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Alexander Hughes Names Heads of Global Defense Practice
Alexander Hughes has named Norbert Alix-Buguet as head of its global defense practice. Jean-Brice Le Gayic was also named co‑head of the practice. “The unique added value of this duo lies in their ability to gain an in‑depth understanding of the strategic and operational challenges of such a demanding sector as defense, and to support their clients
Executive Search Continues Its Confident Climb As Transformation Takes Center Stage
The executive search industry entered 2026 from a position of strength. According to Hunt Scanlon, fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. / Americas – the global talent sector’s largest and most dominant region – jumped 11 percent last year, topping out at $6.69 billion. Seventy-five percent of search firms
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
Why Private Equity Firms Are Rethinking Recruitment as a Core Investment Strategy
Talent is one of the most reliable yet often overlooked factors driving portfolio performance. Its influence on private equity investment outcomes is substantial. The people within portfolio companies are the ones who ultimately turn the firm’s vision into value, which puts having the right PE firm hiring strategy on par with financial modeling, operational planning,
Bridge Partners Recruits Chief Diversity Officer for the Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York City-based Bridge Partners has placed Lavita McMath Turner as the first chief diversity officer of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The search firm’s founders Tory Clarke and Larry Griffin led the assignment. “Lavita McMath Turner has an exceptional record of success promoting equity throughout her career in cultural and higher education institutions, and she will
Myers McRae Assists the University of West Georgia in Provost Search
Following a comprehensive national search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has recruited Jon Preston as senior vice president for academic affairs and provost of the University of West Georgia (UWG). Emily Parker Myers, CEO, and Kenny Daugherty, president, led the assignment. The search team evaluated hundreds of candidates and ultimately brought five finalists to the Carrollton
Raines International Appoints Aerospace, Defense and Government Services Practice Co-Leader
New York-based Raines International has named Mercedes LeGrand as managing director and co-leader of the firm’s aerospace, defense and government services practice. Based in Washington, D.C., she will co-lead the practice with Patrick Gray, who formerly led the aerospace and defense practice at Heidrick & Struggles. Mr. Gray joined Raines in March. “Mercedes is an extremely driven
Boyden U.K. Partners with Aleto Foundation to Drive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Competitive companies, organizations and government agencies know that diversity matters. Simply put, the demographics of the nation must mirror the workforce. Research shows that organizations that unleash the potential of diverse talent innovate faster and see better business results. According to executive recruiters, it starts by attracting proven talent with diverse perspectives, experiences, and contributions,
How to Become a Great Pandemic Era Leader
What does it look like to lead in a pandemic era, with COVID-19 raging on, civil unrest all around, and a global shift in health, perspective, and politics? To answer this question, Comhar Partners’ Bernard Layton and J. James O’Malley spoke with leaders in a range of industries to share how their leadership has changed since the
JM Search Launches Dedicated Financial Officers Practice
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, has formed a dedicated financial officers practice to assist public and private equity-backed companies in identifying and recruiting financial leaders. The firm has a 40-year track record placing CFOs and other senior finance and accounting executives into investor-backed and public
Lindauer Seeking EVP of Racial Equity and Social Justice for Fenway Health
Lindauer has been called in by Fenway Health to lead its search for an executive vice president of racial equity and social justice. Faith Eutsay is spearheading the assignment. The incoming leader will be expected to create and lead a process of transformation toward becoming an anti-racist organization. The newly created position reports to the CEO
Coulter Partners Forms Alliance with BioInnovation Institute
Life sciences search specialist Coulter Partners has formed a partnership with BioInnovation Institute (BII), the international incubator in Denmark for research-based innovation and entrepreneurship. The firm has been engaged to provide support for BII across three workstreams: providing assessment, coaching and development for the CEOs of start-up businesses in BII’s portfolio under the Creation House
RSR Partners Combines Family-Owned and Family Office Practice
Greenwich, Conn-based RSR Partners has combined the firm’s family-owned business and family office practices to jointly offer clients a full range of services related to governance, executive recruiting and succession planning. “The COVID pandemic has challenged many of our family-owned business clients to better plan for leadership succession,” said Thames Fulton, a member of the RSR’s board recruiting practice. “No one wants
View from London: The Year-Long Journey of a Search Firm Through COVID-19
As disconcerting as the COVID-19 crisis has been, executive search firms have found that not everything this past year has been dire. In fact, there have been valuable lessons learned and successes won over the course of 2020. One firm, U.K.-based Per Ardua Associates, a high-end firm specializing in financial services recruiting, has seen its
StevenDouglas Continues with Growth & Expansion Plans, Hires New Practice Leader
Executive search firm StevenDouglas has expanded its search staff in recent months and named Angelica Chadwick as head of its technology search practice in central Florida. She joined the firm to help establish and build the firm’s technology practice in the Tampa Bay area, furthering both StevenDouglas’ Florida and national capabilities. “In response to the economic downturn
SPMB Recruits Chief Product Officer for Magnifi
SPMB, an executive search firm that helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has assisted in the placement of Tom Van Horn as the first chief product officer of Magnifi, a TIFIN Group company and natural-language powered investment marketplace. Partner Jon Landau led the assignment. “We are delighted to have Tom join Magnifi’s leadership team,”
Summit Leadership Partners Names Head of New Products & Innovation
Product development expert Kevin Impelman has joined Summit Leadership Partners to lead the firm’s consulting products and services practice. “Our business and team have been growing rapidly and we’re fortunate to welcome such an experienced and forward-looking thought leader like Kevin to help us develop and launch a new lineup of innovative products and services
The Chason Group Recruits CEO for Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce in Georgia
The Chason Group has placed Christie Moore as the new president and chief executive officer for the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce in Valdosta, GA. Tim Chason and Randy Cardoza spearheaded the assignment for the recruitment firm. The organization’s board of directors voted unanimously to name Ms. Moore to the position effective Jan. 4. Ms. Moore,
Six Sourcing Strategies for Recruiting Passive Candidates
The job market as we know it has changed as the world adjusts to the strange year that 2020 has been. Earlier this year, college graduates entered into the worst job market since the Great Depression, with the unemployment rate at 14.7 percent in April. “This number is thankfully improving as the year comes to a close,
Cielo Acquires Talent Function to Expand Service Offerings
Brookfield, WI-based Cielo, a strategic recruitment process outsourcing firm, has acquired Talent Function to strengthen its market leadership and expand its service offerings. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition formalizes the strategic partnership between Cielo and Talent Function that was announced in October. “Talent Function boasts impressive capabilities and expertise in consulting,” said Sue Marks, founder and CEO of Cielo. “We’re
The Christopher Group Places SVP of HR at Brookwood Financial Partners
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
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Accounting Officer for First American Financial Corp.
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull recently placed Steve Adams as chief accounting officer of First American Financial Corp. in Santa Anna, CA. Chris Bull, managing partner and co-founder of the search firm, partner Craig Lipus, senior executive Sara Pizarro and director Anne Terry led the assignment. With over 25 years of experience in accounting and
Sheffield Haworth Names Head of New Sectors and Services
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Georgina Harley, formerly a partner at Mercer Consulting, as a group managing director and head of new sectors and services. In the newly created role, Ms. Harley will join the firm’s executive management committee and be responsible for key growth areas including consulting
Unemployment Rate Drops to 6.7 Percent As America Prepares for Potential Lockdown
Employment rose by 245,000 in November as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 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 economic
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Business Officer for InterVenn Biosciences
Over the past few months, numerous healthcare and life sciences organizations have turned to executive search firms to find new leaders. In the era of COVID-19, the sector has been a burgeoning area for executive search firms to ply their trade. Recently, life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners placed John Leite as chief business officer at InterVenn Biosciences in
Turnkey Search Adds Two Key Recruiters
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has added Chad Chatlos and Katy Young Staudt to its recruitment team. The pair join the firm from Ventura Partners. “Chad and Katy are championship caliber sports recruiters,” said Len Perna, chairman and CEO of Turnkey. “We’ll be even better at helping our clients win, win, win.” Mr.
ZRG Names Professional and Technology Services Practice Leader
ZRG Partners has appointed former Ernst and Young and Accenture executive John Weisel as global leader of its professional and technology services practice. “John Weisel brings amazing knowledge and experiences in professional services management and a network of global contacts that will be incredibly valuable as we continue to accelerate the growth of ZRG,” said Larry Hartmann,
Brooke Chase Associates Recruits HR Leader for Wellborn Cabinet
Joseph McElmeel, chairman and CEO of Sarasota, FL-based executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates, has announced that his firm helped place Lisa Mahon as director of human resources for Wellborn Cabinet in Ashland, AL. Richard Mohrman led the assignment. With extensive experience in human resource management, Ms. Mahon most recently held the position of senior human resources
2020 a Turbulent Year for U.K. Private Equity
Much of the talk among U.K.-based PE investors in recent years has concerned the Brexit related risks of potential investments, the sky-high valuations being sought by vendors, and the highly fertile fundraising environment which has led to record levels of dry powder and the most competitive capital deployment market that most can recall. According to
Americans Continue to File Unemployment Claims as Recovery Challenges Mount
The Labor Department reported this morning that 712,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting 775,000. This was the sixth straight week that claims fell below 800,000. More than 20.2 million Americans are currently claiming some form of unemployment insurance, and Thursday’s Labor Department
Isaacson, Miller Recruits Provost for Brandeis University
Isaacson, Miller has placed biochemist Carol A. Fierke, provost and executive vice president at Texas A&M University, as the next provost and executive vice president of Brandeis University. Dr. Fierke will begin her tenure on Jan. 1 Partners Katie Rockman and Peter Lange led the assignment. Dr. Fierke will succeed Lisa M. Lynch, a world-renowned
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has assisted in the placement of Jon Forrest Dohlin as the new chief executive officer of Fresno Chaffee Zoo. He becomes the organization’s eighth leader and will succeed retiring CEO Scott Barton with the transition expected to take place in early 2021. The assignment was led Shelli Herman, president, and founder
Erevena Opens Office in Stockholm
London-based executive search firm Erevena has expanded in northern Europe with the opening of a new office in Stockholm, Sweden. Jonas Helgesson has joined as a partner to focus on growing the business in Northern Europe, in response to increasing demand from clients such as Peakon, Puzzel, Unomaly, Pipedrive and Nectarine Health. “We are delighted to welcome
R. William Funk & Associates Retained by Indiana University and Texas A&M to Find New Leaders
R. William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, has been enlisted to find new presidents for Indiana University (IU) and Texas A&M University. “We work meticulously to not do similar searches at the same time to avoid conflicts of interest,” said search firm president R. William Funk. “In this case,
Crist|Kolder Associates Retained by Foot Locker for CFO Search
According to recruiters, the pressure on chief financial officers during the pandemic has been significant: Rewriting corporate budgets seemingly daily; bargaining with banks over broken loan covenants; answering constant calls from investors and board directors; and, in extreme cases, figuring out how to make payroll. All while working with no colleagues around. New York-based specialty
