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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,
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.
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
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?
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
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
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,
AI Redefining Search — Without Replacing Human Judgment
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping executive recruiting, speeding up how firms identify, evaluate, and engage leadership talent. As AI tools automate research and administrative work, search teams can move faster and surface stronger insights— changing what “best candidate” discovery looks like in practice. At the same time, demand is shifting toward leaders who can translate
The Private Equity Executive Talent Trends That Will Define 2026
Private equity is still a capital business, but it’s increasingly a leadership business. Deal flow isn’t what it was a few years ago and capital is more selective, according to a new report from Beecher Reagan. “Many funds are sitting on dry powder longer than expected,” the report said. “And when that happens, the spotlight
Greenwood Asher & Associates Assists West Virginia University with Provost Search
Following a national search, Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Beverly Wendland as provost and vice president for academic affairs for West Virginia University (WVU). Julie Holley and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. “Beverly is a nationally recognized cell biologist who has served as a faculty member,
JDG Associates Tapped by the Defense Health Agency to Fill Senior Position
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been selected by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to lead in its search for director, TRICARE Health Plan. With a budget of more than $55 billion, DHA is a Combat Support Agency that oversees the Military Health System (MHS) and delivers care to 9.6 million beneficiaries worldwide. This senior
N2Growth Opens Office in Milan
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has expanded with the addition of a new office in Milan, Italy. The office will be jointly led by three global partners: Daniele Grandini, senior partner; Roberto Giacometti, managing partner; and Paolo del Conte, senior partner. “N2Growth’s strength has always been our ability to pair local reach
The CFO Talent Shortage Is Reaching a Breaking Point
According to global talent advisor ZRG, the shortage of chief financial officers and their finance teams is reaching epic proportions as we head into another busy year of executive recruiting. With market complexity increasing, CFOs are in high demand, yet the supply of qualified candidates is dwindling. This shortage is being driven by a convergence of
Waterstone Human Capital Acquires Spectrum Recruiting Solutions
Culture-driven executive search and leadership advisory firm Waterstone Human Capital has acquired Spectrum Recruiting Solutions, a U.S.-based professional recruitment firm specializing in manufacturing and engineering industries. The acquisition continues Waterstone’s expansion and reinforces its commitment to delivering culture-focused talent solutions across North America. “We are thrilled to welcome Spectrum Recruiting Solutions and their outstanding team into
DHR Global Seeking Executive Director for the Glacier National Park Conservancy
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has been selected by the Glacier National Park Conservancy to find its next executive director. Kris McFeely, Tom Berray, and Emma Kemper are leading this search and eager to connect with mission-driven professionals with experience in fundraising, financial management, team leadership, and a passion for conservation. This critical leadership position is responsible for the
The Moran Company Tapped by National Assistance League to Find New Executive Director
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been retained by National Assistance League to lead in its search for a new executive director. Senior search consultant Mike English is leading the assignment. The executive director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of National Assistance League, which includes managing staff,
Slone Partners Appoints Partner, Fractional Talent
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has named George Quinn as partner, fractional talent. In this position, Mr. Quinn will play a crucial part in advancing Slone Partners’ fractional talent solutions – connecting startup and growth-stage life sciences and healthcare organizations with seasoned leaders and functional experts on a flexible, on-demand basis. “George’s depth of experience, strategic mindset, and
How to Improve Your HR Executive Search Process
Securing the right HR leader requires more than a traditional hiring process—it demands the same rigor, clarity, and strategic discipline used for any major business decision. Organizations that consistently make strong HR executive hires treat the search as an enterprise priority, aligning stakeholders early, sharpening evaluation criteria, and building a candidate experience that attracts top
Unemployment Falls to 4.4 Percent as 50,000 New Job Added
Employment rose by 50,000 in December as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.4 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment continued to trend up in food services and drinking places, healthcare, and social assistance. Retail trade lost jobs. The number of unemployed people, at 7.5 million, changed little in December.
7 Questions to Ask When Choosing an International Recruiter
International recruiting quickly becomes a different game altogether—one where local networks, cultural fluency, and trusted on-the-ground connections often matter more than the tools or tactics employers rely on at home. However, many employers do not like working with recruitment companies, according to a report from NPAworldwide. “In markets that employers know well and have social
SearchWide Global Seeking Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer for Nashville Zoo
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has been retained by Nashville Zoo to lead in its search for a chief marketing and public relations officer. Senior vice president Kellie Henderson is leading the assignment. This executive is responsible for leading the strategic marketing, communications, and public relations efforts of Nashville Zoo. This role oversees all aspects of marketing, media relations, and
Protis Global Appoints EVP of Fulfillment
Executive search and advisory firm Protis Global has appointed Skye Miller as partner and executive vice president of sales fulfillment. “We invest in leadership where it creates the greatest long-term return,” said Bert Miller, chairman and CEO of Protis Global. “Skye’s experience and commitment to developing exceptional talent strengthen our operating foundation and expand our capacity to deliver
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
Caldwell Posts 37.1 Percent Increase in Q1 Revenues
Caldwell posted Q1 revenues of $29.3 million (Canadian), an increase of 37.1 percent from $21.4 million, a year ago. “Our first quarter results represent an excellent start to fiscal 2026, with exceptional revenue growth and improved profitability year over year,” said Chris Beck, CEO. “Performance was strong across the business, reflecting increased hiring demand from
CAA Executive Search Recruits CEO for USA Gymnastics
CAA Executive Search has recruited Kyle Albrecht as the new CEO of USA Gymnastics. In collaboration with CAA Executive Search, the group vetted candidates for three months. “Congratulations Kyle Albrecht, being named as the next CEO of USA Gymnastics,” Jason Hanold, president of CAA Executive Search, said in a LinkedIn post. “Thank you for the partnership Kathryn
Arts Consulting Group Recruits COO for the Bruce
Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has placed Nathan Smallwood as the new chief operating officer of the Bruce Museum (the Bruce) in Greenwich, Conn. Todd Ahrens and Josyanne Roche, vice presidents at the firm, led the assignment. “Nathan Smallwood’s background and expertise made him an obvious choice for the Bruce,” said Mary-Kate O’Hare, Susan E. Lynch executive
The Energists Appoints Partner
Houston-based The Energists has named Sheharyar Khan as partner. He will work closely with clients across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. “Sheharyar represents exactly the kind of forward-looking leadership our clients expect from us,” said Jon Hill, managing partner. “His analytical discipline, technical fluency, and client-side pragmatism, strengthened by his time at PwC, make him an effective advisor to organizations seeking executives who can
Why Executive Search Firms Remain Essential for High-Stakes Leadership Hires
Executive search firms deliver unique value when filling leadership positions that impact organizational performance, according to a new study from Denver, CO-based TriSearch. Reports find that most qualified executive candidates (85 percent) aren’t actively seeking opportunities, making traditional recruitment methods insufficient. These firms provide access to a network of passive candidates developed through years of relationship
The Modern Board’s Evolution: Why Governance Is Becoming More Human
The role of the board is being redefined by forces that can’t be managed through compliance alone—technology acceleration, rising stakeholder expectations, cultural fragility, and constant reputational exposure. As governance moves closer to the center of strategy and long-term value creation, boards are being called to operate less like auditors and more like leadership partners, bringing
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Marathon Petroleum Corp.
Crist|Kolder Associates has helped to recruit Maria A. Khoury as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NYSE-traded Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC). She will succeed John J. Quaid, who will remain with the company for a period of transition. “Maria’s deep financial operations expertise and broad industry experience from 25 years as a global finance business
EQU Advisory Leading Search Assignment for California State University, Chico
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently tapped by California State University, Chico (Chico State) to lead in its search for a new dean of the College of Business. Reporting to the provost and vice president of academic affairs, the dean of the College of Business serves as the lead academic and administrative officer for the
Cornerstone International Group Opens New Office in Frankfurt
Cornerstone International Group has opened a new office in Frankfurt and appointed of Florian Kittler as global sector head—hospitality, travel & leisure. “The expansion reflects increasing demand from hospitality, travel, and lifestyle organizations for leadership partners who combine global reach with deep sector expertise, as the industry navigates international growth, digital transformation, and evolving client
What are Boards Doing Differently for Better Executive Appointments in 2026?
Boards are increasingly reshaping how they approach executive appointments—building the governance discipline, assessment rigor, and future-facing criteria needed to make confident leadership decisions in a more volatile and accelerated world. Leadership decisions are moving faster, carrying higher stakes and less room for error, according to a recent report from Signium. “Today, boards are asking whether
Why Speed is Critical in Executive Recruiting
Executive leadership vacancies rarely arrive at a convenient moment—and in a business climate defined by rapid change, shrinking decision windows, and relentless performance demands, the cost of an empty seat compounds quickly. What was once viewed as a manageable transition period can now undermine momentum across strategy, operations, and culture, especially when teams are already
Kingsley Gate Recruits Chief People Officer for The Vitamin Shoppe
Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate has helped to recruit Kate Vukelich as executive vice president and chief people officer of The Vitamin Shoppe. “It was a true pleasure to work with Sharon M. Leite, CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe to place Kate Vukelich as the company’s new chief people officer. “Kate will be an amazing addition to a
Boston Children’s Museum Taps DSG | Koya To Lead CEO Search
DSG | Koya has been selected by Boston Children’s Museum (BCM) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Elizabeth Lombard and Angie Sessoms are leading the assignment. The next leader will build upon more than a century of impact, innovation, and joyful learning. This leadership transition comes at a moment of organizational strength. BCM
Wray Executive Search Appoints Managing Partners
Wray Executive Search, a provider of executive search and advisory services in the restaurant, foodservice, retail, and franchise industries, has announced a planned leadership transition designed to support long-term continuity and growth. Current partners Kevin Stockslager and Ray Kelley have been named managing partners, while longtime CEO and managing partner Bob Gershberg will remain involved
Vardis Finds PE CEOs Under Pressure, But Optimistic
The Private Equity CEO Report from Vardis, based on a survey of 1,200 chief executives of PE-backed companies, paints a picture of resilience paired with constraint. Seventy percent of CEOs say company performance is “as expected” or better, yet exit activity remains muted, with 2025 tracking as the slowest year for PE exits since 2017, despite a
Why Executive Hiring in 2026 Must Be More Strategic Than Ever
As the calendar turned to 2026, one question looms large: how will you ensure your next leadership team and your next leadership hire drives strategy, culture, and growth rather than simply filling a gap? With complexity, transformation, and succession pressures mounting, relying on who happens to be looking to join your team is no longer
