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Middle Market Momentum Meets a Talent Bottleneck
PitchBook’s latest report, 2025 Annual US PE Middle Market Report, highlights a market that is stabilizing but not yet fully normalized. Deal activity rebounded in 2025, with value rising 8.5 percent year-over-year to $410.7 billion across more than 4,000 transactions, supported by improving sentiment and a more accommodative financing environment. The recovery, however, is uneven. Deal sizes
Winning the Mandate in the New Era of Business Development
As competition intensifies across the executive search landscape, firms are rethinking how they originate and win new business. Success is increasingly tied to a more disciplined, insight-driven approach that goes beyond traditional networking and relationship management. In this environment, firms that combine data, technology, and market intelligence with strong client engagement are setting a new
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
The University of Alabama System Taps ZRG for President Search
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business, in fact, has never been better despite some sectors of executive search slowing over the past year. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming
Renovata & Company Places Chief Technology Officer at Blue Foundry Bank
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has recruited Mugur Tolea as chief technology officer for Blue Foundry Bank, which specializes in “craft banking” for consumers and small businesses. “Mugur brings more than 30 years of industry, technical and leadership experience to his new role, and he knows how to operate at the
Coulter Partners Places New CEO of ObsEva
Life sciences search specialist Coulter Partners has placed Brian O’Callaghan as chief executive officer of ObsEva, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing novel therapies for women’s reproductive health. Client partner Nona Footz led the assignment. Mr. O’Callaghan succeeds Ernest Loumaye, who co-founded the firm in 2012. As ObsEva evolves from a development company toward
Why Interim HR Leaders Are in Growing Demand
Interim HR leaders are proven professionals who bring short-term, functional discipline to companies in need. According to a new report by Lucy Bielby, a director within the commerce and industry team at Frazer Jones, interim human resource executives often bring niche skillsets, expertise and leadership capabilities required to drive change. “From our experience, we know
Furst Group Assists Priority Health in President Search
Healthcare is among the most rapidly growing employment fields, according to analysts at Hunt Scanlon Media, which tracks trends in the executive search and leadership solutions space. Following a national search, Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, recently assisted Priority Health in Grand Rapids, MI, in the recruitment of Praveen Thadani as its new president. The announcement
The Lancer Group Recruits Marketing and Sales Officers for FMG Suite
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm The Lancer Group has placed Patti Newcomer as chief marketing officer and Rob Patrick as chief sales officer of FMG Suite, a SaaS company specializing in marketing software and services for financial advisors and insurance agents that is backed by Aurora Capital. FMG Suite brought in these seasoned SMB and enterprise software
WittKieffer Names Academic Medicine and Health Sciences Practice Co-Leader
WittKieffer has appointed Deborah Wing as a new principal and co-leader of the firm’s academic medicine and health sciences practice. “Dr. Wing is an absolutely terrific addition to WittKieffer and our team in academic medicine. Her reputation as a clinician and leader in the field of women’s health and reproduction is stellar,” said Kimberly A. Smith, managing
Friisberg & Partners Adds New Member Firm in Nordic Region
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, Friisberg & Partners
Holy Cross College Selects Isaacson, Miller to Find President and CHRO
The College of the Holy Cross, the Jesuit and liberal arts undergraduate institution in Worcester, MA, has retained Isaacson, Miller to lead two top-level searches: one is for a new president and the other is for a chief human resources officer (CHRO). Vivian Brocard, president of Isaacson, Miller, is leading the president search along with
Spencer Stuart Recruits CFO for Blue Apron
The pressure on chief financial officers during the pandemic has been significant. That has made finding the best ones big business for executive recruiters. Just recently, Spencer Stuart placed Randy J. Greben as the new treasurer and CFO of meal-kit delivery services company Blue Apron Holdings. The previous CFO, Timothy S. Bensley, recently resigned to pursue
PFM Executive Search Recruits CEO for the Comox Valley Airport Commission
PFM Executive Search has placed Michael Atkins as the new chief executive officer of the Comox Valley Airport Commission (CVAC) in British Columbia. Partner Shaun Carpenter and consultant Matthew Bell led the assignment. Mr. Atkins takes over from Alex Robertson, who served as CVAC’s acting CEO since the late Fred Bigelow’s departure for medical leave in 2019.
ZRG Expands Life Sciences Practice
ZRG has expanded with the addition of Lee Golodny as managing director. Mr. Golodny has seven years of executive search experience dedicated exclusively to life sciences, having placed more than 100 executives within the industry. He will work in the firm’s New York City office. “Through a string of successful assignments, Lee has made a name for himself
Royer Thompson Expands Staff
Talent management firm Royer Thompson has grown with the addition of Greg Dickie as vice president. He will support a growing roster of clients across private and public companies and public sector organizations. “Greg’s experience complements those of the firm’s team of experts in human resources advisory, executive recruitment, organizational effectiveness, career transition and executive coaching,”
Unemployment Rate Remains at 6.7 Percent as Recovery Looms
Employment rose by 140,000 in December as the U.S. unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.7 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
Mastering the Job Application Process in 2021
The job application process is seldom easy – whether you are applying for an entry level job, a mid-management assignment or a highly coveted C-suite position. After all, it can sometimes take weeks (if not months) to secure an initial interview. That’s already after spending days tweaking your resume and determining which roles you feel
Academic Search Seeks President for Council of Independent Colleges
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been selected to find the next president for the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, D.C. Leading the assignment are senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, president and senior consultant Jay Lemons and consultant Jennifer Kooken. Richard Ekman, who led the organization for 20 years, announced last fall that he would
Collegiate Sports Associates Assists Boise State University with Athletic Director Search
Collegiate Sports Associates has assisted Boise State University in the recruitment of Jeramiah Dickey as its new athletic director. Curt Apsey recently stepped down from the role he has held since 2015 to transition to a job in university-level fundraising. “Throughout this process, I have spoken with many of Bronco Athletics’ most important past leaders and supporters for
Amrop Opens New Office in Luxembourg
Global recruiting organization Amrop has opened a new office in Luxembourg. Gabriela Nguyen-Groza joins Amrop as managing partner to lead the new location. “Opening a new office in Luxembourg fits our firm’s global development and responds to a growing demand from our clients. Luxembourg is a strategic hub,” said Annika Farin, chair of the global Amrop Partnership.
Madison MacArthur Merges with The ExeQFind Group & The Qualifind Group
The ExeQfind Group, based in Atlanta and San Diego-based The Qualifind Group have merged Toronto-based executive search firm Madison MacArthur Incorporated into its search and recruitment platform. The dual practices, according to Sylvia MacArthur, president of Madison MacArthur, are now better positioned to provide expanded sector expertise, consultant depth, cultural fluency, and geographic reach while
Americans Continue to File for Unemployment at Record Levels
The Labor Department reported this morning that 787,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. This was less than the Dow Jones estimate of 815,000 and a slight decrease from the upwardly revised total of 790,000 for the previous week. The Labor Department is expected to report tomorrow that the U.S.
Vetted Solutions Finds New Leader for American Peanut Council
Washington, D.C.- based executive recruitment firm Vetted Solutions has placed Richard Owen, the legislative and regulatory affairs team lead of the Produce Marketing Association, as the new president and chief executive officer of the American Peanut Council (APC). Mr. Owen begins his new role on Feb. 1. Patrick Archer, APC’s long-serving president, announced his retirement in mid-2020.
SearchWide Global Assists the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau in CEO Search
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has assisted in the placement of Claude Molinari as the new president and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB). He is replacing Larry Alexander, who announced in June that he would be retiring after 22 years as head of the organization. Senior vice president Kellie Henderson led the assignment. “Claude is uniquely
Five Ways to Maximize Recruitment Success
Hiring for senior roles, while exciting, can also be a time of anxiety, stress, or transition for many companies. Because of this, pinpointing the type of executive that will be the right fit for the role can be a challenge, especially if the company is looking for a change in leadership style or direction, according
Teneo Acquires Ridgeway Partners
Global CEO advisory firm Teneo has acquired U.K.-based Ridgeway Partners, an advisory firm specializing in executive search, board appointments and succession planning for a wide range of companies. The acquisition follows a string of mergers that have taken place since the global pandemic began nearly one year ago. “We are truly delighted to be welcoming
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits Chief Internal Auditor at Dallas College
West Hartford, Conn.-based Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has placed Lori Cox, the former tribal administrator for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in Tucson, AZ, as the new chief internal auditor for Dallas College in Texas. Managing partner Jennifer Muller led the assignment for the search firm. “Dallas College sought a sophisticated senior financial executive
EFL Associates Tapped by Ottawa University to Find New Leader
Executive search firm EFL Associates has been selected to find the next president and CEO for Ottawa University (OU), a private Baptist university based in Ottawa, KS. Steve Waldron, the recruitment firm’s managing director—legal practice and higher education practice, is leading the assignment. “We have been most fortunate to benefit from Kevin Eichner’s leadership over these past
Signium Expands in Munich
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, executive search consortium Signium strengthened
Top Executive Habits to Help Get Ahead
Ask any leader about their experience in management and they’ll likely tell you it’s tough at the top, according to a new report by Carmichael Fisher. “Whether it’s mid-management or senior executive-level, being responsible for the success of a team isn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination,” said CEO Justin Hobday, the report’s author.
NorthWind Partners Recruits Chief Growth Officer for Akima
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has assisted in the placement of Jean-Francois Blanc as chief growth officer of Akima. He will be charged with leading the company’s corporate development efforts, growing revenue, and expanding market share. Partner Hunter Murray led the assignment. “Jean-Francois is a hands-on leader with experience winning large contracts in both the Department
Noetic Search Assists After School Matters in Finding New CFO
Noetic Search has assisted After School Matters (ASM) in the recruitment of Michael Bradley as its new CFO. Noetic Search was seeking a proven financial and operational strategist who has a successful track record of fiscal integrity and strong management skills. Mr. Bradley checked all the boxes. Previously, he was chief financial officer of ACERO
IMSA Expands Board to Strengthen Presence in North America and Latin America
Executive search network IMSA Search Global Partners has elected Mitchell Berger to its board of directors. He has also been appointed regional director for North America and Latin America. In his new role, Mr. Berger will concentrate on further building IMSA Search’s presence in these regions. “Mitch’s deep knowledge of executive search and his enthusiasm for IMSA
Veteran Recruiter Launches Better Than Found
Veteran search consultant Ben Talbert has launched a new industrial search firm, Better Than Found (BTF), based in Greenville, SC. Specializing in professional and executive recruitment across manufacturing, engineering, and construction, BTF provides nationwide recruitment for companies in the Upstate of South Carolina and throughout the Southeast. BTF is a full-service industrial consultant and talent
