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6 Proven Rules of C-Suite Succession Planning
As leadership transitions become more frequent and stakes continue to rise, boards are facing increasing pressure to ensure continuity at the top. Yet many organizations remain underprepared, exposing themselves to significant operational and financial risk when succession is left unaddressed. The gap between those that treat succession as a strategic priority and those that view
TurnkeyZRG Tapped by the Academy of Country Music for CEO Search
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead in its search for a new CEO. Tom Truitt, Rich Tackenberg, Christopher Wingert, and Anne Johnson are leading the assignment. The Academy of Country Music seeks a visionary, results-driven leader to serve as its next CEO. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of
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.
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
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?
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
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
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
True Forms Strategic Investment Partnership with Integrum Holdings
Global talent provider True has formed an alliance with a new strategic investment partnership with Integrum Holdings LP, a private investment firm focused on partnering with tech-enabled professional services companies. Integrum’s investment will power True’s next phase of growth. The actual amount of the investment was not disclosed. “Integrum is an ideal growth partner for True,” said Scott A.
How to Hire Someone You’ve Never Met
As many companies face a rapid transition to working remotely, teams are learning how to collaborate, make decisions, deliver feedback, and remain connected at a personal level despite not being physically together. And then there’s the challenge of hiring. According to a new report from specialized marketing recruiting and strategy firm RevelOne, clients have one common and
Slone Partners Recruits COO for Quanterix
Over the past few months, numerous healthcare and life sciences organizations have turned to executive search firms to find new leaders. In the era of COVID-19, the sector has been a burgeoning area for executive search firms to ply their trade. Recently, life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners placed Will Geist as chief operating officer at Quanterix Corp. “Will
Coleman Lew Canny Bowen Places CEO and Chief Librarian for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Search firms across the nation are finding library leadership needs rising dramatically. Coleman Lew Canny Bowen recently recruited Marcellus Turner as the new CEO and chief librarian for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in North Carolina. Effective April 1, Mr. Turner replaces Lee Keesler, who said last June he would be retiring after nearly a decade in the role. “Marcellus
Pender & Howe Executive Search Seeks CEO for Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network
Toronto-based Pender & Howe Executive Search has been tapped to find a new chief executive officer for CAAIN, the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network in Edmonton, Alberta. The non-profit organization supports the creation of technological solutions for challenges facing Canada’s agri-food sector. The search is being spearheaded by managing principals Glenn Lesko and Travis
Stanton Chase Expands in Finland
Baltimore, MD-headquartered Stanton Chase has appointed Mika Hassinen as a partner in Helsinki, Finland. “Mika’s more than 15 years of expertise with public companies, combined with his in-depth knowledge of the private equity world and his experience in strategy consulting and investment banking, are a natural fit for our Helsinki team,” said Mikael Stelander, managing partner in
Isaacson, Miller Assists Holy Cross in President Search
Isaacson, Miller recently assisted the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, in the recruitment of Vincent D. Rougeau its 33rd president, the first lay and first black president in the history of the college. Vivian Brocard, president of Isaacson, Miller, led the assignment along with partner Anita Tien and associate Jenna Sattar Kwiatek. Mr.
KEES Seeks Executive Director for the Acorn Theater in Michigan
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm KEES (Kistner Eddy Executive Services) has been enlisted to find an executive director for the Acorn Theater (The Acorn) in Three Oaks, MI. Leading the assignment is Heather Eddy, president and CEO. Sandra Thompson, who has held The Acorn’s executive director role for the last five years announced in November that she
Odgers Berndtson Expands U.S. Corporate and Government Affairs Recruiting Practice
Odgers Berndtson has expanded with the addition of Tonya Muse as partner in the U.S. corporate and government affairs practice based in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office. “We are delighted to welcome Tonya Muse to the firm,” said Steve Potter, CEO of U.S. Odgers Berndtson. “As a seasoned corporate and government affairs executive, Tonya brings a deep background in industry and trade association
IRC Adds New Member Firm in Luxembourg
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, IRC Global Executive Search
Improving the Selection of Leaders for PE Portfolio Companies
Making the most informed choices of senior-level talent to drive and lead your organization is a process, and every step in that process is critical to maximizing the outcome for success. “The selection of your potential leaders is the most important decision you can make,” said John Marshall, co-founder and chief executive officer of JM
Frederickson Partners Recruits HR Leader for PE-Backed Klaviyo
With the coronavirus crisis disrupting the world economy, HR leaders 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, maintain
McDermott + Bull Recruits CFO for Avellino
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull recently placed Cyril Allouche as treasurer and chief financial officer of Avellino in Menlo Park, CA. Managing director Jake Vander Zanden led the search along with senior executive recruiter Sara Pizarro. Mr. Allouche brings to Avellino over 20 years of experience in finance leadership in both public and pre-IPO companies, including diagnostics and biopharmaceutical.
Former Korn Ferry Diversity Chief Joins Executive Leadership Council as CEO
Black advancement organization the Executive Leadership Council has named Michael Hyter, the former chief diversity officer of Korn Ferry, as its new president and CEO. He succeeds Crystal Ashby, who served as interim president and CEO for the last 14 months. Mr. Hyter had won attention last June by being named Korn Ferry’s first-ever chief
Allen Austin Creates Executive Mentorship Service
Few executives would deny the powerful role that mentorship plays in providing opportunities for personal and professional development. Indeed, most have experienced these benefits firsthand. Yet when it comes to understanding how mentoring operates – let alone how it could be harnessed to support, develop and retain talented people – most of those same executives
Executive Search Firms Adapting to the New Normal
2020 was an unprecedented year in most respects, and a challenging year for many in the executive search industry. Senior executives across the sector, however, are generally optimistic in their outlook for the year ahead. According to two leading reports, one from Bullhorn and the other from Hunt Scanlon Media, optimism reigns supreme. According to
How Investors are Coping With Talent Demands During Uncertain Times
What is one of the top concerns keeping PE investors and executives up at night? Talent. Great executive talent is one of the most important factors driving company performance, and during an unprecedented era of uncertainty there is even more pressure and competition on PE firms and executives to staff their management teams with top-tier leaders.
Caldwell Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Sisu
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, managing partner of the private equity and venture capital practice at Caldwell, recently placed Sun Lee as the new chief marketing officer of augmented intelligence solution company Sisu in San Francisco. In her role, Ms. Lee will report directly to founder and CEO Peter Bailis and lead all marketing functions. “Sun’s combination of creativity and pragmatic
LPGA Taps Spencer Stuart to Find New Commissioner
Spencer Stuart has been enlisted to find a new commissioner for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Last month, Mike Whan announced that he would be leaving the tour this year after 11 years in the top job. He will stay with the association through the search. The LPGA board of directors is directing the
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in Russia
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added ZOOM Executive Search & Leadership Consulting in Russia as its newest member firm. ZOOM Executive Search & Leadership Consulting was founded in 2013 and provides professional services for the search and development of top managers and board members for Russian and international companies. The company has a team of 10
A Look at the Current State of Private Equity Recruiting
The past year has brought a degree of challenge to private equity that surpasses industry events that have confronted the very best fund and portfolio operators over the last several decades. The spreads between winning and losing decisions have increased dramatically and the variance across verticals and industries are both volatile and more difficult to
Bespoke Partners Recruits Operating Partner for Thoma Bravo
Executive search firms have been stepping up their efforts to assist private equity-backed firms and their portfolios across the nation find top-level talent, including chief executives, chief people officers, CFOs and other C-suite roles – all seen as key players as organizations grapple with the continued fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Just recently, San Diego, CA-headquartered executive
Preng & Associates Assists Independent Oil and Gas with COO Search
Houston, TX-based executive search firm Preng & Associates recently placed David Gibson as the new chief operating officer of Independent Oil and Gas (IOG), an oil and gas company focused on the U.K. North Sea. “David has extensive relevant North Sea engineering and project management experience over a near 30-year energy industry career, culminating in a number
WittKieffer to Offer Bias Training as Part of Assessment Tools Package
WittKieffer has introduced a new implicit bias training package as part of its LeaderVerse suite of services. LeaderVerse, introduced in March of last year, combines executive assessment tools with enhanced leadership consulting capabilities to support the long-term success of executives and their organizations, through services including executive onboarding, coaching and succession planning. LeaderVerse helps organizations to tap
Kennedy Executive Search Appoints New President
Kennedy Executive Search, a network of independent executive search firms, has elected Pablo Perella-Berdun as its new president and Frank Knudsen as vice president. The election is a consequence of the network’s economic interest group (EIG) structure. In an EIG, all partners become equal stakeholders and together elect their leadership each year. “It’s been an
Diversity Hiring to Accelerate in Post-Pandemic Era
The Labor Department reported this morning that 793,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. That was above the Dow Jones estimate for 760,000 but a slight decrease from the previous week’s upwardly revised total of 812,00. The feds have now reported about 77 million initial jobless claims over the course of the
The Bowdoin Group Recruits COO for PE-Backed PrimeRevenue
The Bowdoin Group recently placed Gavin Cicchinelli as the new chief operating officer at PrimeRevenue, a provider of working capital financial technology solutions and backed by private equity investors Battery Ventures and Brown Brothers Harriman. Jim Urquhart, managing director, fintech, and Paul Manning, managing director, software and technology, led the assignment. “Gavin is a strong and dynamic executive with a career
Anthem Executive Seeking CEO for Jewish Federation
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive has been enlisted to find the next president and chief executive officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles (JFGLA). Leading the assignment are co-founders and consultants Michael Ballew, Mike J.R. Wheless, Scott Watson and senior client service partner Florene Stawowy. “The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles is
Recruiting and Hiring Trends Expected for 2021
Undoubtedly, companies will continue to feel the impact of COVID-19 and its effect on hiring strategies for the new year and beyond. Looking back on 2020 and forward to 2021, the International Executive Search Federation’s Victor Carulla outlines key forecasts in executive search and highlights top hiring trends to expect. “Because of COVID-19 projects were
Marquee Search Recruits President for Gateway Baseball
Portland, OR-based Marquee Search has assisted in the placement of Jeff Jurgella as president of Gateway Management Baseball and the Beloit Snappers. He will oversee Beloit Baseball and the new riverbend stadium in downtown Beloit, WI. “The response we received from interested candidates about the opening was even stronger than we expected,” said Jeff Yocom, president of Marquee Search. “We conducted
5 Workplace Trends to Watch in 2021
While executives have long recognized that well-being is important, the COVID-19 pandemic brought home how significant it really is. Work and life, health, safety and well-being became inseparable in 2020. Amid unprecedented workforce disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations are enacting radically new ways of working and operating – and the C-suite is taking action to
Hobbs & Towne Assists Smart Wires in CEO Search
Executive search firm Hobbs & Towne has recruited renewable energy and power industry veteran Peter Wells as the new CEO of Smart Wires in Union City, CA. The company is backed by 3×5 Partners and Lime Rock New Energy. Founding partner and CEO Andy Towne and vice president Tom Watchko led the assignment. “We are thrilled to
