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U.S. Adds 172,000 Jobs in May as Unemployment Holds Steady at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 172,000 in May as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.3 million, changed little in May. Job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, local government, and healthcare. Employment in financial activities declined. “This is a labor
CarterBaldwin Recruits President and CEO for Kansas Fiber Network
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Danny Pate as the new president and CEO of Kansas Fiber Network (KFN). Partner Chris Guiney and search consultant Ted Wieber led the assignment. “We are pleased to bring Danny on board,” said Mark Gailey, chairman of KFN’s board of directors. “The board ran a diligent search to
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.
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
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?
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
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
Five Questions with MJ Scott, Incoming CEO of Kirk Palmer Associates
Kirk Palmer Associates (KPA) an independent executive search firm dedicated exclusively to retail and consumer brands, this past July appointed search industry veteran MaryJeanne (MJ) Scott as its new CEO. A seasoned leader with more than 25 years in retail and executive search, Ms. Scott brings expanded capabilities to KPA’s global operations with a focus
AIMS International Expands to Dubai
Executive search consortium AIMS International has expanded its reach in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region with the opening of a new office in Dubai. Kyriakos Kofinas has been hired as managing partner to heading the office which serves the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Jordan. “We are glad to announce the opening of our
Another 847,000 Americans File for Unemployment
The Labor Department reported this morning that 847,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week as President Joseph R. Biden began his first week in the White House. Economists polled by Dow Jones had expected first-time claims to total 875,000. The feds have now reported about 75.6 million initial jobless claims over
Keys to Leading Your Remote Teams
Working remotely is not about being tech-savvy or having the right tools, according to a recent report by executive search and leadership consulting firm Alder Koten. Rather, it is more about being effective as a team when employees are not in the same building. It is about achieving communication and coordination without being in front of
The Hawkins Company Seeks Chief Diversity Officer for Largest City-Owned Utility in Nation
The Hawkins Company, a Los Angeles-based executive recruitment firm, has been chosen to help find a chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), the largest city-owned water and electric utility in the nation. Spearheading the assignment is executive vice president Brett Byers. The chief diversity, equity
Howard Fischer Associates Assists Aria Systems in CFO Search
Philadelphia-headquartered executive search firm Howard Fischer Associates has assisted Aria Systems in recruiting Rick Lund as its new CFO. He will assume responsibility for all financial operations and strategy as the billing and monetization company completes a strong year of growth and prepares to continue its momentum heading into 2021. “Rick brings a combination of leadership, technology experience, and
BarkerGilmore Adds Former Ashland General Counsel to Senior Advisor Roster
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has added Peter Ganz as a senior advisor. He becomes the newest member of a team of Fortune 500 general counsel and chief compliance officers. “Ganz’s depth of experience brings another dimension to clients seeking to bring out the best in their people
How To Build Team Culture, Remotely
When the pandemic hit last year, no one could have foreseen the changes that would happen to the workplace. Recruitment has a reputation for presenteeism and a big reliance on KPIs. Morning meetings are a staple, with day plans, standing team meetings and daily goal setting. When lockdowns came into force, this all changed. Thousands
SPMB Assists Azul Systems in Chief Marketing Officer Search
SPMB, an executive search firm that helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has assisted in the placement of Andrew Savitz as the new chief marketing officer of Azul Systems. Dave Mullarkey led the assignment. “Andrew has a tremendous amount of experience across all aspects of marketing, and a proven track record of helping companies effectively message,
Smith & Wilkinson Retained by DRBank for CEO Search
Scarborough, ME-based recruitment firm Smith & Wilkinson has been selected to help find a president and CEO for DRBank in Darien, Conn. Partner and practice director for financial services Cameron Boyd is leading the assignment. According to the search firm, this unique leadership role will provide an environment for an entrepreneurial executive to collaborate with an accomplished
Monarchs Collective Launches to Boost Leadership Diversity
Debra L. Lee, the former CEO of BET Networks, and Rabia de Lande Long, an executive coach and management consultant for top companies, have launched a bi-coastal consulting firm, the Monarchs Collective, centered on elevating black executives and women. “The Monarchs Collective answers the calls for – and clear business value of – diverse leadership,
Hunt Club Appoints Chief Operating Officer
Chicago-headquartered referral recruiting service Hunt Club has expanded with the addition of Stephanie Tysdal as its chief operating officer. “Stephanie is incredibly customer focused. We spent our first conversation talking about all the ways that the recruiting industry (to date) has neglected using technology to change the customer and candidate experience,” said aid Nick Cromydas, co-founder
Talent Trends: Looking Ahead at 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on every business sector, executive search included, costing organizations billions of dollars in lost revenue. For the executive recruiting industry, the world has changed drastically, and search consultants have had to adapt to a whole new way of conducting business. Yet that has not stopped any of them
HARTZ Search Seeks CEO for the Mayfield Clinic
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has been enlisted to find a new chief executive officer for the Mayfield Clinic in Cincinnati. This follows the resignation of Mark Farrington, who left Mayfield for a professional opportunity in New Jersey. Michael Radomski is serving as interim CEO while an established a search committee will help identify a permanent CEO. The CEO is
Kirby Bates Associates Seeks Chief Nursing Officer for West Penn Hospital
As the healthcare sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the chief nursing officer has traditionally been the most
CannabizTeam Launches CT Board Placement for Cannabis Companies
Marijuana has become more popular than ever in the last few years. The legalization of the plant in many countries has led to a boom in the cannabis industry. Consumer spending on cannabis has topped $10 billion in the U.S. alone, and worldwide sales are expected to top $100 billion before the end of the
Leathwaite Launches CMO Executive Search Practice
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite expanded with the addition of Shannon Silsby as a director to launch the firm’s global CMO executive search practice. “We are incredibly excited to welcome Shannon to Leathwaite to facilitate our functional offering expansion into the CMO/marketing space while we also work to continue moving beyond financial services into consumer/retail/CPG,” said
ZRG Acquires Turnkey Search
ZRG has made a major move into the sports, entertainment & media sectors by acquiring Turnkey Search. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Renamed TurnkeyZRG, all Turnkey staff and assets merge into ZRG and the firm will continue to be led by Len Perna, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Turnkey. Turnkey will now
AGB Search Opens 2021 with Slew of Top Recruiting Assignments
A number of colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will allow high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, increasingly the case, globalization – not to mention a pandemic and post-pandemic era. One national recruiting outfit, Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search, has
NPAG Seeks CEO for Food Bank of Delaware
Washington, D.C.-based NPAG has been enlisted to find the next president and chief executive officer for the Food Bank of Delaware (FBD) in Newark, DE. Leading the assignment are senior advisor Tamar Datan and associate Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. Working collaboratively with the board of directors and staff, the new president and CEO will be expected to
Direct Recruiters Inc. Appoints Partner
Solon, OH-based Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI) has appointed Matthew Cohen as partner. He is practice leader of energy and sustainability and HVAC/R. “We are proud to congratulate Matthew Cohen on his new appointment to partner,” said Dan Charney, president. “His hard work and dedication to Direct Recruiters has been and will continue to be an important part of
Signium Expands in Mexico City
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
How to Onboard New Recruits in the New Normal
An untold number of articles and books have been written about onboarding and the importance of an executive’s first 90 days. Close to 70 percent of employees are more likely to remain with their company if they had a great onboarding experience, according to Click Boarding, an onboarding software company. And, of the new employees
Hanold Associates Recruits CHRO for Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has recruited Holly May as the new CHRO of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Partner Lisa Butkus led the search along with Jason Hanold, CEO and managing partner, and Keri Gavin, partner and global D&I practice sector leader. Ms. May has over 16 years of extensive senior-level experience gained in four
Russell Reynolds Associates Names Head of Dubai Office
Russell Reynolds Associates has named Matthew Lewis as a consultant and country manager for the Dubai office. In this role, he will be responsible for enhancing and growing the firm’s presence in the Middle East. “With over two decades of experience advising boards and CEOs at the world’s leading companies, Matthew is uniquely suited to
Gilman Partners Selected by Total Quality Logistics to Lead CHRO Search
Executive search firm Gilman Partners has been retained by Total Quality Logistics (TQL) to lead its search for a new chief human resources officer. Executive recruiter Chuck Aardema is leading the assignment. The incoming leader will be responsible for the strategic direction of HR, ensuring all initiatives are aligned with business objectives. This includes consulting
SRI Elects Urban One Executive as Non-Executive Director
London-based search and consulting firm SRI has appointed Karen Wishart as non-executive director. She joins the SRI board with over 24 years of leadership experience in media and entertainment and organizational, operational and talent strategy. “I am delighted to welcome Karen to our board,” said Mike Squires, SRI chairman. “She brings highly relevant industry and
Nearly a Million More Americans File Weekly Unemployment Claims
The Labor Department reported this morning that 900,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week as Joe Biden begins his first days as President. The total was lower than Wall Street estimates of 930,000 and the previous week’s total of 965,000. The feds have now reported about 75.6 million initial jobless
BoardWalk Consulting Seeks Chief People Officer for Union of Concerned Scientists
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been chosen to find a chief people officer for the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Leading the search for this newly created position are Kathy Bremer, managing director, and Diane Westmore, senior associate. The CPO will be expected to build and lead a forward-looking, high-impact human resource function, said BoardWalk Consulting.
Leaders International Tapped by BC Chamber of Commerce to Find New CEO
Leaders International, a national executive search firm with eight offices across Canada, has been retained by the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Partner Greg Longster is leading the assignment along with associate James Laing. On the heels of the launch of the CEO
Korn Ferry Names Academic Sector Global Practice Leader
Korn Ferry has appointed Charles Falcone as a senior client partner and global leader of its academic sector recruiting practice, including academic medicine and higher education. Based in Chicago, he also becomes the director of the Korn Ferry Physician Leadership Institute. “Charlie has an exceptional reputation in the market and brings extensive advisory and search experience
The RSA Group Expands Senior Team
Life sciences-focused search firm The RSA Group, which is based in London, has expanded its senior team with the addition of Eleanor Davies as managing partner. “Eleanor is a driven professional with excellent leadership skills and an enviable track record in healthcare and life science executive search,” said Nick Stephens, the firm’s executive chairman. “We are







