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Jackson Lucas Acquires Affinity HR Advisory Group
New York City-based Jackson Lucas has acquired Affinity HR Advisory Group, led by veteran HR executive Gayle Feinstein. “When we look at the growing firms we partner with, we constantly see founders and COOs getting pulled into the weeds of sensitive employee issues when they should be focusing on scaling their business,” said Anthony Fanzo, founding partner, Jackson Lucas. “Bringing
Heidrick & Struggles Launches AI-Enhanced Leadership Assessment Platform
Heidrick & Struggles recently launched Heidrick Immersive, a next generation, AI-enhanced leadership assessment platform. “Today’s leaders must navigate constant disruption, shifting stakeholder expectations, and accelerating technological change,” said David Peck, partner and global leader of the High-Impact Leadership Center of Excellence at Heidrick & Struggles. “By integrating AI-driven simulation and personalized feedback into our advisory offering, we’re
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
The Real Threat Isn’t AI Replacing Work, It’s Companies Not Keeping Up
AI has quietly moved from experimental novelty to competitive baseline, and that shift is happening faster than most orgs are prepared to manage. What separates companies that capture real value from those that accumulate pilots is no longer access to technology, but the ability to make smart choices about where to apply it, how to
Frederickson Partners Appoints Leader for Southeast Region
Frederickson Partners has expanded its geographic coverage and focus on the Southeast U.S. and Latin America. The firm has named partner Beth Ann Namey as executive search lead for the Southeast. In the new role, she will open the firm’s Nashville, TN office to serve as the Southeast regional hub for Frederickson Partners and to lead
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Stories on the Global Pandemic and its Impact on Recruiting
For an industry that is all too familiar with the reality of economic downturns, confronting the COVID-19 pandemic has been unlike any other crisis in memory. Executive recruiting leaders say they have no idea this time around how extensive or long lasting the damage will be, never mind when business will return to normal. A
DRi Tapped by The Jed Foundation to Find Chief Medical Officer
Over the past few months, numerous healthcare organizations have turned to executive search firms to find new chief medical officers. In the era of COVID-19 we can expect this to be another burgeoning area for executive search firms. Arlington, VA-based executive search firm Development Resources inc. (DRi) has been retained by The Jed Foundation (JED) to lead its search
Collegiate Sports Associates Leading Athletic Director Search for Boise State University
Collegiate Sports Associates has been called in by Boise State University to assist in finding its next director of athletics. Curt Apsey recently stepped down from the role he has held since 2015 to transition to a job in university-level fundraising. “I am excited that our search will include Collegiate Sports Associates,” said Marlene Tromp, president of
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Search Assignments for 2020
In 2020 the pandemic resulted in one of the most challenging years on record for executive search firms. But the need for talent continued unimpeded for most companies across dozens of disciplines. Despite fears that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) would get pushed to the backburner by the demands of the COVID-19 crisis, recruitment in
DHR Seeking Chief Diversity Officer for Central Michigan University
Chicago-based search firm DHR International has been chosen to help find a vice president/ chief diversity officer for Central Michigan University (CMU) in Mount Pleasant, in the state’s Great Lakes Bay region. The vice president and chief diversity officer is charged with leading the institutional efforts to create opportunities and implement strategies to define, promote and evaluate
FaithSearch Partners Names Leader of its Mission Enterprise Service Line
Executive search firm FaithSearch Partners (FSP) has named Bryan Fowler as the leader of its mission enterprise service line (including non-profit and private for-profit). Mr. Fowler, who has 25 years of experience in business formation, growth and leadership development, takes the reins from Greg Barnes, who launched the division in 2018 following the firm’s merger with Halftime Talent
What Leadership Looked Like in 2020
Will we need more than just “tough people” to emerge from these tough times? Adam Pekarsky, founding partner of Pekarsky & Co., was recently struck by a Harvard Business Review study on the future of leadership and how we are developing leaders. “Here we are launching all of these ambitious initiatives, initiatives which, at the end the day,
Greenwood / Asher & Associates Recruits 12th President for Western Illinois University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood /Asher & Associates has placed the new president of Western Illinois University (WIU) in Macomb, IL. Guiyou Huang, president of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, will begin his new role on Jan. 1. Betty Asher, partner and vice president, and Alex Matthews, senior executive search consultant, led the assignment. “We
H C Smith Assists The Wallace Foundation in CHRO Search
Beachwood, OH-based executive search firm H C Smith has assisted in the placement of Melkeya McDuffie as chief human resources officer (CHRO) of The Wallace Foundation. She will succeed Sharon Clark, who will retire at the end of 2020. Herbert C. Smith, founder and president of the firm, led the assignment along with Rebecca R. Smith, principal.
Odgers Interim Expands in the U.S.
Odgers Berndtson has added former HR executives Glen Johnson and Lori Rubin to Odgers Interim in the U.S. as partners. They will both be based in the firm’s Atlanta office. “We are delighted to welcome two extraordinary human resources and recruiting professionals to the Odgers Interim team in the U.S. Lori and Glen’s combined experience recruiting senior executives for both internal and
Herbert Mines Associates Appoints Managing Director
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the ladder within their respective firms. Just recently, New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates promoted Caitlin Kenefick to managing director. “We are excited to announce that Caitlin Kenefick has been promoted to managing director,” said chairman and CEO Hal Reiter. “With over 10 years of
Caldwell Unveils Benchmarking Data Behind the CISO Role
In an environment where chief information security officers are increasingly part of the C-suite, and are viewed as business risk executives, time is scarce, and accurate, real-time aggregated benchmarking data is difficult to find, according to a new report by cybersecurity practice leaders at Caldwell and security research firm IANS Research. The CISO study focuses
Americans Continue to File for Unemployment as New COVID-19 Lockdowns Occur
The Labor Department reported this morning that 885,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week as the new waved of COVID-19 lockdowns takes effect. The average estimate of economists polled by FactSet had anticipated initial claims falling to 790,000 and seeing 5.7 million continuing claims. This was the highest weekly total since
Caliber Associates Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for GentiBio
Growing pressure to rapidly advance scientific discovery and expand market share in the face of COVID-19 is making the hunt for top talent more fierce than ever before. Recently, Caliber Associates placed Thomas Wickham as chief scientific officer of GentiBio, an emerging biotherapeutics company. The assignment was led by Steven P. Hochberg, the search firm’s
Reffett Associates Assists Air Force Research Laboratory in Filling CMTO Post
Executive recruiting firm Reffett Associates has assisted the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in placing Yadunath Zambre as chief microelectronics technology officer (CMTO). The nationwide search was led by Eric Reffett, managing director of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, with assistance from managing director Marshall Reffett in the firm’s Seattle location. Dr. Zambre previously led the new
Horton International UK Expands Global Healthcare Recruiting Practice
Horton International UK has expanded with the addition of Emma Whittle as partner in its global healthcare practice. “I feel privileged to be in a position to help access talent that enables these sectors to cope with the scale and growth that will lead to society being able to return to some future sense of normality,” said
Sci.bio Recruiting: Winning the War for Biopharma Talent
One of the hallmarks of companies that are thriving in these challenging days of not only a pandemic but rapidly shifting talent needs is the ability to meet change with speed and agility. That’s why on-demand services and interim staffing are emerging as forces to be reckoned with in the “new normal” that is taking
Prodigy Search Assists United States Association of Blind Athletes in Selecting New Board
The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) has announced its new board of directors, which includes seven new appointees. Freehold, NJ-based Prodigy Search, a recruiting firm focused on sports recruiting, helped to lead the search process for the board member positions. The at-large board directors are chair Mark Ackermann; vice chair Dr. Skye Arthur-Banning; treasurer Gary Remensnyder; secretary Amy
HealthSearch Partners Fill Three Key Positions for Healthcare Organizations
Dallas, TX-based HealthSearch Partners (HSP) recently placed leaders of three important healthcare provider organizations: Phillip Mazzuca was recruited as chief executive officer of Williamson Medical Center (WMC) in Franklin, TN; Helen Johnson joins Sparrow Eaton Hospital, part of Central Michigan’s Sparrow Health System, as president; and Monte Wilson becomes president of CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Health
AMN Leadership Solutions Names Executive and Physician Leadership Search Practice President; Appoints Other Practice Leaders
Executive recruitment firm AMN Leadership Solutions has named former oncology clinical nurse specialist Christine Mackey-Ross as president of the firm’s executive and physician leadership search practice. This follows two other new leadership appointments. Ms. Mackey-Ross joined AMN Healthcare in 2019. Her expertise in executive-level retained searches is built on a hands-on healthcare foundation. She is
ZRG Opens New Office in Dubai
ZRG has opened a new office in Dubai with the addition of Tim Rotherham as managing director and member of the firm’s financial services and private equity practice. “ZRG is now poised to support clients within the UAE through our global financial services and private equity practice,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “Additionally, ZRG will offer
Turnkey Search Recruits Chief DE&I Officer for the Orlando Magic; Fills ACC Commissioner Role
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has placed Esu Ma’at as the new chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer of the Orlando Magic. This becomes the ninth NBA team to add a vice president-level position or higher dedicated to addressing diversity. “Turnkey Search is honored to help the Orlando Magic advance equity because it’s in
20/20 Foresight Acquires Saenger Associates
Chicago-based 20/20 Foresight has acquired Saenger Associates, a retained search firm focused on serving clients in the manufacturing, distribution and supply chain of the industrial products, aerospace and defense, and consumer products verticals. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Saenger Associates will operate under its new name, ‘Saenger Associates, a 20/20 Foresight Company,’ and will continue
Spencer Stuart Selected by Blue Apron to Find Next CFO
According to recruiters, the pressure on chief financial officers during the pandemic has been significant. That has made finding the best ones big business for executive recruiters. Just recently, Blue Apron Holdings retained Spencer Stuart to replace its outgoing CFO, Timothy S. Bensley, who resigned to pursue another opportunity. Mr. Bensley will continue to serve
Rush & Company Names Kimber McFadden Vice President
Rush & Company, a national executive search firm focused on the textile industry, has named Kimber McFadden as vice president of nonwovens and industrial textiles. “Kimber has been a tremendous addition to Rush & Company, going back close to a decade,” said Rick Rush, founder, and president. “She has been instrumental in building our nonwoven
The Good Board Expands Search Team
U.K.-based executive search and leadership consultancy firm The Good Board has appointed five new team members. Jo Sands joins as leader and director of interim and executive search, Lexie Sims as director of search and diversity, equity and inclusion; Veronica Linares as director of leadership development; Shivani Patel as a research manager; and Sian Gatenby
Finding the Right Leaders, Step by Step
In business, recruiting the right leaders at the right time is a competitive advantage. A new book, ‘Leadership Recruiting’ is an authoritative guide to doing so, every step of the way, for rapidly growing small companies to global 100 conglomerates. The book is intended for all executives, from candidates for new positions to managers responsible
Hobbs & Towne Assists Impossible Foods in Recruiting Chief Scientific Officer
Executive search firm Hobbs & Towne has assisted in the placement of Vanderbilt University biochemistry department chair John D. York as chief science officer at Impossible Foods. CEO Andy Towne led the assignment along with partner Ryan Houder for the search firm. Dr. York, whose first day at Impossible Foods will be Jan. 4, will serve on the senior
RM Nephew and Associates Fills Board Position for Watts Water Technologies
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Executive recruitment firm RM Nephew and Associates’ board diversity practice recently placed Michael J. Dubose as new
Online Talent Platform Assembles $32 Million Funding Round
Turing.com, which describes itself as an automated platform that enables companies to use and manage remote software developers, has assembled $32 million Series B funding. The capitalization round was led by $3.3 billion fund WestBridge Capital. The round includes a number of high-profile investors, including Foundation Capital, which led Turing’s seed round. Altair Capital, Mindset Ventures, Frontier
