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SpenglerFox Expands in the Czech Republic
Global executive search provider SpenglerFox has expanded with the addition of Jana Studničková as client partner in the Czech Republic. “We are delighted to welcome Jana into our team: a senior, multi industry expert bringing diversity of experience and contacts and invaluable insight into what business challenges face today – especially privately owned ones stretching technology, cybersecurity,
Laid Off by AI? What’s Really Driving the Latest Job Cuts
Companies are firing workers and saying AI made them do it. But new research from MIT and Oxford reveals the truth: 95 percent of companies investing in AI are getting zero return, yet they’re still using artificial intelligence as a convenient excuse for layoffs. This matters for anyone worried about job security in today’s market,
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.
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
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?
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
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
The CHRO’s Role in Private Equity: Driving Value at Speed and Scale
In every industry, the CHRO serves as the guardian of culture, the designer of talent strategy, and a key advisor to the CEO. It is demanding work—transformational, complex, and deeply human. In a private equity-backed portfolio company, those responsibilities remain, but the tempo shifts dramatically: there is no long runway. With a defined investment plan
Haley Associates Assists Franklin Pierce University in Provost Search
Higher education search firm Haley Associates has assisted Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH, in the recruitment of Catherine M. Paden as provost and vice president for academic affairs. The search was led by Katherine Haley. In July, Dr. Paden will assume her new role as the chief academic officer on Franklin Pierce’s senior leadership team, where she will
JM Search Expands Financial Officer Practice
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the addition of Kevin Logterman as partner in the firm’s financial officer practice. He joins current financial officer practice partners Drew Pressman, Brian Dwyer and David Robinson. “We are thrilled to have Kevin join our firm,” said
Remote Work Gives New Meaning to Work/Life Balance
Facilitating a culture of transparency and over-communication is a critical component of a successful working environment. Working remotely allows employees substantial flexibility and freedom – assuming they get their work done. One trade-off for this flexibility is privacy, according to a new report by Morgan Samuels. “It’s much harder for a remote employee to expect
Odgers Berndtson Names Head of U.S. Professional Services and Human Capital Practices
Odgers Berndtson has appointed Sayed Sadjady as partner and head of its U.S. professional services and human capital practices. “We are delighted to welcome Sayed to the firm,” said Steve Potter, CEO of U.S. Odgers Berndtson. “A seasoned leader and consultant in the professional services sector, Sayed brings a unique set of skills and industry experience focused
Hobbs & Towne Expands PE and Venture Capital Advisory Team
Executive search firm Hobbs & Towne Inc. (HTI) has expanded with the addition of Jennifer Ratner as vice president. According to firm partner Danielle Munley, the addition of Ms. Ratner to the team will further augment the firm’s delivery to its clients. “Jennifer’s experience, partnering with world’s top venture capitalists and private equity firms, in her previous executive search
Renovata & Company Places Chief Technology Officer at Blue Foundry Bank
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has recruited Mugur Tolea as chief technology officer for Blue Foundry Bank, which specializes in “craft banking” for consumers and small businesses. “Mugur brings more than 30 years of industry, technical and leadership experience to his new role, and he knows how to operate at the
Coulter Partners Places New CEO of ObsEva
Life sciences search specialist Coulter Partners has placed Brian O’Callaghan as chief executive officer of ObsEva, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing novel therapies for women’s reproductive health. Client partner Nona Footz led the assignment. Mr. O’Callaghan succeeds Ernest Loumaye, who co-founded the firm in 2012. As ObsEva evolves from a development company toward
Why Interim HR Leaders Are in Growing Demand
Interim HR leaders are proven professionals who bring short-term, functional discipline to companies in need. According to a new report by Lucy Bielby, a director within the commerce and industry team at Frazer Jones, interim human resource executives often bring niche skillsets, expertise and leadership capabilities required to drive change. “From our experience, we know
Furst Group Assists Priority Health in President Search
Healthcare is among the most rapidly growing employment fields, according to analysts at Hunt Scanlon Media, which tracks trends in the executive search and leadership solutions space. Following a national search, Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, recently assisted Priority Health in Grand Rapids, MI, in the recruitment of Praveen Thadani as its new president. The announcement
The Lancer Group Recruits Marketing and Sales Officers for FMG Suite
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm The Lancer Group has placed Patti Newcomer as chief marketing officer and Rob Patrick as chief sales officer of FMG Suite, a SaaS company specializing in marketing software and services for financial advisors and insurance agents that is backed by Aurora Capital. FMG Suite brought in these seasoned SMB and enterprise software
WittKieffer Names Academic Medicine and Health Sciences Practice Co-Leader
WittKieffer has appointed Deborah Wing as a new principal and co-leader of the firm’s academic medicine and health sciences practice. “Dr. Wing is an absolutely terrific addition to WittKieffer and our team in academic medicine. Her reputation as a clinician and leader in the field of women’s health and reproduction is stellar,” said Kimberly A. Smith, managing
Friisberg & Partners Adds New Member Firm in Nordic Region
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 consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Recently, Friisberg & Partners
Holy Cross College Selects Isaacson, Miller to Find President and CHRO
The College of the Holy Cross, the Jesuit and liberal arts undergraduate institution in Worcester, MA, has retained Isaacson, Miller to lead two top-level searches: one is for a new president and the other is for a chief human resources officer (CHRO). Vivian Brocard, president of Isaacson, Miller, is leading the president search along with
Spencer Stuart Recruits CFO for Blue Apron
The pressure on chief financial officers during the pandemic has been significant. That has made finding the best ones big business for executive recruiters. Just recently, Spencer Stuart placed Randy J. Greben as the new treasurer and CFO of meal-kit delivery services company Blue Apron Holdings. The previous CFO, Timothy S. Bensley, recently resigned to pursue
PFM Executive Search Recruits CEO for the Comox Valley Airport Commission
PFM Executive Search has placed Michael Atkins as the new chief executive officer of the Comox Valley Airport Commission (CVAC) in British Columbia. Partner Shaun Carpenter and consultant Matthew Bell led the assignment. Mr. Atkins takes over from Alex Robertson, who served as CVAC’s acting CEO since the late Fred Bigelow’s departure for medical leave in 2019.
ZRG Expands Life Sciences Practice
ZRG has expanded with the addition of Lee Golodny as managing director. Mr. Golodny has seven years of executive search experience dedicated exclusively to life sciences, having placed more than 100 executives within the industry. He will work in the firm’s New York City office. “Through a string of successful assignments, Lee has made a name for himself
Royer Thompson Expands Staff
Talent management firm Royer Thompson has grown with the addition of Greg Dickie as vice president. He will support a growing roster of clients across private and public companies and public sector organizations. “Greg’s experience complements those of the firm’s team of experts in human resources advisory, executive recruitment, organizational effectiveness, career transition and executive coaching,”
Unemployment Rate Remains at 6.7 Percent as Recovery Looms
Employment rose by 140,000 in December as the U.S. unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.7 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
Mastering the Job Application Process in 2021
The job application process is seldom easy – whether you are applying for an entry level job, a mid-management assignment or a highly coveted C-suite position. After all, it can sometimes take weeks (if not months) to secure an initial interview. That’s already after spending days tweaking your resume and determining which roles you feel
Academic Search Seeks President for Council of Independent Colleges
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been selected to find the next president for the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, D.C. Leading the assignment are senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, president and senior consultant Jay Lemons and consultant Jennifer Kooken. Richard Ekman, who led the organization for 20 years, announced last fall that he would
Collegiate Sports Associates Assists Boise State University with Athletic Director Search
Collegiate Sports Associates has assisted Boise State University in the recruitment of Jeramiah Dickey as its new athletic director. Curt Apsey recently stepped down from the role he has held since 2015 to transition to a job in university-level fundraising. “Throughout this process, I have spoken with many of Bronco Athletics’ most important past leaders and supporters for
Amrop Opens New Office in Luxembourg
Global recruiting organization Amrop has opened a new office in Luxembourg. Gabriela Nguyen-Groza joins Amrop as managing partner to lead the new location. “Opening a new office in Luxembourg fits our firm’s global development and responds to a growing demand from our clients. Luxembourg is a strategic hub,” said Annika Farin, chair of the global Amrop Partnership.
Madison MacArthur Merges with The ExeQFind Group & The Qualifind Group
The ExeQfind Group, based in Atlanta and San Diego-based The Qualifind Group have merged Toronto-based executive search firm Madison MacArthur Incorporated into its search and recruitment platform. The dual practices, according to Sylvia MacArthur, president of Madison MacArthur, are now better positioned to provide expanded sector expertise, consultant depth, cultural fluency, and geographic reach while
Americans Continue to File for Unemployment at Record Levels
The Labor Department reported this morning that 787,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. This was less than the Dow Jones estimate of 815,000 and a slight decrease from the upwardly revised total of 790,000 for the previous week. The Labor Department is expected to report tomorrow that the U.S.
Vetted Solutions Finds New Leader for American Peanut Council
Washington, D.C.- based executive recruitment firm Vetted Solutions has placed Richard Owen, the legislative and regulatory affairs team lead of the Produce Marketing Association, as the new president and chief executive officer of the American Peanut Council (APC). Mr. Owen begins his new role on Feb. 1. Patrick Archer, APC’s long-serving president, announced his retirement in mid-2020.
SearchWide Global Assists the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau in CEO Search
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has assisted in the placement of Claude Molinari as the new president and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB). He is replacing Larry Alexander, who announced in June that he would be retiring after 22 years as head of the organization. Senior vice president Kellie Henderson led the assignment. “Claude is uniquely
Five Ways to Maximize Recruitment Success
Hiring for senior roles, while exciting, can also be a time of anxiety, stress, or transition for many companies. Because of this, pinpointing the type of executive that will be the right fit for the role can be a challenge, especially if the company is looking for a change in leadership style or direction, according
Teneo Acquires Ridgeway Partners
Global CEO advisory firm Teneo has acquired U.K.-based Ridgeway Partners, an advisory firm specializing in executive search, board appointments and succession planning for a wide range of companies. The acquisition follows a string of mergers that have taken place since the global pandemic began nearly one year ago. “We are truly delighted to be welcoming
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits Chief Internal Auditor at Dallas College
West Hartford, Conn.-based Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has placed Lori Cox, the former tribal administrator for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in Tucson, AZ, as the new chief internal auditor for Dallas College in Texas. Managing partner Jennifer Muller led the assignment for the search firm. “Dallas College sought a sophisticated senior financial executive
EFL Associates Tapped by Ottawa University to Find New Leader
Executive search firm EFL Associates has been selected to find the next president and CEO for Ottawa University (OU), a private Baptist university based in Ottawa, KS. Steve Waldron, the recruitment firm’s managing director—legal practice and higher education practice, is leading the assignment. “We have been most fortunate to benefit from Kevin Eichner’s leadership over these past
Signium Expands in Munich
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 consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Recently, executive search consortium Signium strengthened
