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Z3Talent Retained by FreshLo to Lead CEO Search
Denver, CO-based executive search firm Z3Talent was recently retained to lead the search for the founding chief executive officer of FreshLo, a non-profit grocery enterprise expanding in Montbello and other Denver neighborhoods. Steve Ziegler and Paula Stolebarger are leading the assignment. This is a build-from-scratch leadership mandate with meaningful operating complexity and community impact. “This is
Wilton & Bain Names Fractional Chief People Officer
Wilton & Bain has named Donna Kennedy as fractional chief people officer. She will be based at the firm’s London headquarters. “Donna’s appointment as fractional CPO represents a significant investment in our firm and, most importantly, in our people,” said David Heron, group chief executive officer at Wilton & Bain. “Our ambition is to be 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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
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,
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,
Top 5 Leadership Shifts to Watch After the Summer Break
As the business world slows down for summer, deeper currents are moving beneath the surface. Global dynamics are shifting. Technology is accelerating. Regulations are evolving. And leadership, too, is entering a new phase. International Executive Search Federation (IESF) recently gathered insights from its partners worldwide, and they see five clear shifts taking shape in executive leadership.
Caldwell Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Mavenlink
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging — and much more influential. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, managing partner of the private equity and venture capital practice at Caldwell, recently placed Robert Pickell as chief marketing officer
Management Consultants for the Arts Helps the Orlando Ballet Find New Leader
Following a wide-ranging nationwide search, Stamford, Conn-based executive search firm Management Consultants for the Arts has assisted in the placement of Cheryl Collins as the new executive director of the Orlando Ballet. Ms. Collins was selected from a competitive pool of eight candidates identified by the search firm. Her strong sense of integrity and solid judgment, success in building the organizations
Searching for Non-Profit Jobs as a Person of Color
Melissa Madzel has been a managing director with Koya Leadership Partners since 2015. She leads and contributes to executive searches, mainly in the social justice community, as well as developing and deepening Koya’s relationships in the progressive movement. “As a person of color in the executive search field, I’m asked time and again about how to navigate
The Bowdoin Group Recruits CEO for Alpha II, Taps 3 Other Leaders for Digital Health Companies
The Bowdoin Group, a Boston-based executive recruitment firm, has placed the new chief executive officer for Alpha II, which provides software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions for healthcare professionals, clearinghouses and government entities. Todd Doze joins the Tallahassee-based company from TransUnion, where he was vice president of reimbursement solutions. The search was spearheaded by Josh Gottlieb, managing director, digital
Reffett Associates Fills Top Post for Air Force Research Laboratory
Following a nationwide search, Reffett Associates recently assisted the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in placing Justin Gallivan as senior scientist for systems and synthetic biology in it’s 711 Human Performance Wing. The assignment was led by Eric Reffett, managing director of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, with assistance from Marshall Reffett, managing director of the firm’s Seattle
Spencer Stuart Assists Ingevity Corp. in CEO Search
Spencer Stuart has assisted in the placement of John C. Fortson as the new president and CEO of NYSE-traded Ingevity Corp. in North Charleston, SC. D. Michael Wilson resigned in February in regard to what the company called “matters relating to his personal conduct.” Ingevity chairman Richard “Rick” Kelson has been serving as interim president and CEO. Over the
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
