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Mercuri Urval Appoints Leader of Construction Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has named Ulf Hillstedt as global practice lead for the construction practice. “Ulf has been working with clients from the construction industry for so many years, that he is the obvious choice to coordinate our activities in this industry globally,” said Andreas Frische, CRO at MU. “We know his passion
Executive Search as Strategic Risk Management: Five Insights Reshaping C-Suite Hiring
Leadership decisions are becoming more consequential and more exposed. Across markets, industries and ownership structures, organizations are facing structural transformation, leadership succession pressures, geopolitical uncertainty and accelerated capability shifts, according to Kestria’s Global Internal Survey. “In this environment, executive hiring is no longer a transactional process,” the study found. “It is a strategic inflection point.”
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.
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
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?
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,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
Hiring for Impact: Aligning Talent with Your Organization’s Mission
Your non-profit is more than an organization—it’s a mission-driven movement with a purpose. So why are you hiring people who only punch the clock, asked ExecSearches.com’s F. Jay Hall. “The days of simply checking off a resume for the right years of experience are over,” he said. “You’re not just looking for a new employee; you’re
Caldwell Posts 45 Percent Q4 Revenue Decline; Full-Year Results Down Nearly 20 Percent
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q4 revenues of $11.3 million (Canadian), a 45.7 percent decrease from a year ago. Full year revenues declined by 18.7 percent, from $69.7 last year to $56.7 million. Like many companies, the search firm’s performance was heavily impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. “Fiscal 2020 was a year unlike any other,” said John Wallace, chief
Russell Reynolds Associates and Hogan Assessments Expand Partnership
Russell Reynolds Associates and Hogan Assessments, a global provider of personality assessment and leadership development, have expanded their partnership with a new initiative to increase the effectiveness and versatility of C-suite leadership teams. “The complexity and pace of change in today’s environment requires C-suite leadership teams to act with purpose, vision and speed,” said Clarke Murphy, CEO
Buffkin / Baker to Assist Oklahoma State University in Search for Next President
Executive recruitment firm Buffkin / Baker has been selected to assist in the search for the next president of Oklahoma State University (OSU). Burns Hargis announced his plans to retire at the end of this academic year, on July 1, 2021. Managing partner Martin M. Baker is leading the assignment. The search process will include broad outreach to
Bespoke Partners Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Cority Software
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has placed Atish Ghosh as the chief technology officer for Cority Software in Toronto. He replaces the retiring CTO Stan Marsden, who worked for Cority for 28 years. Alex Bossetta led the assignment. “We’re delighted to welcome Atish Ghosh to Cority,” said Mark Wallace, CEO of Cority. “He is a proven
DHR International Launches Commercial Growth Practice
Chicago-based search firm DHR International has launched a commercial growth practice, designed to drive a company’s competitive edge through the delivery of transformational, growth-oriented leaders in revenue-focused roles across marketing, sales, and strategy. “At a time of unprecedented disruption, corporations across industries are challenged with uncovering innovative ways to create value and sustain growth in a changing business
Weekly Jobless Claims Fall Again; Road to Springtime Recovery Starts to Take Shape
The Labor Department reported this morning that 709,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting 740,000. This was the fourth straight week that claims fell below 800,000. More than 21 million Americans are currently claiming some form of unemployment insurance, and Thursday’s Labor Department
Aspen Leadership Group In CFO Hunt for Albion College
Aspen Leadership Group, an executive search firm that specializes in recruiting top talent for philanthropic organizations, has been enlisted to find a chief financial officer for Albion College in Michigan. Leading the assignment is Don Hasseltine, senior consultant and vice president. “This role will present the successful candidate with strategic questions, exciting challenges and continuous
Perrett Laver Recruits President and Vice Chancellor for University of the Arts London
U.K.-based executive search firm Perrett Laver has recruited James Purnell as president and vice chancellor of the University of the Arts London (UAL). The assignment included an extensive international search with students and staff. Mr. Purnell succeeds Sir Nigel Carrington. “James has a compelling vision for UAL’s future in education and culture, building on our success in the
Career Partners International Unveils New Development Coaching Program
Columbus, OH-headquartered Career Partners International (CPI) has launched PowerAmp Coaching, a professional development coaching program delivered by trained coaches with scientifically created artificial intelligence. This combination of professional coaching amplified by technology gives organizations the power to provide coaching at a fraction of traditional costs while minimizing risk. CPI has launched the program in conjunction with
Livingston James Group Strengthens Senior Team
Livingston James Group has appointed Jacqui Paterson to its executive search and leadership advisory practice to focus on executive-level procurement and supply-chain appointments across the U.K. and Europe. Ms. Paterson, who most recently led Livingston James Group’s functional specialist brand Drummond Bridge, transitions to its executive search practice, Livingston James, bringing with her almost 20
Lindauer in Hunt for University of Oklahoma Foundation Chief Advancement Officer
Boston-based Lindauer has been called in to lead the search for a new vice president and chief advancement officer for the University of Oklahoma Foundation. This is the top advancement position at the organization. Jill Lasman and Donna Russell are leading the assignment, which expected to close in early 2021. With new leadership at the University
Virtual Encounters of the Best Kind
As remote work becomes more prominent in everyone’s life, it is vital that executives pay extra attention to their virtual business interactions. Without personal contact, culture becomes harder to convey. Technical difficulties become obstacles to communication. And personal chemistry is more challenging to establish. These days, it seems more critical than ever that encounters are
Tyler & Company Seeks Chief Medical Officer for Peterson Health
Over the past few months, numerous healthcare organizations have turned to executive search firms to find new chief medical officers. In the era of COVID-19 we can expect this to be another burgeoning area for executive search firms. Atlanta-based executive recruitment firm Tyler & Company was recently called in by Peterson Health in Kerrville, TX, to
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires Optimum Talent
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Recently, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., one of the world’s largest consulting and risk management companies, acquired Montreal-headquartered Optimum Talent. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Optimum Talent’s Canadian team is composed of more than 260 colleagues
Cornerstone Search Associates Launches Service to Assist Companies Seeking Funding
Cornerstone Search, a partner to software / SAAS firms for the past 25 years, has launched Cornerstone Venture Capital Partners. The new platform “was set up to help our emerging software companies land needed funding, bridge loans or debit equity to extend rounds via our network of venture capital and private equity firms,” said founder Rich Rosen.
New Ways to Move the Needle on Diversity Hiring
As executive search professionals, Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor and Gina Barge of Caldwell have taken note of a lack of diversity at large technology companies. A new report they have co-authored examines why there are limited opportunities on senior leadership teams for people of color and women, and what can be done to change the trajectory. The recruiters say
WittKieffer Seeks Chief Diversity Officer for Colgate University
Colgate University has retained the services of WittKieffer to lead its search for a new chief diversity officer. Charlene Aguilar and Christine Pendleton are spearheading the assignment. The CDO will oversee the continued development of Colgate’s long-term plan for diversity, equity and inclusion, a part of the university’s Third-Century Plan, which identifies a diverse, inclusive and equitable community
Korn Ferry Recruits CHRO for MidMichigan Health
Korn Ferry has placed Dua’a (Dee) Ibrahim-Weber as CHRO of MidMichigan Health. She will succeed Greg Ghilardi who will be retiring in December after 13 years with the non-profit health system. “Dee is a results driven leader who cares deeply for employees and is committed to ensuring they have what is needed to care for patients,”
IIC Partners Elects New Board Members
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has elected Vanessa Dalas and Michel Grisay as board directors, EMEA. “As I enter the last year of my three-year term as chair, it is great to know that the organization is supported by such strong professionals as Vanessa and Michel,” said Todd Hohauser, global chair of IIC Partners. “I have
COVID-19 and Middle-Market Companies: Key Insights for Recovery
Middle-market companies, defined as companies with revenues between $10 million and $1 billion, occupy a unique position in the U.S. economy. They make up roughly one percent of all businesses while accounting for more than 30 percent of U.S. GDP. Considering that outsized influence, how they’re faring in the face of COVID-19 and the speed with
Diversified Search Seeking CFO for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Diversified Search has been retained to find the new chief financial officer for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Dale E. Jones, Lyn Brennan and Alison Lebonitte are leading the assignment. Current CFO Thomas Todorow will be retiring next June. The next CFO will join CHOP at a time of financial strength and stability despite the challenges the
Succession Executive Search Launches to Serve Investment Banking, Private Equity Sectors
The executive search industry is being disrupted by the entrance of a multitude of new players offering advanced business models and new technologies. The latest: Ahmad Popalyar has launched Succession Executive Search, a recruiting firm that specializes in finding investment banking and private equity professionals, as well as C-level executives across the middle market. “To
Hudson Global Posts Revenue Dip as COVID-19 Impacts Business
Hudson Global Inc. / (NASDAQ:HSON) posted third quarter of $25.4 million, a decrease 1.4 percent from the third quarter of 2019 and 4.7 percent in constant currency. This surpassed the Zacks consensus estimate by 3.73 percent. By region, Hudson Asia Pacific was up 10 percent, while the Americas and Europe were down 45 percent and 29
Unemployment Rate Falls to 6.9 Percent as Joseph R. Biden Prepares to Ascend the Presidency
Employment rose by 668,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 6.9 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. That’s down from a peak of 14.7 percent in April, but still far above the 3.5 percent rate in February before the coronavirus pandemic led to mass economic
Essential Leadership Skills for Challenging Times
As the economy continues its rapid transition toward automation, the customer experience field requires strong leadership to keep customers engaged. Soft skills, such as communication and emotional intelligence, will be the skills that set the best leaders apart from the mediocre, according to a new report by Christopher Rios of Blue Rock Search. According to Mr. Rios,
WGNinHR Consulting Leading VP People Search for LeagueApps
With the coronavirus crisis expected to intensify, human resources executives are stepping up at businesses across the country, playing a vital role in helping their organizations navigate what is looking to be an even greater challenge than the Great Recession. Along the way, the importance of people strategy is expanding, and that is keeping executive
Haley Associates Seeks Provost for University of La Verne
Higher education search firm Haley Associates has been selected by University of La Verne in California to find its next provost and chief academic officer. The search is being led Katherine Haley. The provost and vice president for academic affairs reports directly to the president and serves on the president’s cabinet. Responsibilities span strategic planning, policy formulation, budgetary decision-making,
Coulter Partners Hires U.S. Operations Director, Four Other Executives
The demand for talent in the life sciences sector has fueled continued growth at global executive search firm Coulter Partners. In many ways, the global pandemic has expanded the need for skilled leaders across the sector. To help manage its growth, the firm recently hired Marianne McNamara as operations director for the U.S. Also joining
Continued Jobless Claims Make Full Jobs Recovery a Distant Aim
The Labor Department reported this morning that 751,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting 741,000. This was the third straight week that claims were below 800,000. The total reflected a decline of 40,000 from the previous week. The last time the weekly claims
Renovata & Company Places Performance Marketing VP with NA-KD
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has assisted in the placement of Ryan Wilber as vice president of performance marketing at NA-KD, a company that develops fashionable, affordable clothing, accessories and shoes for generations Y and Z. Despite the many challenges of COVID-19, NA-KD has onboarded Mr. Wilber to lead the company’s performance
Summit Talent Group Tapped by University Hospitals to Find System Chief Nursing Executive
As the healthcare sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the top nursing executive has traditionally been the most
