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Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
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.
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
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?
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
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
Six Steps to Sharpen Leadership Focus and Protect Performance in 2026
The start of a new year often tempts senior leaders to move straight from results to resolution, skipping the quieter work of reflection. Yet without pausing to examine how leadership is experienced—not just measured—patterns of strain, growth, and resilience remain invisible, quietly shaping the year ahead. What follows is a structured way to slow the
The Lasting Power of Agile Transformation
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, agility went from business buzzword to absolute necessity, with leaders forced to trust their instincts in order to help their businesses survive and keep employees safe in the face of myriad challenges. But now that things are becoming more normal, you’re faced with yet another impossible task: striking
JM Search Assists VSBLTY Groupe Technologies Recruit New CTO
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, recently assisted in the recruitment of Gary A. Gibson as the new chief technology officer for VSBLTY Groupe Technologies Corp. He succeeds Tim Huckaby who resigned in December. Partners Bill Borkovitz and Bill Hogenauer led the assignment. “We are excited to welcome
Greenwood / Asher & Associates Seeks President for Lincoln University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood /Asher & Associates has been enlisted to find the next president of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO, the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University. Spearheading the assignment is Marion Frenche, practice leader for diversity, equity and inclusion, and senior executive search consultant. “This position is an opportunity
Gladstone Group Names Leader of Strategic Growth Consulting Unit
Gladstone Group, a Conshohocken, PA-based executive search firm and M&A advisory for RIAs, asset managers, broker/dealers, fintech companies and institutions, has appointed Derek Bruton as senior managing director. He will lead Gladstone’s strategic growth consulting division and support the executive search and M&A advisory businesses as well. Mr. Bruton will work with RIAs, broker/dealers and other wealth
Jobless Claims Jump 230,000 as Omicron Surges
The Labor Department reported that 230,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, an increase of 23,000 from the previous week’s unrevised level of 207,000. The four-week moving average was 210,750, an increase of 6,250 from the previous week’s unrevised average of 204,500. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the
CEO Succession in Healthcare
The stakes of a chief executive officer transition are always high, but the risks of succession are increasing as healthcare systems grow in size and complexity and operate in increasingly dynamic conditions. Based on current trends, a new Spencer Stuart report says that it is expected that more than 80 percent of hospital CEOs will
3 Insights for Leaders on the Importance of a Personal Connection in 2022
As one of the world’s largest consumer-focused private equity firms, L Catterton has helped guide their portfolio companies on how to adopt effective skills to manage both the significant shift in consumer habits as a result of COVID-19, and the ways in which leadership can drive internal connectivity with employees. In a recent discussion, Jeff Weiser, operating
The Christopher Group Places Head of HR at Nordson
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top-flight HR experts? Corporate leaders want HR leaders who are sophisticated, proactive and strategic minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they would a P&L, according to
Buffkin / Baker Seeks General Counsel for University of Missouri System
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has been chosen to recruit the next general counsel for the University of Missouri (MU) in Columbia. Leading the assignment is Martin M. Baker, managing partner. Last month general counsel Steve Owens announced his plans to step down in March. Board curator chair Darryl Chatman appointed a search committee, which
Society Launches Board Practice Focused on Placing LGBTQ+ Professionals
Global search firm Society has launched a board practice focused of placing LGBTQ+ directors on the boards of private and publicly traded companies. “This effort is directed to meet the immediate needs to diversify corporate boards and give an inclusive voice to the underrepresented LGBTQ+ community,” the search firm said. “By building a database of self-identified
Advancing Black Leadership at the Board and Executive Level
Black executives have largely not been afforded the same opportunities in tech start-ups and venture capital, according to Daversa Partners. To answer the call, the search firm has established Dreamscape to address the issue by focusing on industry-wide equity and transformation. By working in partnership with CEOs, founders and investors who are committed to making
Savage Partners Appoints COO
Savage Partners, a boutique executive search firm serving the technology sector, has named Kenneth Vancini as its new chief operating officer. “We are thrilled to welcome Ken to Savage Partners,” said Todd Savage, managing director and co-founder of the firm. “His extensive industry experience and expertise will help us continue to serve our clients with
Odgers Berndtson Tapped to Fill Posts for 2032 Olympic Games
Odgers Berndtson has been appointed to find five independent directors, including the president, to serve on the organizing committee for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane. Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said a “rigorous recruitment process will ensure an unparalleled line-up of board directors working in the best interests of Queenslanders and all Australians.”
Seattle University Picks Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners to Recruit CHRO
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners has been enlisted by Seattle University to find its next vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer (CHRO). Managing director Beth Schaefer and search associate Holly Bogo are leading the assignment. “Seattle University seeks an innovative, experienced, and collaborative leader to serve as its next vice president for human
Eton Bridge Partners Names Managing Partner
Executive search, consulting, and interim management provider Eton Bridge Partners has expanded with the addition of Steve Deverill as managing partner. “As I move to non-executive director, I am extremely proud of what we have collectively achieved since establishing the business in 2010,” said Ashton Ward. “We have always been focused on our reputation, delivering results for
The Importance of Leadership Teams in Portfolio Companies
The global private equity market boomed across fundraising, acquisitions and exits in 2021, buoyed by cheap financing, vast monetary and fiscal stimulus, and the resulting increases in share and private capital market prices. In total, $1.17 trillion of deals were recorded between January and September 2021 – more than in any year since 2015, according
Hanold Associates Seeks Head of People for Autograph
Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive is seeking a head of people for Autograph, a leading platform for NFTs co-founded by NFL quarterback Tom Brady. Jason Hanold, Mayank Parikh and Eleanor Tetreault are leading the assignment. “Autograph is rapidly growing, bringing a unique and innovative platform to a revolutionary new market that is quickly
Cejka Search Seeks New Leader for Lake Regional Health System
Cejka Search was recently selected to help recruit a new CEO for Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach, MI. The assignment is being led by Mark Madden, the recruitment firm’s executive vice president and managing principal. Reporting to Lake Regional Health System’s board of directors, the CEO will lead the health system in strategic, operational, and
Quick Leonard Kieffer Seeks Chief People Officer for FirstHealth of the Carolinas
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, it is the chief people officer who typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key
ON Partners Appoints Three Partners
ON Partners has named Sean Cantarella, Nina McMaster and Alex Pelak as partners. They will support ON Partners’ growth in several sectors, including consumer, life sciences and healthcare, technology, industrial, fintech, gaming, insurance tech, aerospace and defense, and business services. “We’ve seen tremendous growth across the board over the past year, particularly in CEO, board and C-level searches,” said Tim
5 Hiring Insights from Executive Recruiters
We are currently in a taxing recruiting environment for employers. How should you react? This morning the Labor Department reported 10 million open jobs and a record ratio of openings to hires. “Add to this a blur of emotions felt as employees and leaders face return-to-work deadlines, childcare concerns, and the Delta variant, and we have
Four Key Tech Trends to Watch for in 2022
As we enter the new year, the practice of finding, attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent in technology has continued to be a challenge, and the trends that we started to see due to the necessity of a widespread virtual workforce has become a Pandora’s Box that will likely stay forever open. Recruiting top professionals
SPMB Assists Cervin Ventures in Recruitment of New Partner
Tremendous opportunity lies ahead in integrating a set of distinctive human capital solutions that will deliver exponential value to private equity firms and their portfolios. At the core of this drive are private equity talent leaders and executive recruiters who are developing solutions to help clients navigate change and power value creation early in the
ZRG Partners Assists Rigel Pharmaceuticals in Filling Board Position
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. ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, recently
Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.9 Percent
Employment rose by 199,000 in December as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 3.9 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment continued to trend up in leisure and hospitality, in professional and business services, in manufacturing, in construction, and in transportation and warehousing. The unemployment rate declined by 0.3 percentage
Private Equity Recruiting Takes Off in Hot Market for Talent
Private equity firms have been pulling strongly in a direction all their own, not only bucking the challenges impacting other businesses but clearly passing key inflection points for growth. According to Dominic Lévesque, president of Tatum: “We’re seeing huge reserves of dry powder on tap, and along with it, sky-high valuations. Small wonder, then, that
Dreamscape Finds New Directors for Brex, Robinhood, and AppLovin Corp.
Daversa Partners’ Dreamscape business unit has recently helped to place Thasunda Brown Duckett of TIAA, Dara Treseder of Peloton, and Alyssa Harvey Dawson of Gusto to fill key director roles for Brex, Robinhood and Applovin Corp., respectively. Dreamscape, which was launched in November, is dedicated to advancing black representation on the boards and executive teams
Crist|Kolder Associates Names President, Reshuffles Leadership Team
Crist|Kolder Associates has appointed Clem Johnson as president of the firm, and Scott Simmons and Josh Crist have been named co-managing partners. Mr. Johnson takes over from Tom Kolder, who is moving into a vice chairman role alongside chairman Peter Crist. “As Peter and I pass the day-to-day leadership to Clem, Scott and Josh, we have
Jobless Claims Remain at 52-Year Low
The Labor Department reported that 207,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, an increase of 7,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 198,000 to 200,000. The four-week moving average was 204,500, an increase of 4,750 from the previous week’s revised average. The previous
Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints New CEO
Russell Reynolds Associates has appointed Constantine Alexandrakis, currently head of the firm’s Americas region, as its new chief executive officer succeeding Clarke Murphy, who will remain with the firm, transitioning back to full-time client work. “Constantine is a demonstrated leader who has an inspiring vision,” said Mr. Murphy. “With his global orientation, collaborative leadership, inclusive mindset, and
Bespoke Partners Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Greenphire
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Alan Matuszak as the new chief technology officer of Greenphire, a global provider of financial lifecycle management for clinical trials. Vice presidents Katelyn Quaresma and Ned Lanphier led the assignment. “We’re delighted to have Alan join our team,” said Jim Murphy, CEO of Greenphire. “Over
