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Spencer Stuart Acquires Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates
Spencer Stuart has acquired Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates, a Zurich-based, founder-led leadership advisory firm, through which Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates will be integrated into Spencer Stuart. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. “Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates is a highly respected market leader with deep relationships with many of the most iconic and important businesses and organizations in Switzerland
Kingsley Gate Unveils a New Approach to AI-Powered Executive Search
Under pressure to deliver faster results, deeper market intelligence, and stronger candidate outcomes, executive search firms and talent leaders are reevaluating the tools and processes that have long defined the profession. Advances in artificial intelligence are accelerating that shift, creating new possibilities for how searches are scoped, executed, and managed from start to finish. Yet
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.
Taurean Launches Portfolio Transformation Practice
Taurean recently launched its portfolio transformation practice with the addition of Nik Das as a principal. “The portfolio transformation practice helps private equity firms recruit chiefs of staff, strategy, transformation and turnaround leaders into their portfolio companies, expanding the capacity of deal and management teams to deliver the value creation plan,” John Zink, co-founder of Taurean,
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?
Alexander Hughes Names Co-Head of Global Financial Services Practice
Alexander Hughes has appointed Jean-François Monteil as co-head of its global financial services practice, alongside Michael Swinsburg. He will focus on the EMEA region. Together, they will lead the development of the practice, combining their experience and international networks to support clients across banking, asset and wealth management, insurance, private equity and fintech. “We are delighted
Preparing for the Presidency is About More Than Credentials
Preparing for a university presidency requires a deliberate approach to leadership development, one that extends well beyond academic achievement and experience to encompass the broader demands of institutional leadership. The question Funk Associates hears most often in our work is a simple one: “What can I do to best prepare myself to be a serious candidate
How Secondaries Hiring is Evolving Alongside the Industry
The secondaries market has evolved at a remarkable pace. Higher-for-longer rates and economic uncertainty have pushed investors toward opportunities with proven performance and clearer underwriting outcomes, advancing the asset class into a new stage of maturity, according to a recent article from Jackson Lucas and the Bachrach Group’s EMM Research. “Once a relatively contained corner
Lochlin Partners Recruits Chief Product and Innovation Officer for the Electronic Transactions Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Aimee Gabel as chief product and innovation officer at the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA). “Aimee brings a proven ability to build and transform products, programs, and experiences around the needs of an industry,” said Jodie Kelley, CEO of ETA. Ms. Gabel brings extensive experience in association leadership, product development, education and member
Myers McRae Leading CFO Search for Florida A&M
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting is currently leading the senior vice president and vice president for finance and administration and CFO search for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. CEO J. Barry Hasenkopf is leading the assignment. This executive position will serve as a key strategic advisor to the president and board of trustees
Wilton & Bain Names Co-Leaders of North America
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has appointed partners Sam Wallace and Hannah Robb as co-leads of North America as the firm increases its focus and investment in the region. “Success in North America is the key strategic pillar in Wilton & Bain’s growth ambitions,” said David Heron, CEO. “I am delighted
The Talent Gap Behind the Next Organizational Shift
McKinsey’s The State of Organizations 2026 identifies three “tectonic forces” reshaping companies: technology disruption, economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and fundamental workforce shifts. Drawing on more than 10,000 leaders across 16 countries and 17 industries, including more than 3,000 U.S. respondents, the report finds organizational priorities shifting from short-term resilience toward sustained productivity, performance, and long-term value creation.
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Kairos Power
Partners Chris Clements and Cher Murphy of ON Partners have recruited Ignacio (Nacho) Redondo as chief financial officer of Kairos Power, marking an important step as the company builds the financial infrastructure to support its continued growth and expansion. “Nacho Redondo brings the experience, leadership, and financial expertise that Kairos Power needs as we enter this next phase of
The Rise of the Chief Growth Officer
The chief growth officer is rapidly emerging as one of the most discussed executive roles in today’s C-suite, yet adoption of the position remains surprisingly limited. This paradox highlights a critical shift in how modern organizations approach revenue generation and leadership accountability, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at
Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for the National Association for Interpretation
Cooper Coleman LLC has assisted in the recruitment of Karon Moody Harden as chief executive officer of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). She officially began her tenure on November 2, following a national search conducted by Cooper Coleman in partnership with NAI’s board of directors. “Throughout the search, we were looking for a leader who
Odgers Strengthens Global Financial Services Practice
Odgers has announced two strategic leadership appointments that further strengthen its global financial services practice. Charles F. Preusse, managing partner and chair of U.S. financial services, has been named executive director on the board of Odgers USA, while Kevin C. McKeon, managing partner and head of U.S. financial services, has been named co-head of the global
Local Vs. Global Leadership: Trends Shaping Executive Hiring
Executive hiring continues to evolve as organizations respond to increasingly interconnected markets, changing workforce expectations and rapid technological advancements. Building effective leadership teams requires a careful balance between global perspective and local understanding, ensuring that senior executives can respond to complexity, support sustainable growth and lead confidently across diverse business environments. The Kestria Global Leadership Barometer
U.S. Economy Adds 165,000 Jobs in October as Unemployment Rate Edges Down to 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 165,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment increased in professional and business services, in healthcare, and in transportation and warehousing. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates showed little or no change in October
Russell Reynolds Associates Assists the University at Buffalo in Recruiting 16th President
Following an international search, global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Caroline Attardo Genco as the 16th president of the University at Buffalo (UB). She succeeds Satish K. Tripathi, who is stepped down after 15 years of distinguished service as UB’s president. Jett Pihakis, Steve Newton, and Joi Hayes-Scott led
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
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
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
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Search Assignments for 2025
Executive search in 2025 remained steady and increasingly strategic, as organizations continue to rely on trusted advisors to navigate high-stakes leadership decisions amid ongoing market complexity. Hunt Scanlon Media now takes its annual look back at the top 10 searches of the year. Across these following assignments, executive search firms showcased how leadership recruiting is increasingly
Kennedy Executive Search Appoints New President
Kennedy Executive Search, a network of independent executive search firms, has elected Pablo Perella-Berdun as its new president and Frank Knudsen as vice president. The election is a consequence of the network’s economic interest group (EIG) structure. In an EIG, all partners become equal stakeholders and together elect their leadership each year. “It’s been an
Diversity Hiring to Accelerate in Post-Pandemic Era
The Labor Department reported this morning that 793,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. That was above the Dow Jones estimate for 760,000 but a slight decrease from the previous week’s upwardly revised total of 812,00. The feds have now reported about 77 million initial jobless claims over the course of the
The Bowdoin Group Recruits COO for PE-Backed PrimeRevenue
The Bowdoin Group recently placed Gavin Cicchinelli as the new chief operating officer at PrimeRevenue, a provider of working capital financial technology solutions and backed by private equity investors Battery Ventures and Brown Brothers Harriman. Jim Urquhart, managing director, fintech, and Paul Manning, managing director, software and technology, led the assignment. “Gavin is a strong and dynamic executive with a career
Anthem Executive Seeking CEO for Jewish Federation
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive has been enlisted to find the next president and chief executive officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles (JFGLA). Leading the assignment are co-founders and consultants Michael Ballew, Mike J.R. Wheless, Scott Watson and senior client service partner Florene Stawowy. “The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles is
Recruiting and Hiring Trends Expected for 2021
Undoubtedly, companies will continue to feel the impact of COVID-19 and its effect on hiring strategies for the new year and beyond. Looking back on 2020 and forward to 2021, the International Executive Search Federation’s Victor Carulla outlines key forecasts in executive search and highlights top hiring trends to expect. “Because of COVID-19 projects were
Marquee Search Recruits President for Gateway Baseball
Portland, OR-based Marquee Search has assisted in the placement of Jeff Jurgella as president of Gateway Management Baseball and the Beloit Snappers. He will oversee Beloit Baseball and the new riverbend stadium in downtown Beloit, WI. “The response we received from interested candidates about the opening was even stronger than we expected,” said Jeff Yocom, president of Marquee Search. “We conducted
5 Workplace Trends to Watch in 2021
While executives have long recognized that well-being is important, the COVID-19 pandemic brought home how significant it really is. Work and life, health, safety and well-being became inseparable in 2020. Amid unprecedented workforce disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations are enacting radically new ways of working and operating – and the C-suite is taking action to
Hobbs & Towne Assists Smart Wires in CEO Search
Executive search firm Hobbs & Towne has recruited renewable energy and power industry veteran Peter Wells as the new CEO of Smart Wires in Union City, CA. The company is backed by 3×5 Partners and Lime Rock New Energy. Founding partner and CEO Andy Towne and vice president Tom Watchko led the assignment. “We are thrilled to
The Human Capital Group Recruits CEO for Wendy’s Quality Supply Chain Cooperative
Brentwood, TN-based executive search firm The Human Capital Group | a Gallagher Company has placed Pete Suerken as the new president and CEO for Wendy’s Quality Supply Chain Cooperative (QSCC) in Dublin, OH David Alexander, a managing director with The Human Capital Group, led the assignment. “We were honored to serve as Wendy’s partner for this search, and
Level 5 Partners Opens Doors
Thomas Aprill, a seasoned human capital executive, has launched Level 5 Partners, a Chicago-based consulting-driven executive search firm. “Level 5 Partners was formed to help our clients achieve their goals by delivering industry-leading executives across the globe who align with their culture, principles and values,” said Mr. Aprill. “We believe that the best executives are sourced
GoodJob Raises $3 Million in Funding to Expand Across the U.S.
Investors are pouring money into recruiting solutions businesses, especially those with a psychology and data science component. GoodJob, a platform that aims to use psychology and data science to match workers with jobs, recently raised $3 million to increase marketing and sales efforts in major markets across the U.S. “GoodJob’s solution is ideal for today’s market,” said Stephen
PE Executives and Portfolio CEOs Identify Vital Attributes for Success in Turbulent Times
The COVID-19 pandemic, along with the other social and economic issues that are top of mind for people in 2021, has created an environment of uncertainty for CEOs and their organizations. Effective leadership from CEOs, therefore, is more important than ever before. So, what are the keys to success for today’s business leaders, and how
PAC-12 Conference Taps TurnkeyZRG to Lead Commissioner Search
The PAC-12 Conference has selected TurnkeyZRG to support the conference in the search for its next commissioner. The PAC-12 announced on Jan. 20 that its governing executive committee, its presidents, and commissioner Larry Scott mutually agreed that the current commissioner would not seek a new contract following an 11-year tenure. Mr. Scott agreed to continue
Westmont Search Recruits COO for Chase Cancer Center
Executive search firm Westmont Search placed Joel Helmke as the new chief operating officer for Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Managing partner Peter Blau led the assignment. Mr. Helmke will be in charge of directing clinical and business operations for Fox Chase. “By bringing industry best practices and new perspectives, he will help us refine our
Sheffield Haworth Names New Head of Middle East and North Africa
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has promoted Abhishek Vats to the role of managing director and head of the Middle East and North Africa region. Mr. Vats has been with Sheffield Haworth for over five years. Based in Dubai, he focuses on senior executive searches in partnership with a range of clients
True Search Recruits CEO for Ancestry
Executive search firms have been stepping up their efforts to assist private equity-backed firms across the nation find top-level talent, including chief executives, chief people officers, CFOs and a plethora of C-suite roles – all seen as key players as organizations grapple with the continued fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. To that end, Haddonfield, NJ-based
Private Equity-Backed Park Place Technologies Picks Christopher Group for CHRO Search
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top flight HR experts? Corporate leaders want HR leaders who are sophisticated, proactive and strategic-minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they would a P&L, according to
FMG Leading Adds Talent Optimization Expert
To further support organizations across the U.S. looking to maximize the value and impact of their people, human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has added talent optimization expert Darryl Smith. “The events of 2020 awakened many to long-standing inequities that not only serve as barriers to achieving a more just society, but prevent organizations and the
Modern Executive Solutions Launches in Atlanta
Mark Oppenheimer, former CEO Americas for Marlin Hawk in New York, has launched Modern Executive Solutions in Atlanta. He co-founded the new search outfit with his wife, Michelle Domanico, who serves as chief financial officer. Modern’s purpose, according to Mr. Oppenheimer – who serves as chief executive – is to improve “diverse representation within leadership
New Essential Skills Required to be an HR Leader
Business owners carry an unimaginable load of responsibilities on their backs. Aside from building their initial vision, they juggle financial growth, operational strategies, legal compliance and partner relations on a daily basis. To manage all these tasks, delegation becomes vital to achieve corporate success. And in turn, hiring the right leadership team becomes mission critical.
Achieving Diversity in Private Equity
Diversity is a major topic of conversation in the private equity community, and many leaders think it is a long over-due, wakeup call to action. There simply are too few women and people of color serving in lead investment roles across the industry. A study by the data analysis firm Preqin, for example, found that
Hanold Associates Recruits Chief People Officer for PE-Backed Cynosure
Private equity is one sector that seems to be immune to the current global health crisis. As deal making rages on, leaders will be needed in droves – particularly those focused on the human resource and talent functions within portfolio organizations. To that end, Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search recently recruited Kellie Teal-Guess as the new chief
The Bowdoin Group Recruits CEO for Carevive Systems
The Bowdoin Group recently placed Bruno Lempernesse as CEO of oncology-focused health technology company Carevive Systems. The search was spearheaded by Josh Gottlieb, managing director, digital health, and Sean Walker, partner. Mr. Lempernesse, a veteran health technology executive at the forefront of real-world patient data, joins company co-founder Madelyn Trupkin Herzfeld in leading Carevive. “We’re extremely happy for Bruno, Maddy and the rest of the
Unemployment Rate Falls to 6.3 Percent
Employment rose by 49,000 in January as the U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 6.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. That’s down from a peak of 14.7 percent in April, but still far above the 3.5 percent rate in February before the coronavirus pandemic led to mass economic
BarkerGilmore Taps Chief Compliance Officer for Sinclair Broadcast Group
Legal and compliance recruitment firm BarkerGilmore has placed Jeffrey Lewis as chief compliance officer for Sinclair Broadcast Group in Hunt Valley, MD. The assignment was spearheaded by John Gilmore, co-founder and managing partner, and Stephen Bell, senior director. In this newly-created position, Mr. Lewis will supervise corporate compliance functions, including regulatory, code of conduct, competition
Americans Continue to File Unemployment Claims as Pandemic’s Effects Continue
The Labor Department reported this morning that 779,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. That was below the Dow Jones estimate for 830,000 and a decline of 33,000 from a week ago. The feds have now reported about 76 million initial jobless claims over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic — a
Adaptability is a Valued Skill in Tough Times
The past year has been a true test of our adaptability. In just a short period of time, we have experienced a country-wide shut down, massive layoffs and businesses forced to have their workforce go remote, putting many of us in a situation that required us to quickly change how we operated, not by choice
Kittleman & Associates Finds New Leader for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation
What makes a not-for-profit organization great? Its mission, of course, as well as dedicated staff, volunteers, board members and its stakeholders. But according to executive recruiters, what may be most important is exceptional leadership – especially in such a politically-supercharged climate supported by a challenging economic environment. To that end, Chicago-based search firm Kittleman & Associates recently
Kensington International Appoints Energy and Engineering & Construction Practice Co-Leader
Oak Brook, IL-based executive search firm Kensington International Inc. has expanded with the addition of Andy Wolkstein as partner and co-leader for its energy and engineering and construction (E&C) practice. “Andy along with the rest of our second-generation leadership team will be instrumental in the growth and management of the firm,” said Brian Clarke, a founding member and
ManpowerGroup Posts 13.7 Revenue Decline
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted full-year revenues of $18 billion, a decrease of 13.7 percent from $22 billion a year ago. The company posted fourth-quarter revenues of $5.1 billion, a decrease of three percent from the year earlier period. This surpassed the Zacks consensus estimate by 6.97 percent. This compares to year-ago revenues of $5.20 billion. The company has
11 Best Practices for Creating Brand Advocates During the Hiring Process
“You will only be contacted if we see a fit,” is the common recruiting refrain that needs to be abandoned, according to Anthony Fogel, president and co-founder Denver, CO-based Tri-Search. He says it damages a brand’s reputation and may serve to alienate customers or potential customers. Recruitment outreach is inherently marketing; each job posting is an
