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Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
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
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
PE-Backed Talent Group Appoints CEO
IT-focused recruiting firm Talent Group has appointed industry veteran Matthew J. Ripaldi as chief executive officer. The appointment comes on the heels of a recently completed rebrand to better reflect the company’s identity as a full suite recruitment services provider poised for continued growth. Michael Babb, managing partner of Osceola Capital, which invested in Talent Group in 2018,
The Christopher Group Assists in the Recruitment of Chief People Officer for ITS Logistics
The Christopher Group, a boutique HR executive search and business solutions firm, recently assisted in the recruitment of Jim Hazboun as the new chief people officer of ITS Logistics, a premier third-party logistics company. Managing director Nat Schiffer and recruiting director Jim May led the assignment. “I frequently tell our team that every search is unique, and
Reffett Associates Places Senior Advisor to Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability
Following a nationwide search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has helped to place Howard Meyer as the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) liaison and senior advisor to the Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability (AFWIC). The search was led by Eric Reffett, managing director; Thomas Young, director of operations; and Marshall Reffett, managing director of the firm’s Seattle office.
Work&Partners Recruits CFO for Toppan Merrill
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. New York-based Work&Partners recently placed Cindy Sattler as the new CFO of Toppan Merrill, a provider of financial printing and communication solutions. Founder and president Alan Work led the assignment. Ms. Sattler was formerly the
Unemployment Claims Falls to Lowest Level Since Start of Pandemic
The Labor Department reported that 310,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020, when it was 256,000. Claims were expected to total 335,000 for the week ended Sept. 4, according to economists surveyed by Dow Jones. The previous week’s level was
Korn Ferry Posts 70 Percent Fiscal Q1 Revenue Gain
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2021 fiscal reported first quarter revenue of $585.4 million, an increase of 70 percent. This compares to year-ago revenues of $344.1 million. Fee revenue increased in all regions with the largest increase in North America where demand for the company’s products and services exceeded pre-pandemic levels in conjunction with the worldwide economic recovery. The
The Lapham Group Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for One Concern
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, The Lapham Group placed Sean
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Dare to Care Food Bank in the Recruitment of New CEO
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Vincent James as the new CEO of Dare to Care Food Bank in Louisville, KY. He will replace the retiring Brian Riendeau, who has led Dare to Care since 2009. John Sparrow, senior director, and Paula Nicholas, senior research associate, led the assignment. “Vincent is a thoughtful
CarterBaldwin Executive Search Seeks CEO for M.J. Murdock charitable Trust
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has been enlisted to find a chief executive officer for the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust in Vancouver, WA. The assignment is being led by partner Andrea McDaniel Smith and consultant Ted Wieber. In partnership with the board of trustees, the non-profit’s CEO is the primary steward of the foundation’s legacy and future, said
The Elliot Group Appoints Chief Brand Officer
New York headquartered executive search firm The Elliot Group has expanded with the addition of Sarah Lockyer as its chief brand officer. She started in her new role yesterday. In her position, Ms. Lockyer will oversee The Elliot Group’s brand strategy and continued growth, and will lead The Elliot Leadership Institute as president, a non-profit focused on
RSR Partners Expands Board and CEO Services Practice
Greenwich, Conn.-based RSR Partners recently added Eric Douglas Keene to the firm’s board and CEO services practice as a managing director in Chicago. “Eric is a terrific addition to our board and CEO services practice,” said Brett Stephens, CEO of RSR Partners. “He has successfully operated at the intersection of the boardroom and C-suite and has the experience and capabilities for building high performing
David Barrett Partners Assists Yale University in Chief Investment Officer Search
According to recruiters specializing in the finance function, demand for executive level, “high impact” investing talent has been on the rise, and the quest for these top leaders is expected to soar in the aftermath of the pandemic with all the changes it has wrought on businesses of every size in every sector. But recruiters say these roles
N2Growth Appoints CEO
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has named Kelli Vukelic as its new chief executive officer. She becomes the first female CEO of the firm. “Kelli embodies all of the characteristics we were looking for in our next CEO, and we are confident that our clients, employees and shareholders will benefit from her
Job Seeking Hesitancy Persists According to Recent Data
Employment rose by 235,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 5.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. So far this year, monthly job growth has averaged 586,000. In August, notable job gains occurred in professional and business services, transportation and warehousing, private education, manufacturing, and other services. Employment
Calibre One Names Partner
Executive search firm Calibre One has appointed Victoria Lakers as a partner based in San Diego. Ms. Lakers is a dual specialist in C-suite placements for innovative mission-driven consumer businesses and investor-backed B2B software companies. “Victoria’s rigorous search process is complemented by her broad experience in private equity and as a successful entrepreneur. She leverages this perspective to truly understand
Miramar Global Opens Office in Zurich
U.K.-based Miramar Global Executive Search, which specializes in technology, science, engineering, automotive and natural resources, has opened a new office in Zurich, Switzerland. Hana Skreta, who joined Miramar Global after six years with a boutique executive search firm, will lead the new location. She is responsible for client engagement, delivery, and growth initiatives within the
Corporate Culture and Performance: What CEOs Need to Know
Every company, organization and team has a unique culture, characterized by a specific set of behaviors, and performance expectations. While a few norms are defined and documented, many in fact are “tribal rules” established and reinforced through informal channels, according to a new report by Blue Rock Search. “Leadership has a responsibility to proactively establish,
Shelli Herman and Associates Assists President Search for Laguna College of Art + Design
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Steven J. Brittan as the 14th president of the Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD). “Steve is an intentional leader with a commitment to positioning education for social good and leveraging the full potential of creative intelligence,” said Terry Jones, chair of the LCAD
The Moran Company Seeks CEO for Guidance Center of Lea County in New Mexico
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 Guidance Center of Lea County (GCLC) in Hobbs, NM. The organization is a community mental health center serving southeastern New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott is leading the assignment.
Jobless Claims Continue to Improve as Recovery Moves Forward
The Labor Department reported that 353,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020, when it was 256,000. This nearly estimates from economists surveyed by Dow Jones, which was 355,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 1,000 from 348,000 to
Major Executive Search Assists WiTricity in CMO Search
Major Executive Search has placed Amy Barzdukas as chief marketing officer at WiTricity located in Watertown, MA. Partner Patty Meagher Clare and managing director John Rivoir along with founder and CEO Sue Major conducted the assignment. “As more automakers incorporate WiTricity wireless charging into their electric vehicle (EV) roadmaps, with some of those EVs being deployed
Bespoke Partners Appoints Partner
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the ladder within their respective firms. Just recently, San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners named Katelyn Quaresma as partner. “Katelyn has established herself as an exceptional leader throughout her time at Bespoke,” said CEO Kristie Nova. “Not only has she been an outstanding team player and a
Mitigating Unconscious Bias and Driving Diversity for Innovation in a Changed World
The issue of unconscious bias in leadership recruitment is certainly not new. Even in a pre-COVID world, understanding and mitigating unconscious bias has been a longstanding expectation in the recruitment process. In the healthcare industry, this impetus has historically stemmed from a natural sensitivity to increasingly diverse patient populations, as well as increasingly known disparities
McDermott + Bull Places CTO at loanDepot
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum. Chief technology officer hiring, in fact, is expected to grow 18 percent by 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull recently placed Bill Wied as chief technology officer at loanDepot. The assignment was completed by McDermott + Bull co-founder
Brooke Chase Associates Recruits VP of HR for Zamma Corporation
Joseph McElmeel, chairman and CEO of Sarasota, FL-based executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates, has announced that his firm helped place Michelle Irving as vice president of human resources for Zamma Corporation. Executive recruiter led the assignment Richard Mohrman. With extensive experience in human resources, Ms. Irving most recently held the position of regional human resources business partner
Egon Zehnder Recruits Chief Talent Officer for Netflix
Netflix has named PepsiCo’s Sergio Ezama as its next chief talent officer. Egon Zehnder assisted in the search assignment. Mr. Ezama replaces Jessica Neal, who left the streaming company in April after four years heading human resources. “Sergio has a truly global perspective that will be critical as we continue to build teams around the world,
JM Search Recruits CEO for The Parent Company
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, recently assisted in placing former Clorox Company executive Troy Datcher as the new chief executive officer of California-based cannabis firm The Parent Company. This represents the first time a black CEO will lead a major public U.S. cannabis organization. Current CEO Steve
De Sailly Consulting Recruits Dean of UNSW Law & Justice
Australian executive search firm De Sailly Consulting has placed Andrew Lynch as the new dean of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Law & Justice in Sydney. He has been acting dean since last July when George Williams was appointed deputy vice-chancellor (planning and assurance) at UNSW. Dr. Lynch was head of school and
H.I.G. Capital Acquires Oxford Global Resources
H.I.G. Capital, a global alternative investment firm with $45 billion of equity capital under management, has acquired Oxford Global Resources, a provider of specialty staffing and consulting services in the U.S. and Europe, from ASGN Incorporated. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are very excited to partner with Rob McGuckin and the
Anthem Executive Recruits CFO for Wayne State University
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive has placed David Massaron, budget director for the State of Michigan, as chief business officer and CFO/senior vice president for finance and business operations and treasurer for Wayne State University in Detroit. Mr. Massaron will assume his new role upon the completion of the fiscal year 2022 budget for the state. Leading
Daversa Partners Adds Two More Partners
Executive search firm Daversa Partners, which serves the technology sector, has appointed Alex Lebow and Paige Kuderka as the firm’s newest partners. “It has been an absolute pleasure to watch Alex and Paige grow over the years, both professionally and personally,” said CEO Paul Daversa. “Their combined dedication to the firm has been apparent from day one
