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Mercuri Urval Appoints New Leader
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has recently appointed Lene Juul Pedersen as group director. Ms. Pedersen is the firm’s global head of compliance and data protection, where she leads compliance strategy and ensures high standards in data protection and operational excellence across the firm’s global executive search and talent advisory services. “I’m very proud and
Rethinking Executive Due Diligence: Beyond the Traditional Background Check
As organizations place greater scrutiny on leadership appointments, the scope of due diligence is expanding well beyond traditional screening methods. Companies are recognizing that evaluating senior executives requires a more comprehensive understanding of risk, reputation, and long-term impact. In this environment, firms are adopting more rigorous and nuanced approaches to assess candidates before they take
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.
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
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?
Noto Group Expands Global Consumer Practice
Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Noto Group has expanded with the additions of Kirsty Schofield and Cody Johns as senior partners in its global consumer practice. “Cody and Kirsty bring highly complementary experience, deep consumer sector expertise, and a genuine connection to how we work,” said Sara Spirko, managing partner of Noto Group. “Both understand that finding
millionways Brings a New Behavioral Intelligence Lever to Executive Recruiters
Hunt Scanlon Ventures this week completed its investment in millionways, a New York-headquartered company that builds a behavioral intelligence layer of AI for human agent workforces, utilizing a proprietary Large Psychology Model called Thorsten-4. The platform focuses on understanding human signals, motives, and behavior patterns, with applications used across AI governance, executive hiring, talent management,
AI Governance Jobs Platform Builds Early Momentum Through Privacy-First Model
AI-Governance-Jobs.com, operated by GRC Careers LLC and led by founder and CEO F. Jay Hall, has built its model combining specialized career content, organic search visibility, and privacy-focused architecture. The company’s latest executive summary reports 134,499 organic impressions over a recent 28-day period, achieved roughly three months after launch — without advertising. As demand grows
Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Linfield University with the Recruitment of Dean of the School of Business
Blue Rock Human Capital has helped to recruit Isaac Wanasika as the new dean of the School of Business at Linfield University. “Blue Rock Human Capital was pleased to work with Linfield University to identify their new dean of the School of Business,” said Jacquelyn Elliot, president and COO of Blue Rock Human Capital. “Today’s higher
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
Pacific International Launches Leadership Coaching and Onboarding Service
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has launched its new leadership coaching & onboarding service. This will support senior leaders through the highest-stakes moments of their careers. “The first months in a new leadership role, a step-change in scope, the pressures of C-suite leadership – these are just a few examples where an experienced coach can turn potential into value faster
Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources
Boyden Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
Signium Expands in Belgium
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of Valérie Schmitt to its Belgium team as leadership consulting partner. “She will support executive leaders and teams at pivotal moments, helping them navigate change and succeed in complex environments,” Signium said. “Drawing on more than 25 years in senior corporate roles, Valérie brings first-hand experience of the challenges
How AI Is Reshaping Executive Assessment and Leadership Development
As organizations look for better ways to evaluate leadership potential, attention is shifting beyond experience and credentials toward how executives actually think, communicate, make decisions, and respond under pressure. AI is creating new ways to analyze those behaviors at scale, giving executive search firms and their clients additional evidence when assessing qualities such as judgment,
Caldwell Assists the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the Recruitment of President for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the recruitment of Cheryl Nelms as president of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Her appointment follows a competitive international executive recruitment process. The search was led by Drew Railton, Lucy Antrobus, and Vicky O’Connor. “With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada, Cheryl brings
TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has helped to recruit Trent Anderson as vice president of development of Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). This follows an extensive national search led by senior strategist, Brenna Thomas. “Throughout the search process, Trent distinguished himself with his strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and thoughtful leadership,” said Daniel Battsek, president of Film
True Launches Forensic Referencing Offering
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Forensic Referencing, a new executive intelligence capability designed to help investors, boards, and executive teams make more informed leadership decisions before high-stakes investments, new business relationships, and governance milestones. The firm named Christopher Jaros as partner to build and lead the offering. This expands True’s executive intelligence platform, complementing the firm’s executive
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Director
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Chrissie Shin as director. “Please join us in congratulating Chrissie Shin on her promotion to director,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Chrissie’s expertise, dedication, and leadership have made her an invaluable member of the Long Ridge team. This well-earned promotion reflects the impact she’s made across
Navigating the Search for Tomorrow’s HBCU Leaders
Leadership searches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are becoming increasingly complex as boards weigh institutional legacy against rapidly changing demands on presidents. Executive search firms are being asked to identify candidates who can balance mission, financial stewardship, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy while navigating a more uncertain higher education environment. For HBCUs,
Egon Zehnder Called in by CAAT Pension Plan for CEO Search
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by the board of trustees of CAAT Pension Plan to lead in its search for its next chief executive officer. This follows the departure of longtime CEO and plan manager Derek Dobson, who recently resigned. The search will focus on leaders who can combine strategic vision with operational discipline,
The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. To support the
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
RH Perry & Associates Retained by Skagit Valley College for President Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Skagit Valley College (SVC) to lead in its search for a new president. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Sue DeWine and and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The president will strengthen the College’s ‘One College’ approach by enhancing coordination across the Mount Vernon and Whidbey
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
Talent and Technology: A New Generation of Leadership Enters the C-Suite
Riviera Partners recently surveyed more than 1,000 technology executives for its latest report, revealing a major shift in how leadership is structured. According to Riviera, AI, data, and cross-functional collaboration are pushing technology roles to the forefront of enterprise strategy. The report identifies five key positions now demanding space in the C-suite: Chief AI officer (CAIO), chief
The Christopher Group Recruits VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for The Philadelphia Inquirer
The Christopher Group, a boutique HR executive search and business solutions firm, has recruited Jameel Rush as vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion for The Philadelphia Inquirer, the third-oldest continually operating daily newspaper in the United States. The search was led and placed by managing director, Pam Noble, and managing partner Ayla Maloney. “It was an
Jobless Claims Remain High with Hopes of a Springtime Recovery Ahead
The Labor Department reported this morning that 712,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected 725,000 filings. The reading lands below the previous week’s revised total of 754,000 and marks a third decline in the last four weeks. Before the virus flattened the U.S. economy a year ago,
Kirk Palmer and Associates Assists Vince Holding Corp. with CEO Search
Retailers are facing major shifts in their businesses that call for “unprecedented responses” by CEOs who can effectively lead through change, intuitively and analytically understand the evolving consumer and respond to ambiguity, according to a recent Korn Ferry report. Developed markets, excess retail capacity, rising prices, the shift to omni-channel retail and the unpredictable pace of
Heidrick & Struggles Names Leader for Consulting Practice in Asia Pacific and the Middle East Region
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has appointed Markus Wiesner as regional managing partner for Asia Pacific and the Middle East region for Heidrick Consulting. He will take over from Ian Johnston who served as the APAC Heidrick Consulting lead for the past two years and will continue to focus on driving growth and market share for
How to Create a Culture of Retention
As executive recruiters know well, companies everywhere are full of eager employees poised for fresh starts. There is recharged enthusiasm for conquering previously unconquerable projects, and scaling new heights, according to a report by David Hunt of Hyperion Executive Search. “During lockdown and working from home, time with family and friends has allowed for the
Academic Search Taps New President for Saint Elizabeth University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has helped to place Gary B. Crosby as president of Saint Elizabeth University (SEU) in Morristown, NJ. Dr. Crosby becomes the first African-American and first male president in the university’s 121-year history. He is the institution’s eighth president. Dr. Crosby succeeds Helen J. Steubert, who will continue to lead
KEES Seeks Key Leaders for New Partnership of Envision Unlimited and UCP Seguin of Chicago
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm KEES (Kistner Eddy Executive Services) has been enlisted to help fill two key leadership positions for a new organization being created by the strategic partnership of the non-profits Envision Unlimited and United Cerebral Palsy Seguin of Greater Chicago (UCP Seguin). KEES’ president and CEO Heather Eddy is leading the search for
Allen Austin Launches Interim Leadership Practice
Top experts in talent management and C-suite recruitment agree that interim leaders will likely play a significant and growing role in top grading senior-level positions in a post-pandemic era, where costs and efficiency underpin executive hiring. Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin recently unveiled a new push into the sector by establishing a dedicated interim leadership
SeekOut Secures $65 Million in Funding
Investors are pouring money into recruiting solutions businesses, especially those with an AI component. SeekOut, the AI-powered talent 360 platform, has received $65 million in series B funding led by Tiger Global Management, with participation from existing investors Madrona Venture Group and Mayfield. This capital raise brings SeekOut’s total funding to $73 million. This funding round
Setting the Pace for Virtual Outplacement
The process of looking for a new job after having been laid off has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, which has only been accelerated by the pandemic. Virtual outplacement firm Careerminds, a longtime leader in its field, has met these changing norms by focusing on two key aspects for individuals participating in its
DHR International Forms Alliance with Harvard Business School Latino Alumni Association
Chicago-based executive search firm DHR International has partnered with the Harvard Business School Latino Alumni Association (HBSLAA) to create “21 in ’21” – a program aimed at placing 21 Latinx executives in board roles before the end of this year. DHR will engage its Latino Diversity Network of board-ready executives and its clients to bring more Latinx executives to
SPMB Assists NewView Capital in Recruitment of New COO
SPMB, an executive search firm that helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has assisted in the placement of James Beck as the new chief operating officer of venture capital firm NewView Capital in Burlingame, CA. “NewView Capital is elated to announce Mr. Beck as our new COO,” said Ravi Viswanathan, founder and managing partner of
Corsica Partners Acquires Benz International Group
Acquisitions and consolidations continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Recently, Sarasota, FL-based executive search firm Corsica Partners acquired Benz International Group. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founding partner Chris Benz was named managing director and search-for-search professionals practice lead. “We are delighted to
Diversified Search Group Names Global Insurance Practice Leader
Diversified Search Group has expanded with the recent addition of veteran search executive Margaret Resce Milkint as a managing director and leader of its global insurance practice. She will be based in Chicago. “Margaret brings not only a wealth of experience, but also so much more,” said Dale E. Jones, the firm’s CEO. “Her strategic thinking,
Private Equity Firms Invest in Raising Their Talent Game
Getting talent decisions right – especially at speed, across dozens of portfolio companies – is one of the stiffest challenges private equity firms face today. According to a new report by Bain & Company there are many reasons why talent decisions can go awry but those with the highest success rates have something in common:
Executive Transitions and Onboarding During a Crisis
Even in the best of circumstances, leadership transitions are tough. Failure rates are estimated at 40 percent, and it often takes six months or longer for a new leader to get to break-even productivity levels. Today, as leaders are operating in the most challenging circumstances most have ever faced, a new report from Russell Reynolds
Benchmark Executive Search Recruits Chief Product Officer for Janes
Benchmark Executive Search, a boutique provider of cybersecurity talent, has placed Ben Conklin as chief product officer at Janes, a U.K.-based global agency for open-source defense intelligence. The position reports to CEO Blake Bartlett. “Ben Conklin brings a distinguished background, proven leadership and deep product and mission expertise to Janes,” said Jeremy King, president of
CalSTRS Taps Egon Zehnder to Find CEO
Egon Zehnder, the fourth largest search firm globally as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media, has been enlisted by the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) to lead its search for a new CEO to replace Jack Ehnes, who is retiring in June. The selection was made following a competitive search process for an executive recruitment firm launched in August.
Kingsley Gate Partners Adds Three New Leaders
Kingsley Gate Partners continues to expand with the recent addition of three key leaders: Thomas Cope joined the firm as a partner based in Singapore. Ed Montoya comes to the organization as a partner in San Francisco. And David Mansbach is a new senior partner in New York. Mr. Cope brings extensive experience specializing in
Russell Reynolds Associates Assists Boston Symphony Orchestra to Find its First Female Leader
Russell Reynolds Associates has assisted in the placement of orchestral music executive Gail Samuel as the first woman president and CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO). She becomes the eighth leader in the organization’s storied 140-year history, succeeding Mark Volpe, who led the Boston Symphony for 23 years. Katherine Armstrong, leader of Russell Reynolds Associate’s arts &
Unemployment Falls to 6.2 Percent as Businesses Continue to Reopen
Employment rose by 379,000 in February as the U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 6.2 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 in April, but still far above the 3.5 percent rate in February before the coronavirus pandemic led to mass economic
Odgers Berndtson Names President in Canada
Odgers Berndtson has appointed Brad Beveridge as president of its Canadian business, responsible for leading the firm’s continued expansion and the growth of its executive search, executive interim and leadership advisory services. “Brad’s extensive experience as a search professional and business leader will be key to helping us continue to anticipate and support our client’s emerging
Quick Leonard Kieffer Recruits Chief Nursing Officer for Providence
As the healthcare sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the top nursing executive has traditionally been the most
Leathwaite Adds Director to Lead Strategic Communications Practice
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has expanded with the addition of Sarah Crawshaw as a director to lead the company’s executive search practice for strategic communications, government affairs and investor relations. She will also support clients with chief marketing officer and digital marketing leadership appointments across the Asia region. “We are thrilled to welcome Sarah to
HR Leaders Thrust into the Spotlight Once Again in 2021
2020 brought numerous changes during a landmark year. It began normally in the first quarter, followed by the global pandemic in the second. This immediately ushered in uncertainty, and coupled with social unrest, created one of the most tumultuous times in modern history. In the third quarter, the curve became flatter and the economy reopened,
Americans Continue to File for Unemployment Despite Loosening Restrictions
The Labor Department reported this morning that 748,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. Before the virus flattened the U.S. economy a year ago, applications for unemployment aid had never topped 700,000 in any week, even during the Great Recession. The Fed have now reported about 78 million initial jobless claims over
ZRG Names Chief Revenue Officer
ZRG has named Justin Pinchback as chief revenue officer and head of practices. He will report directly to the CEO Larry Hartmann. “We laid out a spec: The dream player came with a great education, a consulting pedigree, and deep exposure to data-driven solutions in the human capital market,” said Mr. Hartmann. “We wanted someone who
Coulter Partners Fills CFO and Non-Executive Director Positions for Optimapharm
Life sciences search specialist Coulter Partners has placed Walter Miller as chief finance officer and Charles Woler as non-executive director of Optimapharm. Directors Mark Sharp and Irene Montgomery led the assignment. “It has been a privilege to partner with Optimapharm on two more key search assignments, following our collaboration to bring Andrew Copestake on board as CEO
Ferguson Partners Assists Mack-Cali with CEO Search
Chicago-based Ferguson Partners has helped to place Mahbod Nia as chief executive officer for Mack-Cali Realty Corp., a leading real estate investment trust (REIT) based in New Jersey. Mr. Nia, who has served as a director of Mack-Cali since June, will succeed interim CEO MaryAnne Gilmartin, who will serve as special advisor to ensure a
Improving Diversity Starts with a Culture Check
Every organization is unique and therefore any cultural transformation journey undertaken needs to be specifically tailored. According to a new report by Walking the Talk, diversity is one area where organizations have an opportunity to drive different behaviors and foster real change that go well beyond simply recruiting different people or doing different things, to where they
The Philadelphia Wings Taps TurnkeyZRG to Find New President
Professional lacrosse team The Philadelphia Wings have selected TurnkeyZRG to lead its search for a new president. The team, which is owned by Comcast Spectator, competes in the 13-team National Lacrosse League (NLL). Reporting to the executive vice president / chief business officer, the president of The Philadelphia Wings will be responsible for oversight of all business and lacrosse operations for the
