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McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
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.
U.S. M&A Accelerates as Buyers Raise the Bar
EY-Parthenon’s September Merger Monthly points to continued momentum across the U.S. M&A market. Through August, deal value for transactions above $100 million reached approximately $2.2 trillion, up roughly 48 percent year-over-year, while volume increased 23 percent. Momentum remained strong from June through August, with deal value rising 23 percent and volume advancing 22 percent from
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?
Why the Best Job Offer Is About More Than Salary
A higher salary can make a new job attractive, but compensation alone does not always tell candidates whether an offer is truly better. According to a recent report from NPAworldwide, recruiters can play an important role in helping candidates evaluate the complete package while also helping employers understand why a competitive base salary may not
Buffkin / Baker Recruits President for Valdosta State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Donald J. Green president of Valdosta State University (VSU). Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt led the assignment. “Don Green is a leader who knows how to deliver results, and he’s proven that time and again,” USG chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “At Gordon State, he focused on
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
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
Building Your IR Function: The Questions Every VC Should be Asking
As venture firms mature and fundraising becomes more institutionalized, building the right investor relations function is increasingly becoming a critical part of long-term growth. The best time to hire an investor relations leader is before you urgently need one, according to a recent report from SPMB’s Suzanne Heske and Emily Leder. “LP relationships take years to
U.S. Hiring Slows as Unemployment Rate Edges Up to 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 29,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate edged up to at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, also increased in September. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Black (7.0 percent) increased in September.
Cook Silverman Search Recruits Chief Development Officer for Common Sense Media
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has assisted in the recruitment of Alicia Chang as chief development officer of Common Sense Media to lead in its search for a chief development officer. Ms. Chang joins Common Sense Media after spending a decade with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where she most recently served as deputy chief development officer
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
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
Why Executive Search Firms Remain Essential for High-Stakes Leadership Hires
Executive search firms deliver unique value when filling leadership positions that impact organizational performance, according to a new study from Denver, CO-based TriSearch. Reports find that most qualified executive candidates (85 percent) aren’t actively seeking opportunities, making traditional recruitment methods insufficient. These firms provide access to a network of passive candidates developed through years of relationship
The Case for Promoting Women
From negotiating pay to combating biases and non-inclusive workspaces, women face a variety of challenges in proving their worth in the workplace. Yet, there is an abundant and growing amount of research that substantiates that companies with women in leadership positions are more innovative and make more money. A new report from McDermott + Bull reveals
TurnkeyZRG Tapped by Case Western Reserve University to Find New Athletics Director
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland has called in TurnkeyZRG to lead the search for its next director of athletics. The firm is seeking a dynamic and energetic leader to head the school’s athletic department. Case Western Reserve University is seeking a dynamic and energetic leader to
Isaacson, Miller Seeks CHRO for the University of Virginia
Isaacson, Miller has been enlisted to find a chief human resources officer (CHRO) for the University of Virginia (UVA). Partner Ponneh Varho is leading the assignment along with senior associates Katherine Stellato and Kelly McLaughlin. “This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and innovative leader in the field to play a critical role in
Diversified Search Group Expands Non-Profit Practice
Diversified Search Group (DSG) has expanded with the addition of Kim Dukes as managing director in its non-profit practice. Ms. Dukes brings to the role 25 years of experience creating balanced talent pools to drive better placement outcomes for organizations in the non-profit space, the firm says. “Kim’s addition to the team comes at a perfect time,”
Mogul Partners with Cupertino Electric to Help Meet DE&I Goals
Recruitment platform and executive search firm Mogul recently inked a deal with San Jose, CA-based Cupertino Electric Inc. (CEI), an electrical engineering and construction company. Mogul offers a talent acquisition platform, diversity recruiting services, inclusive networking events, educational events, and online social communities. “CEI has been actively developing a diversity, equity and inclusion framework to create a
Spencer Stuart Tapped by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston to Find New Leader
Federal Reserve Bank president searches are some of the most coveted assignments to take on among executive recruiters, and a number of leading search firms have gotten in on the action. The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston recently selected Spencer Stuart to help in its search for a new president and CEO. Eric Rosengren announced his retirement
BroadView Talent Partners Seeks CFO for Microlending Platform Kiva
Executive search firm BroadView Talent Partners has been retained to find a chief financial officer for Kiva, an international person-to-person microlending platform. “This mission-oriented, dynamic and strategic professional will lead the finance department, working with the executive leadership team to build Kiva and expand the organization’s impact,” said the search firm. Based in San Francisco,
The Moran Company Seeks New CEO for The Animal Foundation
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been enlisted to find the next chief executive officer for The Animal Foundation (TAF) in Las Vegas. Senior search consultant Becky Hauk is leading the assignment. “The CEO of The Animal Foundation will hold one of the most visible and important
Kingsley Gate Partners Expands in London
Kingsley Gate Partners recently named Andy Davies as senior partner. He will be based in the firm’s London office. “We are thrilled to have Andy join our team,” said Nancy Albertini, senior partner at the search firm. “Our continued global growth into this key market strengthens our ability to deliver above and beyond the expectations
Jobless Claims Fall to Lowest Level Since March 2020
The Labor Department reported that 293,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 36,000. 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 3,000 from 326,000 to 329,000. The four-week moving average was 334,250, a decrease
How PE Firms Can Attract the Best Portfolio Leadership
The global private equity sector is more than three times bigger than it was just 10 years ago. How can PE firms ensure that they are attracting the best talent to lead their portfolio companies? Despite a COVID-induced 22 percent downturn in private equity fundraising and deal volume in 2020, the broader multi-year trend is
Westmont Search Places Chief Transformation Officer for Essentia Health
Executive search firm Westmont Search has placed Karyn Baum as chief transformation officer of Essentia Health in Duluth, MN. As CTO she will be responsible for leading clinicians in process improvement and innovation across the Essentia Health System. The search was conducted by Peter Blau, managing partner and Carolyn Lecocq, search director. Most recently, Dr. Baum served
Caldwell Fills Technology Posts for Concentra Bank
Drew Railton and Adam Cotterall of Caldwell recently recruited Dave Baldarelli as chief digital officer and Wendy Murphy as chief technology and operations officer at Concentra Bank. Mr. Baldarelli is a motivational leader with a demonstrated ability to guide an organization through innovation and extensive business transformation. He is passionate about creating value for customers and offering products that drive business
Charles Aris Executive Search Opens New Office in Washington, D.C.
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has opened a new office in Washington, D.C. The firm was prepared for the expansion in 2020, but the pandemic put the plans on hold until now. The office will allow the search firm to strengthen relationships with existing clients and establish connections with new organizations. “The opening
LifeSci Partners Teams With Expert Network FirstThought
LifeSci Partners, a life-sciences focused consultancy, has entered into a strategic partnership with FirstThought, a global life sciences expert network, which specializes in connecting clients with life sciences and healthcare subject matter experts. FirstThought’s services, which include one-on-one consultations (virtual or in-person), group meetings, surveys and direct engagements, will be accessible to clients and employees
Disruption in Financial Services Presents Big Opportunities for Recruiters
The profile of modern financial services leaders continues to shift amid the sector’s renewed focus on customers for revenue growth, service digitalization, a renewed focus on risk management, and increasing investor and regulatory scrutiny, according to executive recruiters. The COVID-19 crisis has only heightened the need for top talent that has the ability to pivot
The Christopher Group Leading Top Diversity Search for Standard Motor Products
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions firm, was recently called in by Standard Motor Products (SMP) to lead the organization’s vice president of talent, diversity and corporate social responsibility search. Managing director Pam Noble and managing partner Jeff Wilbanks are leading the critical assignment. “TCG is honored to have been selected for this prestigious
Hartz Search Recruits Chief Administrative Officer for East Jefferson General Hospital
After an extensive national search, Charlotte, NC-based Hartz Search has helped to place Jennifer Parks as chief administrative officer of Louisiana Children’s Medical Center Health (LCMC Health) and East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH). Ms. Parks will strategically plan, lead, and manage all business aspects of the EJGH’s physician group. EJGH, which recently joined the LCMC Health
Miller Black Associates Recruits Chief People Officer for Kroll Business Services
With the coronavirus crisis disrupting 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 will only
NPAworldwide Adds Five New Member Firms
With the number of people vaccinated against the coronavirus growing daily, executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Member-owned
The Ins and Outs of Executive Recruiting
As individuals reach the rarefied heights of the executive tier, more than their title changes. The way executives are hired at this level differs from non-executive roles. According to a new report by AboveBoard, even the language of hiring shifts. Instead of being “recruited,” for example, executives are “placed” by an “executive search professional.” Most
Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.8 Percent
Employment rose by 194,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.8 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. So far this year, monthly job growth has averaged 586,000. Notable job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, in professional and business services, in retail trade, and in transportation and warehousing.
Furst Group Recruits Chief People Officer for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the placement of Audrey Williams-Lee as chief people officer of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The hospital said it changed the title of this role from chief human resources officer to emphasize the importance of people in advancing its
Arts Consulting Group Places CEO for Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Minnesota
After a comprehensive national search, Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has helped to place Christopher Harrington as the new president and CEO of the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul, MN. He will begin his tenure on Nov. 1. Mr. Harrington will succeed interim president Chris Sagstetter, who will resume her
IRC Global Adds New Member Firm in Spain
IRC Global Executive Search Partners has added Barcelona-based boutique firm The Skeye as its newest member. “With IRC Spain, our new member firm, we have strengthened our solid position serving international clients, locally and globally,” said Stepan Motejzik, IRC Global alliance director. “We are excited about extending our capabilities in the critical market of Spain, spanning
Fenway Health Picks Lindauer to Assist in Chief People Officer Search
With the coronavirus crisis disrupting 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. As a recent article in The Economist put it, chief people officers “keep employees healthy;
Bespoke Partners Recruits New Leader for Madison Dearborn Partners
Tremendous opportunity lies ahead in integrating a set of distinctive human capital solutions that will deliver exponential value to private equity firms and their portfolios. At the core of this drive are PE talent leaders and executive recruiters who are developing solutions to help clients navigate change and power value creation early in the hold
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits New Leader for the St. Louis Zoo
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Dwight Scott as the next Dana Brown president and CEO of the St. Louis Zoo. He succeeds Jeffrey P. Bonner, who will retire from that position at the end of the year after leading the organization for nearly two decades. Shelli Herman, president of the recruitment firm, led the assignment along
True Promotes Leaders to Support Continued Growth
Haddonfield, NJ-based True, a global executive talent management platform, has announced key leadership changes designed to support the firm’s rapidly growing business units. Josh Withers, a co-founder of the organization, moves into the newly created role of managing director, platform; Shawn Thorne, former co-lead of the product, data and technology practice, succeeds Mr. Withers as GM, Americas;
Jobless Claims Edge Down as Recovery Continues
The Labor Department reported that 326,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, an increase of 38,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 362,000 to 364,000. The four-week moving average was 344,000, an increase of 3,500 from the previous week’s revised average. The previous week’s average was revised up
Riviera Partners Assists HubSpot with Chief Product Officer Search
Today’s chief product officer is responsible for all product-related matters, according to executive recruiters who place them. The post typically includes product conception and development, production, innovation, and project and product management. In many IT/ telecommunications companies, the position includes release management and production. Chief product officers generally work on product strategy based on goals set by







