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Options Group Appoints VP in London
Options Group has named Henry Wilson as a vice president in London. He will specialize in the commodities trading technology sector. Over the past 12 years, Mr. Wilson has specialized in technology recruitment across commodities and capital markets, partnering with trading businesses to solve complex hiring challenges across front‑office, quantitative, and core trading technology functions. He previously spent over
Inside the AI Integration Gap: What Separates the Firms Moving Furthest
Executive search is off to a strong start in 2026. Americas revenue across the industry is tracking up approximately 10 to 11 percent, and a number of search firms are posting growth rates that would have been notable even in stronger markets. But beneath that headline, a different kind of divide is opening up —
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.
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
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?
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Sheffield Haworth Adds Private Equity & Growth Venture Portfolio Assets Veteran
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Michael McDonnell as managing director, private equity and growth venture portfolio assets. He is based in the New York office and works within the technology sector practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the team,” said Paul Gillespie, managing director of the
Leadership Needs Shift in a Changing Federal Market
Executive search across the federal contracting, government services, defense, and technology sectors is entering a new phase as companies look for more sophisticated ways to evaluate leadership beyond résumés, references, and past performance. In markets where specialized experience, relationships, and an understanding of complex government customers can be critical, the challenge is not simply identifying
Private Equity Rollup Wave Reshapes Executive Search
What may once have looked like a series of isolated transactions is increasingly taking on the shape of a broader industry shift. As capital moves into the sector and firms rethink where they have true competitive strength, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. “A year ago, I would have called this a prediction, today,
HARTZ Search Seeking Chief Revenue Officer for Geisinger
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently retained by Geisinger to lead in its search for a chief revenue officer. This executive will direct, manage, and implement programs to ensure efficient revenue management operations and sufficient cash flow to support Geisinger operations and strategic initiatives. The role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, reducing, and resolving revenue management issues
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
Why Executive Search Firms Remain Essential for High-Stakes Leadership Hires
Executive search firms deliver unique value when filling leadership positions that impact organizational performance, according to a new study from Denver, CO-based TriSearch. Reports find that most qualified executive candidates (85 percent) aren’t actively seeking opportunities, making traditional recruitment methods insufficient. These firms provide access to a network of passive candidates developed through years of relationship
Bryant Group Seeks Two Key Development Leaders for Western Michigan University
Irving, TX-based Bryant Group is conducting two key development searches for Western Michigan University (WMU) and its partner, the Western Michigan University Foundation. The first assignment is for a senior director of principal gifts. The other is for a senior director of gift planning. WMU wants an experienced, passionate, and highly successful fundraising professional for
AIMS International Establishes Operations in Vietnam
Executive search consortium AIMS International has further strengthened its presence in the APAC region with the recent establishment of AIMS Vietnam. Enrico Dalla Rosa and Pierangelo Favero, two of the AIMS Vietnam managing partners, have more than 30 years of experience in the human resources industry, especially executive search, assessment, and coaching. They have been working with numerous multinational enterprises from all over
Korn Ferry Launches AI-Enabled Talent Analytics Platform
Korn Ferry has expanded its digital footprint with the launch of Korn Ferry Intelligence Cloud, a new AI-enabled talent analytics platform. The HR technology combines data-driven insights with Korn Ferry’s consulting expertise and IP. Intelligence Cloud helps solve the challenges of acquiring, managing and mobilizing the right talent and skills. “Intelligence Cloud builds on Korn Ferry’s
DHR Global Recruits Athletic Director for Florida State University
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Chicago-based DHR Global recently assisted Florida State University in the recruitment of Michael Alford as its next vice president and director of athletics. Mr. Alford has served as president and CEO of Seminole Boosters Inc. since 2020. He succeeds David Coburn, who is retiring. DHR’s
Isaacson, Miller Assists the American Board of Pediatrics with CEO Search
Isaacson, Miller has assisted the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) in the selection of Dr. Judy Schaechter as its new president and chief executive officer. Partner Ariannah Mirick led the assignment along with managing associate Micah Pierce. Dr. Schaechter begins her new role on Jan. 1. She succeeds Dr. David G. Nichols, who will retire Dec. 31. after more
NGS Global Americas Goes Carbon Neutral
An increasing number of businesses are claiming to be carbon neutral. They recognize that the achievement can play a key part of their sustainability and corporate and social responsibility (CSR) strategy while enabling them to contribute to the fight against global climate change. They also realize that individuals and corporate customers prefer to buy products
Jobless Claims Rise by 206,000 After Falling to 52-Year Low
The Labor Department reported that 206,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, an increase of 18,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 4,000 from 184,000 to 188,000. The four-week moving average was 203,750, a decrease of 16,000 from the previous week’s revised average. This is
Changing the Climate in the Boardroom
Fifty percent of all board members expressed concerns with the level of reporting they receive on climate change progress, according to a new report by Heidrick & Struggles and business school INSEAD that reveals how 301 board members in 43 countries, primarily in North America and Western Europe, view their boards’ action on climate change. The study, “Changing the
ZRG Recruits CHRO for NextEdge Networks
ZRG, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has assisted in the recruitment of LeighAnn Schell as chief human resources officer (CHRO) for NextEdge Networks in San Francisco. Managing director Kevin Anderson led the assignment. “NextEdge Networks is a part of the Platform Partners Portfolio, a firm I have done multiple
Setting Competitive Salaries for Chief Operating Officers
The name of the game in the recruiting world these days is engaging and retaining top talent. So, in an increasingly competitive market, how do you set a solid chief operating officer salary? In addition to being the CEO’s right arm, the COO is the go-to person when it comes to leading the day-to-day workings
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits CEO for Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association
After an extensive executive search by leading search firm Russell Reynolds Associates, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) has selected Tommy Faucheux as its new president. Mr. Faucheux begins his new role on Jan. 10. “After an exhaustive national search which included candidates from throughout Louisiana and abroad, the LMOGA board voted to
Amrop Names Global Practice Leaders
Global recruiting organization Amrop has announced the appointment of new leaders for three global practices. Lucie Shaw (U.K.) will co-lead the consumer and retail practice, along with Maciej Bednarczyk (Poland); Benoit Lison (Belgium) will lead the professional services practice; and Cecile Hofer (Singapore) and Willem Ledeboer (Netherlands) will co-lead the financial services practice. Ms. Shaw is a partner at Amrop U.K., with a particular focus on the consumer-facing
Omicron Posing New Dilemma for C-Suite Leaders
The latest coronavirus headlines are creating chills for many, and with news of Omicron spreading across Africa and Europe, executives worldwide are bracing themselves for the possibility of a severe wave of sickness among their employees. A new Korn Ferry report concludes that the threat of Omicron has created so many immediate challenges that most leaders
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Apollo Therapeutics
Since the pandemic appeared nearly two years ago, numerous healthcare organizations and companies have turned to executive search firms to find new chief medical officers. In the era of COVID-19 it is just another burgeoning area for executive search firms. Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Sanjay Aggarwal as chief medical officer
Kevin Chase Executive Search Group Places Chief Program Officer for Point Foundation
A national search spearheaded by Los Angeles-based Kevin Chase Executive Search Group has landed Margaux Cowden as the inaugural chief program officer for Point Foundation, the nation’s oldest and largest scholarship fund for LGBTQ+ students. “Dr. Cowden was selected from a diverse and talented group of non-profit and higher education leaders, representing the full diversity of
Raines International Launches Unconscious Bias Mitigation Program
Miami-based Raines International has launched Raines Engage, a new program featuring neuroscience-backed sessions on making equitable decisions in the hiring process. “The program’s content and delivery methodologies demonstrate how unconscious bias interferes with decision-making and include mitigation strategies to help senior talent and hiring leaders make better decisions in high-stakes situations,” the firm said. “With the most
Caldwell Expands Private Equity & Venture Capital and Technology Practices
Toronto-based Caldwell expanded its private equity and technology recruiting capabilities with the addition of Gordon Berridge as a partner in the private equity & venture capital and technology practices and based in the firm’s London office. “With a 12-year track record of successful executive search assignments for technology and software-focused executives across the U.K., Europe and North America, Gordon
Pacific University Selects R. William Funk & Associates to Find Next President
R. William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, has been tapped by Pacific University inForest Grove, OR, to lead its search for a new president. “We are extremely pleased that Pacific will have the support of one of the most effective presidential recruiters in the country,” said presidential search
ON Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer for Glassdoor
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
The Christopher Group Places VP People Analytics at FINRA
Pam Noble and Jeff Wilbanks of The Christopher Group, a boutique HR executive search and business solutions firm, have placed Lisa Arnesen as the new vice president of people analytics and operations at FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), a financial services corporation dedicated to investor protection and market integrity. “FINRA has the drive to continue towards the growth and advancement of an
Randstad Acquires Hudson Benelux
Randstad N.V. has acquired Hudson Benelux, a specialist in human-resources consulting, for an undisclosed amount. “The addition of Hudson is a strong extension of our service offerings to clients and offers access to exciting new opportunities which further strengthens our market position,” said Jacques van den Broek, chairman and CEO of Randstad. The acquisition of
August Leadership Adds Global Human Resource Officer
Executive search firm August Leadership has added veteran chief human resources officer (CHRO) Micheline Carter as advisory partner. “Micheline Carter is a global human resource officer with experience across organization and leadership development, succession planning, organization effectiveness and total rewards,” said the search firm. “She has served as a key partner to CEOs, leadership teams and board
Culture is Key to Success and Failure in Private Equity Deals
The importance of culture and its impact on private equity strategy and returns has been a growing development over the past few years. As PE investment returns have lagged behind those of the stock market in the U.S., firms are feeling pressure to improve and deliver stronger results. “This fact combined with some high-profile private
AGB Search Recruits President for Maine Maritime Academy
Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has placed Jerald S. “Jerry” Paul as the new president of the Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) in Castine, ME. Mr. Paul, the current president of Capitol Access, a government affairs consulting company, will take office this spring. Nancy M. Targett, executive search consultant, and Concetta
Caldwell Recruits CEO for Intelligent Wellhead Systems
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted in the recruitment of William Standifird as CEO of Intelligent Wellhead Systems Inc. in Calgary. Kenneth Baillie and Les Gombik led the assignment. “William is a strong addition to the executive team, and his leadership skills will help the IWS management team accelerate growth of our innovative approach to helping operators deliver safe and efficient
Search Solution Elite Creates Team Focused on Recruiting HR and Total Rewards Talent
Search Solution Elite has created a new project team to accommodate the recent surge in human resources and total rewards focused searches throughout the Southeast. Over the last month alone, Search Solution Elite has been entrusted with filling three senior-level roles for an Atlanta-based company that is one of the largest privately held organizations in the world.
SpenglerFox Expands in Morocco
Global executive search and human capital solutions provider SpenglerFox has added Patrick Soumet, founder of Digit Consulting in Morocco, to its global alliance. “In our continues effort to bring custom-made solutions to the doorsteps of our clients, and to serve them on a global scale and across multiple continents, we are thrilled to announce our new alliance partner,
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Leading CEO Search for Easterseals
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners has been selected by Easterseals to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Alison Ranney, managing partner and CEO practice co-lead is heading the assignment along with Corina Benitz, vice president and senior associate; Tiara D. Muse, VP and senior search associate; and Alison Salisbury, senior search associate.
JM Search Recruits CEO for Perfect Union
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, recently assisted in the recruitment of Denyelle Bruno as chief executive officer of Perfect Union, California’s largest wholly owned cannabis company. Former CEO David Spradlin will continue to serve as president. The search was led by recruiters Abbee Phillips and MaryJeanne Scott. “Denyelle is exactly the
DHR Global Expands with New Office in Montreal
Chicago-based executive search firm DHR Global has opened a new office in Montreal. Spearheading the expansion are Jonathan Plourde and John Gradek, who join the firm as DHR’s first Montreal-based partners. The new location helps to strengthen DHR’s global footprint and supports the firm’s expansion plans across Canada. With over 10 years’ experience in the executive
Jobless Claims Come in at Pre-Pandemic Levels
The Labor Department reported that 184,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 43,000 from the previous week’s revised level. This is the lowest level for initial claims since September 6, 1969 when it was 182,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 5,000 from 222,000 to 227,000. The four-week
