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Spencer Stuart Acquires Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates
Spencer Stuart has acquired Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates, a Zurich-based, founder-led leadership advisory firm, through which Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates will be integrated into Spencer Stuart. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. “Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates is a highly respected market leader with deep relationships with many of the most iconic and important businesses and organizations in Switzerland
Kingsley Gate Unveils a New Approach to AI-Powered Executive Search
Under pressure to deliver faster results, deeper market intelligence, and stronger candidate outcomes, executive search firms and talent leaders are reevaluating the tools and processes that have long defined the profession. Advances in artificial intelligence are accelerating that shift, creating new possibilities for how searches are scoped, executed, and managed from start to finish. Yet
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.
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
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?
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
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. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
How Functional C-Suite Roles Are Changing
Functional C-suite roles are being reshaped by rising complexity, pushing companies to build leadership teams that are not only individually strong but strategically integrated across the enterprise. Spencer Stuart has long tracked the evolution of key functional C-suite roles as part of its client work. Specifically, the firm found that senior functional roles have become
Leveling Gender Inequity Post-Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic created seismic shifts in corporate America and workplace environments. The transition from working in the office to working remotely from home has dramatically blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, making many employees feel like they’re always on, according to a new report from Executives Unlimited. Zoom fatigue is a real problem, and
BoardWalk Consulting Recruits President for Union of Concerned Scientists
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has placed Johanna Chao Kreilick as president of the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) in Cambridge, MA. Most recently, Ms. Kreilick managed the Open Society Foundations’ strategy unit responsible for planning, research and assessment for the foundations’ 50 global programs, national foundations and advocacy offices. She will officially join UCS on May
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Regional Leader for Americas
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has appointed Jaimee Eddington as Americas regional leader. “We are excited to have Jaimee take up the Americas leadership role as we continue to bring our clients an integrated suite of executive search, consulting and on-demand talent solutions to help them navigate the many complex talent
Talent War Group Opens Doors
Mike Sarraille and George Randle have launched Talent War Group, an executive search and leadership consulting firm that will combine top talent processes and insights with executive placement, talent advisory and leadership development services. The authors of ‘The Talent War: How Special Operations and Great Organizations Win on Talent,’ the firm’s founders said the new
Shift Underway in Private Equity Talent Acquisition Strategies
The past decade has been widely viewed as a golden era for private equity. As global markets recovered from the shock of the last financial crisis, PE firms did not simply sit back and reap the rewards of improving market conditions, according to a report by Spencer Stuart. In fact, they did quite the opposite.
WittKieffer Teams Up with the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives
WittKieffer and NALHE (National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives) have reached an agreement to partner on mutually beneficial activities through 2021 and beyond. Initially, the two organizations will work together to create content (including written articles, webinars and conference presentations) for the exclusive benefit of NALHE members. “Our partnership with WittKieffer will open up many doors for
Buffkin / Baker Assists Oklahoma State University in President Search
Martin M. Baker of Buffkin / Baker has assisted Oklahoma State University (OSU) in the recruitment of Kayse Shrum as the university’s 19th president. With her hiring Dr. Shrum will become the first woman to lead a public research institution in the state of Oklahoma. Dr. Shrum, currently president of the OSU Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS)
Frederickson Partners Recruits Head of People for ThoughtSpot
Global HR search firm Frederickson Partners recently recruited Pam Holmberg as head of people for ThoughtSpot, a leader in search and AI-driven analytics. “Throughout the course of the pandemic, our customers have relied on us more than ever to help them embrace the disruption and change transforming every industry,” said Sudheesh Nair, CEO of ThoughtSpot. “Our
CannabizTeam Elects New Advisory Board Members
CannabizTeam, a cannabis-focused executive search firm, has elected Jeff Dayton, Lori Ferrara and Annalie Killian as new members to its advisory board. Members of the CannabizTeam advisory board are experienced cannabis industry leaders with a diverse range of skills and experience. The advisory board will work closely with CannabizTeam’s senior leadership team to provide industry
Five Leadership Attributes Essential for 2021 and Beyond
Leadership capabilities for digital and non-digital businesses are converging. As a result, there is considerable commonality around some core capabilities that organizations are seeking in their executives and managers, according to a new report by NGS Global. “The economy is reaching a threshold where the many businesses that are growing rapidly are likely to have
TSI Group Implements Teamscope
Mississauga, ON-headquartered executive search firm TSI Group Inc. has become the first Canadian search firm to adopt Teamscope, a data and talent analytics platform. TSI Group chose Teamscope to enhance its executive search methodology with data-analytics and decision science. “The move is part of a larger strategy to deliver more value to their clients reinforcing
SearchWide Global Retained by Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and Visit Big Sky
The non-profit Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and Visit Big Sky in Montana have retained executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global to find its next president and CEO. Search firm vice president Nicole Newman is leading the assignment. “We are actually mid-way through the search process at this point, finishing up first round of interviews this week with in-person
PFM Executive Search Recruits Chief Information Officer for Smythe LLP
PFM Executive Search has placed Michelle Harrison as the inaugural chief information officer for Smythe LLP, a full-service accounting firm based in Vancouver, British Columbia. As CIO, Ms. Harrison will oversee the firm’s technology and innovation strategy. Smythe said it views technological innovation as a critical element in becoming the leading professional service firm in the marketplace
Odgers Berndtson Appoints IT Services and Telecommunications Practice Leader in U.K.
Odgers Berndtson has appointed Tim Sleep as leader of its IT services and telecommunications practices in the U.K. Never before have the IT services and telecommunications sectors been in so great a demand as it is now, according to Odgers Berndtson. “Both sectors already have large common traits,” the search firm said. “The economic and disruptive
Jobless Claims Fall to Lowest Level Since Onset of Pandemic
The Labor Department reported this morning that 576,000 Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020 when it was 256,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 25,000 from 744,000 to 769,000. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected 700,000 filings. Since last February,
The Lapham Group Recruits CEO for IFG Companies
After a national search, executive search firm The Lapham Group has placed Behram Dinshaw as chief executive officer of IFG Companies, a multiline property and casualty insurer. Mr. Dinshaw was most recently executive vice president and president of Global Small Commercial and Middle Market Business Centers at Travelers Insurance Co. Craig Lapham, managing partner and
Lindauer Retained by the United States Marshals Museum
Lindauer has been called in by the United States Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, AR, to lead its search for a foundation president and chief development officer. The assignment is being spearheaded by Libby Roberts, senior vice president, and senior consultant Megan Abbett. “The successful candidate will be a seasoned professional who thrives when faced
Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints Global Aviation, Aerospace and Defense Practice Leader
Russell Reynolds Associates has named Jackie Arends as a consultant and global leader for the firm’s aviation, aerospace and defense practice. Based in Washington, D.C., she works closely with C-suite leaders and board directors at the intersection of politics, government and industry. “In addition to her deep executive search experience, Jackie’s impressive background includes serving as
Bullhorn Names Senior Leadership Appointments
Bullhorn, a provider of software to recruiting firms, has added David Whitley to its senior leadership team as chief technology officer, reporting to Matt Fischer, who has taken on the role of president and chief operating officer. “I am looking forward to working with David as I take on the COO role,” said Mr. Fischer. “David takes
5 Tips for Evaluating, Interviewing & Onboarding in a Virtual World
It has been just over one year since COVID-19 changed how we do business, transplanting us from board rooms to Zoom rooms. While much of the world begins returning to some semblance of pre-pandemic life, the workplace as we knew it may be changed forever. Many employees are choosing to continue working from home while
LPA Search Partners Assists Syniti with Chief Marketing Officer Search
Anna McCormick, co-CEO of LPA Search Partners, recently assisted Syniti, an enterprise data management company, in the recruitment of Kate Reed as its new chief marketing officer. “Kate has a strong reputation for transformational marketing initiatives that stand out and grow demand,” said Kevin Campbell, CEO of Syniti. “Her appointment could not have come at a
Career Platform Glints Receives $22.5 Million in Funding
Investors are pouring money into recruiting solutions businesses. Singapore-based career platform Glints has secured $22.5 million in Series C funding led by Japanese human resources management firm PERSOL Holdings. The funding round is joined by returning investors Monk’s Hill Ventures, Wavemaker Partners, Fresco Capital, Mindworks Ventures, Wavemaker Partners, and other top investors including Binny Bansal
Arts Consulting Group Seeking New Leader for Bennington Museum
Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has been enlisted to find the next executive director for the Bennington Museum in Vermont. Wyona Lynch-McWhite, senior vice president, is spearheading the assignment. The Bennington Museum’s executive director must be a broad-thinking, goal- and people-oriented executive who values community engagement and leads with a clear sense of purpose and direction,
Harvey Nash Elects New Chairman
Recruitment firm Harvey Nash Group recently elected Gary Browning as its new chairman. Mr. Browning, who has been a non-executive director for the group for over two years, will be taking over from Mike Branigan who will continue in his role on the board as partner in DBAY Advisors, owners of Harvey Nash Group. “Having chaired Harvey Nash
Randstad US Launches Technology Tools to Safely Return Employees to the Workplace
With more than two-thirds of American workers reporting that they “do not feel completely safe” in their workplace—25 percent say they will look for a new job if their employer fails to implement new long-term protocols—employers are under increasing pressure to ensure the return to the workplace is managed safely. “Workers are keenly attuned to the steps employers
Why Organizations Use Executive Search Firms
For many organizations, finding quality talent can be tough—and finding quality executive talent can be even tougher. While you may have confidence that your company can recruit your next C-suite leader without help from a dedicated search firm, the potential ramifications behind making a poor hire can be disastrous, according to a recent report by TalentRise. “That’s
Russell Reynolds Associates Leads Chief Technology Officer Search for The Rockefeller Foundation
Russell Reynolds Associates has been called in by The Rockefeller Foundation to lead its search for a new chief technology officer. The search firm is seeking candidates with a professional record of accomplishment that reflects significant strategic partnership with and contribution to the business, including demonstrated leadership in large, complex, multi-divisional global settings. Reporting to
Myers McRae Assists Pfeiffer University with Provost Search
After a national search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has helped to place Daniel Mynatt as the next provost and vice president of academic affairs for Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, NC. Kenny Daugherty, president of the search firm, led the assignment. Dr. Mynatt currently serves as vice provost for institutional effectiveness for the University
Collegiate Sports Associates Recruits Athletic Director for the University of Georgia
Raleigh, NC-based Collegiate Sports Associates (CSA) recently placed Josh Brooks as the J. Reid Parker director of athletics at the University of Georgia (UGA). The hire follows the retirement of Greg McGarity, who held the position for 10 years. “From visionary and strategist to contract negotiator, fundraiser and champion for student-athletes—the modern-day athletic director must effectively wear many hats,” said
Global Pandemic Endows Universities With Big Challenges in the Hunt for New Leaders in 2021
Leadership roles in today’s colleges and universities have become increasingly demanding and complex. Senior academic leaders must balance the needs of numerous constituents—needs that require a cross-section of skills far beyond the traditional set of scholarly and research accomplishments. Interviews with a host of recruiters for the sector reveal the special challenges of their work.
Key to Executive Success: Optimizing Integration and Early Engagement
In career transitions, there are clear “milestones that matter,” and none is more important or complex than an executive’s integration into a new company or tackling of a demanding new assignment, according to Crenshaw Associates. “The path to success requires executives to navigate unfamiliar corporate cultures and work with new colleagues,” said the firm’s executive chairman,
