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Daily Newswire
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
How Leading Search Firms Are Turning AI Into Competitive Advantage
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from a promising experiment to a core operating capability across the executive search profession. As firms face mounting pressure to improve efficiency, accelerate search timelines, and deliver deeper market intelligence, many are reevaluating how technology can enhance both recruiter productivity and business performance. While adoption continues to accelerate, industry leaders
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.
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
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?
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
The Chief Commercial Officer: Driving Private Equity Value Creation
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on organic growth, commercial leadership is taking on a more central role in value creation. The chief commercial officer (CCO) has become one of the most important post-acquisition hires for private equity sponsors, according to a recent report from Spencer Stuart’s Dave Vidor. As extended hold periods and
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for U.S. Mobile Health Exams
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Eric Hepburn as CEO at U.S. Mobile Health Exams (USMHE) in Jacksonville, FL. He brings more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, business operations, strategic growth, and organizational transformation. Mr. Hepburn’s appointment brings USMHE an experienced executive with a track record of strengthening business operations, developing scalable
Cooper Coleman Leading CFO Search for Jacksonville Zoological Society
Cooper Coleman LLC has been retained by Jacksonville Zoological Society, Inc. to conduct a national search for its next CFO. “Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has an ambitious vision for its future, and its next CFO will help shape how those plans move forward,” said Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “We’re looking for someone
The Christopher Group Tapped by MITRE for Head of Total Rewards Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by MITRE to lead in its search for a head of total rewards. The search is being led by managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director Kat Kilkenney. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a total rewards leader who wants to make
Executive Search in 2026: Why Human Judgment Still Matters
As AI “agentification” pushes more work into software, the executive search industry is being forced to justify its value beyond simply filling roles. The case for its future rests on something algorithms and internal networks often struggle to protect: independent judgment in high-stakes hiring—especially when speed, alignment, and culture become so dominant that they quietly
New Statistics Reveal the U.S. Lost 10 Million Jobs During Pandemic
The Labor Department reported this morning that 730,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. That was below the Dow Jones estimate for 825,000 but a slight decrease from the previous week’s upwardly revised total of 841,00. The Fed have now reported about 78 million initial jobless claims over the course of the
The Christopher Group Launches Consulting Services Division, Adds Leaders
The Christopher Group, a boutique HR executive search and business solutions firm, has launched an HR consulting services division. The firm named Pam Noble as president of the new unit as well as practice leader for the firm’s expanding diversity, equity, inclusion and engagement practice, which will now be part of the consulting services division.
Marlin Hawk Names Americas Leader in New York
London-based executive search and leadership solutions provider Marlin Hawk has named Tracy Murdoch O’Such as its new president in the Americas region. She joins the team with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations grow their teams and focuses on executive search, strategic intelligence, and succession planning. “As the environment for placing talent and helping our clients
Spencer Stuart Retained by Vanderbilt University to Lead Provost Search
Colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will allow high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, increasingly the case, globalization – not to mention a pandemic and post-pandemic era. Spencer Stuart was recently enlisted by Vanderbilt University to lead in its
The Evolving Private Equity Recruiting Market
Private equity firms have learned from the lessons of the global financial crisis of 2008-2009, in which the industry was widely seen as having missed a major opportunity to acquire assets at steep discounts. As a result, PE firms have been more active during the pandemic, determined not to miss the opportunity this time around.
Perrett Laver Assists Murray Edwards College in President Search
U.K.-based executive search firm Perrett Laver has assisted in the recruitment of Dorothy Byrne as the sixth president of Murray Edwards College. She will take up the position in September. Ms. Byrne will succeed Dame Barbara Stocking who has been president of the college since 2013. “I am delighted with the election of Dorothy Byrne, who will
WGNinHR Recruits VP of People 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
RSR Partners Names Consumer Goods & Services Practice Leader
Greenwich, Conn-based RSR Partners has named Gretchen Crist as leader of the firm’s consumer goods and services practice. “Gretchen brings direct experience leading consumer goods and services organizations through transformation and growth,” said Brett Stephens, CEO of RSR. “Her insightfulness and authenticity are immediately apparent to our clients. We are delighted that she will further amplify the team and extend
IMSA Adds New Member Firm in Japan
Executive search network IMSA Search Global Partners has added Evander Group in Japan as its newest member firm. William Hall and his partner, Arlo Brown, both veteran search professionals in Japan, founded Evander Group in 2016 to provide executive recruitment solutions to clients and to bridge potential culture gaps in the Japanese market. Both were born and raised in Japan, graduated from
Heidrick & Struggles Posts Revenue Declines for 2020
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted global revenues of $621.6 million in 2020, a 12 percent decrease from revenues of $706.9 million the year before. The firm says the reduction in net revenue was primarily due to the impact of the pandemic on a global basis. The Chicago-headquartered
State Employees’ Credit Union Selects Russell Reynolds Associates to Find New CEO
These are critical days for credit unions with leadership development, succession planning and employee retention becoming more important than ever. Russell Reynolds Associates was recently called in by State Employees’ Credit Union in North Carolina to lead its search for a new CEO. CEO Michael J. Lord is retiring effective Aug. 31 and will remain in
WilsonHCG Secures $120 Million in Funding from 3i Group
Investors are pouring money into recruiting solutions businesses. British-based 3i Group recently agreed to invest $120 million of equity in global talent solutions provider Wilson Human Capital Group (WilsonHCG). Based in Tampa, FL, WilsonHCG provides a full suite of configurable talent solutions including recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), executive search, contingent talent solutions and talent consulting. The firm
Comhar Partners Appoints Healthcare and Life Sciences Practice Leader
Chicago-based executive recruitment firm Comhar Partners has named Marion Spears Karr as managing director and leader of its healthcare and life sciences practice. He will be based in the firm’s Atlanta office. “We are excited that Marion brings a career in serving top organizations across multiple industries in the area of healthcare and life sciences,” said Bernard
Vanderbloemen Search Group Assists Champion Forest Baptist Church Recruit Fourth Senior Pastor
Vanderbloemen Search Group, which finds leaders for churches and ministries, has assisted in the placement of Jarrett Stephens as the fourth senior pastor of Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX. Eric Albert, executive search consultant, said: “What an exciting new season for Champion Forest Baptist Church. The pastoral search committee came in with detailed expectations
Korn Ferry Q3 Revenues Fall Eight Percent
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted fiscal third quarter revenues of $475.4 million, an eight percent decrease from the same period a year ago. While RPO and professional search saw a year-over-year increase of almost four percent, digital and executive search declined year-over-year as those businesses continued on a path to recovery from the impact of COVID-19
Waterstone Human Capital Launches Culture Institute
As organizations begin to look at the matter of if, when and how they will transition back to traditional workplaces, leaders are fielding a number of questions: What will the office look like? Will it be safe? Will it ever be the same again? Can we have a high-performance culture with so many people working
Hanold Associates Recruits Chief People Officer for the Arizona Cardinals Football Club
Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search recently recruited Kelly Jones as chief people officer of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals. CEO and managing partner Jason Hanold and partners Keri Gavin and Katrina Prospero led the assignment. In the newly-created role, Mr. Jones reports to owner and president Michael Bidwill and begins on March 1. He will oversee
Kaplan Partners Recruits CHRO for Northwest Bank
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. Kaplan Partners, which specializes in conducting searches for C-level executives primarily in the financial services, corporate financial,
NPAworldwide Adds Nine New Member Firms
Nine new independent recruitment firms have recently joined member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide in the U.S., Europe, Canada and Africa. These search outfits seek to increase revenue through NPAworldwide’s cooperative placement model. NPA now has 550 member offices across six continents. “Congratulations to each of our new members,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “By joining the network,
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.
