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Hunt Scanlon Reports Executive Recruiting Sector Grew 11 Percent
Executive recruiters entered 2026 from a position of strength, according to Hunt Scanlon, as the media, intelligence, and M&A advisory firm released its annual rankings of executive search firms. “Growth is once again the predominant narrative for the recruiting sector,” said CEO Scott A. Scanlon. “But the real story is the ‘Big Shift’ – the
Building an Effective, Diverse Board Across Growth Stages
Board composition is no longer a static exercise but a dynamic process that must keep pace with the company’s trajectory. As organizations progress through different stages of growth, the expectations placed on directors expand, requiring a deliberate and forward-looking approach to how boards are structured and refreshed. In the realm of corporate governance, having an
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.
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
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?
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
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
Beyond the Hire: How Private Equity Firms Are Rethinking the Executive Search Mandate
In private equity, leadership isn’t just about filling seats—it’s about fueling transformation. Every executive decision carries the weight of accelerated timelines, evolving strategies, and investor expectations. The difference between success and stagnation often comes down to whether a firm can identify leaders who don’t just fit the current moment, but can also architect the next
Meet the New Female Powerbrokers in Tech Recruiting
Executive search firms have made big strides in recent years to reflect the changing make-up of their client base – becoming more progressive, more forward-thinking, and more female-led. Progress has been slow to come. But one headhunting outfit that has been leading the charge in effectively terminating the sector’s once male-dominated worldview is Daversa Partners,
Korn Ferry Posts 47 Percent Increase in Revenues
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2021 fiscal reported second quarter revenue of $639.4 million, an increase of 47 percent from the second quarter of last year. Fee revenue increased in all lines of business. The increase in revenue when compared to Q2 fiscal year 2021 was primarily due to the record levels of new business in the quarter driven
Academic Search Seeks President for Roanoke College
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been charged with finding the next president for Roanoke College in Salem, VA. Leading the assignment are Jay Lemons, president and senior consultant; Sharon D. Herzberger, senior consultant; and Jennifer Kooken, consultant. Michael C. Maxey, the longest serving president in the college’s history, announced in September that he would be
Felix Global Acquires Shields Meneley Partners
Leadership development, recruiting and outplacement firm Felix Global has acquired Shields Meneley Partners, a provider of C-suite career transition services, executive assessment, coaching and portfolio life, its program for executives’ post-corporate life. The transaction closed on Dec. 1. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Bringing Felix Global and Shields Meneley Partners together is important because it deepens
Frederickson Partners Launches New Service to Help Mission-Based Organizations
Global HR search firm Frederickson Partners has launched a new service to help mission-based organizations better gain access to top HR executive talent. Mission-based firms, which include philanthropic foundations, hospitals, schools, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other not-for-profit organizations, will benefit from Frederickson’s HR advisory services and its ability to recruit human resource executives who have the expertise to develop competitive
True Acquires Climate Tech Leader Hobbs & Towne
Haddonfield, NJ-based True, a global executive talent management platform, has acquired climate technology and sustainability executive search firm Hobbs & Towne, Inc. (HTI). Led by Andrew Towne and Robert Hobbs, HTI will continue to serve its mission-driven clients and provide a greater range of capabilities under True. True, one of the fastest growing search firms of the
ZRG Partners Acquires Brimstone Consulting Group
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has acquired boutique strategy consulting firm Brimstone Consulting Group LLC. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The complementary nature of our businesses made Brimstone an obvious partner for ZRG, as we continue to expand our portfolio of talent advisory solutions,”
3 Ways to Make Company Culture Great
In one word, what makes an excellent company culture? People. But what kind of people? How do you bring out the best in your existing people? Why is it important to make your company culture great? The Harvard Business Review points out that, based on several studies, an excellent workplace culture benefits employees and their
NorthWind Partners Recruits CHRO for Akima
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has assisted in the placement of Candy Curtin as the new chief human resources officer of Akima. Partner Hunter Murray led the assignment. “Candy is a skilled employee relations leader, with a strong foundation in managing HR programs for large and diverse employee populations,” said Bill Monet, president and CEO of
Zingaro, Fidler, & Wolfe Recruits CEO for Carolina Caring
Executive search firm Zingaro, Fidler, & Wolfe has assisted in the recruitment of Dana Killian as president and chief executive officer of Carolina Caring. “We are thrilled to announce that Dana Killian will be our president and CEO,” said Darrell Johnson, board chair. “Her valuable experience in senior management roles has helped her gain an
Strong Resurgence in Search Activity in the Private Equity Sector
The current state of recruiting within the PE sector remains strong. “The search firms that recruit in certain sectors that PE firms invest in are doing very well,” said Tim Russell, managing partner of The Tolan Group. “GPs are shifting their focus back to growth and scale in preparation for exit, as opposed to crisis
ON Partners Recruits CEO for VacationRenter
Executive search firm ON Partners has helped to place Heath Hammett as the new chief executive officer of VacationRenter, a vacation rental search engine. He joins VacationRenter from Copart, a global leader in online auto auctions, where he was vice president of product. Partner Lynda Robey led the assignment for the recruitment firm. VacationRenter was built
Bowlsby Sports Advisors Seeking Athletic Director for Northwestern State
A 10-member advisory committee has been appointed to work with national sports consulting and search firm Bowlsby Sports Advisors LLC in seeking Northwestern State University’s (NSU) new athletic director. Northwestern president Marcus Jones said the first meeting of advisory committee members with the search firm is scheduled for this week. Greg Burke, who has been athletic
Vetted Solutions Expands Staff and Leadership Team
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions has announced additions to the firm’s leadership team and the promotion of several key staff members. Leslie M. Stokes joins as vice president, Jude Rosenberg rejoins as senior associate, David Malpica returns to the firm as senior associate, and Ari Benjamin has been promoted to associate. “What we’re doing today reflects
Talent Platform Shiftsmart Raises $95 Million
Talent platform Shiftsmart has raised $95 million in a Series B funding round for its workforce management software that matches hourly workers with open shifts across a variety of industry verticals and roles. D1 Capital Partners led the round with participation from Imaginary Ventures, Spieker Partners and S12F, among others. Since forming in 2015, the company
Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.2 Percent as Covid Concerns Surge
Employment rose by 210,000 in November as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. This is well below the half-million gain that had been expected. The number of unemployed persons fell by 542,000 to 6.9 million. Notable job gains occurred in professional and business services, transportation
Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for the American Institute of Architects
Spencer Stuart has assisted in the recruitment of Lakisha Ann Woods as chief executive officer for the American Institute of Architects (AIA). “It is an honor to welcome Lakisha to the AIA,” said Peter Exley, president of AIA. “Her breadth of experience in the building industry combined with her leadership in making the built environment more
SearchWide Global Seeking Chief Diversity Officer for Destinations International
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has been chosen by Destinations International to lead its search for a new chief diversity officer. Senior vice president Kellie Henderson is leading the assignment. The chief diversity officer will provide leadership, coordination and strategic direction for the design and implementation of an organizational strategy that focuses the associations’ commitment to equity, diversity
Kentucky State University Selects Myers McRae to Find New President
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been chosen to help Kentucky State University (KSU) find its next president. This summer, M. Christopher Brown II resigned in the wake of concerns over KSU’s finances and lawsuits involving potential misconduct by school officials. Clara Ross Stamps, the university’s senior vice president for brand identity and
Dice Launches New Tool Aimed at Removing Bias in Hiring
Tech career marketplace Dice, a DHI Group Inc. brand, recently launched Unbiased Sourcing Mode, a new feature allowing recruiters and employers using Dice’s TalentSearch technologist search tool to anonymize information commonly associated with unconscious bias, including names, years of experience and schools attended. “The ability to automatically remove this information can help recruiters and employers make skills-based decisions
Overcoming Unconscious Bias
What measures can you take to make certain that hiring operates on an equitable basis? Everyone has personal likes and dislikes that may affect hiring outcomes. This is normal, natural and a part of being human. Skilled recruiters have developed techniques to minimize the impact of affinity and to redirect focus on core competency, according
McDermott + Bull Tapped by Goodwill Industries of Orange County to Find CFO
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has been engaged to lead the chief financial officer search for Goodwill Industries of Orange County (Goodwill of OC). The assignment will be led by McDermott + Bull co-founder and managing partner Chris Bull, partner Jeff Black, and director Sara Pizarro. “We feel privileged to partner once again with Goodwill of Orange County
Raines International Adds Search Veteran to Build Out Technology Practice
New York-based Raines International has named Rick Harris as managing director and leader of its product and technology officers practice. He will be based out of the firm’s Miami office. “The tech industry’s most innovative founders, CEOs and investors call Rick for a reason…he is the best at what he does. He is an energetic, collaborative builder who
Jobless Claims Rise Slightly as Omicron Arrives on U.S. Shores
The Labor Department reported that 222,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, an increase of 28,000. The previous week’s level was revised down by 5,000 from 199,000 to 194,000. The four-week moving average was 238,750, a decrease of 12,250 from the previous week’s revised average. This is the lowest level for this average
Royer Thompson Expands Talent and Culture Advisory Practice
Talent management firm Royer Thompson has expanded with the addition of Sarah Crown, formerly of global talent management firm SHL, as director talent and cultural advisory and will lead the assessment practice across the firm. Ms. Crown brings global experience advising clients on leadership assessment and talent management solutions, said firm president Kim West. “Our clients
Herbert Mines Recruits First Chief People Officer for Orvis
Chief people officers continue to step up at businesses across the country, playing a vital role in helping organizations navigate their way forward. Executive recruiters across the business landscape report that searches for these C-suite executives will only continue to rise as the workplace transitions. For some organizations this is a new role: New York-based
AMN Healthcare CEO Named to Global Power 150 Women in Staffing Ranking
Susan Salka, president and CEO of AMN Healthcare, has been named to the 2021 Global Power 150 – Women in Staffing ranking by Staffing Industry Analysts for the seventh consecutive year. “On behalf of AMN Healthcare and all of the women throughout our organization, it is an honor to receive this recognition,” said Ms. Salka.
Daversa Partners Names Managing Director
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has appointed Wendy Colvano, head of Europe, as managing director. “I consistently define Wendy as someone who is biased towards action—she is fearless, she is intentional and she sets the bar high,” said Paul Daversa, CEO. “As the international team continues to grow, Wendy’s ability
BoardWalk Consulting Seeks CEO for The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been enlisted to find the next president and chief executive officer of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights in Washington, D.C. Senior director Crystal Stephens, director of research Patti Kish and senior research associate Lysondra Somerville are leading the assignment. “The next president and CEO of The Leadership Conference,
IRC Global Elects New Executive Board
IRC Global Executive Search Partners recently hosted its virtual global conference where participants exchanged ideas and experiences related to running their business in challenging times. The organization also elected a new executive board. The IRC executive board currently consists of the following members: Rania Abdalla, Tom Berray, Michael Kantel, Katerina Meimaroglou and Rohan Carr (IRC Australia),
Post-COVID Workforce Trends Driving the Labor Market
Experts agree that we’re experiencing unprecedented times in the global labor market. While a few of the buzziest phrases of this phase include the Great Resignation, the Great Realization and the Great Reshuffle, there are many more “Greats” where those came from, according to a new report from Business Talent Group (BTG). Each of these
