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Buffkin / Baker Recruits Chief Information Security Officer for Oklahoma State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has helped to recruit Marjorie McLagan as chief information security officer (CISO) of Oklahoma State University. Martin M. Baker and Chelsie Whitelock led the assignment. “Cybersecurity is foundational to everything we do at Oklahoma State University,” said Jason Ramsey, chief operating officer. “As we advance research, serve students and support Extension programs in all 77 counties,
Allen Austin Appoints Partner
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin has expanded with the addition of Nick McQuarry as a partner. “We are so excited to welcome Nick McQuarry back to the Allen Austin team as a partner,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Nick’s career journey has come full circle—returning to the firm where it began, now with broader
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Sheffield Haworth Adds Private Equity & Growth Venture Portfolio Assets Veteran
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Michael McDonnell as managing director, private equity and growth venture portfolio assets. He is based in the New York office and works within the technology sector practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the team,” said Paul Gillespie, managing director of the
Leadership Needs Shift in a Changing Federal Market
Executive search across the federal contracting, government services, defense, and technology sectors is entering a new phase as companies look for more sophisticated ways to evaluate leadership beyond résumés, references, and past performance. In markets where specialized experience, relationships, and an understanding of complex government customers can be critical, the challenge is not simply identifying
Private Equity Rollup Wave Reshapes Executive Search
What may once have looked like a series of isolated transactions is increasingly taking on the shape of a broader industry shift. As capital moves into the sector and firms rethink where they have true competitive strength, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. “A year ago, I would have called this a prediction, today,
HARTZ Search Seeking Chief Revenue Officer for Geisinger
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently retained by Geisinger to lead in its search for a chief revenue officer. This executive will direct, manage, and implement programs to ensure efficient revenue management operations and sufficient cash flow to support Geisinger operations and strategic initiatives. The role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, reducing, and resolving revenue management issues
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Search Assignments for 2025
Executive search in 2025 remained steady and increasingly strategic, as organizations continue to rely on trusted advisors to navigate high-stakes leadership decisions amid ongoing market complexity. Hunt Scanlon Media now takes its annual look back at the top 10 searches of the year. Across these following assignments, executive search firms showcased how leadership recruiting is increasingly
Slone Partners Recruits Technology Officer for Encodia
Over the past few months, numerous healthcare and life sciences organizations have turned to executive search firms to find new leaders. In the era of COVID-19, the sector has been burgeoning for executive search firms. Recently, life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners recruited Nigel Beard as chief technology officer at Encodia, a rapidly growing platform company that is developing a
MalinHughes Names Managing Director
Chicago-based executive search firm MalinHughes has named Deveran George as a managing director in its human capital strategy and executive search practices. She will be responsible for leading MalinHughes’ strategic consulting practice as well as working within the executive search practice. Ms. George will be working closely with current customers as well as focusing on
ECA Partners Launches New Client Portal
ECA Partners has launched its client portal, Cascade. “A lot of our middle-market private equity clients have a short time horizon to deliver on value creation plans,” said Ken Kanara, president and CEO of ECA Partners. “We built Cascade, a talent management system, with that in mind. Combined with our proprietary process, we are able
Working with Generation Z is a Holistic Effort
An ongoing pandemic, mental wellness and activism are fundamentally reshaping what’s to come for the next generation. Although improving, businesses still need to earn Gen Z’s confidence, says a new report by EY. Sixty percent of the Gen Z members across the U.S. who were surveyed for the study say most people can’t be trusted,
Ventura Partners Recruits CEO for Carbitex
Executive search firm Ventura Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Rob Langstaff as the new chief executive officer of Carbitex, a manufacturer of flexible carbon fiber composites. He replaces CEO Ron Boninger who recently retired. Bob Damon, a partner at Ventura, led the assignment. “Rob is an exceptional and engaging leader with deep footwear expertise and a
The Onstott Group Assists Care Everywhere with President and COO Search
The Onstott Group, a Wellesley, MA-based search firm, has placed Bryan Gilpin as the new president and chief operating officer of Care Everywhere in Natick, MA. Mr. Gilpin is a hands-on, engineering-oriented general manager/COO with experience developing, manufacturing, selling, distributing, and supporting bio-medical equipment, devices, and software around the world for large- and mid-cap healthcare
Myers McRae Seeking President for Winthrop University
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been enlisted to find the next president of Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. Leading the assignment for the firm are Emily Parker Myers, CEO, and Kenny Daugherty, president, along with Jennifer Barfield, senior vice president. “Winthrop University seeks an exceptional, vibrant and visible leader with creativity, energy
Eastward Partners Appoints Head of Private Equity Practice
New York-based Eastward Partners has named Brett Vecchio as principal and head of the firm’s private equity practice. After having helped launch Eastward Partners in 2015, Mr. Vecchio took a brief stint outside the firm to help scale a rapidly growing private equity-backed consulting company. ‘‘We are ecstatic to have Brett rejoin the firm at this juncture
Jensen Partners Makes Diversity Pledge to Alternative Asset Management Sector
New York City-based Jensen Partners, a woman-owned executive search and corporate advisory firm for the alternative investment management industry, says that all of the firm’s future human capital searches will begin with a candidate pool comprised of at least 51 percent of candidates emanating from underrepresented backgrounds. It is the second diversity initiative the firm has launched
Fighting the Great Resignation with Cash
As the Great Resignation has extended worldwide, compensation experts have reminded organizations that there are numerous ways to attract and retain employees besides paying them higher wages. But there’s overwhelming evidence that the go-to move for most companies continues to be paying more, according to the latest findings from Korn Ferry, which found a record
Hobbs & Towne Recruits CFO for Solid Power
Clean tech and sustainability recruiting powerhouse Hobbs & Towne has assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Paprzycki as the new chief financial officer of Solid Power, a developer of all-solid-state battery cells for electric vehicles. Senior partner Dan Cremins and partner Ryan Houder led the assignment. “At this pivotal moment in Solid Power’s history, we are elevating and enhancing our team
Griffith Group Seeks CEO for U SPORTS
U SPORTS, a national brand for university sport in Canada, has retained Toronto-based executive recruitment firm Griffith Group to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Jane Griffith, managing partner and founder, and Sam Walton, principal, are spearheading the assignment. Reporting to U SPORTS board of directors, the new CEO will have accountability and responsibility for
Hudson Global Acquires Karani
Old Greenwich, Conn.-based recruiting firm Hudson Global Inc. has acquired Karani, a Chicago-headquartered recruiting services provider that serves mainly U.S.-based customers from its operations in India and the Philippines. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are very excited to welcome the Karani team to Hudson RPO and believe this accretive combination will generate considerable value for our clients, team
A New Twist on Recruiting Diverse Teams Across the Technology Ecosystem
Innovative technology and high powered, highly functioning engineering teams are the backbone of the tech ecosystem. To have a world-class chief technology officer or vice president of engineering that attracts talent and can build a team quickly and with diversity in mind is the ultimate goal. If you can be one of the great companies
Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.6 Percent
Employment rose by 531,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.6 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. So far this year, monthly job growth has averaged 586,000. Job growth was widespread, with notable job gains in leisure and hospitality, in professional and business services, in manufacturing, and
Reffett Associates Fills Senior Post for Good Food Holdings
After a global search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has helped to place Elizabeth Strydom as vice president of private label and purchasing at Good Food Holdings. It took a team effort to find a qualified candidate for this unique role. Sam Mayberry, principal and lead on the search, was supported by William Reffett, managing partner, and Marshall Reffett, managing director at Reffett Associates. “The search
CIO Partners Seeking Top IT Leader for Builders FirstSource
Recruiting within the IT function remains challenging, as skilled C-suite professionals are among the toughest to find. CIO Partners was recently selected by Builders FirstSource as their exclusive partner to lead their search for the role of vice president of IT operations, located in Dallas. Reporting to the CIO, the vice president is responsible for the 24×7
Vaco Acquires Bay State Search
Brentwood, TN-headquartered recruiting firm Vaco has acquired Bay State Search, a Boston-based national talent acquisition and outsourcing firm. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The deal gives Vaco a foothold into the Boston market and complements its Northeast growth, following the launch of its technology and staffing divisions in the tri-state area last year. Bay
Linking Culture to Value, Growth and Performance
In the wake of COVID-19, broad and lasting changes to the workplace have advanced a more integrated approach to talent management built around culture. Organizations that once synchronized their talent to corporate vision, core values and strategic objectives are now aligning people around purpose. And for good reason: Building sustainable cultures in the long run
LCap Group Invests in Rowan Executive Search
Strategic investor LCap Group has acquired a stake in U.K.-based Rowan Executive Search. “Rowan is a strong brand and a superb business which speaks to a clear segment of the marketplace,” said Graham Roadnight, CEO of LCap. “It has great synergies with the other companies in the LCap Group, and significantly broadens our scale in
Mogul Recruits General Counsel for Fetch Rewards
Recruitment platform and executive search firm Mogul has placed Rachel Olchowka as general counsel at Fetch Rewards, a consumer-loyalty and retail-rewards app. Fetch Rewards, based in Madison, WI, engaged Mogul’s executive search services to attract, source and hire Ms. Olchowka. The general counsel role is the first for Fetch Rewards and will provide guidance, enhance capabilities and
Odgers Berndtson Expands Technology Practice
Odgers Berndtson has expanded with the addition of Craig Brechner as a partner in the firm’s technology practice based in California. “We are thrilled that Craig has joined the firm,” said Steve Potter, CEO of Odgers Berndtson U.S. “His leadership roles at leading technology companies along with his start-up experience and his deep expertise in M&A activities is a
Jobless Claims Reach Pandemic Low, But New Problems Emerge
The Labor Department reported that 269,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 14,000. 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 281,000 to 283,000. The four-week moving average was 284,750, a decrease
Companies Continuing to Increase Board Diversity
S&P 500 boards appointed 456 new independent directors in the 2021 proxy year, the most since 2004. Of that number, 72 percent were women or men from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, up from 59 percent last year, according to a new study compiled by Spencer Stuart. The 2021 U.S. Spencer Stuart Board Index found that companies
ChampionScott Partners Assists Apptopia Recruit New Sales Leader
ChampionScott Partners, which specializes in senior-level appointments for technology and technology-enabled companies, recently assisted in the placement of Arun S. Gupta as senior vice president of sales at Apptopia, a provider of competitive intelligence to brands and financial institutions by generating insights across mobile apps and connected devices. Geoff Champion led the search along with
Carrington & Carrington Retained by Feeding America to Recruit Chief Marketing & Digital Experience Officer
Chicago-based Carrington & Carrington has been enlisted to find a chief marketing and digital experience (CMXO) officer for the food bank network Feeding America. Marian Carrington, principal and co-owner, is leading the assignment. The CMXO directs the development and execution of strategies focused on significantly increasing public awareness of the issue of hunger, step-changing public engagement in Feeding
Top Gun Ventures Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for iDonate
Top-drawer chief revenue officers are commonly found at start-ups and smaller businesses and tend to the bottom line while the rest of the C-level team expands key partnerships, seeks growth opportunities, or sources funding. That is changing. Larger businesses now view the CRO post as an essential, long-term role. In one recent search, Plano, TX-based
IRC Global Adds New Member Firm in Italy
IRC Global Executive Search Partners has added GCH Consulting & Allen Parker Executive Search as its newest member firm in Italy. “We are very pleased to have a firm of the caliber of Allen Parker, part of GCH Consulting, join our alliance and look forward a strong and long-term partnership,” said Rohan Carr, president of IRC. “Italy
Widening Gap Develops in Hybrid Work Arrangements
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered corporate business structures and changed company culture forever. As we were all thrust into a remote working environment, we learned how to adapt our working styles and means of communication to remain productive. Shutdown orders leveled the playing field across many levels of employment, leaving many employees working from home.
De Forest Search Recruits Marketing Leader for National Marine Manufacturers Association
Manhattan Beach, CA-based De Forest Search recently placed Kevin Williams as vice president of North American marketing at National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “We have been so happy with the team, the process and the quality candidates from De Forest Search,” said Kate Plush, vice president of HR at National Marine Manufacturers Association. “They are so conscientious about keeping us up
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
