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SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
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.
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
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?
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
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
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
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
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
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
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
Cornerstone International Group Announces Leadership Changes
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has announced changes in its leadership team. Edwin Yeo of Cornerstone Singapore is appointed chair of the Asia-Pacific region, Diego Cubas of Cornerstone Lima is appointed chair of the Latin America region (LATAM), and Allan Rae, of Cornerstone Melbourne, will chair the member development committee. “These appointments significantly strengthen our global network,” said Larry Shoemaker,
Meet the New Female Powerbrokers in Tech Recruiting
Executive search firms have made big strides in recent years to reflect the changing make-up of their client base – becoming more progressive, more forward-thinking, and more female-led. Progress has been slow to come. But one headhunting outfit that has been leading the charge in effectively terminating the sector’s once male-dominated worldview is Daversa Partners,
Korn Ferry Posts 47 Percent Increase in Revenues
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2021 fiscal reported second quarter revenue of $639.4 million, an increase of 47 percent from the second quarter of last year. Fee revenue increased in all lines of business. The increase in revenue when compared to Q2 fiscal year 2021 was primarily due to the record levels of new business in the quarter driven
Academic Search Seeks President for Roanoke College
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been charged with finding the next president for Roanoke College in Salem, VA. Leading the assignment are Jay Lemons, president and senior consultant; Sharon D. Herzberger, senior consultant; and Jennifer Kooken, consultant. Michael C. Maxey, the longest serving president in the college’s history, announced in September that he would be
Felix Global Acquires Shields Meneley Partners
Leadership development, recruiting and outplacement firm Felix Global has acquired Shields Meneley Partners, a provider of C-suite career transition services, executive assessment, coaching and portfolio life, its program for executives’ post-corporate life. The transaction closed on Dec. 1. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Bringing Felix Global and Shields Meneley Partners together is important because it deepens
Frederickson Partners Launches New Service to Help Mission-Based Organizations
Global HR search firm Frederickson Partners has launched a new service to help mission-based organizations better gain access to top HR executive talent. Mission-based firms, which include philanthropic foundations, hospitals, schools, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other not-for-profit organizations, will benefit from Frederickson’s HR advisory services and its ability to recruit human resource executives who have the expertise to develop competitive
True Acquires Climate Tech Leader Hobbs & Towne
Haddonfield, NJ-based True, a global executive talent management platform, has acquired climate technology and sustainability executive search firm Hobbs & Towne, Inc. (HTI). Led by Andrew Towne and Robert Hobbs, HTI will continue to serve its mission-driven clients and provide a greater range of capabilities under True. True, one of the fastest growing search firms of the
ZRG Partners Acquires Brimstone Consulting Group
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has acquired boutique strategy consulting firm Brimstone Consulting Group LLC. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The complementary nature of our businesses made Brimstone an obvious partner for ZRG, as we continue to expand our portfolio of talent advisory solutions,”
3 Ways to Make Company Culture Great
In one word, what makes an excellent company culture? People. But what kind of people? How do you bring out the best in your existing people? Why is it important to make your company culture great? The Harvard Business Review points out that, based on several studies, an excellent workplace culture benefits employees and their
NorthWind Partners Recruits CHRO for Akima
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has assisted in the placement of Candy Curtin as the new chief human resources officer of Akima. Partner Hunter Murray led the assignment. “Candy is a skilled employee relations leader, with a strong foundation in managing HR programs for large and diverse employee populations,” said Bill Monet, president and CEO of
Zingaro, Fidler, & Wolfe Recruits CEO for Carolina Caring
Executive search firm Zingaro, Fidler, & Wolfe has assisted in the recruitment of Dana Killian as president and chief executive officer of Carolina Caring. “We are thrilled to announce that Dana Killian will be our president and CEO,” said Darrell Johnson, board chair. “Her valuable experience in senior management roles has helped her gain an
Strong Resurgence in Search Activity in the Private Equity Sector
The current state of recruiting within the PE sector remains strong. “The search firms that recruit in certain sectors that PE firms invest in are doing very well,” said Tim Russell, managing partner of The Tolan Group. “GPs are shifting their focus back to growth and scale in preparation for exit, as opposed to crisis
ON Partners Recruits CEO for VacationRenter
Executive search firm ON Partners has helped to place Heath Hammett as the new chief executive officer of VacationRenter, a vacation rental search engine. He joins VacationRenter from Copart, a global leader in online auto auctions, where he was vice president of product. Partner Lynda Robey led the assignment for the recruitment firm. VacationRenter was built
Bowlsby Sports Advisors Seeking Athletic Director for Northwestern State
A 10-member advisory committee has been appointed to work with national sports consulting and search firm Bowlsby Sports Advisors LLC in seeking Northwestern State University’s (NSU) new athletic director. Northwestern president Marcus Jones said the first meeting of advisory committee members with the search firm is scheduled for this week. Greg Burke, who has been athletic
Vetted Solutions Expands Staff and Leadership Team
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions has announced additions to the firm’s leadership team and the promotion of several key staff members. Leslie M. Stokes joins as vice president, Jude Rosenberg rejoins as senior associate, David Malpica returns to the firm as senior associate, and Ari Benjamin has been promoted to associate. “What we’re doing today reflects
Talent Platform Shiftsmart Raises $95 Million
Talent platform Shiftsmart has raised $95 million in a Series B funding round for its workforce management software that matches hourly workers with open shifts across a variety of industry verticals and roles. D1 Capital Partners led the round with participation from Imaginary Ventures, Spieker Partners and S12F, among others. Since forming in 2015, the company
Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.2 Percent as Covid Concerns Surge
Employment rose by 210,000 in November as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. This is well below the half-million gain that had been expected. The number of unemployed persons fell by 542,000 to 6.9 million. Notable job gains occurred in professional and business services, transportation
Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for the American Institute of Architects
Spencer Stuart has assisted in the recruitment of Lakisha Ann Woods as chief executive officer for the American Institute of Architects (AIA). “It is an honor to welcome Lakisha to the AIA,” said Peter Exley, president of AIA. “Her breadth of experience in the building industry combined with her leadership in making the built environment more
SearchWide Global Seeking Chief Diversity Officer for Destinations International
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has been chosen by Destinations International to lead its search for a new chief diversity officer. Senior vice president Kellie Henderson is leading the assignment. The chief diversity officer will provide leadership, coordination and strategic direction for the design and implementation of an organizational strategy that focuses the associations’ commitment to equity, diversity
Kentucky State University Selects Myers McRae to Find New President
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been chosen to help Kentucky State University (KSU) find its next president. This summer, M. Christopher Brown II resigned in the wake of concerns over KSU’s finances and lawsuits involving potential misconduct by school officials. Clara Ross Stamps, the university’s senior vice president for brand identity and
Dice Launches New Tool Aimed at Removing Bias in Hiring
Tech career marketplace Dice, a DHI Group Inc. brand, recently launched Unbiased Sourcing Mode, a new feature allowing recruiters and employers using Dice’s TalentSearch technologist search tool to anonymize information commonly associated with unconscious bias, including names, years of experience and schools attended. “The ability to automatically remove this information can help recruiters and employers make skills-based decisions
Overcoming Unconscious Bias
What measures can you take to make certain that hiring operates on an equitable basis? Everyone has personal likes and dislikes that may affect hiring outcomes. This is normal, natural and a part of being human. Skilled recruiters have developed techniques to minimize the impact of affinity and to redirect focus on core competency, according
