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JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment 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.
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
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?
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Kingsley Gate Unveils a New Approach to AI-Powered Executive Search
Under pressure to deliver faster results, deeper market intelligence, and stronger candidate outcomes, executive search firms and talent leaders are reevaluating the tools and processes that have long defined the profession. Advances in artificial intelligence are accelerating that shift, creating new possibilities for how searches are scoped, executed, and managed from start to finish. Yet
Why Executive Hiring Is Shifting to Skills-First Leadership
For decades, executive hiring was guided by a familiar formula. Boards and CEOs focused largely on job titles, employer pedigrees, and years in senior roles when evaluating candidates. A polished résumé was commonly treated as a dependable signal of future performance. Today, that assumption is increasingly questioned, according to a new report from the International Executive Search
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by JVS for Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently selected by Jewish Vocational & Career Counseling Service (JVS) to lead in its search for a chief financial and operating officer (CFOO). This executive will be responsible for overseeing the operational strategy of the organization with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and financial leadership in support of JVS’s mission
AGB Search Seeking President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by the University of Montana (UM) to lead in its search for a new president. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald are leading the assignment. The Board of Regents for the Montana University System and Montana commissioner of Higher Education
ZRG Continues LATAM Expansion
ZRG Partners has appointed Nestor Gonzalez-Monroy as senior vice president and head of Latin America within its interim solutions & project consulting business. “Investing in Latin America is not a one-off commitment but a strategic, long-term focus for us,” said Mark Viner, president of interim solutions & project consulting at ZRG. “Nestor’s appointment strengthens our ability
Why Most Boards Underperform and Why 2026 is the Year to Fix It
Even the most capable boards can struggle to translate individual expertise into collective performance. If you spend enough time in boardrooms of any flavor, whether public, private, PE-backed, family-owned, or non-profit, you eventually notice a strange phenomenon, explained a recent report from Rob Andrews, founder and CEO of Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin. “Everyone is
VC and PE Talent Partners Should Be Pursuing the Same Marketing Leader — Here’s Why
For much of the last decade, talent partners could draw a clean line between marketing leadership profiles in venture-backed and private-equity-backed companies. Venture portfolios hired for invention, narrative, and early demand discovery while private equity portfolios hired for discipline, efficiency, and EBITDA stewardship, according to a recent report from RevelOne’s John Levisay. “That distinction has eroded,”
Buffkin / Baker Assists Florida Atlantic University with Provost Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Ken Dawson-Scully, as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs of Florida Atlantic University. “I am excited to welcome Ken back to Florida Atlantic,” said Florida Atlantic president Adam Hasner. “When I became president, I committed to conducting a national search for a
BroadView Talent Partners Leading CEO Search for Freestore Foodbank
BroadView Talent Partners was recently selected by Freestore Foodbank to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Christie Angel, Melania DaSilva Deaver, Donna Young, and Robyn Quinn are leading the assignment. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO sets the strategic direction for a $100 million enterprise, ensuring disciplined financial stewardship, operational excellence,
Caldwell Grows Life Sciences and Healthcare Practice
Toronto-headquartered Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Christoph Themel as a partner in the firm’s life sciences and healthcare practice. He is based in London. “Christoph’s appointment reflects our continued investment in building a strong, globally integrated life sciences and healthcare practice,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer. “His international experience and sector depth expand our
PitchBook’s 2026 PE Outlook Puts Talent at the Center of Value Creation
PitchBook’s 2026 U.S. Private Equity Outlook describes a market that is reopening – but under pressure. Exit activity improved meaningfully in 2024 and 2025, yet the inventory of PE-backed companies continues to grow older. As of Q3 2025, U.S. PE inventory had expanded to nearly 12,900 companies, with roughly 30 percent held for seven years or longer and
Lindauer Assists Destination Imagination with CEO Search
Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Mark Giordono as the new CEO of Destination Imagination, Inc. in Blackwood, NJ. She succeeds Michele Tuck-Ponder, who served as CEO for eight years. The assignment was led by Megan Abbett, assistant vice president, and vice president and managing director Maureen Huminik. “Mark understands the power of creativity in learning, leadership, and problem-solving,” said
Acertitude Fills Senior Finance Post for Sixth Street Growth
Acertitude has assisted in the recruitment of Rebeca Sanchez Sarmiento as finance operating partner of Sixth Street Growth. The search was led by co-founder and managing partner, Rick DeRose, and senior partner, Scott Carberry. “Acertitude is proud to have partnered with Sixth Street in the appointment of Rebeca Sanchez Sarmiento as finance operating partner,” the firm said
Kincannon & Reed Recruits Executive Director for the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network
Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has placed Mariam Parker as executive director of the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network (CFBN). She succeeds founding leader Alan Reed, who is retiring after nearly a decade of service. “Mariam brings a rare combination of strategic vision, relationship-building, and mission-driven leadership,” said Lisa
Korn Ferry Appoints Chief People and Legal Officer
Korn Ferry has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Jonathan Kuai as chief people and legal officer. He also currently serves as general counsel, corporate secretary and managing director – corporate responsibility & business affairs at the firm. Mr. Kuai oversees multiple global functions including legal, business affairs, compliance, privacy, and corporate responsibility.
How Law Firms Are Redefining Partner Recruitment in the Age of AI and Regulation
In a legal market defined by relentless competition and accelerating client demands, elite firms are placing an even higher premium on partners who can deliver immediate impact and sustained growth. As lateral movement intensifies across key global markets, the ability to identify, attract, and integrate top-tier talent has become a strategic advantage—one that can reshape
The Talent Studios Recruits CEO for 2WAY Media
The Talent Studios has placed Joe Ruffolo as chief executive officer at 2WAY Media, a category-defining interactive digital media platform building the future of live, participatory content. The search was led by The Talent Studios’ Jeremy Cohen and Katlyn Maloney. “Joe is a rare leader who understands how to build modern media businesses while staying deeply connected to storytelling and audience trust,” said Mark
JM Search Places CEO at Whistle Express
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has assisted in the recruitment of Luke Byerly as the new CEO of Whistle Express in Charlotte, NC. Jim Ipema and Andrew Pressman led the assignment. As part of this transition, José Costa has stepped down as CEO and will continue
Bullhorn Launches UK&I Labor Market Research Site
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn has launched Bullhorn Insights, a new research and data site designed to provide near real-time visibility into labor market trends. “Temporary labor has always been a leading indicator for the employment market, contracting one to two quarters prior to contractions in the broader employment market,” the company said in a release. “Similarly, recruitment and
Beecher Reagan Names Partner
Houston, TX-headquartered executive search firm Beecher Reagan has named Scott Ratliff as partner. His promotion reflects Beecher Reagan’s long-standing philosophy of recognizing leaders who create firm-wide impact and who actively shape the firm’s future. He joins the firm’s partner group alongside Tim Reagan, Clark Beecher, Mo Captan, and Raj Kapoor. “Scott’s promotion to partner is both well-earned and
How The Tolan Group is Leveraging Leadership for Behavioral Health’s Next Growth Phase
Behavioral health is undergoing rapid expansion as demographic pressures, access challenges, and capital inflows converge. As the sector matures, organizations are rethinking leadership structures to support scale, governance, and long-term impact. Demand for behavioral health services is reshaping investment priorities, care delivery models, and leadership requirements across healthcare, according to Tim Tolan, founder, chairman, and
Isaacson, Miller Assists UVA in the Recruitment of 10th President
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller recently assisted in the recruitment of Scott C. Beardsley as the 10th president of the University of Virginia (UVA). John Isaacson, Keight Tucker Kennedy, John Muckle, Kelly McLaughlin, and Kristen Andersen led the assignment. Past president Jim Ryan resigned in June 2025 under pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice, which investigated the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits Executive Director for City Year
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Bill Thompson will serve as its next senior vice president and executive director of City Year. “We are thrilled to welcome Bill to City Year Los Angeles,” said Glenn Gritzner, board chair and member of the executive director search committee. “From his earliest conversations with us, Bill demonstrated
Reffett Associates Names Leader of Search Practice in the Southeast
Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has named Nancy Hoffmann to lead its search practice in the Southeast. She will be based in Greensboro, NC. “Nancy’s combination of firsthand retail and government experience and her successful history in executive search combined with her heart-of-a-servant will make Nancy an incredibly valued and trusted partner for search clients across all industries and
Kingsley Gate Expands in London
Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate has expanded with the addition of Simon Gray as a partner in London. “We’re delighted to welcome Simon Gray to Kingsley Gate,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “With over two decades of executive search experience, Simon brings deep expertise in placing senior product and technology leaders across private equity-backed and public market
Korn Ferry’s Alan Guarino Releases New Book on Unlocking Personal Greatness
Unlock the qualities of success and reach your full potential using this new guide from leadership and career development expert Alan C. Guarino, vice chairman of Korn Ferry and the founder of Cornell International, Inc. “For each of us, the definition of success and the journey to achieve it is different,” Mr. Guarino said. “Yet,
Anthem Executive Assists Northwest Missouri State University with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Rose Marie Ward as the new provost and vice president for academic affairs of Northwest Missouri State University. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the search. “We are delighted to welcome Rose Marie to the Northwest team,” said Lance Tatum, president. “Her depth of experience and professional background will
HARTZ Search Recruits CFO for Intermountain Centers
After an extensive national search, Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Martha Zhan as the new CFO of Intermountain Centers. “We extend our sincere congratulations to Ms. Martha Zhan and to the entire Intermountain Centers community,” Hartz Search said. Ms. Zhan brings deep expertise in non-profit accounting, extensive financial leadership experience, and a comprehensive understanding of grants and audit management. She
Slayton Search Partners Expands Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of David Turner as executive vice president in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are thrilled to welcome David to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, managing partner and CEO. “His extensive experience in food and agriculture, combined with his proven track record in executive search and his global perspective,
August Leadership Expands in Colombia
August Leadership has appointed Santiago Silva Betancourt as a partner, based in Colombia. With 37+ years of experience, he advises boards and high-growth organizations on C-suite and board appointments, primarily within financial services, and also across energy & natural resources and retail. “His work is defined by placing leaders who drive strategic change in complex environments,”
The CFO Rewired: From Leading Finance to Driving Strategic Value
Today’s CFO plays an active role in shaping corporate strategy, managing risk, and driving long-term enterprise value. They navigate complexity, challenge the status quo, and act as the CEO’s co-pilot in an ever-changing environment. CFO influence now spans capital allocation, M&A, operational efficiency, and digital transformation, according to a recent report from True. “Today’s CFO
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits VP of People and Culture for Unlimited Systems
Blue Rock Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Blair Arcaini as vice president of people and culture at Unlimited Systems. Ruben Moreno and Brad Grieco led the assignment. “Blue Rock Human Capital is excited to share the successful placement of Blair Arcaini as vice president, people and culture at unlimited technology,” Blue Rock said
