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Wray Executive Search Names VP of Recruiting
Wray Executive Search, a provider of executive search and advisory services in the restaurant, foodservice, retail, and franchise industries, has expanded with the addition of Jonathan Kelley as vice president of recruiting. “Jonathan’s energy, responsiveness, and consultative approach align perfectly with how we serve our clients,” said Kevin Stockslager and Ray Kelley, managing partners. “He understands
Rising Demand for Data Expertise Forces Shift in Talent Strategy
In recent years, data has become business’s most valuable resource. Data analytics is no longer just an IT function, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. It has become critical to a company’s ability to innovate, optimize operations, and respond to shifting market demands. “However, as business leaders become increasingly aware of the importance of
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
Workforce Trends 2026: Leaders Confront Burnout, Disengagement, and AI-Driven Change
As we look ahead to 2026, global business leaders are navigating a shared set of challenges: employee engagement is declining, burnout is rising, and the pace of change—driven by economic uncertainty, AI advancements, and evolving work models—continues to accelerate. DHR Global’s second annual Workforce Trends Report recently surveyed global leaders to understand how these forces
CarterBaldwin Tapped by Southside Electric Cooperative to Find New CEO
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has been enlisted to find a chief executive officer for Southside Electric Cooperative. Current president and CEO Jeff Edwards has announced his retirement, effective July 2022, closing a 37-year career at electric cooperatives. Partner Chris Guiney and consultant Elizabeth Rushing are leading the assignment. The new CEO will assume leadership of a foundationally
SmartRecruiters Appoints Chief People Officer
SmartRecruiters has named Lisa Sterling as chief people officer. “Hiring success is business success, with our commitment to helping people find the jobs they love and making hiring easier, Lisa will be paramount in leading the effort to ensure that SmartRecruiters continues to change lives all over the world,” said Jerome Ternynck, founder and CEO of
Norman Broadbent Group Names Managing Director
Norman Broadbent Group, a London-based executive recruitment and advisory firm, has appointed Sean Buchan as its new group managing director, reporting to CEO Kevin Davidson. The firm said Mr. Buchan will be responsible for operational leadership, driving performance and profitability improvements across the business, as well as continuing to generate revenues. He will also lead the Norman Broadbent’s sustainable growth agenda.
What’s Different About Hiring Leaders Today
Historically, priorities for hiring senior leadership were strongly focused on an individual’s technical (hard) skills, as well as focusing on candidates with direct industry and functional experience. This formula proved to be successful for many executive hires, but certainly not all. “Under these requirements, we saw too many losses, and sponsors and search firms were
Herbert Mines Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for BJ’s Wholesale Club
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Rachael Vegas as chief merchandising officer for BJ’s Wholesale Club. She will be responsible for the strategic leadership of the company’s merchandising and assortment planning and allocation functions, and will report to Paul Cichocki, executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “We
University of Toledo Taps Collegiate Sports Associates to Find Athletic Director
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Raleigh, NC-based Collegiate Sports Associates (CSA), which specializes in athletic director and head coach hirings, has been called in by the University of Toledo to find its next athletic director. Retiring AD Mike O’Brien will serve in his post until his last day April 30, 2022. During
ShiftMed Raises $45 Million in Funding
More recruiting technology firms have announced funding rounds this past week, including ShiftMed, one of the largest workforce management platforms in healthcare with over 60,000 credentialed healthcare professionals, has raised $45 million led by investors, Panoramic Ventures and Heathworx (the innovation and investment arm of CareFirst Holdings, LLC). Existing investors Blue Heron Capital, Motley Fool
The International Executive Search Federation Names President
The International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has appointed Gertjan van de Groep of IESF The Netherlands (Van de Groep & Olsthoorn Executive Search) as its new president. He takes over from Victor Carulla from IESF Spain (Headway Executive Search) who is stepping down after completing three years as president. Mr. van de Groep has been a partner of IESF since
Strategies for Diversity Talent Acquisition Planning
Many organizations now realize how critical diversity is to high performance and various data points to companies being more success when they adopt more inclusive hiring strategies. However, the realization that it is beneficial does not mean that it will become a reality overnight. According to a new report from ExecSearches, time is a critical
Korn Ferry Assists UAB in the Recruitment of New CHRO
Following a nationwide search, Korn Ferry has assisted in the placement of Janet L. May as the next chief human resources officer (CHRO) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She will begin work full time at UAB on Nov. 1, succeeding Alesia Jones, who announced her intent to retire in February after 27 years at UAB —
Waverly Partners Assists the City of Dayton in the Recruitment of New Police Chief
The public sector is in the midst of major transformation. It faces an array of challenges that range from shifting public expectations to budgetary pressures and a growing demand for operational efficiency. To successfully navigate these issues, government organizations need leaders who are focused, tenacious, and adaptable, report recruiters, with the capacity to deal with
Focus Search Partners Acquires Southerland Group
Executive search firm Focus Search Partners, a Vaco company, has acquired Dallas-based Southerland Group, complementing its existing expertise across the healthcare industry. Southerland Group is a nationally recognized retained executive search firm with specialization in complex integrated delivery systems, hospitals, academic medical centers, children’s hospitals and payer organizations. Under the agreement, Southerland Group’s founder Keith Southerland
IIC Partners Elects Global Chair and Board Members
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has elected Charlotte Eblinger-Mitterlechner as global chair, and three new directors to its board. ‘In her role as chair, Charlotte will facilitate and develop IIC Partners initiatives to drive improved results for all members,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “We are fortunate to have her leadership, and to
Despite Jobless Claims Dropping to New Low, Companies Still Having a Hard Time Finding Talent
The Labor Department reported that 281,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 10,000. 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 1,000 from 290,000 to 291,000. The four-week moving average was 299,250, a decrease
Leathwaite Expands in New York
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has expanded with the addition of Gus de Camargo to its New York team. He will be responsible for leading and expanding the firm’s technology offering in North America, driving revenue and helping deliver talent to corporate functions. “We are extremely excited to welcome Gus to our team,” said Andrew Wallace, managing
Majority of Workers Now Favor Hybrid Work Model
Fifty-three percent of workers globally want a hybrid working model where more than half of their work time is remote, according to a new study from Toronto-based LHH (formerly LHH Knightsbridge) and The Adecco Group. The firms just released “Resetting Normal: Defining the New Era of Work” study probed workers’ attitudes about remote vs. in-person
Krauthamer & Associates Selected by Trinity Metro to Find New CEO
Over the past year, a growing number of transportation companies have enlisted recruiting firms to help them find senior talent. Executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates was recently called in by Trinity Metro to assist in its search for a new president and CEO. Bob Baulsir, who has served as president and CEO of Trinity
Massey Henry Expands Search Staff
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has expansion with the addition of Elaine Lajeunesse as partner and head of the leadership practice, and Clio Straram who joins the firm’s advisory board. “Massey Henry was founded on the strong belief that female and underrepresented voices need to be amplified to drive meaningful change at the executive level,”
Hedge Funds Fall Short in Diversity Efforts
It goes without saying that diversity, equity, and inclusion have moved to the forefront of hiring and recruiting among all sectors. Leaders across every industry have advocated to support this public movement including an increased focus in financial services, the sector with arguably the most significant inequality represented. Despite this, financial services companies, and particularly
WittKieffer Seeking Chief Diversity Officer for Brandeis University
Oak Brook, IL-based search firm WittKieffer has been enlisted to find a chief diversity officer/ vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion for Brandeis University. Leading the assignment are principal Charlene L. Aguilar and consultant Shelley Arakawa. “Brandeis seeks a leader who, in consultation with the entire campus community, can build upon current diversity and
Egon Zehnder Tapped by Intelsat to Find New CEO
Intelsat SA has announced that its CEO, Stephen Spengler, will retire from the position after the satellite network operator emerges from its financial restructuring process. The company has tapped executive recruiters Egon Zehnder to lead the search process for a new chief executive. “We are nearing the conclusion of our restructuring with enhanced financial strength and are
Bespoke Partners Adds Software and Tech Partner
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has expanded with the addition of Tess Fischer as a partner. “Tess is a proven search leader with an outstanding track record and exceptional industry knowledge that will be a major benefit to our clients as they enhance their leadership teams,” said Kristie Nova, CEO of Bespoke Partners. “Her expertise
Vanderbloemen Search Group Adds Marketing & Business Development Leader
Vanderbloemen Search Group, which finds leaders for churches and ministries, has expanded with the addition of Michael Buckingham as vice president of marketing and business development. “I am excited by the leadership Michael will bring to our story,” said William Vanderbloemen, founder and CEO. “For over a decade, we have helped Christian organizations of all
Heidrick & Struggles Posts Record Revenue Gain
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted third quarter revenues of $263.8 million, an increase of 83.8 percent from the same period last year. Net revenue growth was driven by all regions in executive search, and by Heidrick Consulting, and On-Demand Talent. Net revenue increased 86.2 percent in the Americas (85.6 percent
Hiring Top Talent In Unprecedented Times
What are the key value-drivers for operating executives when both exit values and resignation rates are at all-time highs? In a record-breaking year, there are heightened variables to consider: Exit values are through the roof, and human capital is rising as talent is increasingly empowered to dictate how and where they work. CEOs, especially those
Preng & Associates Fills Top Posts for GoGreen Investments Corp.
Houston, TX-based executive search firm Preng & Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Daniel J. Foley and Vikas Anand as the new chief technology officer and chief development officer, respectively, at GoGreen Investments Corp. Consultant Mark Ciolek led the assignment. Mr. Foley has more than 30 years clean-tech experience in financial, technical and regulatory challenges of bringing green
The 360 Group Recruits New Leader for Levi Strauss Foundation
The 360 Group, an executive search firm which serves mission-driven organizations, recently assisted in the placement of Fatima Angeles as executive director of the Levi Strauss Foundation in San Francisco. “Fatima is a philanthropic leader who has deep experience developing and implementing grantmaking programs focused on worker health, environmental justice and youth development,” said Seth
SpenglerFox Integrates Ezekia CRM Software
Global executive search and human capital solutions provider SpenglerFox has entered into an agreement with Ezekia to adopt its CRM software platform across its office network. “As we prepare for significant business growth over the next few years, we needed a modern CRM system which will support us throughout this journey,” said Jens Friedrich, CEO of
Quick Leonard Kieffer Recruits CFO for Cook County Health
Quick Leonard Kieffer has placed Pamela Cassara as chief financial officer of Cook County Health in Chicago. Adrienne White-Faines, Bill Foley, and Joe Johnston led the nationwide search, which included a large pool of candidates. Ms. Cassara comes to Cook County Health from Franciscan Alliance, where she served as chief financial officer. In this capacity, she helped standardize and consolidate financial functions for
Spencer Stuart Appoints General Counsel
Spencer Stuart has named Lucy Lopez as general counsel and chief legal officer. She will succeed Dave Rasmussen, who is retiring after 24 years with the firm. “Over his long career with Spencer Stuart, Dave Rasmussen has built an incredibly strong legal and tax team that has been critical to our success as a firm. We wish him the very best in his
m/Oppenheim Selected by Mississippi Symphony Orchestra to Find New President
Non-profit recruitment firm m/Oppenheim Executive Search has been enlisted to find a new president for the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in Jackson, MS. Leading the assignment are principals Dennis Hanthorn, Lee Kappelman and Kevin Redick. “MSO seeks a business professional who will partner with veteran music director and conductor Crafton Beck, to deliver exceptional orchestral music







