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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.
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
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?
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
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
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
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
What Talent Acquisition Will Really Demand in 2026
Talent acquisition looks nothing like it did a couple of years ago. A new Korn Ferry report says AI is the headline—84 percent of talent leaders plan to use it next year—but it’s only one piece of the 2026 puzzle. The bigger challenge is connecting AI, skills, leadership pipelines, and workplace policies into a strategy
Work&Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer for Toppan Merrill
New York-based Work&Partners recently placed Heather Jordan as chief product officer of Toppan Merrill, a provider of financial printing and communication solutions. Founder and president Alan Work led the assignment. Ms. Jordan was previously with data analytics company Nielsen where she held multiple roles throughout her tenure. Most recently she served as senior vice president, product leader. Her
Kevin Chase Executive Search Group Recruits New Leader for Time Out Youth
After a national search, Los Angeles-based Kevin Chase Executive Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Sarah Mikhail as executive director for Time Out Youth (TOY) in Charlotte, NC. The non-profit offers support, advocacy and opportunities for personal development and social interaction to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Rodney Tucker, the group’s
Kennedy Executive Search Adds New Member Firm in Japan
Kennedy Executive Search, a network of independent executive search firms, has added Frank Schulz Human Capital Consulting in Tokyo as its newest member firm. This becomes the 14th partner firm for Kennedy, bringing the total number of offices in Europe, North America, Latin America and now Asia to 23. Frank Schulz Human Capital Consulting was
Pandemic Pause: Job Change Reluctance & Realities in the Age of COVID-19
Some say that what a high percentage of workers want most is job change. Still others are suggesting that unemployed workers are not even looking for a new job. Confused? According to a new report from Russ Riendeau, senior partner and chief behavioral scientist with New Frontier Search Company, job change reluctance is hampering the growth
Rosenzweig & Company Fills Senior Posts for CryptoSlam
Executive search firm Rosenzweig & Company has placed two key senior executives for CryptoSlam, a leading player in the booming NFT space: Todd Benge, as chief technology officer and Per Thomsen as vice president of engineering. Mr. Benge brings extensive experience scaling fast growth technology organizations, joining CryptoSlam from TrackVia, where he served as CTO. TrackVia is
DHR International Assists the Pittsburgh Zoo in Recruitment of New CEO
Chicago-based executive search firm DHR International has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremy Goodman as the next president and chief executive officer of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. He will succeed longtime zoo director Barbara Baker and will be the eighth Pittsburgh Zoo director since the zoo opened in 1898. After leading the organization for the past
Randstad RiseSmart Names Chief Marketing Officer
Global outplacement and career mobility provider Randstad RiseSmart has named Marisa Kacary as global chief marketing officer. “Marisa is an expert in building brand awareness, reputation and engagement, and we are excited to welcome her to the team as our chief marketing officer,” said Dan Davenport, CEO of Randstad RiseSmart. “With her proven track record
TRANSEARCH International Opens Office in Hamburg
TRANSEARCH International has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The team in Hamburg has a specialization in management diagnostics, leadership development and coaching and is led by Lutz Rachner as executive global partner. He is supported by Arne Seeburger and Fabian Arimond. Mr. Rachner has more than 20 years of experience as an executive search consultant with a focus on
TurnkeyZRG Appoints President
TurnkeyZRG today appointed Nzinga “Zing” Shaw into dual roles: She becomes the search firm’s first president; she also takes over as parent company ZRG’s managing director, chief inclusion and diversity officer, and global practice head of ZRG’s diversity, equity and inclusion client-facing practice. “Zing is an undisputed DEI trailblazer; in fact, she is the first person
The Christopher Group Places Head of Talent and Diversity at IDEO.org
The Christopher Group, a boutique HR executive search and business solutions firm, recently assisted in the recruitment of Kelli Kombat as global head of talent and diversity, equity and inclusion at IDEO.org, a non-profit design and innovation organization. Managing partner Pam Noble led the assignment. “I knew from the beginning Kelli was a perfect fit for this role,” said Ms.
Renovata & Company Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Bitmovin
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, global executive search
True Opens New Office in Amsterdam as Global Rollout Continues
Haddonfield, NJ-based True, a global executive talent management platform, has opened a new office in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This region, which includes Belgium and Luxembourg, is a start-up area on the rise — with a booming tech scene and a growing need for tech-enabled global talent that’s at the heart of True’s expertise. “Expansion to Amsterdam is a natural step forward as we expand
CodeSignal and WurkNow Secure Funding
More recruiting technology firms have announced funding rounds this past week, including CodeSignal, a skills assessment platform, and WurkNow, a software platform for staffing firms and employers of hourly workers. CodeSignal, which helps companies like Facebook, Roblox, Zoom, Robinhood and others, make data-driven hiring decisions in tech recruiting, recently announced $50 million in Series C
Engagement Strategies to Source Stronger Candidates
It takes more than just a surface-level search to find the right candidate for a role. According to a newly released report from IQTalent Partners, the best course of action is to create a sourcing strategy that focuses on building out a strong candidate engagement process. “This will help you attract better candidates and provide
Three Key Takeaways from the COVID-19 Crisis
From culture and talent management to health and wellness, the pandemic has spotlighted several valuable lessons for organizational leaders to carry with them going forward. “With many organizations maintaining a fully remote environment and others adopting a hybrid approach, the employer playing field as we knew it has changed,” said a new report from BroadView
ZRG Appoints Global Head of Financial Services
ZRG has named Mina Ames as global head of financial services. “This is a great time for us to further expand our global presence in the financial services space. We have had a strong presence in North America for decades, but Mina will bring a truly global perspective to the practice in her role as
Egon Zehnder Recruits CFO for American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.
Egon Zehnder has placed Axel André as the new chief financial officer of American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. (AEL). “I am delighted to welcome Axel to be a part of our executive leadership team. I believe he brings the right combination of intellect, curiosity and proven leadership experiences, to serve as our next CFO as AEL transforms
Arts Consulting Group Assists Bennington Museum in Finding New Leader
Following an international search, Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group has assisted in the recruitment of Martin Mahoney as CEO of the Bennington Museum in Vermont. Wyona Lynch-McWhite, senior vice president, led the assignment. “Congratulations to Bennington Museum, as well as its board and staff, on the appointment of Martin Mahoney as its new executive director,” said
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Recruits First Woman and Black CEO for United Way Worldwide
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners has placed Angela Williams as chief executive officer of United Way Worldwide. She is the first woman and the first African American person in the organization’s 135-year history to lead United Way Worldwide. Alison Ranney, who heads the search firm’s Chicago office, led the assignment along with CEO Dale Jones. “Angela is an
Daversa Partners Appoints Managing Director
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, named Lindsay Angelillo to the firm’s managing directorship, bringing her expertise in the engineering and product functions to the Daversa leadership team. “Lindsay is one of those very special leaders in our firm that compels people to take risks, defy adversity and move the
Coulter Partners Assists Civetta Therapeutics with CEO Search
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 a burgeoning area for recruiters to ply their trade. Recently, life sciences search specialist Coulter Partners joined with Civetta Therapeutics in the recruitment of Christopher D. Roberts
MediaLink Expands Executive Search & Talent Development Practice
Strategic advisory firm MediaLink, an Ascential company, has named firm veteran Karl Spangenberg as its new executive vice president of executive search in the U.S. along with two executive search directors in the U.K. Mr. Spangenberg had been EVP for the firm’s client service and growth practice. The move follows a series of new hires
Jobless Claims Edge Down as Recovery Continues and Americans Get Back to Work
The Labor Department reported that 351,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. The previous week’s level was revised up by 3,000 from 332,000 to 335,000. The four-week moving average was 335,750, a decrease of 750 from the previous week’s revised average. The previous week’s average was revised up by 750 from 335,750
Odgers Berndtson Appoints Head of People Analytics and Talent Insights
Historically, recruiting has been largely dependent upon the instincts of the employer. Whether he or she felt a particular candidate was fit for a given position was based primarily on the resume, indicating the candidate’s previous experience, qualifications, and job history. Today, it is widely accepted that organizations that base decisions on data consistently outperform
TurnkeyZRG Assists WME Sports in Securing New Leader
TurnkeyZRG recently assisted WME Sports in the recruitment of former Texas Rangers executive Joe Januszewski as senior vice president and leader its global property solutions business, which delivers naming rights deals, premium hospitality offerings and suite sales for global sports teams, leagues and organizations. Endeavor Group Holdings (also known as Endeavor Content for films and formerly known as William
LHH Knightsbridge Chosen by Bennett Village to Find New Leader
Toronto-based LHH Knightsbridge has been enlisted to find an executive director for Bennett Village, a senior living and long-term care facility in Georgetown, ON. Leading the assignment are recruitment consultant Matt Dyck and partner Laura Machan. “Bennett Village is on the edge of the next step in its evolution,” said LHH Knightsbridge. “The site has
Lincoln Leadership Launches
Andrew C. Wheeler, a veteran executive search consultant with more than 20 years of experience, has launched Lincoln Leadership, a Philadelphia-based boutique search firm rooted in the idea of “advancing mobility”—be it, educational, health, generational, structural, or financial—for organizations and people. “We’re looking to transcend the simple idea of DEI,” Mr. Wheeler said, “to create
Rosin Executive Search Joins Amrop
Toronto-based Rosin Executive Search has joined global recruiting organization Amrop as its newest member firm. “We are honored to welcome Jeff Rosin and his team of search professionals, marking Amrop’s strong expansion across the North American market, which already includes our strategic partnership with JM Search in the U.S.,” said Annika Farin, chair of the global Amrop
E.A. Hughes & Co. Places CHRO at JCPenney
Retailers are facing major shifts in their businesses that call for “unprecedented responses” by CEOs who can effectively lead through change, intuitively and analytically understand the evolving consumer, and respond to ambiguity, according to search consultants. Developed markets, excess retail capacity, rising prices, the shift to omni-channel retail and the unpredictable pace of change in
Is the Chief Commercial Officer the New Star of Retail Financial Services?
The world of retail financial services is changing constantly, according to recruiters focused on the sector. Thanks to the ever-evolving regulatory environment, digital banking becoming native, and the rise of challenger banks and disruptors in the credit and payment space, the range of skills needed in the C-suite are broader than ever. Not to mention
Greenwood / Asher & Associates Selected by Auburn University to Lead President Search
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood /Asher & Associates has been chosen by Auburn University to lead the search for its 21st president. In June, president Jay Gogue announced that he was planning to retire soon and that the board should start looking for someone to fill his role. “I think it’s important for you guys







