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ECA Partners Strengthens PE-Focused Talent Solutions
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has appointed Damon Reynolds and Tim Fetzer as senior directors. These strategic hires further strengthen ECA’s capabilities across finance, digital transformation, and industrial manufacturing sectors. “Damon and Tim represent the caliber of specialized talent we’re strategically adding to serve our clients’ evolving needs,” said Ken Kanara, CEO of ECA
How Boards and CEOs Can Close the First-Year Learning Gap
Placing a chief executive is not the finish line for an executive search firm — it is the beginning of a new phase of accountability. The most effective firms understand that long-term success depends not only on selecting the right leader, but also on ensuring that individual transitions into the role with clarity, alignment, and
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.
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
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?
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,
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
Hunt Scanlon to Host Conferences in New York City and London on AI
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming talent strategy by enabling faster, more precise, and scalable decision-making across the hiring lifecycle. Rather than merely automating tasks, AI is enhancing how companies identify, evaluate, and retain top talent. It allows recruiters and talent leaders to shift their focus from manual processes to higher-level strategy and relationship building. Search
m/Oppenheim Executive Search is Assisting United Way of Anchorage in CEO Search
Non-profit recruitment firm m/Oppenheim Executive Search has been selected to find the next president and CEO of the United Way of Anchorage. Founder Mark Oppenheim and principal Patrick Salazar are leading the assignment for the San Francisco-based search firm. The non-profit’s board “seeks a CEO to drive shared and measurable goals that strengthen civil society, and
Eton Bridge Partners Expands Business Transformation Practice
Top experts in talent management and leadership recruitment agree that filling an interim leadership position can be a significant opportunity for an organization. Executive search and interim management firm Eton Bridge Partners recently expanded with the addition of Stuart Jansze as a partner in its business transformation practice. “We are delighted that Stuart is joining the team,” said Steve
COVID-19 and Its Impact on Human Capital
On the wisdom that it’s better to rip the Band-Aid off fast, let’s get the bad news out of the way quickly: The global consulting industry is in a tailspin. According to a report by Tatum’s Richard Wilcox, the mega-billion dollar sector is forecast to experience a 19 percent drop in fees in 2020, which
CarterBaldwin Recruits CEO for Dairyland Power Cooperative
CarterBaldwin Executive Search recently placed former Energy Northwest executive Brent Ridge as the new president and CEO of Dairyland Power Cooperative. He succeeds Barbara Nick who recently retired and has led Dairyland for the past five and a half years. Chris Guiney, partner and energy and infrastructure practice leader for CarterBaldwin, led the assignment along with consultant
Herbert Mines Assists Tandy Leather Factory in CFO Search
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has placed Steve Swank as the new chief financial officer of Tandy Leather Factory. President Brenda Malloy and managing director Adelle Kirk led the assignment. Michael Galvan, the company’s interim CFO, will remain with Tandy through the completion of the restatement and in a consulting
The ExeQfind Group and The QualiFind Group Merge Brazil-Based DRH–Talent Search Into Search Platform
The ExeQfind Group, based in Atlanta and The QualiFind Group, based in San Diego, have recently merged DRH–Talent Search, a retained executive search firm located in Sao Paulo, Brazil, into its search and recruitment platform serving the Americas. Hamilton Teixeira, an accomplished retained executive search and marketing-oriented executive leader, owned and led the Brazilian firm
McDermott + Bull Expands with Hiring of Former CHRO
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR executives looking for a career change. Recently, Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull expanded with the addition of former HR executive Alisa Nagle as a managing director to drive the firm’s global industrial, automotive and mobility practice. Based in Detroit, she will
Korn Ferry Retained by MidMichigan Health for CHRO Search
Korn Ferry has been called in by MidMichigan Health to lead its search for a new senior vice president and chief human resources officer. The CHRO is responsible for all aspects of human resources and education across MidMichigan Health. Korn Ferry said this position is “responsible for developing and executing human resource strategy in support of the
Parker Executive Search Seeks CMO for University of Idaho
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has been enlisted to find a chief marketing officer for the University of Idaho. The assignment is being led by president Laurie C. Wilder and vice president Porsha L. Williams. The CMO/ executive director, communications role involves providing visionary leadership and direction over the university’s branding, marketing and strategic communications. “Reporting to
20/20 Foresight Names Head of Dallas Office
Chicago-headquartered 20/20 Foresight Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Alex Cox as managing director and head of its Dallas office. He brings more than 15 years of executive search experience in the placement of commercial real estate professionals, collaborating with mid-level to C-suite candidates primarily focused in investment, asset management, financing and capital markets roles. “20/20 Foresight was
HR Executive Joins Strategic Advisory Board of Bedford Consulting Group
Naomi Titleman Colla, the founder of Collaborativity, a consultancy focused on driving progressive talent strategy to improve collaboration, productivity and performance, has joined the strategic advisory board of Toronto-based executive search and talent management solutions provider Bedford Consulting Group. “We are very excited to have Naomi join our advisory board to provide her insights and guidance
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 18.3 Percent Revenue Decline; Restructuring Plans Announced
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles (NASDAQ:HSII) posted second quarter revenues of $145.6 million, an 18.3 percent decrease from revenues of $173.1 million during the same period a year ago. The reduction in net revenue was primarily due to the impact of the pandemic on it global business. Executive search net revenue experienced
HR Leadership Lessons From the Early Days of the Pandemic
The world is both united and divided during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s united in the sense of we are all adjusting to a “new normal” and the challenges—and some opportunities—that arise with a different way of living and working against the backdrop of genuine solidarity. The division comes in where nations fall in the crisis
KEES Recruits CEO for Covenant Community Care
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm KEES (Kistner Eddy Executive Services) has placed Joslyn Pettway as the new chief executive officer of Covenant Community Care in Detroit. President and CEO Heather Eddy and project manager Octavia Daniels led the assignment for the search firm. “It was a pleasure to meet Joslyn from Day One,” said Ms. Eddy. “Her passion
Haley Associates Seeking Provost for Franklin Pierce University
Higher education search firm Haley Associates has been selected by Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH, to find its next provost and chief academic officer. This search is being led Katherine Haley. Reporting directly to the president of the university, the provost is the first among equals on a highly collaborative senior administrative team, Haley Associates said. In this critical
Bespoke Partners Adds CEO of Sales Benchmark Index as Board Member
Board service can be one of the most rewarding career experiences: It’s an opportunity to see firsthand how another company operates at the highest levels and to work with – and learn from – accomplished, articulate and intelligent people. Its why many leaders decide to start down the path to the boardroom. It is also
Cognitive Talent Partners Appoints Head of U.S. Operations
Gurgaon, Haryana-headquartered executive search firm Cognitive Talent Partners has named Abba Manchanda as a partner and head of U.S. operations. “Abba’s entrepreneurial background and global sales experience will be a tremendous asset to our business globally,” said Anuj Dhawan, founder and managing partner of Cognitive Talent Partners. “Her breadth of experience – not only having built a recruiting practice from
LinkedIn Cuts Nearly a Thousand Jobs as Demand for Recruiting Products Wanes
If you haven’t seen concrete, visible signs yet of the turbulence COVID-19 is having on the recruitment market, here’s one: LinkedIn is laying off approximately 960 jobs, or six percent of its workforce, noting that the pandemic is beginning to have a material effect on the demand for its recruitment products. The online employment service
DHR International Tapped by Central Michigan University to Find Next Director of Athletics
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Glenn Sugiyama, managing partner and global sports practice leader at DHR International, has been called in by Central Michigan University (CMU) to lead in its search for its next Zyzelewski Family associate vice president/director of athletics. After three years at the helm of Central
Kittleman & Associates Selected by Seattle Parks Foundation to Find New President and CEO
The economic strength of the non-profit field has increased in recent years and it is now the third largest employer in the U.S. This has certainly kept search firms busy. Chicago-based search firm Kittleman & Associates has been enlisted to find a new president and CEO for Seattle Parks Foundation (SPF). Reporting to the board chair on
Bay Street Advisors Open Office in London
Executive recruitment firm Bay Street Advisors has opened a new office in London, marking its first location outside the U.S. The office will be led by industry veteran John Rumsey, who will serve as managing director. The move comes at a time when Bay Street is strategically growing its business and looking to better serve
Mlegal Rebrands Macrae to Reflect Growing Global Footprint
Global legal executive search firm Mlegal recently announced that going forward it will be known as Macrae. The firm’s complete rebrand to Macrae, which includes a new website and positioning, reflects its growth from a two-recruiter team in Northern California in 2001 to a transatlantic boutique with a strong and growing footprint in four of the world’s top
Why Selecting a Search Firm is ‘Mission Critical’ During Challenging Times
As COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the U.S., the Labor Department reported this morning that 1.4 million more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week, the 18th week in a row that the figure has topped one million. Economists polled by Dow Jones expected initial claims to rise by 1.3 million. The
Bubenik Partners Recruits Global CEO for PFNonwovens Holding
Central European executive search firm Bubenik Partners has assisted the owners of PFNonwovens Holding s.r.o. (PFN) in recruiting Cedric Ballay as the company’s new group chief executive officer. The leadership change is the result of a long-planned succession for the Prague-headquartered PFN Group, the global hygiene nonwovens textile producer owned by the R2G family office.
Global Talent Solutions Seeks Chief Growth Officer for MassageLuXe
Laguna Hills, CA-based executive search firm Global Talent Solutions (GTS) has been selected to find the first-ever chief growth officer for MassageLuXe, a 68-unit luxury massage, wax and facial franchise retailer. The placement is expected to accelerate the brand’s mission to expand to more than 250 units within five years and is the first of
Slone Partners Adds Branding Leadership Expert to Advisory Board
Sumitovant Biopharma executive Mary Stutts has joined the advisory board of executive search firm Slone Partners. Ms. Stutts is a renowned C-level global branding and growth expert who has provided strategic counsel in the biotechnology, healthcare, technology, and media industries at Fortune 200 companies including Genentech, Bayer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealth Group, and Comcast
ManpowerGroup Revenue Down 30 Percent as COVID-19 Impacts Results
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted third quarter revenues of $3.7 billion, a decrease of 30 percent from the same period a year ago. The hardest hit region in its portfolio was France, where revenue fell 47.5 percent in constant currency. The Milwaukee-based recruiting company recorded net earnings of $64.4 million, or $1.10 per diluted share, compared to
Coronavirus and the People Pandemic: Should You Stop Hiring?
Coronavirus has been top of mind with every CEO and chief people officer. As the virus has taken hold, news has been dominated by headlines of redundancies, lost workforces and companies closing. “In these trying times, every action is under scrutiny as we seek to both contain the virus and continue our everyday practice,” 360Leaders’
The Moran Company Seeks New CEO for Open Excellence
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been tapped by Open Excellence (Foundation for Excellence in Mental Health Care) to lead its search for a new CEO. Steven Byers is leading the assignment. Open Excellence is seeking a CEO to lead and grow its U.S. and international programs. The successful
Waldron Seeks Executive Director for Christensen Fund
Social sector focused executive search firm Waldron has been enlisted to find the next executive director for the Christensen Fund, a San Francisco-based private foundation. The non-profit supports the Global Indigenous Peoples’ Movement in its efforts to advance the rights and opportunities of stewards of biocultural diversity. Leading the assignment for the recruitment firm are search director
Reffett Associates Adds Supply Chain Veteran
Reffett Associates has added veteran supply chain executive Sam Mayberry as a principal. He will focus on the supply chain sector of the consumer industry. Additionally, Mr. Mayberry will use his background and experience working with non-profits to help Reffett Associates to continue to build its non-profit practice. “Sam’s deep experience in all areas of the
