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What to Look for When Hiring an Executive Search Firm
Securing the right leadership talent can shape an organization’s strategic direction for years, making the choice of a search partner an important business decision. As companies compete for experienced executives who can drive growth, manage complexity, and guide transformation, many are turning to specialized firms that focus exclusively on identifying and attracting senior leaders. Understanding
Rokos Group Tapped by Contra Costa Health for CFO Search
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Contra Costa Health (CCH) in California to lead in its search for a new CFO. Greg Rokos and Mark Lukacs are leading the assignment. This leader will help guide the financial strategy for a large, integrated public health system delivering hospital, health plan, behavioral health,
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.
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
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?
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
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
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
How AI Is Reshaping the Talent Pyramid
The professional services talent pyramid is collapsing from the bottom, and AI is forcing the collapse, according to a recent report from Clark R. Beecher, managing partner and co-founder at Beecher Reagan. “For decades, professional services firms have followed the traditional leverage model to deliver work and maximize profitability,” the report said. “The few partners
Maintaining Your Organization’s Culture a Year Into the Pandemic
It’s been more than a year since the start of the pandemic. In that time, people been working from home; virtual meetings have become the new normal; and staying connected with one’s co-workers has been challenging. According to Gallup’s Health and Well-Being Index, adults reported struggling with stress and worry, particularly those working from home
Heidrick & Struggles Acquires Business Talent Group
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has closed the acquisition of Business Talent Group (BTG), a marketplace for high-end independent talent on demand. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The addition of BTG complements Heidrick & Struggles’ strategic growth initiative to expand its suite of executive talent solutions to address new and ongoing
Search Solution Elite Tapped by San Jose Sharks to Find General Counsel
Legal recruiting generally has been booming this year. According to Hunt Scanlon Media, lawyers employed by government agencies in particular have been on the move as a result of changes in government administrations. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 10 percent through 2022. Demand for legal work is expected to be robust as individuals, businesses, and all levels of
Furst Group Recruits CEO for Hospice of Northwest Ohio
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has placed Richard E. Russell as the new president and chief executive officer of Hospice of Northwest Ohio, which is based in Perrysburg, OH. He succeeds Judy Seibenick, who recently retired after 40 years with the agency, 20 of them in the top
Boyden Opens New Office in Dublin, Ireland
Boyden has opened a new office in Dublin which will be led by partners Kevin Keegan and Maurice Carr. Dubbed Boyden Ireland, the location will focus on executive search, interim management, and leadership consulting. “Ireland has consolidated its position as a bridgehead for Europe and has significant potential both for our existing clients and domestic Irish firms,” said Nick Robeson, managing
Candidate Sourcing Strategies to Build Your Talent Pipeline
Attracting qualified talent is a core goal of HR teams throughout the world. This competitive hiring landscape we are now in can be especially challenging for companies to stand out from the competition. “If you want to stay competitive, you need to source quality talent that is screened and ready for positions in the future,”
HealthSearch Partners Recruits CEO for Williamson Medical Center
As health systems recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, they face an ever-worsening provider shortage. According to executive recruiters who ply their trade in the healthcare sector, executive leadership talent across the space is in higher demand than ever. The pandemic likely accelerated the trend, but as we head toward a post-COVID-19 era demand is likely to
Mogul Places Top Sales Executive at Venture-Backed Bellwether Coffee
Recruitment platform and executive search firm Mogul recently placed Randall Alston as the new vice president of enterprise sales for Bellwether Coffee. “Working with Mogul has raised the bar on recruiting,” said Levi Booser, chief people and culture officer at Bellwether Coffee. “When I discuss with Mogul that our hiring practices and outcomes need to reflect
Korn Ferry Appoints VP of Data Science and Machine Learning
Korn Ferry has named Tammy Wang as vice president of data science and machine learning for the firm’s digital business. She is based in San Francisco. “Tammy has incredible experience working as a leader in the data science and machine learning space. Her breadth of industry and technical knowledge is going to be an asset to
DHR International to Lead New Initiative to Support Non-Profit Organizations
Chicago-based executive search firm DHR International has named James Abruzzo, the long-time global head of the search firm’s non-profit recruiting practice, to lead an initiative to support non-profit organizations with their succession planning needs. The need for succession planning in non-profit organizations is underscored by Mr. Abruzzo’s research of the activities of non-profit board members and CEOs. In 2020,
The Search is On for Top HR Leaders and Diversity Chiefs as Pandemic Risks Subside
As the pandemic raged last spring, chief human resource leaders stepped up around the nation. Their task: to play a starring role in helping organizations navigate and fight through a challenge that has turned out to be far greater than the one faced during the Great Recession. A recent article in The Economist noted that
Best Practices for Working with Executive Recruiters
Recruiting is a nebulous industry with a lot of common misconceptions, according to report by Derek Gracey and Jacob Watkins of search firm Charles Aris. The recruiters provide a review of best practices they’ve found to be helpful when working with recruiters. Among them: be open, talk early and often, and be familiar with smart phone technology.
The Bowdoin Group Recruits CFO and Board Member for Genome Medical
The Bowdoin Group has placed two key leaders for Genome Medical in South San Francisco, CA. Russell Glass, CEO of on-demand mental health company Ginger, becomes an independent director for the company, and Brandon Poe, who comes to the business from Illumina, was named CFO. Genome Medical is accelerating the availability, efficiency, and effectiveness of
Academic Search Recruits President for Peru State College
Following an extensive national search, education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has helped to place Michael Evans as the 34th president of Peru State College. He will succeed Dan Hanson, who announced his plans to retire last October. Dr. Evans will begin his new role on July 1. The assignment was led by president and senior consultant Jay Lemons,
Heidrick & Struggles Announces Promotions
Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles recently announced that as part of its annual promotions process, the firm promoted 12 partners and 17 principals in its search and consulting businesses globally. “Heidrick & Struggles has a long-standing commitment to developing top talent and promoting from within our firm,” said Krishnan Rajagopalan, president and CEO. “This group of newly
Economic Rebound Gains Momentum as Unemployment Falls to Six Percent
Employment rose by 916,000 in March as the U.S. unemployment rate dropped to six percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. That’s down from a peak of 14.7 percent last April, but still far above the 3.5 percent rate in February before the coronavirus pandemic led to mass economic
Bristol Myers Squibb Turns to Carrington & Carrington for Chief Diversity Officer
Competitive companies, organizations and government agencies know that diversity matters. Simply put, the demographics of the nation must mirror the workforce. Research shows that organizations that unleash the potential of diverse talent innovate faster and see better business results. According to executive recruiters, it starts by attracting proven talent with diverse perspectives, experiences, and contributions,
Buffkin / Baker Retained by Lees-McRae College to Find New Provost
Executive recruitment firm Buffkin / Baker has been selected to assist in the search for a new provost for Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC. Managing partner Martin M. Baker is leading the assignment. Lees-McRae College is seeking a creative and dynamic provost who will provide active and engaged leadership across campus, serve as an advocate for the faculty,
RM Nephew and Associates Recruits CFO for the International Institute of New England
Executive recruitment firm RM Nephew and Associates has placed Celine Mukasine as the new chief financial officer for the International Institute of New England (IINE) in Boston. Ms. Mukasine previously served as director of finance for Foster America, an organization that seeks to improve the lives of those who are in foster care or at risk
IRC Appoints Americas Regional Leader
IRC Global Executive Search Partners has named Carlos Acosta of The QualiFind Group as the group’s Americas regional leader. “We are very fortunate to have Carlos joining us in this key position,” said Rohan Carr, president of IRC Global Executive Search Partners. “He brings a depth of search experience and s strong knowledge and understanding of
McDonald’s is Tying Executive Pay to Diversity Hiring. Will it Work?
In the end, money may be the only way to move the diversity needle. After watching most companies fail in their efforts to add more leaders of color, the world’s largest fast-food chain has decided to tie executive pay to the challenge. McDonald’s said it is tying 15 percent of an executive’s bonus to meeting targets
More Americans Shifting to Hybrid Workplace Model as Spring Recovery Begins
The Labor Department reported this morning that 719,000 Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected 675,000 filings. This is the lowest level for this average since March 14, 2020 when it was 225,500. The previous week’s average was revised down by 6,500 from 736,000 to 729,500. The Fed have
Vetted Solutions Tapped by the American Composites Manufacturers Association to Find New Leader
Washington, D.C.- based executive recruitment firm Vetted Solutions has been selected by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) to lead its search for a new executive director. The search firm is seeking a dynamic leader to head the world’s largest composites industry trade group. Vetted notes that this is an “exciting opportunity for a seasoned executive with
JM Search Forms Legal Practice
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has formed a new legal practice. Dan Figueroa has been named partner and leader of the new focus area. “Adding Dan to our team and launching this new practice further demonstrates the strength of our growing commitment to our clients,” said John
The Moran Company Seeks CEO for National Ski Patrol
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, was recently enlisted to find the next chief executive officer for the non-profit National Ski Patrol (NSP), a leading authority on winter mountain safety, in Lakewood, CO. Leading the assignment is senior search consultant Bruce Scott. The CEO of the NSP will
Here’s How Women Leaders Can Win Their First Board Seat
Until the late 1970s, corporate board seats were generally filled by “friends of the boss.” In other words, they were usually men, mostly white, who often ran in the same social circles as the CEO. By the 1980s, however, societal demands for corporate diversity began to change boardrooms—or at least what they looked like. While
Why Recruiters Hunt for Inner Motivation
Is it the need for power and prestige that drives you in your career, or is it a passionate desire to change the world? People are different, and the things that make us perform at our best can also be varied, according to a new report by EMA Partners International’s Frode Pettersen. Located in Norway
Greenwood /Asher & Associates Seeks CHRO for Clemson University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood /Asher & Associates has been enlisted to find an associate vice president/ chief human resources officer for Clemson University in South Carolina. Clemson is seeking a dynamic leader on the cutting-edge of human resources strategy development and deployment, said Greenwood /Asher & Associates. The new CHRO will report to
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Foot Locker
Crist|Kolder Associates recently assisted in the placement of Andrew E. Page as the new chief financial officer of New York-based specialty athletic retailer Foot Locker. The previous CFO, Lauren B. Peters, is retiring. “We are pleased to welcome Andrew as Foot Locker’s next CFO,” said Richard Johnson, chairman and CEO. “Andrew has a track record of successfully leading finance functions,
NPAworldwide Adds Seven New Member Firms
Seven new independent recruitment firms have recently joined member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide in the U.S., Europe, Canada and Africa. These search outfits seek to increase revenue through NPAworldwide’s cooperative placement model. NPA now has 550 member offices across six continents. “Congratulations to each of our new members,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “By joining the network, these
Skills Gap Points to Why We Need to Invest in People
Despite persistently high unemployment levels, the skills gap is costing employers millions of dollars annually. A new report from Horton International explores how the skills gap has evolved and takes a deep dive into what human capital is, and why we need to invest in people. The report, authored by Guillermo Cepeda, says that the nature of work is







