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Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
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.
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
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?
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
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
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
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
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
The CFO Talent Shortage Is Reaching a Breaking Point
According to global talent advisor ZRG, the shortage of chief financial officers and their finance teams is reaching epic proportions as we head into another busy year of executive recruiting. With market complexity increasing, CFOs are in high demand, yet the supply of qualified candidates is dwindling. This shortage is being driven by a convergence of
Storbeck Search/Diversified Search Group Tapped to Lead President Hunt for the University of Colorado
Higher education-focused search firm Storbeck Search, part of the Diversified Search Group, has been chosen by the University of Colorado to lead in its hunt for a new president. Mark Kennedy announced in May that he was leaving after two years of leading the university. The board of regents engaged Storbeck Search after a competitive RFP process that attracted more
TurnkeyZRG Recruits CEO for SLAM Magazine
TurnkeyZRG recently assisted SLAM magazine in the recruitment of Les Green as its new chief executive officer. Mr. Green, who is a former Nike and Teespring marketing executive, will serve as SLAM’s second CEO and lead the company’s overall expansion. Leading the assignment was Rick Alessandri, managing director of the search firm’s media and sports tech practice.
BridgeStreet Partners Expands Search Staff in Houston
BridgeStreet Partners has expanded the addition of former Hexagon executive Steve King as its newest managing director in the firm’s Houston office. “Throughout his career, Steve has shown an ability to work effectively with other C-suite executives, communicate with key stakeholders and build highly effective teams,” said Scott Williams, co-founder and managing director. “He has a deep
Workday Acquires VNDLY in $510 Million Deal
Workday, a provider of finance and human resources solutions, has acquired VNDLY, a contingent workforce management vendor, for $510 million in cash. With VNDLY, Workday will provide organizations with a unified workforce optimization solution that will help organizations manage all types of workers—salaried, hourly, contingent, and outsourced—and support a holistic talent strategy, including insight into costs,
5 Ways to Compete in Today’s Talent Market
The amount of private capital raised and the associated deal activity this year have helped create a candidate-driven talent market. According to a new report from JM Search, proven operators open to considering new roles have found themselves with multiple compelling options to consider simultaneously, while companies continue to compete in the ever-escalating war for talent. “How
ON Partners Recruits COO for Antheia
Executive search firm ON Partners has assisted in the placement of Zack McGahey as chief operating officer of Antheia, a synthetic biology company enabling next-generation plant-inspired medicines. Partner Suzanne Zebedee and consultant Clint Keller led the assignment. Mr. McGahey, former vice president of manufacturing and capex engineering at Zymergen, joins Antheia to operationally oversee its transition from
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to Find New Leader
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has called in Russell Reynolds Associates to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. The firm is looking for a leader to drive the organization’s transformation and develop its strategic plan over the next five years, and beyond. The CEO will be a transformational leader,
FaithSearch Partners Adds Pastoral Leaders to Search Team
FaithSearch Partners (FSP) has expanded with the addition of two nationally-renowned pastoral leaders to its search team. David Walters and Mike Tucker join FaithSearch as search consultants focused on the firm’s non-profit and ministry-based searches. “Both Pastors Walters and Tucker significantly increase FaithSearch’s ability to support our church and parachurch clients during senior leadership transitions,” said
Panorama Leadership Announces New Leadership
Panorama Leadership, a global network of independent executive search firms, has announced its new leadership team for the 2021-2023 period. Roy Herold, managing partner of MPS, becomes chair with Aidan Kennedy of Saxton Bampfylde moving to chair emeritus. Carlos Altona of EXEC in Brazil becomes the new vice chair and is joined by Agamjeet Dang of Executive
Caldwell Acquires Applied Behavioral Academy
Toronto-based Caldwell has acquired Applied Behavioral Academy (ABA), a behavioral and cognitive psychometrics consultancy that leverages highly respected, results-driven tools to assess talent and to align people and business strategies. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Coincident with the acquisition, Caldwell expanded its alliance with The Predictive Index (PI), launching Caldwell Analytics as a PI
Fordham University Taps WittKieffer to Find New President
Fordham University is beginning an important search to find a visionary, collaborative, and mission-driven leader to serve as its 33rd president. The school has called in Oak Brook, IL-based search firm WittKieffer to lead its search efforts. Spearheading the assignment are managing partner Robin Mamlet, senior partner Jean Dowdall, principal Ryan Crawford and associate Bree Liddell. The new
DRi Seeks VP of DE&I for Sustainability Non-Profit Ceres
Arlington, VA-based executive search firm Development Resources Inc. (DRi) has been enlisted to find a vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion for Ceres, a sustainability non-profit organization. Jennifer Dunlap, DRi’s president and chief executive officer, is spearheading the assignment. “Ceres is searching for an experienced professional to lead the organization’s DEI journey,” said the search firm. “The vice
Granger Reis Expands Search Staff
U.K.-based executive search firm Granger Reis has appointed Jamie Page as a new managing partner and Esmeé Vermolen as head of technology and innovation. “We’re re-writing the rule book as we enter an exciting next chapter in our growth,” said Richard Milsom, founder and CEO. “This evolution will allow us to champion authenticity by telling
Weekly Jobless Claims Fall to Lowest Level Since 1969
The Labor Department reported that 199,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 71,000. This is the lowest level for initial claims since November 15, 1969 when it was 197,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 268,000 to 270,000. The four-week moving average was 252,250, a decrease
Pioneering Leadership Consultant, Egon Zehnder, Dies at 91
Egon Zehnder, 91, founder of the global executive search firm that bears his name, has died in Zurich after a brief illness. Born on April 12, 1930, Dr. Zehnder graduated from Harvard Business School in 1956. In 1964, at the age of 34, he founded his own firm in a townhouse above Zurich. Initially, the company was
Daversa Partners Launches Unit to Advance Black Leadership
Daversa Partners has launched Dreamscape, a business unit dedicated to advancing black representation on the boards and executive teams of companies and investing firms in technology. To lead the business, Daversa has named industry veteran Clinton Browning as its newest partner and head of Dreamscape. “In the 30 years since I have been working in executive
Hanold Associates Recruits Chief People Officer for PE-Backed Hydrow
With the coronavirus crisis continuing to disrupt the world economy, chief people officers are stepping up at businesses across the country, playing a vital role in helping organizations navigate what is looking to be an even greater challenge than the Great Recession. Executive recruiters across the business landscape report that searches for these C-suite executives
EFL Associates Recruits CFO for Ottawa University
Executive search firm EFL Associates has placed Craig Kispert as vice president and chief financial officer of Ottawa University (OU), a private Baptist university based in Ottawa, KS. Steve Waldron, the recruitment firm’s managing director—legal practice and higher education practice, led the assignment along with Angela Lilje, practice and project manager, higher education practice. Mr. Kispert brings more
Healthcare Recruiting Talent Platform Secures $149 Million in Funding
Healthcare recruiting talent platform Trusted has secured $149 million in funding. This includes a $94 million Series C led by Greenspring Associates, which was recently acquired by StepStone Group, as well as a previously unannounced $55 million Series B led by early investors Craft Ventures and Felicis Ventures. It brings the company’s total funding to $175
CEO Appointments Reach Record Levels
Companies in the first half of 2021 appointed a record number of chief executive officers, making up for a significant slowdown in the second half of 2020, according to the ‘2021 Route to the Top’ report from Heidrick & Struggles. The global intelligence survey shows that compared to their predecessors, new chief executives are more likely to be women
DHR Global Recruits CEO for Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
James Abruzzo, managing partner of the global non-profit practice for Chicago-based executive search firm DHR Global, has assisted in the placement of Tom Schmid as the new chief executive officer of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio. The zoo’s board of directors voted to formally name Schmid to lead the zoo, The Wilds, Safari Golf Club
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CFO for Catalina Island Conservancy
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In recent months, search firms of all varieties have placed CFOs at various companies. And there is no let-up in sight. Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Charmian
Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for Interact for Health
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed Kate Schroder as the new president and CEO of Cincinnati, OH-based community health organization Interact for Health. Dr. O’dell Moreno Owens recently stepped down from the position. Bill Coleman, principal and co-founder of Cooper Coleman, led the assignment. “This is a particularly unique leadership opportunity, not only due to the essential
Boyden Expands in East Africa
Boyden has added new partner Farah Esmail as Boyden East Africa continues to provide leadership solutions and client service to social impact enterprises, family firms and hyper-growth, private equity-backed businesses. “Boyden East Africa is culturally astute and demonstrates a deeply held commitment to the region’s social and economic progress,” said Trina Gordon, president and CEO of Boyden. “We are delighted that
The Federal Reserve of Dallas Calls in Egon Zehnder to Find New Leader
Financial services organizations, generally, are facing a new competitive landscape, regulatory challenges, and a constant struggle to manage cost and efficiency. It is an environment growing in complexity by the day. This requires strategic leaders, both men and women, with a multidimensional skillset and competencies that often go above and beyond any typical job description.
Isaacson, Miller Seeks Leader for the Allen Institute
Isaacson, Miller has been chosen to find the next president and chief executive officer for the Allen Institute, the non-profit research organization founded by the late Paul G. Allen, who co-founded Microsoft Corp. Leading the assignment are partners Cati Mitchell-Crossley and David Bellshaw, and senior associate Hayden Lizotte. The Allen Institute seeks a distinguished scientist,
Carrington & Carrington Recruits VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Lawrence University
Chicago-based Carrington & Carrington has assisted in the recruitment of Eric Mayes as vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion for Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. “Dr. Mayes has a level of passion and commitment to DEI work that will be game-changing for Lawrence,” said Laurie A. Carter, president of Lawrence University. “He has the experience that we need in
Blue Rock Acquires ReCreation’s Executive Search Practice
Blue Rock Search has acquired ReCreation’s human resources executive search practice. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. ReCreation’s consulting practice will remain an independent entity, separate from Blue Rock Search. Founded in 2008, ReCreation’s executive search practice has built relationships with an impressive client list, including Amazon, Oshkosh, Fluke Networks, Charles Schwab, Spectrum
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in India
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Claricent Partners in India as its newest member firm. “We are thrilled to welcome Claricent Partners into IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “Jyoti and her team provide their clients with an exceptional search experience, and their values are very much aligned with IIC Partners. Claricent Partners
How HR Can Help Build the Organization of the Future
The pandemic has created profound and immediate changes to how societies operate and how individuals interact and work. McKinsey & Company recently spoke with 350 HR leaders about the role of uncertainty in their function. They said that over the next two years they wanted to prioritize initiatives that strengthen their organizations’ ability to drive change in
Jobless Claims Remain Idle as Recovery Looms
The Labor Department reported that 268,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 1,000. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020 when it was 256,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 267,000 to 269,000. The four-week moving average was 272,750, a decrease of
