Spencer Stuart to co-lead our advisory services globally,” said Ben Williams, CEO of Spencer Stuart. “Her global perspective and considerable advisory and leadership talents make her an ideal fit for this role. Aligning our Spencer Stuart, Kincentric, and Cambria advisory services under
Jobless Claims With Largest Increase in Nearly a Year
The Labor Department reported that 229,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, an increase of 27,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 200,000 to 202,000. The four-week moving average was 215,000, an increase of 8,000 from the previous week’s revised average. The
Key Challenges for Human Capital Development in the New Normal
Human capital development had to go through major revamping and upgrades to adjust to the new normal, post-pandemic world. New tools and training models have been formulated to cater to human capital development, according to a new report by The Taplow Group. “New tools and training models were formulated to cater to human capital development as we entered this uncharted
Daversa Partners Recruits CMO for Salesloft
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Vaccarello as the new chief marketing officer for sales engagement platform Salesloft. The assignment was led by partner Maryanne Martire and senior associate Laura Davis. Ms. Vaccarello will leverage her deep leadership experience in the enterprise technology space
ON Partners Recruits Chief Legal and People Officer for RailPros
ON Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Daniel Carter as chief legal and people officer of RailPros. ON Partners partner Andy Hickman led the assignment. “We are delighted to have Daniel joining the RailPros team,” said Ken Koff, president and CEO. “Our chief legal and people officer is a key role for RailPros’ continued growth. Daniel’s expertise will
Elite Consulting Partners Opens Executive Search Division
Over the past year, a number of other organizations have expanded their retained executive search services or added them to their offerings as the top-end talent sector heats up globally. Recently, Elite Consulting Partners, a provider of financial services transition consulting and business services, has launched an executive search division in conjunction with their newly opened Atlanta
Chartwell Partners Fills Senior Post for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
What makes a not-for-profit organization great? Its mission, of course, as well as dedicated staff, volunteers, board members, and its stakeholders. But what may be most important is exceptional leadership – especially in such a politically-supercharged climate supported by a challenging economic environment. To that end, executive search firm Chartwell Partners has placed Luis Moctezuma as vice president, internal
Nuances in Recruiting for Private Equity
In 2021, the global PE market boomed across fundraising, acquisitions, and exits — buoyed by cheap financing and vast monetary stimulus — and resulted in increases in share and private capital market prices. In total, $1.17 trillion of deals were recorded between January and September 2021 — more than in any year since 2015, according
HIEC Appoints CEO
Global search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC) has named Stacey Mainiero as its CEO, based in New York. “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Stacey to HIEC during an exciting period for the firm,” said chairman Michael Bornhaeusser. We are a fast-growing organization focused on delivering transformational leaders for our digital focused clients and Stacey’s skills
Artico Search Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for nfinite
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,
Bridge Partners Seeks General Counsel for Federal Reserve Bank of New York
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has called in New York City-based Bridge Partners to lead its search for a new general counsel. The search firm’s founders and partners Tory Clarke and Larry Griffin along with partner Ryan Whitacre are leading the assignment. Four years ago, Bridge Partners and Spencer Stuart placed John Williams
Direct Recruiters Inc. Acquires Sales Search International
Solon, OH-based Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI) has acquired Sales Search International, a recruiting firm focused largely in placing software sales talent into leading technology firms. “DRI is honored to carry on Sales Search International’s 35-year legacy, set forth by founder Doug Miller, who unexpectedly passed away in January,” the firm said. “DRI is pleased to welcome former SSI team
How Emotional Intelligence Has Become a Key Leadership Trait
Effective leadership is critical to drive and grow our rapidly changing organizations. Emotional intelligence has been identified by many as a crucial element needed for effective leadership. By definition, emotional intelligence is the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. Popularized by psychologist Daniel
WittKieffer Seeks VP of People and Workplace Culture for Colorado College
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has been enlisted to find the inaugural vice president of people and workplace culture for Colorado College in Colorado Springs. Consultants Sarah Miller and Melissa Fincher led the assignment. “This is a phenomenal opportunity for a forward-thinking leader who brings passion for organizational culture, advancing the role of the workforce in the success of
Bespoke Partners Recruits Chief Revenue Officer of PhotoShelter
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners recently placed Jeanna Nelson as chief revenue officer of PhotoShelter, a provider of digital asset management (DAM) software. The search was led by Brian Waivada and Maria Scharper. “With our expanding set of DAM capabilities, global reach, rapidly growing team, and customer base, I am incredibly excited to add Deanna to our
Carrington & Carrington Seeks Leader for Provident Hospital of Cook County
Carrington & Carrington Diversity Executive Search has been enlisted to find the next chief hospital executive (CHE) for Provident Hospital of Cook County, a community acute care hospital in Chicago. Provident Hospital is the first African-American owned and operated hospital in America. Search firm co-founder Willie Carrington is leading the assignment. The chief hospital executive
Kestria Adds New Member Firm in Austria
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has added aristid Personalberatung in Austria as its newest member firm. aristid Personalberatung will now be called Kestria Austria. The consulting firm has been in operation for nearly 20 years, offering executive search and professional search and selection. The firm’s consultants bring practical experience in various business areas and
Executive Recruiters Scrambling to Find Cybersecurity Leaders
Increasingly, organizations of all sizes are awakening to the perils posed by cyberattacks. For years, many groups tried to ignore the problem, dismissing cybersecurity as a concern only for the biggest, most high-profile entities, be they government or corporate. These days, more groups are coming to understand how ruinous such intrusions can be. A recent
Private Equity Firm Acquires The Baer Group
Private equity firm The Acacia Group has acquired The Baer Group – a full-service provider of contingent staffing in support of technology solutions for industry leading enterprise technology projects – as part of a strategy to address the growing shortage of skilled talent to lead and support digital transformation initiatives. The acquisition is seen as central to Acacia’s strategy of
