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U.S. Adds 178,000 Jobs in March as Unemployment Holds Steady at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 178,000 in March as the U.S. unemployment rate changed little to 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.2 million, changed little in March. Job gains occurred in healthcare, in construction, and in transportation and warehousing. Federal government employment continued to decline. “March’s report
The Folger Shakespeare Library Retained Isaacson, Miller for CFO Search
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been selected by the Folger Shakespeare Library to lead in its search for a new CFO. Dan Rodas is leading this search with Stephanie Simon, and Robin Dougherty. This is an opportunity to partner closely with director Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper at a time of strategic growth and organizational transformation. As the Folger embarks on a new strategic
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
The Structure of an Organization’s Culture: Building a Foundation for Performance
Building a strong, values-driven culture begins with understanding the underlying structures that shape how people think, behave, and interact within an organization. By identifying the core beliefs, unwritten norms, and systems that influence daily actions, leaders can intentionally align employee behavior with the company’s purpose and values. This alignment fosters clarity in expectations, accountability in
Slayton Search Partners Expands Senior Staff
Chicago-based Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Kevin Strohl as vice president and principal. He will be focused on supporting the search firm within the finance function, building client relationships, and recruiting key finance professionals. “We’re confident that Kevin’s experience and expertise will reinforce Slayton’s commitment to the client experience,” said Richard Slayton,
Moving Past COVID-19
Around the globe, many economies are recovering and showing strength. Over the next year, consumers are expecting stronger job prospects, according to The Conference Board. From the U.S. to Europe to Asia, economies are improving faster than expected. In a new report from IMSA Search, its recruiting professionals say they are experiencing an acceleration in
RevelOne Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for The Pro’s Closet
Greenwood Village, CO-based executive search firm RevelOne has assisted in the recruitment of Kaitlin Cameron as the new chief marketing officer of The Pro’s Closet (TPC). Kim Thiel led the assignment. “Kaitlin’s addition to our executive team brings us into a new era – beginning our physical retail initiative and extending our brand and marketing presence to
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for Consumer Federation of America
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions has recruited Susan Weinstock as the new president and CEO of the Consumer Federation of America (CFA). “After an exhaustive nationwide search process which considered 50 candidates for the position, CFA’s search committee, assisted by the search firm Vetted Solutions, recommended Ms. Weinstock to the CFA executive committee who immediately approved the appointment,”
Wilton & Bain Launches First Office in Canada
London-based executive search firm Wilton & Bain has expanded with addition of Chris Garvin as a principal within its professional services and technology practice. Mr. Garvin will launch the firm’s first Canadian office, in Toronto, as Wilton & Bain focuses on an on-going expansion and growth plan in North America. Mr. Garvin brings more than a decade
Jobless Claims Fall to Lowest Level Since 1968
The Labor Department reported that 166,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 5,000 from the previous week’s revised level and the lowest level since 1968. The previous week’s level was revised down by 31,000 from 202,000 to 171,000. The four-week moving average was 170,000, a decrease of 8,000 from
The Evolving Role of the CFO
Amid elevated geopolitical uncertainty, digital disruption, heightened trade frictions, shifting cultural attitudes, more polarized social divisions and a pandemic, corporate leadership teams have had to adapt to rapidly changing market conditions, business strategies, and operational structures in recent years. This has made a significant impact on the role of the CFO, according to ‘The Role
Daversa Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer for Twin Health
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has assisted in the recruitment of Chris Szeto as the chief product officer of Twin Health in Mountain View, CA. Sarah McDonald and Julie Wrapp led the assignment. “It has been incredible to partner with this world-class team on their mission to reverse and prevent
Axis Talent Partners Seeks Chief People and Culture Officer for SAGE
Axis Talent Partners, a boutique executive search and talent strategy firm which partners with social justice-focused organizations, is seeking a chief people and culture officer (CPCO) for SAGE, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older people. Reporting to the chief financial and administrative officer, the incoming chief people and culture officer will be joining
BridgeStreet Partners Recruits Chief Information Officer for Austin Industries
The chief information officer is considered one of the most strategic roles in any organization. Still, recruiting within the function remains challenging, as skilled C-suite IT professionals are among the toughest to find, and move. BridgeStreet Partners recently recruited Janya Kieffer as the new chief information officer of Austin Industries. Ms. Kieffer was most recently the vice president of information
Direct Recruiters Inc. Names First Woman as Managing Partner
Solon, OH-based Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI) has appointed Cherie Shepard as managing partner. She becomes the first woman appointed to this role at the firm. “Cherie has demonstrated leadership, mentorship, dedication, and a standard of excellence in her role and within the search industry,” DRI said. Ms. Shepard began at DRI over 14 years ago and currently directs
Chief Secures $100 Million in Funding
Chief, a private network designed to help more businesswomen rise into positions of power, has raised a $100 million Series B investment led by CapitalG at a valuation of $1.1 billion, joining the ranks of female-founded unicorn start-ups. Previous investors General Catalyst, GGV Capital, Inspired Capital, Primary Venture Partners, Flybridge Capital Partners, and BoxGroup also participated in the
ON Partners Recruits CFO for LRN Corp.
ON Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Dean Gels as chief financial officer of LRN Corp. in New York. Managing partner Tim Conti and Tindall Hein led the assignment. Kevin Michielsen, LRN’s chief executive officer, said Mr. Gels was hired for his robust experience as a financial executive for tech and service-based companies. “Dean is a
McCormack+Kristel Seeking CEO for Bronx Parent Housing Network
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has been enlisted to find the next chief executive officer for the Bronx Parent Housing Network (BPHN), one of the largest shelter provider in New York City. Last February, Victor Rivera was fired from the role after accusations of sexual misconduct. The assignment is being led by Michelle Kristel, managing partner, and
SRI Acquires LPA Search Partners
London-based executive recruiting firm SRI has acquired LPA Search Partners, a women-owned firm led by industry veterans Willa Perlman and Anna McCormick Kelch. “Technology is driving major change in every industry, and we are delighted to join forces with Anna and Willa and their talented team,” said Jim Chaplin, CEO of SRI. “LPA has an impressive track
DHR Global Recruits General Counsel for the Big Ten Conference
Chicago-based DHR Global has assisted in the recruitment of Anil Gollahalli as chief legal officer and general counsel of the Big Ten Conference. DHR’s managing partner and global sports practice leader Glenn Sugiyama headed the assignment. “When commissioner Kevin Warren first reached out to me to discuss this search and the importance of this placement to the future of the
Connecting Talent to Value
As the world changes, so too does “value” change. What consumers willingly paid for yesterday becomes passé overnight. What they will willingly pay for tomorrow just as quickly becomes today’s business imperative. To keep up with these value shifts, senior leaders move financial capital at lightning speed from points of lower return to points of
The Christopher Group Seeking Director of Talent and Inclusion for SRAM
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by SRAM, one of the world’s largest suppliers of components to the bike industry, to lead its search for a director of talent and inclusion. The search is being led by managing director Pam Noble and recruiting director Kat Kilkenney. “This is the
Korn Ferry Acquires Patina Solutions Group
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. The latest: Korn Ferry has acquired interim executive solutions provider Patina Solutions Group. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Korn Ferry’s adjusted earnings. “This combination presents real, tangible opportunity for Korn Ferry and our
RSR Partners Recruits Chief Investment Officer for the Colorado Health Foundation
Greenwich, Conn.-based RSR Partners recently placed Aron Grodinsky as chief investment officer of the Colorado Health Foundation in Denver. He succeeds Stan Willie, who is retiring. “Aron comes to our organization with significant and diverse investment management experience, and a belief that health is a basic human right,” said Mark Evans, CFO of the non-profit. “He’s a welcomed
Setting A New Direction for HR
Every leader seems to be looking for an answer as to what the “new normal” will look like. But as effects from the pandemic wear on, uncertainty will likely remain a lingering constant for organizations. Possibly more so than for any other role, chief human resources officers have faced mounting pressure from their companies due
Jorgenson Consulting Seeking New CEO for Quad Cities Chamber
The economic strength of the non-profit sector has increased in recent years, and it is now the third largest employer in the U.S. This has certainly kept search firms busy. Greensboro, NC-based Jorgenson Consulting has been selected to assist the Quad Cities Chamber in finding the next president and chief executive officer. The firm will conduct a series of meetings
Harris Search Associates Seeks New Dean for Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Dublin, OH-based executive recruitment firm Harris Search Associates has been enlisted to lead the search for the next dean of the College of Science and Health (COSH) at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) in Los Angeles. Reporting to the executive vice president for academic affairs/provost, the dean is responsible for guiding,
Unemployment Falls to 3.6 Percent as Recovery Continues
Employment rose by 431,000 in February as the U.S. unemployment rate edged up to 3.6 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Notable job gains continued in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, retail trade, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate declined by 0.2 percentage point to 3.6 percent in March, and the
Venor Acquires Syntek Search Group
Executive search firm Venor has expanded into the Greater Toronto area with the recent acquisition of Syntek Search Group. Syntek was founded by Junior Roberts in 2018 with a focus on recruitment in the technology sector with a talent emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Mr. Roberts is an entrepreneurial leader, advisor and mentor in Central
SucceedSmart Launches Executive Search Platform
Los Altos, CA-based SucceedSmart has launched the general availability of its executive search platform, providing executives with a powerful “candidate-first” approach, said the company. “Founded by serial entrepreneur and RiseSmart founder Sanjay Sathe, SucceedSmart is poised to change the way executives maneuver to the forefront of their respective fields,” said the firm. “Similar to the
Selecting the Right Candidate Begins with Emotional Connection
The recruiting market today is highly competitive and experienced senior leaders are in high demand across every industry. This is particularly the case with the biopharma industry, where companies invest enormous amounts of time and money into the recruitment process. For these businesses, critical executive hires are needed to accelerate pipelines and commercialization of critical
Academic Search Recruits President for Roanoke College
Following a five-month nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has placed Frank Shushok Jr. as the 12th president of Roanoke College in Salem, VA. Michael C. Maxey, the longest serving president in the college’s history, announced in September that he would be retiring at the end of the academic year. Mr. Maxey has held the role
BoardWalk Consulting Assists the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights in Finding New Leader
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of civil rights attorney and activist, and NBC News and MSNBC legal analyst Maya Wiley as president and chief executive officer of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and its sister organization, the Leadership Conference Education Fund. She will succeed Wade Henderson, who has served
Jobless Claims Up Amid Tight Labor Market
The Labor Department reported that 202,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, an increase of 14,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 1,000 from 187,000 to 188,000. The four-week moving average was 208,500, a decrease of 3,500 from the previous week’s revised average. The
Curating an Exceptional Culture
Culture is what draws individuals to an organization, and it is the glue that, more often than not, keeps them there. More simply put, culture is why people join and it’s why they stay. Culture is a mindset, rooted in a philosophy. It’s mission in action. “Every organization has a culture. It exists in the







