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Human Capital Moves to the Center of Private Equity Value Creation
Private equity firms are placing increasing emphasis on leadership as a primary driver of value creation, reshaping how talent is evaluated and deployed across portfolio companies. The role of human capital has moved beyond support function status to become a central component of investment strategy and execution. As a result, firms are adopting more structured,
Appointing a Successor in a Family-Owned Business
Leadership transitions in founder-led businesses carry implications that extend far beyond operational continuity. Decisions around who will take the reins often shape not only the company’s trajectory, but also the dynamics within the family itself. Succession is one of the most personal decisions a founder will ever make, according to Warren Carter, senior managing partner
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.
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
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 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
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
Talent and Technology: A New Generation of Leadership Enters the C-Suite
Riviera Partners recently surveyed more than 1,000 technology executives for its latest report, revealing a major shift in how leadership is structured. According to Riviera, AI, data, and cross-functional collaboration are pushing technology roles to the forefront of enterprise strategy. The report identifies five key positions now demanding space in the C-suite: Chief AI officer (CAIO), chief
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
Top Executive Jobs in High Demand for 2021
ON Partners’ annual list of the top executive jobs that are expected to be in demand in the coming year takes on a new twist for 2021. With COVID-19 having upended the business landscape, the search firm surveyed its consultants about the positions that will be critical to helping organizations survive and thrive as the nation
True Search Assists Naked Wines with CFO Search
Haddonfield, NJ-based executive recruitment firm True Search has assisted in the placement of Shawn Tabak as the new chief financial officer of wine subscription business Naked Wines in Napa, CA. He replaces James Crawford, who is moving to head the U.K. business as managing director. Rhoda Longhenry, Christina Trinh Nguyen, Sean Pacheco and Alan Cork led
The Ropella Group Assists Itaconix in Finding Chief Commercial Officer
The Ropella Group, an executive search firm specializing in the chemical, consumer products and technology industries, has assisted Itaconix Corp. in the recruitment of Monna Manning as vice president of marketing and sales and chief commercial officer. “I am excited to have Monna join our executive team,” said John R. Shaw, CEO of Itaconix. “Her
The Bowdoin Group Secures Chief Medical Officer for X4 Pharmaceuticals
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 this is likely to be another burgeoning area for executive search firms. The Bowdoin Group recently placed Diego Cadavid as the new chief medical officer of X4 Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Cadavid will
Korn Ferry Appoints Vice Chairman for CEO and Board Practice
Korn Ferry recently appointed Michael Morcos as vice chairman of the firm’s CEO and board practice in EMEA. He will be based between the firm’s Dubai and London offices. “Michael is a widely respected leader with vast executive search and consulting experience spanning multiple industries,” said Pascal Gibert, co-president, EMEA, Korn Ferry. “He brings strong
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Recruiting Stories of 2020
What a crazy year for executive recruiters! Search consultants were busy but conducting their search work in novel new ways due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like we do every year, Hunt Scanlon Media took on the challenge of selecting the top 10 stories that shaped the recruiting landscape. Our editorial and social media teams now
Caldwell Acquires IQTalent Partners
Caldwell has signed an agreement to acquire IQTalent Partners. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “For 50 years, Caldwell has been connecting clients with transformational talent. With this merger, we are setting our sights on transforming the world of talent,” said John Wallace, chief executive officer. “IQTalent Partners’ unique service model and innovative
Herbert Mines Associates Recruits CEO for The Container Store
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates recently partnered with The Container Store Group in the recruitment of experienced retail executive Satish Malhotra as the company’s new president and CEO. He will succeed Melissa Reiff on Feb. 1. The search, led by managing directors Adelle Kirk and Kristin Dennehy, entailed a comprehensive
Frederickson Partners Appoints Leader for Southeast Region
Frederickson Partners has expanded its geographic coverage and focus on the Southeast U.S. and Latin America. The firm has named partner Beth Ann Namey as executive search lead for the Southeast. In the new role, she will open the firm’s Nashville, TN office to serve as the Southeast regional hub for Frederickson Partners and to lead
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Stories on the Global Pandemic and its Impact on Recruiting
For an industry that is all too familiar with the reality of economic downturns, confronting the COVID-19 pandemic has been unlike any other crisis in memory. Executive recruiting leaders say they have no idea this time around how extensive or long lasting the damage will be, never mind when business will return to normal. A
DRi Tapped by The Jed Foundation to Find Chief Medical Officer
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. Arlington, VA-based executive search firm Development Resources inc. (DRi) has been retained by The Jed Foundation (JED) to lead its search
Collegiate Sports Associates Leading Athletic Director Search for Boise State University
Collegiate Sports Associates has been called in by Boise State University to assist in finding its next director of athletics. Curt Apsey recently stepped down from the role he has held since 2015 to transition to a job in university-level fundraising. “I am excited that our search will include Collegiate Sports Associates,” said Marlene Tromp, president of
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Search Assignments for 2020
In 2020 the pandemic resulted in one of the most challenging years on record for executive search firms. But the need for talent continued unimpeded for most companies across dozens of disciplines. Despite fears that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) would get pushed to the backburner by the demands of the COVID-19 crisis, recruitment in
DHR Seeking Chief Diversity Officer for Central Michigan University
Chicago-based search firm DHR International has been chosen to help find a vice president/ chief diversity officer for Central Michigan University (CMU) in Mount Pleasant, in the state’s Great Lakes Bay region. The vice president and chief diversity officer is charged with leading the institutional efforts to create opportunities and implement strategies to define, promote and evaluate
FaithSearch Partners Names Leader of its Mission Enterprise Service Line
Executive search firm FaithSearch Partners (FSP) has named Bryan Fowler as the leader of its mission enterprise service line (including non-profit and private for-profit). Mr. Fowler, who has 25 years of experience in business formation, growth and leadership development, takes the reins from Greg Barnes, who launched the division in 2018 following the firm’s merger with Halftime Talent







