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Occam Global Recruits CEO for Aura Biosciences
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has recruited Natalie Holles as CEO of NASDAQ-traded Aura Biosciences in Boston, MA. She succeeds Elisabet de los Pinos, the company’s founder, who stepped down from her roles as CEO and president and member of the board of directors on the same date. “We are delighted to welcome Natalie as CEO
Greenwood Asher & Associates Assists Murray State with Provost Search
Following a national search, Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Paul Twigg as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Murray State. Jeremy Duff and Lois Stetson led the assignment. “I am excited to welcome Dr. Twigg to Murray State University as our next provost and vice president
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.
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
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?
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
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
Contingency vs Traditional Recruiting: Proven Strategies for Competitive Hiring
Executive search is a specialized recruitment process focused on identifying and securing candidates for senior leadership and C-suite positions that require specific skills, experience, and cultural alignment. Unlike traditional recruiting methods, executive search firms proactively target passive candidates – successful executives who aren’t actively seeking new roles, according to a recent report from Denver, CO-based TriSearch.
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
Pandemic Era Spawns New C-Suite Roles
Along with the sudden rise in importance of chief people officers and CHROs, the pandemic era has spawned many new C-suite roles. But only some of those are likely to become permanent corporate fixtures when the current crisis subsides. A new report from Boyden explores how CEOs have used the creation of new executive roles to help
Greenwich Harbor Partners Fills Board Position for Teach for America
Greenwich Harbor Partners partnered with Teach for America in the recent recruitment of TransUnion executive Hilary Chidi to its board of directors. “Hilary is a rising star at TransUnion, a company that is highly committed to social responsibility; he was immediately attracted to Teach for America’s mission to support educational equality and excellence,” said Ted Pryor,
Phillips Oppenheim Seeking CEO for New York Botanical Garden
New York City-based executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has been retained by the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Leading the assignment are Sarah James and Becky Klein. NYBG seeks a leader of unusual vision, intellectual breadth, managerial experience and cultural sensibility to enhance the relevance, impact and appeal
CannabizTeam Opens Office in Newark
Marijuana has become more popular than ever in the last few years. The legalization of the plant in many countries has led to a boom in the cannabis industry. Consumer spending on cannabis has topped $10 billion in the U.S. alone, and worldwide sales are expected to top $100 billion before the end of the
Canadian Executive Search Market Recovery Expected by Second Half of 2021
Canada enjoys second best-ranked status among countries around the world, according to the latest Best Countries survey by U.S. News & World Report. The Great White North is second only to Switzerland and jumped ahead of Japan in the latest roster—which is based on global perception metrics that include cultural influence, entrepreneurship, heritage, power, and
RSR Partners Assists Driscoll’s in Finding New Board Members
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Greenwich, Conn-based RSR Partners recently assisted fresh berry provider Driscoll’s in the recruitment of Giannella Alvarez,
WittKieffer Names Chief Growth and Transformation Officer
Following a wave of recent growth, WittKieffer has appointed Michael Castleman as chief growth and transformation officer. “Michael’s keen ability to assess and navigate complex situations as well as his comprehensive perspective and innovative thinking made him an ideal addition to our leadership team,” said Andrew Chastain, president and CEO of WittKieffer. “He will be a
CohenTaylor Executive Search Seeks Executive Director for Regions Hospital Foundation in Minnesota
Minneapolis-based CohenTaylor Executive Search is conducting a search for an executive director for the Regions Hospital Foundation. The organization provides oversight and stewardship of all charitable contributions to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN, which is part of HealthPartners, the largest consumer-governed, non-profit health care organization in the nation. “The executive director is primarily responsible
Harvey Nash Appoints Regional Managing Director for Central Europe
Even in the face of 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 firms, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Recently, recruitment firm Harvey Nash appointed
The State of Gender Equity on Boards
Around the world, countries are taking steps to encourage or mandate improved gender diversity in the boardroom. Those efforts vary by country, as does their effectiveness and impact. A new report from Russell Reynolds Associates takes a look at what is occurring in six countries, hears from female directors about what they are encountering, and provides recommendations
Caldwell Recruits Chief People Officer for Showpad
With the coronavirus crisis disrupting the world economy, chief people officers are stepping up at businesses across the country, playing a vital role in helping organizations navigate what is looking to be an even greater challenge than the Great Recession. As a recent article in The Economist put it, chief people officers “keep employees healthy;
Reffett Associates Recruits IT Leader for the Seattle Mariners
Following a nationwide search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has assisted the Seattle Mariners Baseball Club in placing Kari Escobedo as the new senior vice president of information technology. The search was led by Marshall Reffett, managing director, with assistance from Tom Young, director of operations. This is a new position for the organization and is part of
WittKieffer Partners with International Hospital Federation to Expand Young Executive Leaders Program
WittKieffer and the International Hospital Federation (IHF) have announced a partnership to advance the organization’s Young Executive Leaders (YEL) program, helping to build global healthcare leadership competencies among the next generation of leaders in the IHF’s international membership. WittKieffer has supported the healthcare industry for more than 50 years, serving as strategic leadership experts to
Felix Global Appoints Executive Search Practice Leaders
Leadership development, recruiting and outplacement firm Felix Global has named search veterans J. James O’Malley and Marc Detampel to lead its new executive search practice. “The addition of an executive search practice has been a desire of ours for some time as we continually look for ways to diversify our expertise,” said Jim Graham, chief
Jobless Claims Fall Below 700,000 for First Time Since Pandemic Start
The Labor Department reported this morning that 684,000 Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. This marks the first time the number has fallen below 700,000 since the COVID-19 pandemic began just over a year ago. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected 735,000 filings. The reading also lands below the previous week’s revised total of
CarrSports Creates Social Justice Recruiting Team
Executive search firm CarrSports Consulting LLC has established a social justice recruiting team led by vice president Kevin Anderson. Working closely with Mr. Anderson in an advisory role will be Leonard N. Moore, former vice president for diversity and community engagement at the University of Texas at Austin. “In light of today’s media and intense public scrutiny, it
Allegis Partners Recruits CEO for the United States Golf Association
New York City-based executive search firm Allegis Partners has placed Mike Whan as the eighth chief executive officer of the United States Golf Association (USGA) in Liberty Corner, NJ. Current USGA CEO Mike Davis will step down later this year. The assignment was led by Keith Meyer, global practice leader of Allegis Partners’ CEO & board practice. “When
LPA Search Partners Assists Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Recruit New Board Member
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Willa Perlman, co-CEO of LPA Search Partners, recently assisted learning technology company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) in the
Russam Seeks Chief Executive for Association for Project Management
U.K.-based executive search firm Russam has been enlisted to find a new chief executive for the Association for Project Management (APM). Headquartered in Princes Risborough, in Buckinghamshire, England, APM is an educational charity committed to developing and promoting the value of project management in order to deliver improved project outcomes for the benefit of society.
When and Why to Hire an Executive Search Firm
Employers typically use an executive search firm when a top job opening is important enough, senior enough and when discretion is at a premium. Organizations justifiably take many criteria into account when considering partnering with an executive search firm. However, engaging an executive search firm is an investment of time and resources, which means that it
Herbert Mines Associates Partners with Resilience Capital on CR Brands CEO Search
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates recently partnered with Cleveland-based private equity group Resilience Capital Partners in the recruitment of Tim Seitter as president and CEO of its portfolio company CR Brands. Managing director Christine Augustine led the assignment. “Tim combines an established track record in growing brands with an intimate
ZRG Recruits CEO for Topgolf Entertainment Group
ZRG recently helped to place Artie Starrs, the global chief executive officer of Pizza Hut, as the new CEO of Topgolf Entertainment Group. Mr. Starrs assumes the role on April 5. Search consultants Brian Meany and Jamie Crittenberger led the assignment. “We are thrilled to have Artie join Topgolf as he leads the company, together with the team, on
Jobplex Names Diversity & Inclusion Practice Group Leader
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR International, has expanded with of Soladé Rowe as managing partner and leader of the diversity and inclusion practice group. Based out of Washington, D.C., Mr. Rowe also will serve as a strategic advisor supporting firm-wide diversity initiatives for DHR. “His wealth of experience recruiting diverse leaders across a broad range of
Stanton Chase Names New Global Practice Leaders
Baltimore, MD-headquartered Stanton Chase has named five new appointments to positions of global practice leaders, a move that will help the organization meet the many new challenges it expects ahead this year. Fiona Lavan, the vice chair of practice groups for Stanton Chase who will be newly leading the government, education, and non-profit practice group, made the
Crisis Put CEO Successions on Hold in 2020; Expect a Rebound in 2021
Boards of directors tend to pause leadership successions during turbulent times, and 2020 was no exception. Globally, CEO transitions fell 42 percent between the first and second halves of the year as the economic strain of the COVID-19 pandemic intensified, according to research from by Spencer Stuart. But there’s good news: CEO transitions are likely
