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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
Why Top Candidates Choose One Offer Over Another
Recruitment in the financial services industry, especially across wealth management, RIAs, and fintech roles, has become increasingly competitive, with strong candidates having multiple opportunities and greater choice in where they go, according to a recent report from Right Executive Search’s Elisa Sheftic. “It is especially disappointing when a top candidate withdraws from an opportunity during the
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.
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
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?
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
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
Heidrick & Struggles Reports Strong Q3 Results, Moves Forward with $1.3 Billion Go-Private Deal
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted third quarter revenues of $322.8 million, a 15.9 percent increase from the same period a year ago. The revenue increase was driven by year-over-year growth in each of the company’s lines of business — Executive Search, On-Demand Talent, and Heidrick
Weekly Jobless Claims Fall Again; Road to Springtime Recovery Starts to Take Shape
The Labor Department reported this morning that 709,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting 740,000. This was the fourth straight week that claims fell below 800,000. More than 21 million Americans are currently claiming some form of unemployment insurance, and Thursday’s Labor Department
Aspen Leadership Group In CFO Hunt for Albion College
Aspen Leadership Group, an executive search firm that specializes in recruiting top talent for philanthropic organizations, has been enlisted to find a chief financial officer for Albion College in Michigan. Leading the assignment is Don Hasseltine, senior consultant and vice president. “This role will present the successful candidate with strategic questions, exciting challenges and continuous
Perrett Laver Recruits President and Vice Chancellor for University of the Arts London
U.K.-based executive search firm Perrett Laver has recruited James Purnell as president and vice chancellor of the University of the Arts London (UAL). The assignment included an extensive international search with students and staff. Mr. Purnell succeeds Sir Nigel Carrington. “James has a compelling vision for UAL’s future in education and culture, building on our success in the
Career Partners International Unveils New Development Coaching Program
Columbus, OH-headquartered Career Partners International (CPI) has launched PowerAmp Coaching, a professional development coaching program delivered by trained coaches with scientifically created artificial intelligence. This combination of professional coaching amplified by technology gives organizations the power to provide coaching at a fraction of traditional costs while minimizing risk. CPI has launched the program in conjunction with
Livingston James Group Strengthens Senior Team
Livingston James Group has appointed Jacqui Paterson to its executive search and leadership advisory practice to focus on executive-level procurement and supply-chain appointments across the U.K. and Europe. Ms. Paterson, who most recently led Livingston James Group’s functional specialist brand Drummond Bridge, transitions to its executive search practice, Livingston James, bringing with her almost 20
Lindauer in Hunt for University of Oklahoma Foundation Chief Advancement Officer
Boston-based Lindauer has been called in to lead the search for a new vice president and chief advancement officer for the University of Oklahoma Foundation. This is the top advancement position at the organization. Jill Lasman and Donna Russell are leading the assignment, which expected to close in early 2021. With new leadership at the University
Virtual Encounters of the Best Kind
As remote work becomes more prominent in everyone’s life, it is vital that executives pay extra attention to their virtual business interactions. Without personal contact, culture becomes harder to convey. Technical difficulties become obstacles to communication. And personal chemistry is more challenging to establish. These days, it seems more critical than ever that encounters are
Tyler & Company Seeks Chief Medical Officer for Peterson Health
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. Atlanta-based executive recruitment firm Tyler & Company was recently called in by Peterson Health in Kerrville, TX, to
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires Optimum Talent
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Recently, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., one of the world’s largest consulting and risk management companies, acquired Montreal-headquartered Optimum Talent. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Optimum Talent’s Canadian team is composed of more than 260 colleagues
Cornerstone Search Associates Launches Service to Assist Companies Seeking Funding
Cornerstone Search, a partner to software / SAAS firms for the past 25 years, has launched Cornerstone Venture Capital Partners. The new platform “was set up to help our emerging software companies land needed funding, bridge loans or debit equity to extend rounds via our network of venture capital and private equity firms,” said founder Rich Rosen.
New Ways to Move the Needle on Diversity Hiring
As executive search professionals, Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor and Gina Barge of Caldwell have taken note of a lack of diversity at large technology companies. A new report they have co-authored examines why there are limited opportunities on senior leadership teams for people of color and women, and what can be done to change the trajectory. The recruiters say
WittKieffer Seeks Chief Diversity Officer for Colgate University
Colgate University has retained the services of WittKieffer to lead its search for a new chief diversity officer. Charlene Aguilar and Christine Pendleton are spearheading the assignment. The CDO will oversee the continued development of Colgate’s long-term plan for diversity, equity and inclusion, a part of the university’s Third-Century Plan, which identifies a diverse, inclusive and equitable community
Korn Ferry Recruits CHRO for MidMichigan Health
Korn Ferry has placed Dua’a (Dee) Ibrahim-Weber as CHRO of MidMichigan Health. She will succeed Greg Ghilardi who will be retiring in December after 13 years with the non-profit health system. “Dee is a results driven leader who cares deeply for employees and is committed to ensuring they have what is needed to care for patients,”
IIC Partners Elects New Board Members
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has elected Vanessa Dalas and Michel Grisay as board directors, EMEA. “As I enter the last year of my three-year term as chair, it is great to know that the organization is supported by such strong professionals as Vanessa and Michel,” said Todd Hohauser, global chair of IIC Partners. “I have
COVID-19 and Middle-Market Companies: Key Insights for Recovery
Middle-market companies, defined as companies with revenues between $10 million and $1 billion, occupy a unique position in the U.S. economy. They make up roughly one percent of all businesses while accounting for more than 30 percent of U.S. GDP. Considering that outsized influence, how they’re faring in the face of COVID-19 and the speed with
Diversified Search Seeking CFO for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Diversified Search has been retained to find the new chief financial officer for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Dale E. Jones, Lyn Brennan and Alison Lebonitte are leading the assignment. Current CFO Thomas Todorow will be retiring next June. The next CFO will join CHOP at a time of financial strength and stability despite the challenges the
Succession Executive Search Launches to Serve Investment Banking, Private Equity Sectors
The executive search industry is being disrupted by the entrance of a multitude of new players offering advanced business models and new technologies. The latest: Ahmad Popalyar has launched Succession Executive Search, a recruiting firm that specializes in finding investment banking and private equity professionals, as well as C-level executives across the middle market. “To
Hudson Global Posts Revenue Dip as COVID-19 Impacts Business
Hudson Global Inc. / (NASDAQ:HSON) posted third quarter of $25.4 million, a decrease 1.4 percent from the third quarter of 2019 and 4.7 percent in constant currency. This surpassed the Zacks consensus estimate by 3.73 percent. By region, Hudson Asia Pacific was up 10 percent, while the Americas and Europe were down 45 percent and 29
Unemployment Rate Falls to 6.9 Percent as Joseph R. Biden Prepares to Ascend the Presidency
Employment rose by 668,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 6.9 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
Essential Leadership Skills for Challenging Times
As the economy continues its rapid transition toward automation, the customer experience field requires strong leadership to keep customers engaged. Soft skills, such as communication and emotional intelligence, will be the skills that set the best leaders apart from the mediocre, according to a new report by Christopher Rios of Blue Rock Search. According to Mr. Rios,
WGNinHR Consulting Leading VP People Search for LeagueApps
With the coronavirus crisis expected to intensify, human resources executives are stepping up at businesses across the country, playing a vital role in helping their organizations navigate what is looking to be an even greater challenge than the Great Recession. Along the way, the importance of people strategy is expanding, and that is keeping executive
Haley Associates Seeks Provost for University of La Verne
Higher education search firm Haley Associates has been selected by University of La Verne in California to find its next provost and chief academic officer. The search is being led Katherine Haley. The provost and vice president for academic affairs reports directly to the president and serves on the president’s cabinet. Responsibilities span strategic planning, policy formulation, budgetary decision-making,
Coulter Partners Hires U.S. Operations Director, Four Other Executives
The demand for talent in the life sciences sector has fueled continued growth at global executive search firm Coulter Partners. In many ways, the global pandemic has expanded the need for skilled leaders across the sector. To help manage its growth, the firm recently hired Marianne McNamara as operations director for the U.S. Also joining
Continued Jobless Claims Make Full Jobs Recovery a Distant Aim
The Labor Department reported this morning that 751,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting 741,000. This was the third straight week that claims were below 800,000. The total reflected a decline of 40,000 from the previous week. The last time the weekly claims
Renovata & Company Places Performance Marketing VP with NA-KD
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has assisted in the placement of Ryan Wilber as vice president of performance marketing at NA-KD, a company that develops fashionable, affordable clothing, accessories and shoes for generations Y and Z. Despite the many challenges of COVID-19, NA-KD has onboarded Mr. Wilber to lead the company’s performance
Summit Talent Group Tapped by University Hospitals to Find System Chief Nursing Executive
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 top nursing executive has traditionally been the most
Sigmar Recruitment Seeks CEO for Irish Men’s Shed Association
Dublin, Ireland-based Sigmar Recruitment is seeking a chief executive officer for the Irish Men’s Shed Association (IMSA), a charity that supports the development of Ireland’s network of over 450 men’s sheds. Men’s sheds are grassroots, member-focused spaces which offer men a pressure-free environment in which to share skills, make friends and connect with their communities.
Boyden Opens New Canadian Office
Boyden has continued its recent expansion with the opening of a new office in Edmonton, Alberta, led by new partner Lindsay Osmond. “Serving our many clients in Northern Alberta has always been a priority to us at Boyden,” said Robert Travis, managing partner, Boyden United States and Canada. “We are thrilled that Lindsay will lead the
Leadership and Succession for the Next Normal
Chief executive officers were already operating in a volatile, fast-changing business environment when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, accelerating challenges that were already in place. The crisis has led to a gradual evolution of ‘leadership DNA.’ U.K.-headquartered executive search firm Savannah Group recently surveyed 90 chairs and CEOs from FTSE and PE-backed companies about their views
Odgers Berndtson Recruits New Leader for the Virginia Port Authority
Undertaking a worldwide search, global search firm Odgers Berndtson has placed Stephen Edwards as chief executive officer and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority (VPA). He succeeds John F. Reinhart who led the organization for the last seven years. Vice chairman and partner Tim McNamara spearheaded the assignment. “Thanks to Tim McNamara’s leadership and deep knowledge of the transportation
Kevin Chase Executive Search Group Assists Corazón Healdsburg with CEO Search
Los Angeles-based Kevin Chase Executive Search Group has placed attorney and human rights activist Glaydon de Freitas as the first permanent CEO of Corazón Healdsburg, a non-profit organization working to strengthen the Northern Sonoma County community. Managing partner Kevin Chase led the assignment along with senior associate Catie DiFelice. Mr. de Freitas is trilingual, speaking Portuguese, Spanish and
