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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
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 Christopher Group Tapped by MITRE for Head of Total Rewards Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by MITRE to lead in its search for a head of total rewards. The search is being led by managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director Kat Kilkenney. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a total rewards leader who wants to make
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?
True Establishes Dedicated Private Credit Practice
Global executive talent platform True has launched a dedicated private credit practice, led by Rick Bank, managing director and head of the private credit and private equity practices. The launch comes as private credit enters a significant credit cycle, with 67 percent of portfolio managers citing greater competition and 64 percent citing defaults and credit losses as
Inside the Decisions That Shape Hiring and Careers
Hiring and leadership decisions continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping both individual careers and organizational performance. As companies navigate tighter talent markets, rapid technological change, and evolving expectations around leadership, greater attention is being placed on how executives identify high performers, assess potential, and make decisions about who is ready for greater
ON Partners Recruits Board Members for Artisan Industries
Partners Seth Harris and Shawn Oglesbee of ON Partners have assisted in the recruitment of Stephen S. Schwartz and Gary A. Doyon as new members of the board of directors of Artisan Industries. The addition of two independent directors strengthens the company’s governance and strategic leadership, as Artisan expands its core technologies into high-growth markets, including specialty chemicals, PFAS removal, drug
Reffett Associates Seeking Vice President of Development for the Army Historical Foundation
WA-based Reffett Associates was recently retained by the Army Historical Foundation to recruit its next vice president of development. The Army Historical Foundation is the non-profit organization that supports the National Museum of the United States Army, which honors the service and sacrifice of American soldiers throughout the Army’s history. The vice president of development will play
DHR Global Expands Middle East and Africa Presence
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Michael Patrick Okumu-Ringa as managing partner, Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai, he will lead the expansion of DHR’s regional business, building its team and strengthening its executive search and leadership advisory capabilities while connecting regional clients with international talent in partnership with DHR’s London office. “The
Talentfoot Grows HR Practice
Talentfoot Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Gabe Peacock as associate partner, helping drive the continued growth of the firm’s human resources practice. “With Gabe joining the team, Talentfoot is continuing to expand our ability to support clients in finding HR leaders who can solve complex people challenges, strengthen culture, scale people operations,
Artico Search Founders Reflect on Five Years of Growth and Lessons Learned
Five years after its founding, Artico Search has grown from a two-person venture into a boutique executive search firm serving venture capital, private equity-backed, and publicly traded companies. Founded in 2021 by Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO and co-founder, and Matt Comyns, president and co-founder, the firm has built its business around emerging technology, with particular depth
Caldwell Sells IQTalent Partners to WinMil for $4.7 Million
Toronto-based Caldwell has completed the sale of substantially all of the net operating assets of its wholly owned subsidiary, IQTalent Partners, Inc., to WinMil, Inc. WinMil will continue to operate the business under the IQTalent name and brand. In 2020, Caldwell acquired IQTalent to broaden its service offerings into technology-enabled recruiting solutions at the professional level.
WittKieffer Selected by Park University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Park University to lead in its search for a new president. Consultant Alejandra Gillette-Teran, principal Melody Rose and associate Sarah Seavey are spearheading the assignment for the search firm. Reporting to an engaged board of trustees, the president will be expected to grow the University into the future. The president provides leadership in
NPAG Leading Executive Director Search for SEAL
Executive search firm NPAG was recently retained by SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Allison Kupfer Poteet, managing partner, is leading the search along with Alejandra Villa, managing associate. The organization seeks a strong enterprise leader with strategic and financial acumen, experience leading through change, and genuine credibility
August Leadership Appoints Senior Advisor in Tokyo
August Leadership has named Paul Dupuis as senior advisor in Tokyo. “We are delighted to have Paul join August Leadership,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “His experience will add significant depth as we aim to strengthen our presence and relationships in Japan, alongside our broader APAC capabilities.” With more than 30 years of leadership
C-Suite Volatility Reshapes Talent Market, Creating Expanding Role for Search Firms
Crist|Kolder Associates’ latest 2026 Mid-Year Volatility Report provides a detailed look at leadership trends across 665 Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies. Tracking executive changes through July 31, the research examines CEO, CFO, and COO turnover, career paths, diversity, and the emergence of new leadership positions as organizations adapt to an increasingly complex business environment.
The McCormick Group Completes Searches for Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies
The McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the federal health policy practice of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor. The search was led by principal David
Krauthamer & Associates Selected by Regional Transportation District for CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has been retained by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, CO, to lead in its search for a new CEO. “RTD seeks a CEO who can continue strengthening the agency’s fiscal foundation, drive long‑range funding solutions, and guide RTD through budget challenges while advancing innovation, equity, transit service delivery and the
BrainWorks Grows Legal Practice
Warren, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks has named Rachel Chandler as director of legal recruitment. “With nearly two decades of experience spanning law, legal recruitment, and business development, Rachel brings an exceptional depth of expertise and a unique perspective to our team,” Brainworks said in a LinkedIn post. “From practicing corporate law to leading legal recruiting teams,
Boyden Forms Alliance with South African firm Tuesday Consulting
Boyden has formed a partnership with South African firm Tuesday Consulting, an executive search and advisory firm helping clients drive growth through sustainable human capital resourcing practices. The partnership will be led by seasoned industry executives Wendy Spalding and Tsholofelo Nketane, along with a team of nine professionals from Tuesday Consulting. “Partnering with Tuesday Consulting represents an
Leadership in Uncertain Times: How Executives Adapt
Leadership has always required navigating change, but today’s executives operate in an environment where geopolitical developments, economic uncertainty, and evolving market expectations can quickly reshape business priorities. This places renewed attention on how leaders set direction, strengthen organizational resilience and prepare their businesses for an uncertain future. According to the latest Kestria Global Leadership Barometer, geopolitical
Excel Search & Advisory Leading Search for Next WNBA Commissioner
The WNBA has begun the search for its next commissioner as the league prepares for a leadership transition at the end of the year. The NBA has retained Excel Search & Advisory, formerly Nolan Partners, to identify a successor to Cathy Engelbert, according to The Athletic. The assignment comes as the league continues to experience
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for Wabash College
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has placed Tyler J. Wade as dean for enrollment management at Wabash College. Mr. Wade, a 2012 Wabash graduate, has served as interim dean since June. This follows a nationwide search led by the firm’s president Chris Bingley. “One of the things that made him stand out in the field
Leathwaite Continues Partnership with St Marylebone School
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite is continuing its long-standing partnership with St Marylebone School in London, supporting students as they prepare for the next stages of their academic and professional journeys. The firm said the program is part of its community engagement efforts and reflects its commitment to social mobility and widening access to opportunity. St
Hunt Scanlon Media and Simsola AI Launch Survey on the Last Mile of Executive Search
Executive search firms are under growing pressure to bring greater consistency and transparency to how finalists are evaluated and recommendations are made. As AI and new technology move deeper into the search process, firms are also rethinking how interview feedback is captured, how candidates are compared, and where experienced consultant judgment should carry the most
Investigative Diligence Moves Earlier in Executive Search
Executive hiring decisions increasingly carry reputational, financial, and governance consequences that extend well beyond a candidate’s resume. As a result, boards, investors, and search committees are placing greater emphasis on understanding the broader context behind an executive’s track record before making a final decision. That shift is giving investigative diligence a more prominent role in
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Spirax Group’s Electric Thermal Solutions Division
Carpenter Legal Search, Inc. has recruited Matthew Simonds as general counsel of the Electric Thermal Solutions (ETS) division of Spirax Group, a global industrial engineering company. “Matt stood out throughout the search process because of his combination of legal sophistication, strong business judgment, and ability to serve as a true strategic partner to leadership,” said Lori Carpenter,
Kincannon & Reed Assists Stokes Seeds with Chief Commercial Officer Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has helped to recruit Andy Paston as chief commercial officer of Stokes Seeds, a leading North American supplier of vegetable seed serving commercial growers across the United States and Canada. “Andy brings a strong combination of agricultural expertise and commercial leadership,”
Chartwell Partners Recruits President and CEO for Eagle Bancorp
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stephen Curley as president and chief executive officer of Eagle Bancorp, Inc., the Bethesda-based holding company for EagleBank, one of the largest community banks in the Washington, D.C. area. The appointment followed an extensive board evaluation and search of internal and external candidates.
Integration-Ready C-Suite Leaders Growing In Demand, and Influence
After two years of subdued activity, global M&A surged last year, with deal value climbing 40 percent to roughly $4.9 trillion, marking one of the strongest years on record. According to Bain & Company Global M&A Report 2026, the rebound was broad-based across sectors and geographies and driven by a renewed urgency among companies to reinvent
Tapping High-End Talent on Their Terms
A new report from Business Talent Group (BTG) shows that 70 percent of high-end independent talent want to pick their own projects and 63 percent seek freedom to work from anywhere, as massive changes to the workplace and how and where people work continues. BTG’s 2022 Talent Lens—based on a survey of more than 1,900 high-end independent talent—provides insights about the mindset of
SRI Acquires Mission Bay
London-based executive recruiting firm SRI has acquired Mission Bay, a media and entertainment executive search provider serving clients across the U.K., Asia-Pacific and the U.S. covering the international broadcasting, production, publishing, and wider media space. “We are thrilled to welcome Joanna Reesby, John Keeling, and their talented team to SRI,” said Jamie Waldron, SRI managing partner and
Slone Partners Names Chief Talent Officer
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has expanded with the addition of Alicia Montgomery as chief talent officer. “Alicia Montgomery is a true superstar in the recruiting world,” said Leslie Loveless, CEO of Slone Partners. “She has a passion for providing an exceptional client experience and for developing effective training and onboarding programs to help advance internal talent.
ON Partners Fills Board Position for ArrowStream
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. ON Partners has placed Helen Davis as a new member of the board of directors
Gallagher Assists Subway Supply Chain Cooperative in Finding CEO
Gallagher’s Executive Search and Leadership Advisers (ESLA) has placed Kirsten Michulka as the new president and chief executive officer of Independent Purchasing Cooperative Inc. (IPC), a Subway franchisee-owned supply chain cooperative serving restaurants in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Ms. Michulka replaced Jan Risi who retired after leading the organization for over 25 years.
Daversa Partners Names First President
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has appointed Laura Kinder as its first president. “Laura’s promotion comes at a time of expansive global growth for the company and the clients we serve,” said Paul Daversa, founder and chief executive officer. “She has acted as a key member on our oversight committee
The Ins and Outs of Building a Diverse Workforce
Many organizations now realize how critical diversity is to high performance – and various data points suggest that companies are more successful when they adopt more inclusive hiring strategies. According to recruiters, DE&I should be made a priority and an integrated part of every company’s strategic, talent, and leadership goals. Part of building strong, diverse hiring
SPMB Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Ethos
SPMB, an executive search firm that helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has assisted in the placement of Sheila Vashee as chief marketing officer for Ethos, the largest term life insurance provider in the U.S. Partner Dean Nacey led the assignment. Ms. Vashee joins Ethos from early stage investing firm Basis Set Ventures. Prior to
BridgeStreet Partners Recruits CFO for Communities Foundation of Texas
BridgeStreet Partners has recruited Jim Berry as the new chief financial officer of the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT), one of the largest community foundations in the U.S. CFT manages more than 1,000 component funds and has distributed over $2 billion in charitable grants. Mr. Berry is an enterprise CFO with expertise in multiple industries such
CFR Global Executive Search Adds New Partner in Canada
CFR Global Executive Search has added executive search firm PIXCELL in Montreal as its newest partner. This strategic partnership will allow PIXCELL to draw on CFR’s international executive network and enhance its service offering. “As the shortage of skilled labor persists, there is a growing need for executive recruitment in Canada,” said CFR. “It has thus become crucial
Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.8 Percent
Employment rose by 678,000 in February as the U.S. unemployment rate edged up to 3.8 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Job growth was widespread, led by gains in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, healthcare, and construction. The number of unemployed persons edged down to 6.3 million. In February
Starfish Partners Launches Investment Platform for Recruiting Firms
Starfish Partners has been launched as an ownership/investment platform for the executive search market. The platform, according to its founder, was formed to allow owners to scale and monetize their business value; it will also allow independent search firm owners to participate and share in the equity of an entire family of companies, not just
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits CEO for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Russell Reynolds Associates recently placed Samantha Roberts as the new chief executive officer of England’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). She assumed the post in February from recently retired Gillian Leng. “I would like to welcome Dr. Samantha Roberts as the new CEO of NICE,” said Lord Kamall, minister for innovation. “Dr. Roberts
JDG Associates Seeking Chief Diversity Officer for the American Veterinary Medical Association
Chief diversity, equity and inclusion officers have emerged as key leaders during this enormous period of transition for workers and the workplace. With a global workforce shifting in complexity, there is a growing need for diversity experts who can shape the vision, culture and very face of organizations. At issue: Too few women and people
Felix Global Launches Talent and Organizational Performance Practice
Leadership development, recruiting, and outplacement firm Felix Global has launched a talent and organizational performance practice. Veteran consultant Marc Detampel, who joined the firm last year, will head the practice. The new practice works with C-suite leaders to provide several services to improve their organizations, including cultural alignment, organizational design, enterprise talent strategy, and human resources strategy.
Diversified Search Group Acquires Alta Associates
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has acquired Alta Associates, a Flemington, NJ-based search firm founded by Joyce Brocaglia specializing in cybersecurity, IT risk management, and data privacy. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, based in Greenwich, Conn., facilitated the introduction and transaction between both organizations. “This is a strategic acquisition that will
Carrington & Carrington Seeks COO for Cook County Health
Cook County Health (CCH) is partnering with Chicago-based Carrington & Carrington Diversity Executive Search to find its next chief operating officer for the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH), a nationally accredited, state-certified local health department for 2.5 million residents, 125 municipalities, 30 townships, and more than 700 schools. The incoming executive will design, implement, and
Higher Education Leadership Search Seeks Presidents for Two Oklahoma Universities
Anniston, AL-based Higher Education Leadership Search has been selected to find presidents for the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents—East Central University (ECU) and Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU). Both assignments, which call for similar duties and qualifications, are being spearheaded by consultants Bill Meehan and Alan Medders. For the ECU search, Higher
BarkerGilmore Adds Former PepsiCo General Counsel as Senior Advisor
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has added former PepsiCo general counsel David Yawman to its consulting division as a senior advisor. The firm noted that Yawman’s depth of experience adds another dimension for clients seeking to bring out the best in their people and take their organization to
Jobless Claims Fall; Recovery Continues to Face Obstacles
The Labor Department reported that 215,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 18,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 1,000 from 232,000 to 233,000. The four-week moving average was 230,500, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week’s revised average. The previous week’s average was revised up
Retaining Your Employees During the Great Resignation
It’s not unusual for Sara Garlick Lundberg, a partner in the non-profit practice of DHR Global, to be approached by non-profit leadership contemplating change. But the rate at which this is happening has skyrocketed, thanks to the Great Resignation, or the Great Re-evaluation as others call it. For some, continued uncertainty and talk of a hot
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Recruits CEO for Easterseals
After a rigorous national search, Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kendra E. Davenport as president and chief executive officer of Easterseals. Alison Ranney, managing partner and CEO practice co-lead, led the assignment along with Corina Benitz, vice president and senior associate; Tiara D. Muse, VP and senior search associate; and Alison
How to Prepare a Company’s Steering Committee for its Mission
The mission of a company’s steering committee is to project the business into the future, to focus on achieving objectives and to ensure its long-term sustainability and growth. As given, this statement applies to any company in any sector, with any (or most) possible realities, and by extension for any steering committee. But how to move from
ZRG Partners Names EMEA Leader
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, recently expanded with the addition of Natalie Sleiman as managing director in Dubai and will serve as its EMEA lead, further expanding the firm’s data-driven platform and global presence in the region. She joins the firm’s professional and technology services practice. “Through her track
NPAworldwide Expands U.S. Capacity
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added seven new member locations across the U.S. “Congratulations to each of our new member firms,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “By joining our recruiting network, these firms are invested as owners. Our continued membership growth allows independent recruitment firms to more effectively serve their clients and candidates by adding
Heidrick & Struggles Reports 61 Percent Revenue Rise; Names Diversity Leader
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted global revenues of $1 billion, compared to $621.6 million in 2020, an increase of 61.4 percent. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter — the fifth largest global firm as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media — reported net income was $72.6 million and diluted earnings per share was $3.58. This compares to a net
Daversa Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer for Beam Dental
Today’s chief product officer is responsible for all product-related matters, and the role is growing in demand, according to executive recruiters who place them. The post typically includes product conception and development, production, innovation, and project and product management. In many IT/ telecommunications companies, the position includes release management and production. Chief product officers generally work on
Myers McRae Assists Winthrop University in the Recruitment of 12th President
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Edward Serna as the 12th president of Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. Leading the search for the firm was Emily Parker Myers, CEO, and Kenny Daugherty, president, along with Jennifer Barfield, senior vice president. Dr. Serna was chosen from a diverse applicant pool which
Excel Sports Management to Acquire U.K.-Based Nolan Partners
Excel Sports Management, an industry-leading sports agency, has agreed to acquire sports and entertainment executive search firm Nolan Partners. London-based Nolan Partners will continue to be led by chief executive officer Paul Nolan and president Chad Biagini while operating as a new vertical within Excel’s properties division. Primarily focused on senior executive and board level
Blder Launches to Tackle Surge for Executive Talent
Galen Beyea, a former recruiter for Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), has launched Blder, a niche boutique executive talent solutions firm in San Francisco. The firm’s mission is to accelerate “unicorn companies during crucial moments of high growth.” Its core services include executive search, diversity and inclusion, talent intelligence sourcing, executive compensation, and succession planning. “With
New Report Shows Diversity Gaps in AI/Data Leadership, Compensation
Data, analytics, and AI responsibilities are led by those in roles that include chief data and analytics officer, chief data scientist, and head of machine learning or AI. But what backgrounds do these executives come from, how much are they paid, and how diverse are the roles they are being drawn to? It’s all found in
