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Executive Search Continues Its Confident Climb As Transformation Takes Center Stage
The executive search industry entered 2026 from a position of strength. According to Hunt Scanlon, fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. / Americas – the global talent sector’s largest and most dominant region – jumped 11 percent last year, topping out at $6.69 billion. Seventy-five percent of search firms
Why Top Candidates Choose One Offer Over Another
Recruitment in the financial services industry, especially across wealth management, RIAs, and fintech roles, has become increasingly competitive, with strong candidates having multiple opportunities and greater choice in where they go, according to a recent report from Right Executive Search’s Elisa Sheftic. “It is especially disappointing when a top candidate withdraws from an opportunity during the
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.
Why Succession Planning Is Critical to Reducing Leadership Risk
Most organizations have something they refer to as a succession plan — a spreadsheet, a nine-box grid updated once a year and then put away, or an annual HR review. But very few can answer the question that truly matters: if a critical leader left tomorrow, would the organization be able to keep executing? That’s
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?
Rokos Group Seeking Chief Medical Officer for Center for Elders’ Independence
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been selected by Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) to lead in its search for a chief medical officer. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief medical officer will serve as CEI’s senior physician executive and a full member of the executive leadership team. This is a strategic
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Assists the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority with CEO Search
ADK Consulting & Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Cris Jensen as the new president and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). Rod Dinger led the assignment. “It is my honor to announce the board has chosen Cris Jensen to serve as the next president and CEO, and his contract negotiations are currently underway,” said Shaun Carey, chair of
How CEOs Can Overcome Setbacks and Emerge Stronger
Executive search firms are increasingly being called upon to assess more than a candidate’s track record of growth, transformation, and financial performance. As boards search for CEOs capable of leading through persistent uncertainty, resilience has become a critical component of the leadership profile. Search consultants are placing greater emphasis on how executives have responded to
Occam Global Recruits CFO for eGenesis
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has placed Glenn Vraniak as CFO of eGenesis, a biotechnology company developing human-compatible engineered organs for transplantation. “eGenesis is entering a pivotal stage in our evolution as we prepare to advance our programs through clinical development and lay the foundation for future commercialization,” said Mike Curtis, CEO of eGenesis.
Maven Partnership Names Partner and Consultants
Global talent advisory firm Maven Partnership has recently promoted Tom Chambers to partner, Seb Coughlin as consultant, and George Roberts to consultant. “We are delighted to announce the well-deserved promotions of several exceptional individuals here at Maven Partnership, Will Hannaford, chief executive officer. “We’re committed to the growth and development of our people, and it’s fantastic to
The Execution Era: How Transformation Is Reshaping Private Equity
Most PE value creation plans don’t fail on strategy. They fail between the plan and the doing. With longer holds and less forgiving exit windows, delivery discipline is carrying more of the return, according to a new report from Wilton & Bain’s Jack Syred and James Royall. The report reflects patterns Wilton & Bain has
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses to Lead VP of Corporate Operations Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been tapped by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for their vice president of corporate operations, based in Alexandria, VA. IDA seeks a seasoned operational and business transformation leader to modernize systems, processes, and service delivery across the organization. Serving as a corporate officer and
Modern Executive Solutions adds Partner to Lead Growth of M1 Talent Community
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has appointed Bria Bass as as partner, where she will lead the continued growth and expansion of the M1 Talent Community across North America and Europe. “Bria brings a rare combination of executive advisory, deep community-building experience, and an exceptional ability to connect leaders in meaningful ways,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO
AI Is Rewriting the Executive Hiring Playbook
Insight Partners’ latest research suggests the AI era is creating a new executive hiring playbook. Based on more than 400 executive searches and interviews with over 1,400 leadership candidates, the firm’s talent team argues that many of the characteristics defining today’s strongest product and engineering leaders would have been viewed as weaknesses only a few years
FMG Leading Acquires Market Intelligence And Strategic Advisory Firm BroadBranch Advisors
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has acquired market intelligence and strategic advisory firm BroadBranch Advisors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “In today’s high-pressure landscape, translating forward-looking intelligence into action faster and more effectively is critical for our clients, especially in the investor-backed healthcare space,” said Matt Brubaker, chairman and CEO of FMG Leading. “By
PARC Street Group Places Chief Operating Officer for Mission Valley Bank
PARC Street Group has assisted in the recruitment Amanda Connell as chief operating officer at Mission Valley Bank. This search was completed by PARC Street Group senior executive search consultant Michelle Davis, executive recruiter Tabassum Nagpurwala, and executive search associate Priscilla Chacon. Ms. Connell brings more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience across community
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Build a New Performance Model for Executive Recruiters
As the executive search industry faces growing pressure to deliver stronger and more consistent results, firms are reassessing how recruiters are trained, developed, and prepared to meet changing client demands. A few months ago, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ Talent Intelligence advisory unit introduced the Recruiter Performance Training Program, a practical, execution-focused system designed to
U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent
Employment fell by 23,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 6.9 million, changed little in July. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.1 percent) and people who are Hispanic (4.6 percent) declined
Parker Remick Expands with New Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has appointed Adam Szepkouski as partner of consulting excellence. The firm explained that this hire reflects a broader push to refine execution and scale delivery as demand for senior technology leaders accelerates. The appointment comes at a time of structural change in technology leadership. AI is reshaping how technology organizations are built and
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Recruiting Stories of 2025
In 2025, the recruiting and executive search industry entered a pivotal transformation driven by the rapid integration of AI and data intelligence. As firms navigated uneven hiring demand and ongoing consolidation, recruiters increasingly turned to AI-powered platforms, advanced analytics, and leadership science to deliver sharper insight, faster outcomes, and measurable value for clients. Investor activity
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
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
