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Buffkin / Baker Expands Consumer Practice
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has expanded with the addition of Kevin Duffy as a partner in its consumer practice area. “We are delighted that Kevin has joined Buffkin / Baker and our consumer practice,” said David Alexander, partner, and consumer practice leader. “He brings a wealth of executive recruiting experience to our firm and
Speed vs. Certainty: How Leading Search Firms Deliver Fast Shortlists Without Increasing Risk
Executive search firms are under increasing pressure to deliver qualified leadership candidates faster without compromising diligence or decision quality. As hiring timelines compress and stakeholder scrutiny intensifies, many firms are turning to AI-driven intelligence tools to identify potential risks, validate candidate fit, and strengthen shortlists earlier in the search process. Balancing speed with certainty requires
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
McKinsey Continues to Deliver Value; It Just Charges Differently for it Now
Consulting is undergoing a fundamental reset. Clients no longer want episodic strategy advice – they want measurable impact tied to their biggest transformation mandates, and they expect their consultants to be accountable for results. McKinsey’s rapid internal adoption of AI shows just how quickly the industry is evolving. Since the firmwide rollout of Lilli, its
Odgers Berndtson Seeks CEO for Earthshot Prize Organization
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has been chosen to find a chief executive officer to develop and lead an organization that will deliver the newly established Earthshot Prizes. Launched globally from the U.K. by Prince William, the £50 million award program will celebrate those who are addressing the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. “The Earthshot Prize
CarterBaldwin Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Christian Community Credit Union
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted Christian Community Credit Union in the recruitment of Aaron Caid as chief marketing officer of this mission-driven credit union. “We are excited to have Aaron Caid join the Christian Community Credit Union family,” said Blair Korschun, CEO of the financial institution. “Aaron is a man of faith with vast experience in
AltoPartners Adds New Member Firm in Morocco
AltoPartners, an international alliance of boutique executive search and leadership consulting firms, has expanded its global footprint with the addition of Moroccan search firm Seeliger y Conde Morocco. Headed by Javier Canals, a multilingual search consultant and executive advisor, the firm is based in Casablanca and covers the North Africa region. “We have a significant track-record of
Executive Recruiters Weigh in On a Biden Presidency
The election of Joseph R. Biden Jr. to the Presidency promises significant change in Washington, D.C. for the next four years. Many questions remain about whether the incoming administration will be able to achieve its agenda, for better or worse, depending on one’s outlook – and the results of two Senate races still to be
Hanold Associates Assists The New York Times Co. in CHRO Search
Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has assisted The New York Times Co. in the recruitment of Jacqueline M. Welch as executive vice president and chief human resources officer (CHRO). She will report directly to president and CEO Meredith Kopit Levien and sit on the company’s executive committee as well as lead its talent and inclusion
Egon Zehnder Forms Partnership with Out Leadership
Despite the well-documented benefits of diversity, many companies are still struggling to meaningfully change the makeup of their workforce. Egon Zehnder, the fourth largest search firm globally as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media, and Out Leadership, a global platform for CEOs and multinational companies to advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality, recently formed an alliance aimed at promoting LGBTQ+
Herbert Mines Associates Helps rue21 Secure New CEO
Retailers are facing major shifts in their businesses that call for “unprecedented responses” by CEOs who can effectively lead through change, intuitively and analytically understand the evolving consumer, and respond to ambiguity, according to search consultants. Developed markets, excess retail capacity, rising prices, the shift to omni-channel retail and the unpredictable pace of change in
Boyden Names Global Head of Leadership Consulting
Boyden recently appointed João Guedes Vaz as global head of leadership consulting. “Leadership consulting is a strategic priority at Boyden and I am delighted that João has accepted such an important role,” said Trina Gordon, president and CEO of Boyden. “His drive, commitment and talent will enable us to harness the exceptional understanding we have of our
As COVID-19 Lockdowns Mount, More Americans Expected to File for Unemployment
The Labor Department reported this morning that 742,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week as COVID-19 cases in the U.S. continue to rise. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting 710,000. This was the fifth straight week that claims fell below 800,000. More than 21 million Americans are currently claiming
Exploring the World of Remote Candidates
The ‘new normal’ is still evolving as the nation continues to adjust to COVID-19. One area of change is how businesses continue to be productive and remain safe. With over 40 percent of employees working from home since COVID-19 arrived, organizations have had to adjust quickly to managing remote workforces, says a new report from
Reffett Associates Seeking IT Leader for the Seattle Mariners
Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has been retained to find the new vice president of information technology for Major League Baseball’s Seattle Mariners. Marshall Reffett, managing director of the firm’s Seattle office, is leading the search along with Tom Young, director of operations. This is a new position for the organization and is part of a growing trend
PFM Executive Search Places Chief Scientific Officer for Genome BC
Vancouver, British Columbia-based PFM Executive Search has placed Federica Di Palma as the new chief scientific officer and vice president, sectors for Genome BC, a non-profit research organization. Partners Allison Rzen and Shaun Carpenter led the assignment. Dr. Di Palma brings over 20 years of international experience in science, technology and innovation with an emphasis on understanding complex
Vaco Opens New Office in Vancouver
Brentwood, TN-headquartered recruiting firm Vaco has continued its expansion in Canada with the opening of a new office in Vancouver. The firm has named Nirad Chaudhari as managing partner. “We’ve enjoyed exciting and rapid expansion in the Canadian market in recent years, and a great opportunity for continued growth exists in the Vancouver area,” said Tom Turpin,
How to Hire 5,000 People in a Day
The job statistics have been dire. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of organizations laid off millions of American workers. More than 21 million Americans are currently claiming some form of unemployment insurance. And while the unemployment rate stands at 6.9 percent, it stood as high as 14.7 percent this past spring. A recent report
New State Capital Partners Takes Equity Stake in Klein Hersh
New State Capital Partners, based in Larchmont, NY, has taken an equity investment stake in Horsham, PA-based Klein Hersh International, an executive search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries. New State was advised on the transaction by Morgan Lewis (legal), Duff & Phelps (financial), L.E.K. Consulting (industry), and Citizens Bank (M&A advisory).
Kincannon & Reed Recruits President for the Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils
After a four month search, executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed has placed Kailee Tkacz Buller as the new president of the Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils (ISEO) in Washington, D.C. ISEO is a trade association representing the refiners of edible fats and oils in the U.S. Managing directors Paul Miller and Michael Cooper led the
ZRG Expands Technology Practice into Austin and Dallas
ZRG Partners has expanded its technology practice into Texas with the addition of managing directors Lisa Hooker in Austin and Tyler Gordon and Kevin Anderson in Dallas. Together, the three have a collective 60 years of experience and assignments spanning a number of sectors within the tech space. They have delivered board and leadership projects for
Principal Connections Tapped by Clann Credo to Find New CEO
Ireland-based executive search firm Principal Connections has been selected by Clann Credo to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Practice leader Darren McCabe is heading the assignment. Reporting to the chairperson and the voluntary board of directors, the CEO will determine and formulate strategies and policies and provide the overall direction for Clann Credo
8 Key Traits to Look for When Hiring a Turnaround CEO
From a leadership and hiring standpoint, transforming businesses and driving change is no easy task. To accomplish the kind of sweeping, transformative change organizations often require, a ‘turnaround’ CEO is often required. In a new report from executive search firm ON Partners, partner Baillie Parker says that the ideal turnaround CEO candidate possesses a unique set of
LSU Taps Parker Executive Search to Find President
The Louisiana State University presidential search committee voted unanimously on Friday to hire Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search to assist in its hunt for a new president. F. King Alexander left the school after a little more than six years at the helm to run Oregon State University. Thomas Galligan Jr., dean of LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center,
BoardWalk Consulting Tapped to Find President for Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been enlisted to find the next president for the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA), a non-profit that promotes energy efficiency as a catalyst for economic growth, workforce development and energy security. Mandy Mahoney, who has led SEEA for 10 years, recently announced that she depart next spring to pursue public office.
Heller Search Associates Expands Recruiting Team
Boston-headquartered executive recruiting firm Heller Search Associates has expanded with the addition of Charley Betzig as managing director. The firm said that it has experienced a strong uptick in search activity since June and has hired Mr. Betzig to help service its growing client roster. “Most companies have made the pivots necessary to survive in
Resolute Administrative Services Acquires Search Partners Recruiting
Acquisitions and consolidations continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Recently, Resolute Administrative Services, a Denver-based provider of back-office support, and workforce and consulting services for recruiting firms, recently acquired Search Partners Recruiting, a Dallas-based search firm that specializes in finding internal talent for the recruiting
Reducing Unconscious Bias in the Hiring Process
Longtime disparities based on culture, linguistics, income, place of residence, mental health and other factors have been found to limit care access and impede health equities. They also inflict financial waste on health systems, insurers, employers and patients. As health systems and providers become increasingly accountable for improving population health outcomes, patient populations are becoming
Academic Search Seeks President for Saint Elizabeth University
Academic Search, an education-focused executive recruitment firm, has been selected to find the next president for Saint Elizabeth University (SEU) in Morristown, NJ. Leading the assignment are: Jay Lemons, president and senior consultant; Maya Ranchod Kirkhope, VP for consulting services and senior consultant; Jennifer Kooken, consultant; and Kate L. Cusimano, associate consultant. The university’s current
Quick Leonard Kieffer Tapped by St. Luke’s Health System for Inaugural Chief Nursing Executive Search
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
Beecher Reagan Names Digital & Analytics Practice Leader
Beecher Reagan, a global search and leadership firm specializing exclusively in senior professional services and private equity leadership, has appointed Matthew Greenberg as principal and leader of its digital and analytics practice. “During these uncertain times, we continue to invest in our firm,” said Clark Beecher, managing partner. “We would like to welcome Matthew Greenberg. Greenberg will lead
Ichor Leadership Search Recruits CEO for Sport New Zealand
New Zealand-based executive recruiting firm Ichor Leadership Search has placed Raelene Castle as the new CEO of Sport New Zealand. She replaces Peter Miskimmin, who steps down in December after 11 years in the role. “Raelene brings tremendous breadth and depth of experience as a CEO in sports administration and is a proven people and organizational leader,” said
Caldwell Posts 45 Percent Q4 Revenue Decline; Full-Year Results Down Nearly 20 Percent
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q4 revenues of $11.3 million (Canadian), a 45.7 percent decrease from a year ago. Full year revenues declined by 18.7 percent, from $69.7 last year to $56.7 million. Like many companies, the search firm’s performance was heavily impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. “Fiscal 2020 was a year unlike any other,” said John Wallace, chief
Russell Reynolds Associates and Hogan Assessments Expand Partnership
Russell Reynolds Associates and Hogan Assessments, a global provider of personality assessment and leadership development, have expanded their partnership with a new initiative to increase the effectiveness and versatility of C-suite leadership teams. “The complexity and pace of change in today’s environment requires C-suite leadership teams to act with purpose, vision and speed,” said Clarke Murphy, CEO
Buffkin / Baker to Assist Oklahoma State University in Search for Next President
Executive recruitment firm Buffkin / Baker has been selected to assist in the search for the next president of Oklahoma State University (OSU). Burns Hargis announced his plans to retire at the end of this academic year, on July 1, 2021. Managing partner Martin M. Baker is leading the assignment. The search process will include broad outreach to
