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A Playbook for Speed to Hire at the Executive Level
In executive recruiting, companies often focus heavily on identifying the right candidate while overlooking another factor that can determine the outcome of the search: momentum. In today’s competitive executive talent market, highly sought-after leaders are evaluating opportunities in real time, and organizations that hesitate risk losing top talent before the process is complete. The ability
Isaacson, Miller Recruits Chief Information Officer for the Smithsonian Institution
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Zack Kahn as chief information officer for the Smithsonian Institution. Karen Avery and Dan Rodas led this search with Stephen Kalogeras and Caroline Corry. Mr. Kahn joins the Smithsonian Institution with more than two decades of strategic technology leadership across federal agencies, global operations, and mission‑driven institutions. He previously served as
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.
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
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 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
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
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
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
Leading Through Turbulent Times: 5 Things Every CEO Can Focus On
Volatility has a way of stripping leadership down to its essentials, revealing what actually holds a company steady when the ground shifts. For CEOs, the goal in those moments isn’t to predict every turn, but to create the focus, trust, and flexibility that let teams keep moving through it. Major disruptions don’t arrive politely or
Boardwalk Consulting Recruits Chief People Officer for the Union of Concerned Scientists
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting assisted in the placement of Seto Akinjiola as the new chief people officer of the Union of Concerned Scientists in Cambridge, MA. Leading the search for this newly created position was Kathy Bremer, managing director, and Diane Westmore, senior associate. In her new role with the Union of Concerned Scientists, Ms. Akinjiola is responsible
Cameron Carmichael Recruits CEO for PunchListUSA
Gary Green and Barbara Hudson of Cameron Carmichael recently recruited Min Alexander as the new CEO of PunchListUSA. “Attracting a transformative CEO and industry leader with the experience of Min Alexander is a testament to the strength of our business model and our potential for unbounded growth,” said PunchListUSA founders Rich Estes and Jimmy Banyas in a joint statement. “It is significant that, like us,
The International Executive Search Federation Launches Advisory Board
The International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has introduced an advisory board. “The aim is that this body will not only enhance the international network reputation and credibility but will also provide the president and current members of the leadership council with valuable knowledge, information, lessons learned, insights and ideas,” IESF said. “The main goal of the advisory board
The Search for Diversity on Boards
For the last 10 years, LHH Knightsbridge Search’s Tim Hewat has worked closely with Junior Achievement of Canada to help manage the nomination process for executive induction into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame (CBHF). Along the way, his role evolved from managing to challenging, and ultimately to changing the process to make the Canadian Business
Egon Zehnder Assists CalSTRS in CEO Search
Egon Zehnder has assisted the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) in the naming of chief operating officer Cassandra Lichnock as its new chief executive officer. She is the first woman to serve as the pension fund’s chief executive in its 108-year history and will replace current CEO Jack Ehnes. Ms. Lichnock assumes the CEO role on July
Arts Consulting Recruits New Leader for Martha’s Vineyard Museum
Following an international search, Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group has assisted in the recruitment of Heather Seger as the new executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum (MVM). Ms. Seger, who has served as interim executive director for the past year, was the unanimous choice of the board. President Bruce D. Thibodeau led the assignment. “What good
SRI Assists British Gymnastics with CEO Search
The board at British Gymnastics, with help from senior leaders from Sport England, UK Sport, and London-based executive recruiting firm SRI, has appointed Sarah Powell as its new chief executive officer. “The caliber of applicants for this position was outstanding and we are delighted to appoint Sarah, who is a successful executive leader with 20 years’ experience
Riviera Partners Names Chief Technology Officer
Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product and design leader placements, has appointed Andrew (Pete) Peterson as chief technology officer. In this role, Mr. Peterson will oversee the firm’s technology vision, direction, and development by leading the engineering, product and data science teams. “Riviera Partners has created a platform that uses machine learning
Korn Ferry Posts 26 Percent Quarterly Revenue Gain
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2021 fiscal year-end revenues of $1.81 billion, down six percent from a year ago. The Los Angeles-headquartered executive recruiter and leadership consultant – the largest globally and in the Americas as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media – also reported fourth quarter revenue of $555.2 million, an increase of 26 percent. The increase in fee revenue when compared to last
5 Concepts for the Post-Pandemic World of Work
As the pandemic begins to recede in many countries, it has become clear how much the coronavirus has changed the world of work. A year ago, we started to transform our spaces, our time management and how we performed our jobs. In a recent report, Natascha Zeljko, editor-in-chief at FemaleOneZero, and experts from Horton International
NorthWind Partners Recruits CFO for Cognosante
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has assisted in the placement of Steve Hamric as the new chief financial officer of Falls Church, VA-based health IT company Cognosante. Partner Hunter Murray led the assignment. “I am pleased to welcome Steve to our leadership team,” said Michele Kang, founder and CEO of Cognosante. “He complements our strong growth culture, and
SearchWide Global Assists Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and Visit Big Sky in CEO Search
Retained executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global recently assisted in the placement of Brad Niva as the new president and CEO of non-profit Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and Visit Big Sky in Montana. Search firm vice president Nicole Newman led the assignment. Mr. Niva brings an extensive background in the outdoor and tourism industry. Most recently, he served as the
HC Smith Recruits Executive Director for Las Vegas Philharmonic
Following a nationwide executive search, Beachwood, OH-based executive search firm HC Smith has assisted in the placement of Anne Berquist as the new executive director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic. “I am thrilled and honored to be the Las Vegas Philharmonic’s executive director,” Ms. Berquist told Broadway World. “The Philharmonic has a long and prestigious history, and there are countless
Jensen Partners Launches New Platform to Address Diversity Hiring
Today, New York City-based Jensen Partners, a woman-owned executive search and corporate advisory firm for the alternative investment management industry, will launch DiversityMetrics, a software platform to combine self-reported diversity data and human capital management technology specifically designed for asset managers seeking to quantify, measure, report and improve workforce diversity and inclusion – both within their
Caldwell Places Chief Revenue Officer at Rasa Technologies
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, Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, managing
Russell Reynolds Associates Seeking CFO for Rail Safety and Standards Board
The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), an independent British non-profit company which supports its members to deliver a better, safer railway through its research, standards, and analysis, has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to lead its search for a chief financial officer. RSSB’s new CFO, who will be based in London, will report to the
KEES Recruits Executive Director for The Acorn Theater
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm, KEES, has recruited Beth Kaskel as the new executive director of The Acorn Theater (The Acorn) in Three Oaks, MI. Sandra Thompson, who has held The Acorn’s executive director role for the last five years announced in November that she would be shifting from administration, fundraising and general management to focus specifically on artistic
AMS Expands into Russia
Global provider of talent outsourcing and advisory services, AMS, has continued its global expansion opening a dedicated Russian entity. This latest move follows an increase in demand for talent solutions in the country across multiple industries, including pharmaceutical, life sciences and fast-moving consumer goods. “Located in Moscow and with a dedicated team with the knowledge, experience
For Cannabis Companies, Aligning C-Suite Leadership is Job One
Cannabis companies face unique challenges as they move through various business stages. Many founders began as growers without extensive business experience and as they move through the business lifecycle into a second-stage start-up, they might realize they need to scale their leadership team, bringing on people who complement their own strengths and weaknesses for a
Hanold Associates Taps CHRO for Millennium Trust Company
Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive has placed Karyn DeFalco as chief human resources officer (CHRO) for Millennium Trust Company (MTC), a leading fintech company providing retirement and investment solutions. Partners Sandra Peña, Sonia Nagra and Adam Watson led the assignment. Ms. DeFalco’s appointment follows John Samaan’s decision to step down as CHRO to pursue another
Frederickson Partners Recruits Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Leader for Western Digital
Global HR search firm Frederickson Partners recently placed Lise Edwards as senior director of equity, inclusion and diversity at data-centric solutions company Western Digital. “We’re very excited to have Lise join Western Digital in this important role,” said Lori Sundberg, executive vice president and chief human resources officer of Western Digital. “She brings years of experience in
accelHRate Partners with the National Association of Corporate Directors
The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), the authority on boardroom practices representing more than 21,000 board members, has enlisted search firm accelHRate to help grow its board director search practice. NACD Board Search will leverage the membership (including NACD certified directors), partners, and ecosystem of NACD to expertly match qualified candidates to available board
NPAworldwide Adds New Member Firms
As we emerge from a global pandemic, 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 recruitment network NPAworldwide recently added The
Settling Into a New Normal and What That Means for Jobs Recovery
The Labor Department reported that 412,000 Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones expected 360,000 new jobless claims. The previous week’s level was revised down by 1,000 from 376,000 to 375,000. The 4-week moving average was 395,000, a decrease of 8,000 from the previous week’s revised average. This is
4 Lessons on Leading Through a Crisis
Having worked through a global pandemic that affected every business, some leaders are emerging from this crucible more agile, energized and better prepared to guide their organizations through recovery and beyond. In a recent report, ChampionScott Partners showcased four such leaders and the opportunities they saw in adversity to make their companies stronger, more resilient
Furst Group Places Chief Growth Officer for Paradigm
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has placed Tom Mafale in the newly created role of chief growth officer at Paradigm, an industry leader in solving catastrophic and complex healthcare challenges. Paradigm created the chief growth officer position to focus on delivering new and existing products and services to a wider range of
The Bedford Consulting Group Recruits CEO for AceAge
Toronto-based executive search and talent management solutions provider Bedford Consulting Group has helped to place John Simmons, former general manager of Abbot Diagnostics, as the new chief executive officer of AceAge Inc. “John is a proven leader with a track record of delivering outstanding results in senior roles with an extensive background in medical devices,” stated
ClearPath Solutions Introduces Franchise Match Division
ClearPath Solutions, an Irvine, CA-based executive search firm focused on the restaurant and retail industry, has launched ClearPath Franchise Match. “A firm dedicated to serving the franchise industry, ClearPath Franchise Match connects high-growth brands with well-capitalized, proven and operationally savvy franchisees,” the search firm said. ClearPath Solutions partners with founders, brands, family offices and private
Penn State Hires Spencer Stuart to Assist in Search for Next President
As part of a phased approach, the board of trustees of Pennsylvania State University has gathered an array of critical characteristics that the university community wants in the successor to president Eric J. Barron, who is retiring next year. The school has called in Spencer Stuart to assist in the search for a new leader.
Diversified Search Group Names Vice Chair and Leader of Global Corporate Practice Group
Diversified Search Group has appointed Aileen K. Alexander to the newly created position as vice chair and leader of the firm’s global corporate practice group. “Aileen Alexander is an innovator,” said founder and chair Judith M. von Seldeneck. “Her exceptional experience and industry insights will contribute significantly not only to our rapidly growing firm, but also
Caldwell Recruits Senior Partner for Apollo Global Management
Caldwell recently assisted Apollo Global Management in the recruitment of Craig Farr as a senior partner to lead capital solutions activities for the firm. Paul Heller, managing partner of Caldwell’s global financial services practice, led the assignment along with consultant Cristina Toohey. In this newly created position, Mr. Farr will spearhead Apollo’s centralized origination, structuring and distribution platform, reporting
