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Wilton & Bain Names Fractional Chief People Officer
Wilton & Bain has named Donna Kennedy as fractional chief people officer. She will be based at the firm’s London headquarters. “Donna’s appointment as fractional CPO represents a significant investment in our firm and, most importantly, in our people,” said David Heron, group chief executive officer at Wilton & Bain. “Our ambition is to be the
Beyond Expertise: How to Identify and Develop Transformative Legal Leaders
Demand for senior legal executives in both corporate and law firm environments continues to intensify as organizations confront growing regulatory complexity, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting risk landscapes. Boards and general counsel are placing a premium on leaders who are not just technically adept in areas such as compliance, litigation, and privacy, but who also serve
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.
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
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?
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,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
J.P. Morgan M&A Forecast Points to Continued Momentum
Global M&A deal activity is moving forward with renewed intensity, even as markets absorb inflation, trade friction, and geopolitical instability. J.P. Morgan’s 2025 Global M&A Mid-Year Outlook points to a landscape shaped less by caution and more by creativity. Volume is up, megadeals are back, and cross-border transactions are accelerating. “M&A and capital markets have been
Workplace Diversity Through Recruitment
Diverse companies have 19 percent higher revenue, and according to Harvard Business Review, are 70 percent more likely to capture a new market. With diversity hiring a top priority for employers, the first step to building a diverse workforce is straightforward: Hire more diversified candidates. Sounds simple — but sometimes what sounds simple can be vexingly complex,
RH Perry & Associates Assists College of Mount Saint Vincent
Asheville, NC-based RH Perry & Associates has assisted the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, NY, in the recruitment of Susan R. Burns as its sixth president. Managing partner Matthew Kilcoyne and senior consultant Kathy Krendl led the assignment. Last year, Charles L. Flynn Jr. announced that he would be stepping down after 20 years as
Herbert Mines Assists Bob’s Discount Furniture with CEO Search
Retailers are facing major shifts in their businesses that call for “unprecedented responses” by CEOs who can effectively lead through change, intuitively and analytically understand the evolving consumer, and respond to ambiguity, according to search consultants. Developed markets, excess retail capacity, rising prices, the shift to omni-channel retail and the unpredictable pace of change in
True Search Launches Gaming, Media & Entertainment Practice
Haddonfield, NJ-based executive recruitment firm True Search has launched a new practice dedicated to the growing gaming, media and entertainment industry. “Our team’s deep heritage within the industry, coupled with our ability to find talent that enables growth in rapidly evolving creative sectors, made our global launch of the gaming, media and entertainment practice a natural next step,” said
Robert Half Posts 23 Percent Revenue Dip
Robert Half International Inc./(NYSE:RHI) posted third quarter revenues of $1.19 billion, down 23.3 percent from the same period a year ago, surpassing the consensus mark by 2.48 percent. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters. The Menlo Park, CA-based recruiting company recorded net income of $46 million, or $.67 per share,
Continuity Planning: Why It Matters in Times of Crisis
Planning is critical in succession strategy, but it is neither foolproof nor a guarantee that a transfer of power will go smoothly. Succession planning is a process that ensures your next generation of leaders is capable and the transition of power is seamless. It is a journey that every company should take, including both family-owned and
CarterBaldwin Executive Search Tapped by Pepperdine University to Find Chief Diversity Officer
The role of chief diversity officer is expanding at universities across the country. It has, in fact, become one of the most important positions for shaping the vision, culture and very face of institutions of higher learning from coast to coast. Pandemic or not, higher educational institutions need talent and these roles are now seen
Hanold Associates Recruits Chief People and Culture Officer for The Big Ten
Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has placed Omar Brown as chief people and culture officer for the Big Ten Conference, the nation’s oldest Division I collegiate athletic conference. Jason Hanold, Lisa Butkus and Mayank Parikh led the assignment. “Commissioner Kevin Warren is an exceptional leader who is bringing business sophistication to a 125-year-old conference powerhouse,” said Mr. Hanold.
Arts Consulting Group Finds New Leader for Connecticut Landmarks
Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has placed Aaron Marcavitch as executive director of Connecticut Landmarks, an organization that restores and operates significant historic house museums in Connecticut. “ACG congratulates Aaron Marcavitch on his placement as executive director at Connecticut Landmarks,” said Wyona Lynch-McWhite, senior vice president at Arts Consulting Group. “His vast experience in historic preservation
Portman Partners Appoints Chairman
Portman Partners, a London-based boutique executive search and strategic advisory firm dedicated to the digital infrastructure industry, has elected Dave Pye to the position of chairman. “This is a significant moment in the relatively short history of our firm and I’m excited about what the future holds,” said Peter Hannaford, founder and senior partner. “Dave
Jobless Claims at Lowest Level Since Early Days of COVID-19
The Labor Department reported this morning that 898,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week, the lowest total since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting 875,000. The latest figures portend an unstable and volatile job market. The Labor Department changed its methodology from
Greenwich Harbor Partners Assists Chalkbeat in Recruiting Board Members
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Recently, Greenwich Harbor Partners partnered with Chalkbeat to expand its board, recruiting Karen Wishart, executive vice president of Urban
SRI Executive Seeking CEO for The Power of Nutrition
Executive search firm SRI Executive has been enlisted to find a chief executive officer for The Power of Nutrition, a London-based charitable foundation committed to ending the cycle of undernutrition and helping children grow to their full potential. The non-profit’s incoming CEO will be expected to be a dynamic and inspirational leader with the ambition
Odgers Berndtson Appoints Healthcare Services Practice Leader
Odgers Berndtson has expanded with the addition of Darin DeWitt as partner and head of the firm’s healthcare services practice. He will be based out of the firm’s Los Angeles office. “Darin is one of the healthcare industry’s top executive search consultants, having recruited senior executives across the Americas, Europe and Asia,” said Steve Potter, CEO of Odgers Berndtson
Rich Talent Group Forms Alliance With Chief to Increase C-Suite Diversity
Improving diversity is something that most well-run companies and mission-driven businesses are now implementing. Progress is slow and many times it feels as if we are all taking one step forward, two steps back. But no organization is more important to the success or failure of these initiatives than executive search firms. They hold powerful
The Science Behind Professional Business Development
Does your company “follow the science” behind searching for and hiring top talent? Research data around the science of careers and talent acquisition reveals that 75 percent of business professionals have not read a professional development book on their specialty in the past four years. “Trust the science… listen to the science… look at the facts…
Caldwell Recruits Chief Product Officer for Built In
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, managing partner of the private equity and venture capital practice at Caldwell, along with consultant Gina Barge, recently placed Saurabh Goorha as chief product officer of Built In, a venture-backed leader in the tech recruitment industry. Mr. Saurabh is an experienced chief product officer and general manager for SaaS, B2B and B2C products, and ML
AboveBoard Launched to Provide Recruiting Professionals With More Inclusive Pool of Candidates
Haddonfield, NJ-based executive recruitment firm True Search has launched a new executive hiring platform, AboveBoard. True co-founded AboveBoard with the goal of making executive search more accessible, efficient and equitable for its members and the companies who seek them. The diversity-focused startup says it will bring an innovative, transparent solution to the need to bring more women
Russell Reynolds Associates Seeks CEO for U.K. Government Digital Service
Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained to find the next chief executive officer for the U.K.’s Government Digital Service (GDS), which oversees digital transformation and innovation strategies for all of the nation’s government. “The CEO will combine technical excellence and proven delivery experience to set the vision and implementation strategy for GDS,” said Alex Chisholm,
ManpowerGroup Posts Q3 Revenue Decline of 13 Percent
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted third quarter revenues of $4.6 billion, a decrease of 13 percent from the same period a year ago. The company’s U.S. revenue fell 13.1 percent during the quarter. The Milwaukee-based recruiting company recorded net earnings of $10.3 million, or $1.20 per diluted share, compared to earnings of $146.1 million, or $1.92 per
Talent for the Next Normal
Businesses around the world are entering a “high wire act in a brave new world of work and hiring,” according to a new report from Options Group. For the investment banking divisions of financial institutions in particular, the realities of a radically different operating environment are already bringing significant new challenges to how institutions assess,
Odgers Berndtson Seeks Artistic Director for Abbey Theatre
Mark O’Donnell, managing partner of Odgers Berndtson in Ireland, has been retained by the 115-year-old Abbey Theatre in Dublin to find a new artistic director. The new artistic director will be responsible for the development, articulation, leadership, and realization of the artistic vision of the Abbey Theatre, said Odgers Berndtson. The individual will be charged with
Frederickson Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for StockX
With the coronavirus crisis disrupting the world economy, chief people officers 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;
Calibre One Assists Equals Group with Non-Executive Director Search
Executive search firm Calibre One has assisted in the placement of Sian Herbert as an independent non-executive director of Equals Group, an international payment services provider to the retail and corporate segments of the U.K. market. The assignment was led by Hannah Joyce, a partner in the firm’s London office. “We are delighted to be able to
The Best Ways HR Leaders Can Transition Into CHRO
Every new chief human resource officer (CHRO) comes into the role from a place of success. Past impact produced the invitation into the C-suite or into a new organization. But past success, no matter how significant, does not guarantee a successful transition. What worked before may not generate the same success at a more senior
Greenwood /Asher & Associates Tapped by State Universities Retirement System of Illinois to Recruit Chief Diversity Officer
Greenwood /Asher & Associates, a Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm, has been selected by the State Universities Retirement System of Illinois to find its first chief diversity officer. The assignment is being led by Marion Frenche, team leader and managing consultant, practice leader for diversity, equity and inclusion, and Julie Holley, senior executive search consultant.
Bullhorn Names AI Business Unit Leader
Bullhorn, a provider of software to recruiting firms, has appointed Jason Heilman as leader of the company’s artificial intelligence business unit as senior vice president, product – automation and AI. Mr. Heilman was founder and CEO of Herefish, a staffing business process automation provider that was acquired by Bullhorn in January. Herefish, a former Bullhorn Marketplace partner,
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for Open Excellence
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Seana O’Callaghan as the new CEO of Open Excellence (Foundation for Excellence in Mental Health Care). Jessica Pratt, who has been acting CEO for the last six months, will continue as chief communications officer. Steven Byers led the assignment. “I am
Randstad Sourceright Appoints CEO
Global talent solutions provider Randstad Sourceright has appointed current EMEA managing director Michael Smith to the role of global CEO of Randstad Sourceright. He will assume the duties of current CEO Rebecca Henderson, effective Jan. 1. “We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Michael as our new global CEO,” said Ms. Henderson. “Michael has
COVID-19’s Impact on the Gig Economy
In the months immediately preceding the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. gig economy was stronger than ever. Beyond your typical Uber driver or Instacart deliverer, millions of Americans relied on freelance work to support their families and generate stable sources of income, according to Carl Kutsmode of TalentRise. “From marketers and graphic designers to software developers
Talent Acquisition Success Factors in the Age of COVID-19
Talent acquisition has undeniably changed as we all face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many organizations have slowed or halted their addition of talent while others have reduced their size. “The industries we have primarily been serving in banking and insurance have been impacted significantly with only limited additional hiring for banks in risk
