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How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
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.
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
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?
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
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
BCG Says Dealmakers Are Learning to Win in Uncertainty
Global M&A activity is showing signs of recovery, but not a return to the playbook of the last cycle. According to Boston Consulting Group’s 2025 M&A Report, global deal value rose 10 percent in the first nine months of 2025 compared with the same period last year, even as geopolitical tension, regulatory shifts, and macro uncertainty continue
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
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,”
