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The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
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.
Myers McRae Leading CFO Search for Florida A&M
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting is currently leading the senior vice president and vice president for finance and administration and CFO search for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. CEO J. Barry Hasenkopf is leading the assignment. This executive position will serve as a key strategic advisor to the president and board of trustees
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
Wilton & Bain Names Co-Leaders of North America
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has appointed partners Sam Wallace and Hannah Robb as co-leads of North America as the firm increases its focus and investment in the region. “Success in North America is the key strategic pillar in Wilton & Bain’s growth ambitions,” said David Heron, CEO. “I am delighted
The Talent Gap Behind the Next Organizational Shift
McKinsey’s The State of Organizations 2026 identifies three “tectonic forces” reshaping companies: technology disruption, economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and fundamental workforce shifts. Drawing on more than 10,000 leaders across 16 countries and 17 industries, including more than 3,000 U.S. respondents, the report finds organizational priorities shifting from short-term resilience toward sustained productivity, performance, and long-term value creation.
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Kairos Power
Partners Chris Clements and Cher Murphy of ON Partners have recruited Ignacio (Nacho) Redondo as chief financial officer of Kairos Power, marking an important step as the company builds the financial infrastructure to support its continued growth and expansion. “Nacho Redondo brings the experience, leadership, and financial expertise that Kairos Power needs as we enter this next phase of
The Rise of the Chief Growth Officer
The chief growth officer is rapidly emerging as one of the most discussed executive roles in today’s C-suite, yet adoption of the position remains surprisingly limited. This paradox highlights a critical shift in how modern organizations approach revenue generation and leadership accountability, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at
Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for the National Association for Interpretation
Cooper Coleman LLC has assisted in the recruitment of Karon Moody Harden as chief executive officer of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). She officially began her tenure on November 2, following a national search conducted by Cooper Coleman in partnership with NAI’s board of directors. “Throughout the search, we were looking for a leader who
Odgers Strengthens Global Financial Services Practice
Odgers has announced two strategic leadership appointments that further strengthen its global financial services practice. Charles F. Preusse, managing partner and chair of U.S. financial services, has been named executive director on the board of Odgers USA, while Kevin C. McKeon, managing partner and head of U.S. financial services, has been named co-head of the global
Local Vs. Global Leadership: Trends Shaping Executive Hiring
Executive hiring continues to evolve as organizations respond to increasingly interconnected markets, changing workforce expectations and rapid technological advancements. Building effective leadership teams requires a careful balance between global perspective and local understanding, ensuring that senior executives can respond to complexity, support sustainable growth and lead confidently across diverse business environments. The Kestria Global Leadership Barometer
U.S. Economy Adds 165,000 Jobs in October as Unemployment Rate Edges Down to 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 165,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment increased in professional and business services, in healthcare, and in transportation and warehousing. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates showed little or no change in October
Russell Reynolds Associates Assists the University at Buffalo in Recruiting 16th President
Following an international search, global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Caroline Attardo Genco as the 16th president of the University at Buffalo (UB). She succeeds Satish K. Tripathi, who is stepped down after 15 years of distinguished service as UB’s president. Jett Pihakis, Steve Newton, and Joi Hayes-Scott led
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
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. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
4 Talent Trends Redefining Leadership Strategy in 2026
As organizations enter 2026, leadership teams are confronting a rapidly shifting landscape where disruption is constant and competitive advantage is increasingly talent-driven. The most successful companies will be those that align their people strategy with the new realities of speed, technology, and rising expectations for how leaders show up. Against that backdrop, four themes are
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
The Delta Variant: Crushing Our Mindset
The health damage is distressingly easy to spot: Nearly 630,000 new cases a day worldwide on average, and more than 9,500 daily deaths since COVID’s Delta variant arrived. According to a new report from Korn Ferry, the toll on organizations is also relatively easy to quantify: ships unable to unload cargo because of a global
Kincannon & Reed Recruits COO for MyLand
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed has assisted in the placement of Sascha Welz as the new chief operating officer of MyLand, a soil health company. “Sascha is a trusted leader who consistently delivers results,” said Dane Hague, co-founder and president of MyLand. “He embodies our mission, culture and passion for impact. Sascha is a team builder.”
CIO Partners Seeks Chief Information Officer for PRGX Global
The chief information officer is considered one of the most strategic roles in any organization. Still, headhunting within the function remains challenging, as skilled C-suite IT professionals are among the toughest to find. Recently, CIO Partners Inc. was selected by PRGX Global Inc. as its exclusive partner to lead the search for a chief information officer, located in
