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Peña Search Recruits CEO for The SAFE Alliance
Peña Search has assisted in the recruitment of Pierre R. Berastaín as the new CEO of The Safe Alliance. Travis Hillier led the assignment. He succeeds longtime CEO Julia Spann, whose decades of leadership built SAFE into a nationally recognized model for integrated services. “For more than twenty years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary staff, board
Zemantics Ventures Expands Healthcare Workforce Platform with Dual Acquisition
Hunt Scanlon Ventures has served as buy-side M&A advisor to Zemantics Ventures in its acquisition of Consilium360 and MedWell360, strengthening Zemantics’ healthcare services portfolio and expanding its enterprise workforce and operational solutions capabilities nationwide. The deals bring together complementary capabilities across healthcare HR strategy, workforce process optimization, scheduling, and access center operations — forming a more integrated, technology-enabled
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.
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
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?
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
ZRG Acquires NextCap Search
ZRG has acquired NextCap Search, a boutique executive search firm with deep experience placing senior talent in investment banking and financial services. Financial details of the deal were not released. The move adds further depth to ZRG’s financial services practice at a time when firms are under increasing pressure to compete for proven leadership and revenue generators
Jobvite Acquires AI and Data Science Team of Predictive Partner
Recruiting software firm Jobvite has acquired the artificial intelligence and data science team of Predictive Partner. Morgan Llewellyn, CEO of Predictive Partner, will serve as Jobvite’s chief data scientist and oversee a team leveraging AI through automation, predictive analytics, data science, machine learning, natural language processing and optical character recognition. “As the first provider to introduce both machine vision
Disruptive Shift has One Sector Looking Far and Wide for Talent
For the first time in more than 20 years, government officials, providers, health plans and employers are recommending telehealth as the first choice for care, as opposed to an alternative – due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, according to a new report by healthcare-focused executive recruiting firm Cejka Search. Before the pandemic, only one in 10 patients in the
Pandemic Fallout: Sudden Surge In CFO Exits
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. A new Korn Ferry report, authored by Beau Lambert,
Sterling Martin Associates Recruits Executive Director for Obesity Medicine Association
Sterling Martin Associates, an executive search firm which specializes in recruiting talent for associations and other non-profit organizations, has placed Katrina Crist as the new executive director of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) in Denver, CO. “After an extensive nationwide search, the board of trustees enthusiastically selected Ms. Crist because of her proven experience in growing
KEES Retained by United Methodist Communities to Find VP of Philanthropy
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm KEES (Kistner Eddy Executive Services) has been retained by Neptune, NJ-based United Methodist Communities (UMC) to help find a new vice president of philanthropy. The assignment is being led by Heather Eddy, president and CEO. UMC, a senior living and healthcare organization, is seeking a senior-level philanthropic professional to complement and grow its development
WittKieffer Adds Interim Leadership Services to Education Practice
Executive search firm WittKieffer has expanded its interim leadership practice into the field of higher education. The practice, first launched in 2018 to provide interim leaders to the firm’s healthcare industry clients, will now also serve clients in academia that are seeking temporary executives to ensure leadership continuity in these difficult times, the firm said. “Interim executives
Pandemic Changes CHRO Role for Good
The coronavirus pandemic has transformed C-suites all over the world. But for the role of chief human resources officer, the changes have been revolutionary. A new report from IMSA Search examines how the COVID-19 crisis has demanded new capabilities and duties for chief HR officers. It’s conclusion: the role of CHROs shouldn’t be overestimated. “At a time when new risks and
Slone Partners Appoints Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has added esteemed educator Candace Nortey as executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion. In this newly created role, she will help expand the firm’s diversity efforts to enhance opportunities for minority candidates, both internally and for the company’s client partners. “Candace Nortey is an extremely accomplished leader in her field and brings
Coulter Partners Assists Optimapharm in CEO Search
Mark Sharp of life sciences-focused search firm Coulter Partners recently assisted private equity-backed Optimapharm in the recruitment of Andrew Copestake as its new CEO. “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the executive management team and thank Coulter Partners for their professional support in achieving this high-caliber appointment,” said Harold Chatelus, director of private equity firm The Rohatyn Group.
Furst Group Assists Medica in CTO Search
Executive search firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has placed Dan Abdul as senor vice president and chief technology officer at Medica, a non-profit health plan headquartered in Minnetonka, MN. “Dan brings to Medica proven IT leadership with a strong emphasis on making decisions based on data and analytics,” said Rob Geyer, senior vice president
Development Guild DDI Seeking Chief Development Officer for US Sailing
Executive recruitment firm Development Guild DDI, which focuses on the non-profit sector, has been selected by US Sailing, the national governing body for the sport of sailing, to find a chief development officer. Leading the assignment is senior consultant Jesse Bryan. “US Sailing is seeking a chief development officer to work closely with the CEO, the foundation chair
Getting on with Hiring in the Face of a Crisis
Companies are far from operating in “business as usual” mode, but there are still business imperatives and targets that must be met. The current crisis, in fact, has highlighted areas in businesses where there are “cracks” – processes or functions that were acceptable before, but now must be changed or improved. “It is this dichotomy that is
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits CEO for Moffitt Cancer Center
Russell Reynolds Associates has assisted in the placement of world-renowned tumor immunologist Patrick Hwu as the new president and CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. He begins his new role at Moffitt on Nov. 10. “Dr. Hwu is truly a cancer visionary ready to elevate Moffitt to even greater success,” said Tim Adams, chair of Moffitt’s Institute board
Major, Lindsey & Africa Recruits General Counsel for Congressional Federal Credit Union
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has placed Rod Boddie as general counsel for Congressional Federal Credit Union in Oakton, VA. The assignment was led by Deborah Ben-Canaan, partner and senior practice leader; Christie Babinski, director; and Kimberly Hulsey, director, of MLA’s in-house counsel recruiting group in Washington, D.C. “Rod is the perfect fit for Congressional Federal
Vanderbloemen Search Group Places Executive Pastor at Grace Community Church
Vanderbloemen Search Group, which finds leaders for churches and ministries, has assisted in the placement of Mo Grimm as the new executive pastor of Grace Community Church in Tempe, AZ. “This was all God bringing the right people together at exactly the right time; I was just honored to be part of His process,” said Brian
JBK Associates Adds Director of Business Development
JBK Associates International has expanded with the addition of Gregory Williamson as director of business development. “C-suite leaders and boards turn to Greg Williamson when they need help expanding and executing in a fast-changing global arena,” said Julie Kampf, JBK’s CEO, chief possibilities officer and board talent champion. “His deep business acumen and leadership expertise will
Jobless Claims Soar Above One Million Mark Again
The Labor Department reported this morning that 1.1 million more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. Economists were expecting initial claims of 923,000 based on median estimates. Those collecting benefits for at least two weeks, known as continuing claims, declined by 636,000 to 14.844 million. The unadjusted data, which some economists say
BrainWorks Recruits CFO for MackeyRMS
New Providence, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks has recruited Ross Sullivan as the new chief financial officer of Resurgens Technology Partners-backed MackeyRMS, a global provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based research management software. The assignment was completed in 60 days by Eric Frickel, partner of private equity at Brainworks. He closely advised Resurgens Technology Partners and the Mackey
Miller Black Associates Recruits CHRO for RHA Health Services
New York City-based executive search Miller Black Associates has placed Josh Christian as the new chief human resources officer (CHRO) of RHA Health Services in Asheville, NC. Joanna Miller led the assignment. “Because of the quality of the company, their growth prospects and their important mission, there was a high level of interest in this position from
Danforth Art Museum at Framingham State University Taps Opportunity Resources to Find New Leader
Executive search firm Opportunity Resources has been chosen to find the next executive director for the Danforth Art Museum at Framingham State University (FSU) in Framingham, MA. President and chief executive officer Freda Mindlin is leading the assignment. “Danforth Art Museum at Framingham State University is seeking a visionary, innovative and collaborative executive director to lead
Kingsley Gate Partners Strengthens Healthcare Practice
Kingsley Gate Partners is continuing its recent expansion with the addition of former CHRO Shannon Libbert as a partner to serve the firm’s healthcare clients. She will be based in Pensacola, FL. “With the addition of Shannon, we have strengthened our access to senior executives in the healthcare providers sector, to bring our clients the leadership
Egon Zehnder Seeks Inspector General for Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has retained Egon Zehnder to lead its search for a new inspector general. Current inspector general Mouhamadou Diagne informed the board earlier this year that he was stepping down. The firm is seeking candidates with proven skills in leadership and strategic oversight, emanating from broad and diverse backgrounds.
Leading Through Disruption and Uncertainty
George Floyd’s death and subsequent events are incredibly tragic and disturbing. Taken together with the impact of COVID-19, they have not only shaken the country but also disrupted business as usual. In recent discussions with directors, CEOs and other business leaders, Crenshaw Associates has found that companies have largely taken an aggressive approach to the
Kirby Bates Associates Seeks Chief Nursing Officer for Cambridge Health Alliance
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
KBRS Expands HR Consulting Practice
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR and talent executives looking for a career change. Nova Scotia-headquartered executive search firm KBRS recently added Barbara Meens Thistle to its human resources consulting practice. She will work with organizations and leaders in Atlantic Canada as a senior strategic HR advisor, providing guidance
Career Partners International Adds New Member Firm
Columbus, OH-headquartered Career Partners International (CPI) has added Career Management Associates (CMA Midwest) as its newest member firm to serve the Greater Kansas City, KS market. Career Management Associates offers a full range of services including executive search, career transition services/outplacement, executive coaching, leader development and MPO assessment solutions. The industries the firm has served represent all
Executive Search Industry Navigates a Crisis
Like industries across the country, and the world, executive search was devastated by the initial impact of the COVID-19 crisis. But a newly-released Q2 report on the industry by recruitment software developer Thrive suggests that recovery may be closer than many people expect. Early on in the crisis, one Thrive survey revealed that nearly 80
3P Partners Shares Tips for Virtual Interviews
As the world of recruitment is adapting to the challenges presented by COVID-19, and in-person interviews are being quickly replaced with Zoom, the 3P Partners recruitment team offers some quick tips to better navigate this virtual platform. The firm said to start with downloading and practicing Zoom before the interview. This might seem obvious but candidates tend
R. William Funk & Associates Secures New President for Columbia College
R. William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, has recruited William T. Bogart to become the 20th president of Columbia College in Columbia, SC. He succeeds Carol A. Moore who stepped down in March after four years in the top leadership role. “As Columbia College transitions to its new coed
TRANSEARCH International Opens Office in Shanghai
TRANSEARCH International has recently added a new office in Shanghai with the addition of Carren Shi as managing partner, great China regions. Ms. Shi is a cross-border leadership acquisition and development consultant and business partner with over 20 years of experience in consumer, life science, healthcare and industrial sectors. Previously, Ms. Shi was founder and managing
DHR International Assists National Association of Basketball Coaches in Finding Next Leader
Glenn Sugiyama, managing partner and global sports practice leader at DHR International, has placed Craig Robinson as the new executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). He succeeds Jim Haney, who held the position for the past 29 years, and becomes just the fifth executive director in the NABC’s history. Mr. Robinson is







