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Accenture Signals the Rise of the ‘Agentic Deal’
Accenture’s latest report, The Dawn of the Agentic Deal, points to a clear turning point in M&A. Over the past decade, technology has largely been used to improve speed and efficiency, enhancing diligence, financial modeling, and integration planning. That advantage, however, is quickly becoming table stakes. What’s emerging now is structurally different. AI is no longer
Why Your Most Difficult Hire Isn’t the One You Think
Headline employment data and hiring activity paint an incomplete picture of today’s workforce landscape. Beneath the surface, shifting candidate expectations and constrained talent pipelines are creating challenges that aren’t immediately visible. If you lead talent strategy in the insurance sector, you are navigating one of the most deceptive hiring markets in recent memory, according to
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Why Succession Planning Is Critical to Reducing Leadership Risk
Most organizations have something they refer to as a succession plan — a spreadsheet, a nine-box grid updated once a year and then put away, or an annual HR review. But very few can answer the question that truly matters: if a critical leader left tomorrow, would the organization be able to keep executing? That’s
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
Rokos Group Seeking Chief Medical Officer for Center for Elders’ Independence
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been selected by Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) to lead in its search for a chief medical officer. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief medical officer will serve as CEI’s senior physician executive and a full member of the executive leadership team. This is a strategic
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Assists the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority with CEO Search
ADK Consulting & Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Cris Jensen as the new president and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). Rod Dinger led the assignment. “It is my honor to announce the board has chosen Cris Jensen to serve as the next president and CEO, and his contract negotiations are currently underway,” said Shaun Carey, chair of
How CEOs Can Overcome Setbacks and Emerge Stronger
Executive search firms are increasingly being called upon to assess more than a candidate’s track record of growth, transformation, and financial performance. As boards search for CEOs capable of leading through persistent uncertainty, resilience has become a critical component of the leadership profile. Search consultants are placing greater emphasis on how executives have responded to
Occam Global Recruits CFO for eGenesis
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has placed Glenn Vraniak as CFO of eGenesis, a biotechnology company developing human-compatible engineered organs for transplantation. “eGenesis is entering a pivotal stage in our evolution as we prepare to advance our programs through clinical development and lay the foundation for future commercialization,” said Mike Curtis, CEO of eGenesis.
Maven Partnership Names Partner and Consultants
Global talent advisory firm Maven Partnership has recently promoted Tom Chambers to partner, Seb Coughlin as consultant, and George Roberts to consultant. “We are delighted to announce the well-deserved promotions of several exceptional individuals here at Maven Partnership, Will Hannaford, chief executive officer. “We’re committed to the growth and development of our people, and it’s fantastic to
The Execution Era: How Transformation Is Reshaping Private Equity
Most PE value creation plans don’t fail on strategy. They fail between the plan and the doing. With longer holds and less forgiving exit windows, delivery discipline is carrying more of the return, according to a new report from Wilton & Bain’s Jack Syred and James Royall. The report reflects patterns Wilton & Bain has
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses to Lead VP of Corporate Operations Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been tapped by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for their vice president of corporate operations, based in Alexandria, VA. IDA seeks a seasoned operational and business transformation leader to modernize systems, processes, and service delivery across the organization. Serving as a corporate officer and
Modern Executive Solutions adds Partner to Lead Growth of M1 Talent Community
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has appointed Bria Bass as as partner, where she will lead the continued growth and expansion of the M1 Talent Community across North America and Europe. “Bria brings a rare combination of executive advisory, deep community-building experience, and an exceptional ability to connect leaders in meaningful ways,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO
AI Is Rewriting the Executive Hiring Playbook
Insight Partners’ latest research suggests the AI era is creating a new executive hiring playbook. Based on more than 400 executive searches and interviews with over 1,400 leadership candidates, the firm’s talent team argues that many of the characteristics defining today’s strongest product and engineering leaders would have been viewed as weaknesses only a few years
FMG Leading Acquires Market Intelligence And Strategic Advisory Firm BroadBranch Advisors
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has acquired market intelligence and strategic advisory firm BroadBranch Advisors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “In today’s high-pressure landscape, translating forward-looking intelligence into action faster and more effectively is critical for our clients, especially in the investor-backed healthcare space,” said Matt Brubaker, chairman and CEO of FMG Leading. “By
PARC Street Group Places Chief Operating Officer for Mission Valley Bank
PARC Street Group has assisted in the recruitment Amanda Connell as chief operating officer at Mission Valley Bank. This search was completed by PARC Street Group senior executive search consultant Michelle Davis, executive recruiter Tabassum Nagpurwala, and executive search associate Priscilla Chacon. Ms. Connell brings more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience across community
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Build a New Performance Model for Executive Recruiters
As the executive search industry faces growing pressure to deliver stronger and more consistent results, firms are reassessing how recruiters are trained, developed, and prepared to meet changing client demands. A few months ago, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ Talent Intelligence advisory unit introduced the Recruiter Performance Training Program, a practical, execution-focused system designed to
U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent
Employment fell by 23,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 6.9 million, changed little in July. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.1 percent) and people who are Hispanic (4.6 percent) declined
Parker Remick Expands with New Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has appointed Adam Szepkouski as partner of consulting excellence. The firm explained that this hire reflects a broader push to refine execution and scale delivery as demand for senior technology leaders accelerates. The appointment comes at a time of structural change in technology leadership. AI is reshaping how technology organizations are built and
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
How to Mitigate Rising Time-To-Hire Before You Lose Top Talent
Data indicates that time-to-hire is rising across industries. On the surface, this looks like a shift back to “normal” — returning to pre-pandemic levels from a period when the labor market was unusually volatile. However, a higher time-to-hire metric is detrimental for employers, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. “Longer hiring cycles make it
How HR Can Help Build the Organization of the Future
The pandemic has created profound and immediate changes to how societies operate and how individuals interact and work. McKinsey & Company recently spoke with 350 HR leaders about the role of uncertainty in their function. They said that over the next two years they wanted to prioritize initiatives that strengthen their organizations’ ability to drive change in
Jobless Claims Remain Idle as Recovery Looms
The Labor Department reported that 268,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 1,000. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020 when it was 256,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 267,000 to 269,000. The four-week moving average was 272,750, a decrease of
Frederickson Partners Places Chief People Officer at Mitratech
With the coronavirus crisis continuing to disrupt the world economy, chief people officers are stepping up at businesses across the country, playing a vital role in helping organizations navigate what is looking to be an even greater challenge than the Great Recession. Executive recruiters across the business landscape report that searches for these C-suite executives
The Moran Company Retained to Find New Leader for Cottonwood Inc.
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been called in to help find the next chief executive officer for Lawrence, KS-based Cottonwood Inc., which serves individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Ann Graff, senior search consultant, is leading the assignment. “The CEO reports to the board of directors and works
Allen Austin Appoints Consumer Products and Retail Sector Leader
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin, parent company to Gaines International, has named Ken Wilcox as its newest partner and head of the consumer products and retail sectors in the executive search practice. “Ken is a truly exceptional addition to the Allen Austin team,” said Darcie Murray, senior managing partner. “Ken will help us make deeper inroads
Pursuing Culture as a Financial Performance Driver
Heidrick & Struggles recently surveyed 500 CEOs at large companies around the world about how they define culture and how it influences financial performance. Findings suggest that most CEOs make culture a priority. Problem is many are not particularly intentional in their pursuit of culture as a driver of financial performance. The report, which was authored by Heidrick consultants
Caldwell Reports Extraordinary Year-End Results
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q4 revenues of $41.7 million (Canadian), a 271 percent increase from a year ago. Full year revenues rose by 106 percent, from $56.7 last year to $119.5 million. Financial results include those of IQTalent Partners (IQTP) beginning on the date of acquisition of December 31, 2020. “Fiscal 2021 was a year of enormous and
Korn Ferry Assists the New York Mets in Landing New GM
Korn Ferry has assisted in the recruitment of Billy Eppler as the new general manager of the New York Mets. The Mets did not confirm the deal because it is not yet official, but a source said the two sides were working out final contract details and completing a background check which should be completed by
Terra Search Partners Names Co-Leader of Affordable Housing and Impact Investing Practice
San Francisco, CA-based, real estate focused executive recruiting firm Terra Search Partners recently appointed Becky Regan as managing director and co-lead the firm’s affordable housing and impact investing practice. She will work alongside partner Greg Melanson. Additionally, with Regan’s hire, the firm extends its footprint in the Northeast. “At Terra Search, we are inspired by the
Egon Zehnder Assists Queensland Investment Corp. With CEO Search
After a four-month global search, Egon Zehnder has placed Kylie Rampa as chief executive officer of QIC, a leading Australian investment manager owned by the Queensland Government. Ms. Rampa will begin her new role in April, succeeding Damien Frawley, who has led the organization for over nine years. Mr. Frawley announced in June that he
Daversa Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for H1
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has assisted in the recruitment of Traunza Adams as chief people officer of H1, which provides the largest global healthcare platform that connects healthcare professionals. Director Meagan Flynn and partner Peter Baiocco led the assignment. “H1 has hired talent at an extraordinary pace, especially
The Loring Group Places VP of Supply Chain for Kendo Brands
San Francisco-headquartered executive search firm The Loring Group recently placed Ngan Lam as vice president of supply chain for Kendo Brands. The search was led by partner Rich Kampmann. Kendo Holdings is a San Francisco-based beauty brand developer and wholesaler owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury group. Kendo has become the
Heidrick & Struggles Names Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has appointed Tracey Heaton as its new chief legal officer and corporate secretary. “As we continue to expand our suite of future-focused offerings and innovative, tech-driven capabilities, Tracey’s proven global experience across commercial, corporate and digital payments technology arenas will be incredibly valuable to our ongoing growth
Hudson Global Posts 77.1 Percent Increase in Revenues
Old Greenwich, Conn.-based recruiting firm Hudson Global Inc. / (NASDAQ:HSON) has posted third quarter of $45 million, an increase of 77.1 percent from the third quarter of 2020 and 71.8 percent in constant currency. This surpassed the Zacks consensus estimate by 11.55 percent. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates four times over the last four
SpenglerFox Appoints Head of Talent Acquisition
Global executive search and human capital solutions provider SpenglerFox has named Dimitra Filis as head of talent acquisition. She will be responsible for the firm’s talent acquisition strategy to support the rapid growth of the business in key markets. “At a time when we are growing our own talent to support the rapid expansion of our business
ESG in Private Equity and What it Means for Talent
There’s no denying that sustainability has gained traction, momentum and awareness in recent years. Governments, corporations, and non-profits around the world have increasingly come under scrutiny for their actions and policies, and in many instances their lack thereof. The issue is no longer one that’s feasible to ignore, or advisable to be passive about, and this is to
H.I. Executive Consulting Assists Volcon with CEO Search
H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC) has recruited Jordan Davis as the new chief executive officer of Volcon, the first all-electric, off-road powersports company. He will succeed Andrew Leisner, who has served as CEO since the company’s establishment. “We are delighted to have played our part in the search for Volcon’s chief executive officer,” said Brian Donohoe, partner. “We
Lindauer Seeks VP Development for University of Washington
Boston-based Lindauer has been retained by the University of Washington to lead its search for a vice president for development, university advancement. Jill Lasman, senior executive vice president, and Tensie J. Taylor, consultant, are spearheading the assignment. “The University of Washington is seeking an inclusive, strategic and collaborative leader to serve as the next vice president
Odgers Berndtson Adds Partner to Alternative Assets Recruiting Practice
Odgers Berndtson has expanded with the addition of Coleen Howard as a partner in the asset, wealth and alternative investments sector of the firm’s financial services practice based in Boston. “We are delighted that Coleen has joined the firm,” said Steve Potter, CEO of Odgers Berndtson U.S. “Her deep background in asset and wealth management as well as
Hirewell Raises $21 Million in Funding
Hirewell, a Chicago-based talent acquisition firm, secured an investment of $21 million from Prytek, a global investment firm with expertise in integrating global services firms with cutting-edge technologies. Prytek will provide capital to enable Hirewell to accelerate its organic growth and integrate technology into its managed recruiting services. As part of this investment, Hirewell will
New York Mets Tap Korn Ferry to Assist Lagging GM Search
According to multiple sources, the New York Mets have called in Korn Ferry to assist in its search for a new general manager. Speaking to reporters at the general managers’ meeting on Tuesday, Mets team president Sandy Alderson said what initially began as a hunt for two roles, a president of baseball operations and general
How to Prepare Candidates for a Successful Resignation
So, you’ve just run an exhaustive search process leading to a key executive that everyone has agreed is ‘the one.’ The negotiations are finally over, the swords have been put away and you have a signature on the offer letter. Time to celebrate, right? Think again. Never underestimate a candidate’s ability to blow themselves up
Bespoke Partners Opens East Coast Office
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has opened a Philadelphia-area office driven by the firm’s rapid growth in its executive recruiting and leadership advisory services for private equity-backed software companies. The new office joins the Bespoke Partners headquarters in San Diego and its regional office in Austin. Bespoke also named Maria Scharper as vice president
Russell Reynolds Associates Assists Taylor Morrison with CFO Search
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In recent months, search firms of all varieties have placed CFOs at various companies. And there is no let-up in sight. Russell Reynolds Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Lou Steffens as
Coulter Partners Recruits First Chief Medical Officer for Enthera Pharmaceuticals
Over the past few months, numerous healthcare organizations have turned to executive search firms to find new chief medical officers. In the era of COVID-19 this is likely to be another burgeoning area for executive search firms. Life sciences search specialist Coulter Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Antonio Speziale as the first chief medical officer
Evolving the Conversation Around Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are three concepts that are connected but not interchangeable, which is why it is important to touch on all three, according to Ruben Moreno, HR practice lead for Blue Rock Search. “Diversity is about heterogeneity, where a group intentionally has many different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences,” Mr. Moreno said. “Equity is an
Arts Consulting Group Seeking Executive Director for Milwaukee Ballet
Founded in 1970, Milwaukee Ballet has grown to become the leading ballet company in Wisconsin. The organization recently called in Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) to find a new executive director. President Bruce D. Thibodeau and vice president Geoff Chang are leading the assignment. Reporting to and collaborating with the board of directors in a shared leadership model with
Acertitude Names Global Head of Talent
Executive search firm Acertitude has appointed Ben Warner as vice president of talent. Based in Chicago, he reports to Guy Barnes, managing partner. “Ben’s role is a hugely important one for all of us within Acertitude,” Mr. Barnes said. “It represents a key investment in each one of us as we develop our job families and provide
Hiring Optimism Grows and Jobless Claims Fall to New Low
The Labor Department reported that 267,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 4,000. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020 when it was 256,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 269,000 to 271,000. The four-week moving average was 278,000, a decrease
Ducatus Partners Names Managing Partners for EMEA and the Americas
Executive search firm Ducatus Partners has strengthened its management team by naming Michael Diamond and Allister Graham as managing partners for EMEA and Americas, respectively. The additions are expected to be instrumental in driving global growth for the London-based firm across a diverse energy portfolio. Ducatus Partners, which is part of workforce solutions provider Airswift,
Managing Corporate Culture Now Means Managing Great Expectations
The pandemic has disrupted every aspect of society, including the workplace. Nascent trends in employment, recruitment, and retention that existed pre-pandemic have acquired new momentum and force over the past 18 months and have now been joined by new factors. Collectively, this is changing how work is organized inside companies and how employees view their
