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The Squeezed Middle is Breaking Leadership Pipelines and Boards Are Missing It
Most leadership discussions focus on two ends of the organization. Entry-level hiring pipelines and executive compensation get airtime. The layer in between usually does not, according to a recent article from The Barton Partnership’s Michael Doud. “That blind spot is now one of the biggest risks to leadership continuity,” he said. “Middle management is where succession
ZRG Retained by Virginia Union University to Lead Chief Investment Officer Search
ZRG Partners has been retained by Virginia Union University to lead in its search for a chief investment officer. Dakota Doman, managing director in ZRG’s education practice, and principal Jerel Booker are leading the assignment. The chief investment officer will play a pivotal role in advancing this vision. This senior executive will develop and implement comprehensive
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.
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
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?
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
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
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
2025 Hiring & Compensation at Mid-Year: What’s Evolving and What Remains the Same
What a difference six months makes. When Ascentria Search Partners released its 2025 Compensation & Hiring Guide in January, they focused on the long arc of transformation, shifting candidate expectations, the rise of hybrid models, and the push toward skills-based hiring. “But halfway through the year, one thing is clear: the market is moving faster
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
Strategic Solutions Partners, SearchWide Global and SalesBoost Form Partnership to Provide Talent Solutions for Hospitality Sector
After taking a massive hit during the Great Recession, employment and hiring within the hotel and hospitality industry has begun to rebound. In the last year, according to one set of survey metrics, the industry added 527,000 jobs (2.6 million since 2004). That number was expected to increase in 2020, as global tourism and traveling
Why Delaying Succession Plans in Times of Crisis Can be Risky
Many boards put leadership succession on hold during turbulent times, even if the subject was high on the agenda before the crisis hit. That’s a common reflex. Facing ambiguity, people often select known options over unfamiliar ones. New research from Spencer Stuart and Bain & Company suggests that directors confronted with uncertainty act the same way.
NorthWind Partners Recruits Chief Growth Officer for NT Concepts
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has recruited Brandon Ginsburg as senior vice president and chief growth officer at NT Concepts, a leading national security solutions provider. Brian Thomas, partner and practice leader for industrials/aerospace and defense, government services, led the search. “Brandon brings a strong track record of positioning companies for market expansion in
Tyler & Company Seeks CMO for Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center
Atlanta-based executive recruitment firm Tyler & Company has been selected to find the next chief medical officer for the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center (WYH), a comprehensive healthcare provider and federally qualified health center based in Albany, NY. Leading the assignment are Dennis J. Kain, senior vice president, and Charlotte Tinsley, assistant vice president. “The health
Frederickson Partners Expands Diversity Practice
Frederickson Partners has announced the formation of an expanded diversity and inclusion (D&I) recruiting practice. The service will be led by chief of staff Ben Taylor, a five-year veteran of the firm, and CEO Valerie Frederickson. The firm reports that in June it saw a threefold increase in companies requesting D&I searches. Fueled by Black Lives Matter
CyberSN and CyberForward by CISOSHARE Form Alliance to Address Cybersecurity Talent Shortage
Increasingly, organizations of all sizes are awakening to the perils posed by cyber attacks. For years, many groups tried to ignore the problem, dismissing cybersecurity as a concern only for the biggest, most high-profile entities, be they government or corporate. These days, more groups are coming to understand how ruinous such intrusions could be. This
New Ways to Retain and Hire Talent in the Midst of a Crisis
Many of you are gathering around your management table (virtually), grappling with how to get through these next few months and trying to imagine what is ahead. As you do, your organization may be faced with difficult decisions about cutting budgets, hiring freezes, furloughs and potentially letting people go. A new report by Aspen Leadership
Shelli Herman and Associates to Conduct CEO Search for Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Fresno Chaffee Zoo in California has enlisted Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates to find its next chief executive officer. Leading the assignment is Shelli Herman, president and founder of the recruitment firm. The opening comes at a time of evolution and promise for the zoo. The next CEO will be expected to guide the
Comhar Partners Names Sports, Higher Education, & Non-Profit Practice Leader
Chicago-based executive recruitment firm Comhar Partners has appointed former Chicago Bear defensive tackle Chris Zorich as leader of its newly launched sports management, higher education and non-profit recruiting practice. “Any Chicago area professional sports fan or Notre Dame alum will recognize Chris from his litany of accomplishments on and off the gridiron,” said Bernard Layton, a co-founder and
Brooke Chase Associates Fills Key Post for Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute
Joseph McElmeel, chairman and CEO of Sarasota, FL-based executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates, has announced that his firm helped place Grant Dow as vice president of field services for Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute. Executive recruiter Richard Miller led the assignment. With an extensive background in management and operations, Mr. Dow most recently held the position of
AltoPartners Adds New Member Firm in Hong Kong
AltoPartners, the international alliance of boutique executive search and leadership consulting firms, has expanded its global footprint through the addition of Hong Kong-based Fowler Fox & Co, advisors to some of the world’s most respected private banks, wealth managers and family offices. Headed by Simeon Fowler and supported by Katie Brunt, managing director and head of APAC,
10 Penetrating Questions to Ask Your Search Firm
How do you size up an executive search firm’s true capabilities? In the age of COVID-19 it is an important consideration. To get you started, Odgers Berndtson has offered up 10 questions to help judge if you have the right recruiter on your side or if it’s time to start a search of your own.
TritonExec Names Leader for U.S. Expansion
Global executive search firm TritonExec has appointed Justin Cottrell as partner and leader of its U.S. expansion. Based in New York, Mr. Cottrell brings a wealth of experience in human capital, retained and project-based recruitment strategy as well as a track record in building and scaling a high-growth boutique technology recruitment firm. He has functional expertise
Wild Search Recruits CEO for Gresham College
Wild Search has placed Wendy Piatt as the first chief executive officer of Gresham College. Dr. Piatt has been an adviser at University College London since 2017 and was inaugural CEO of the Russell Group of Universities. “I am passionate about Gresham College’s time-honored mission to bring knowledge and understanding to as wide an audience
Economic Strain Continues as 1.3 Million Americans File for Unemployment
As COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the U.S., the Labor Department reported this morning that 1.3 million more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week, the 16th week in a row that the figure has topped one million. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had been expecting 1.5 million claims. The latest numbers reflect
Rosenzweig & Company Recruits CEO for Microcel
Executive search firm Rosenzweig & Company has placed Adam Ingrao as the new president and CEO of Microcel, a leader in the distribution of global technology brands across Canada and portfolio company of Los Angeles-based Atar Capital. The search concluded just as the COVID-19 pandemic was spreading throughout North America. “Only a relatively small percentage of senior
BIPOC Executive Search Launched in Canada
The executive search industry is being disrupted by the entrance of a multitude of new players offering advanced business models and new technologies. The latest: BIPOC Executive Search Inc. has been launched to focus on the recruitment of black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) for organizations across Canada. The new venture is inspired by the
How the Talent Game is Changing
Much like everything else having to do with hiring and recruiting, executive search is changing. The inability to meet face to face has had a big impact on every organization’s ability to effectively assess the quality of senior-level candidates, according to a new report from Rhys Metler of IQ Partners. But there’s more: The search
Academic Search Recruits President for United Lutheran Seminary
Following an extensive search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted the United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) in the placement of Rev. Dr. R. Guy Erwin as its next president. His appointment is effective Aug. 1. Bishop Erwin succeeds interim president, the Rev. Dr. Angela Zimmann. Bishop Erwin, the fourth bishop of the Southwest California Synod of
WittKieffer Names Head of Education Practice
WittKieffer has named Zachary A. Smith as managing partner of its education practice. He inherits the role from colleague Robin Mamlet, with whom he co-led the practice for the past year as part of a planned transition. Ms. Mamlet remains with the firm and will continue to partner with Mr. Smith in the coming year while also devoting
What the New Normal Might Look Like for Companies After COVID-19
As countries around the world ease their lockdown restrictions, workers are looking forward to getting back to normal. But what will “normal” look like in the post-COVID business environment? In two new reports, Philippe Tschannen, global managing partner of H.I. Executive Consulting, outlines major changes your company can expect and explores the impact this will have on digital
