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BrainWorks Names Leader of Consumer Packaged Goods Practice
Warren, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks has appointed Jordan Kaliher will lead its consumer packaged goods (CPG) practice, succeeding company founder Andy Miller, who has guided the practice since its inception more than three decades ago. He will shift his full time focus to CEO. “Jordan’s appointment marks a natural next chapter for the practice,” the firm said
HR Leaders Take Center Stage as Companies Push to Scale AI Across the Enterprise
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how organizations operate, forcing leadership teams to rethink not only technology strategy, but how work itself is structured, delivered, and scaled. As adoption accelerates, companies are moving beyond early experimentation and pilot programs, with growing pressure to translate AI investment into measurable business outcomes. What was once a forward-looking initiative
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.
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
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?
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
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
Storbeck Search / Diversified Search Group Recruits President for Hampton University
Higher education-focused Storbeck Search, part of the Diversified Search Group, has placed Darrell K. Williams as the new president of Hampton University in Hampton, VA. He will succeed William R. Harvey, who retires on June 30 after leading Hampton for 44 years. The assignment was led by Shelly Weiss Storbeck, global education practice lead and managing
Newey & Co. Joins DHR Global
Newey & Co., a Toronto-based search firm with expertise in Canadian financial services, has joined the Chicago-based executive search firm DHR Global platform. DHR said the partnership will strengthen the firm’s presence in the financial services sector in Canada and beyond. Founder Lisa Newey will join DHR as a partner with a focus on C-suite roles
Caldwell Posts 66 Percent Revenue Gain
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q2 revenues of $39.8 million (Canadian), a 66 percent increase from a year ago. Financial results include those of IQTalent Partners (IQTP). “This was another record-breaking quarter for Caldwell, delivering the strongest second quarter and first half in Caldwell’s history,” said John Wallace, CEO. “Consolidated revenue for the quarter was $39.8 million and $78.4
Spencer Stuart Appoints Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer
Spencer Stuart has named Tony Byers as chief inclusion and diversity officer. For more than a year, he has served as a member of the firm’s group of external diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) advisors. “Tony brings a wealth of expertise to our firm, having spent nearly three decades championing diversity, equity, and inclusion across various industries and companies,”
NorthWind Partners Recruits Chief Growth Officer for Sigman Defense Systems
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has helped to place Scott Garren as chief growth officer for Sigma Defense Systems, a leading provider of systems and services for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Mr. Garren was previously CGO for Interactive Government Holdings (IGH). The assignment was led by director Jonathan Rice. Reporting to chief executive officer Matt
The Salvation Army Taps CIO Partners to Find Chief Information Officer
Skilled IT leaders are among the toughest to find. CIO Partners was recently selected by The Salvation Army US Eastern Territory to lead the organization’s search for a new chief information officer (CIO), located in West Nyack, NY. The CIO is accountable for defining and delivering information and technology strategy and capabilities across the Eastern territory. This
WittKieffer Names Commercial Healthcare Practice Leader; Expands Team
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has expanded its healthcare consulting team, hiring a range of recruiting professionals. Among them: Shelly Carolan, Toni Davis,Crystal Hendriks, Terri Houchen, Lisa Lewis, Stephanie Odorisio Arriviello, and Angela Raphael. Ms. Carolan was recently named leader of WittKieffer’s commercial healthcare practice and has expertise across the for-profit healthcare and life sciences industries. Previously, she was sector leader for
Starting Your New Role as CHRO
Regardless of whether you are a freshly minted CEO or chief human resources officer, many of the same lessons apply about how to get off to a fast start in your new job. A deliberate and focused transition plan is critical. According to a new report from Spencer Stuart, mapping the way can dramatically improve
Daversa Partners Recruits Chief Customer Officer for Retain.ai
Customers matter. It sounds simple. But these days, companies are coming to better accept and understand that concept and weave it into their strategic vision. So it is that businesses of all kinds are increasingly bringing aboard chief customer officers (CCO), the most effective of whom wield influence across an organization and into the C-suite.
Kevin Chase Executive Search Group Seeks Executive Director for interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth
Los Angeles-based Kevin Chase Executive Search Group has been enlisted to find an executive director and chief executive officer for interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth, in Sudbury, MA. Leading the assignment are Kevin Chase, managing partner, and Catie DiFelice, senior consultant. “The executive director will assume responsibility for day-to-day leadership and operation of interACT’s programs, services,
Jobless Claims Rise After Hitting Lowest Level Since 1968
The Labor Department reported that 185,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, an increase of 18,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 1,000 from 166,000 to 167,000. The four-week moving average was 172,250, an increase of 2,000 from the previous week’s revised average. The
Raines International Names Automotive Practice Leader
Miami-based Raines International has added auto industry expert Bryan Ignozzi as managing director and leader of its automotive practice. “Bryan is an exciting addition to our leadership team during an exciting time for the automotive industry,” said Dan Smith, CEO. “Over the last few years, Raines has built the most dynamic and experienced team of practice leaders across
The Rise of the Higher Education Chief Diversity Officer
DE&I leaders are a hot commodity, with at least 30 colleges and universities creating diversity, equity, and inclusion senior leadership positions. Requests for proposals for chief diversity officers and the like have been on the rise. There’s also been a greater emphasis on consideration of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the search process and the
Artico Search Recruits CEO for Pingboard
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor and Brian Ippolito of Artico Search have placed Laith Dahiyat as the new chief executive officer of Pingboard, an Austin, TX-based software company that helps to increase employee retention and engagement. “Laith’s product-first approach to growth immediately stood out,” said Bill Boebel, Pingboard’s founder. “I was looking for someone who could help us scale, while continuing to
TurnkeyZRG Seeks CFO for the San Francisco 49ers
TurnkeyZRG has been retained by the San Francisco 49ers to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. The incoming executive will serve as a strategic partner to ownership, the president, and internal business units in the current administration and help further growth of the 49ers organization. The CFO will serve as a key member of the senior management team and will
Meeting the Demand for Short-Term Hiring
Since recruitment process outsourcing was added to Germany-based SpenglerFox’s suite of human capital solutions, and especially over the last quarter of 2021, the firm has seen an exponential increase in demand for this service from many of its traditional clients, and some new ones. “The reason behind this is an unparalleled hiring surge that a lot
Rich Talent Group Names President
San Francisco-based executive search firm Rich Talent Group has appointed Nicole Reboe as its president. “Nicole brings an impressive depth of experience, having worked in-house in talent acquisition and in global executive search firms,” said Jana Rich, founder and CEO. “Plus, her passion and expertise around DE&I make her a truly special fit for our team. Every day,
Key Factors Driving Executive Hiring in 2022
ON Partners consultants recently offered its annual observations and insights on the executive jobs they expect to be in demand as the year unfolds across various market sectors. The search firm’s recruiters have examined the technology, consumer, and supply chain sectors — pointing out that the critical importance of customer experience, the supply chain crisis,
The Tolan Group Recruits COO for Memorial MRI & Diagnostic Imaging Centers
The Tolan Group (TTG) recently placed Todd Greene as the chief operating officer of Memorial MRI & Diagnostic Imaging Centers (MMRI) based in Houston and backed by Panos, a private equity sponsor focused on making investments in middle-market healthcare and business services companies. Kaye Johnson, managing partner, and Jennifer Chee, vice president, led the search efforts. Mr.
SPMB Recruits Global Chief Technology Officer for Disney Streaming
SPMB, an executive search firm that helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has assisted in placing YouTube and Google vice president Jeremy Doig as global chief technology officer of Disney Streaming. He will lead the technology organization and global technology strategy for The Walt Disney Co.’s portfolio of direct-to-consumer streaming services. SPMB managing partner Mike Doonan and client partner Radley Meyers
Buffkin / Baker Recruits General Counsel for the University of Missouri
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has placed Mark Menghini as the next general counsel at the University of Missouri (MU) in Columbia. He is replacing Steve Owens, who stepped down from his position earlier this year. Leading the assignment was Martin M. Baker, managing partner. “Mark comes to us with impeccable credentials and a broad spectrum of experience,” said Darryl
Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints Global Head of Sustainability
Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA) has appointed Pam Fitzpatrick as global head of sustainability. “We are thrilled to welcome Pam to our team,” said Constantine Alexandrakis, CEO of Russell Reynolds. “With sustainability remaining one of the most pressing leadership issues of our time, her extensive experience as a creator and leader of ESG and sustainability strategy, governance, and disclosure
Canadian Executive Search Market Adapting to Change and Moving Forward
For executive recruiters, Canada has been a particularly good place to set up shop. The country hosts an expanding number of diversified industries and dynamic growth sectors that are well-positioned to beckon talent. The pandemic has changed the business landscape for everyone, of course, from recruiters to businesses to candidates. And that has made competition
Jobplex Appoints CEO and HR Practice Group Leader
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has named Justin Hirsch as chief executive officer and human resources practice group leader. “Justin has been instrumental to the establishment of Jobplex as the emerging leader search firm of choice,” said Geoff Hoffmann, CEO of DHR Global. “He’s successfully evolved the brand, built awareness, brought credibility, developed the team,
Lindauer Seeks Chief Philanthropy Officer for IHME
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), based at the University of Washington in Seattle, has retained Lindauer to assist in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The assignment is being led by Terri Rutter, assistant vice president, and Diane Felicio, senior consultant. “IHME has an outstanding opportunity for an experienced, accomplished, and passionate advancement
Envision Consulting Recruits CEO for the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation
Pasadena, CA-based search firm Envision Consulting recently placed Ciriaco Pinedo as the new CEO of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF), one of the largest non-profits in California. He replaces Martin Castro, who recently retired after 21 years in the role. “We are thrilled to have Cid Pinedo at the helm, not only for the breadth of experience
IRC Global Rebrands to Kestria
IRC Global Executive Search Partners has renamed itself Kestria as a part of an extensive rebranding initiative. “The new name and brand are an important next step in our global journey,” said Michael Kantel, Kestria executive board member, partner and executive director Kestria Germany. “This marks the start of a new era for Kestria with all
The Evolving Role of CISOs
With the ongoing evolution of cybersecurity, the role of the chief information security officer (CISO) continues to transform and mature. For the top security position, no two career paths are alike, and current CISOs are keen to understand how their roles compare to those of their peers, according to just-released report from IANS Research and Artico Search. Further,
ZRG Partners Acquires RoseRyan Inc.
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has acquired RoseRyan Inc., a Silicon Valley-based provider of finance and accounting consulting solutions. Financial details were not disclosed. “The nature of the workforce has evolved and having even greater bandwidth in the finance and accounting consulting sector through RoseRyan is fantastic,” said
WittKieffer Recruits VP of Diversity and Inclusion for Syracuse University
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has placed Mary Grace A. Almandrez as the new vice president for diversity and inclusion at Syracuse University. Leading the assignment were consultant Christine J. Pendleton, senior associate Sandra Chu, and senior partner Robin Mamlet. She was selected following a national search that yielded a diverse and highly qualified pool of candidates. “Mary Grace’s
Shelli Herman and Associates Assists Options for Learning with Chief Program Officer Search
After a months-long, statewide search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Tracy Lynch as the new chief program officer with Options for Learning in Covina, CA. Ms. Lynch joined Options for Learning more than 17 years ago and has most recently served as director of the agency’s enrichment program, where for nearly
