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Klein Hersh Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Zag Bio
Horsham, PA-based Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited Jan Hillson as chief medical officer of Zag Bio, Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering thymus-targeted medicines in Cambridge, MA. “Jan joins Zag at a pivotal moment as we transition from research into clinical development,” said Jason Cole, CEO of
Herbert Mines Assists Designer Brands with CFO Search
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Sheamus Toal as executive vice president, chief financial officer and principal financial officer of NYSE-traded Designer Brands Inc. Mark Haley, who has served as interim principal financial officer during the transition period, will return full time to his position as
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
Transforming the Recruiter’s Role From Volume to Value
According to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. public companies have reduced their white-collar workforces by a collective 3.5 percent over the past three years, all while corporate profits have surged to record highs. One in five companies in the S&P 500 now operate with fewer employees than a decade ago, despite having significantly higher revenues. Executives
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
Pillar Search & Consulting Assists Jewish Vocational Service in CIO Search
Pillar Search & Consulting has placed Jim Santiago as the new chief information officer of Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) in Boston. “We look forward to Jim’s leadership as JVS evolves into an agency with a fully integrated, highly effective tech infrastructure and systems which will optimize staff, client and alumni success,” said Kira Khazatsky, chief operating
Beecher Reagan Names EMEA Partner
Houston-based executive search firm Beecher Reagan has appointed Georgina Pawley as EMEA partner. She will serve as the firm’s global technology services practice leader and co-global private equity practice leader. Ms. Pawley brings a wealth of expertise in human capital strategy and recruitment in the digital transformation space to Beecher Reagan’s consulting practice. She works with professional services
Your Job as a Leader
In today’s challenging times, leadership is needed more than ever. “What we need right now is calm, steady leadership; not panic, hysteria, and rush to judgment,” says Rob Andrews, chairman and CEO of Houston-based executive search firm Allen Austin, in a new report. “We need our leaders to tell us we’re going to be OK,
Odgers Berndtson Expands Aerospace, Defense & National Security Search Practice
John Hambley has joined Odgers Berndtson’s aerospace, defense and national security practice as a principal. “John is a great addition to the Odgers Berndtson team as we continue to grow our U.S. executive search and leadership services, as well as continue to help the Odgers Berndtson global practices expand,” said Steve Potter, U.S. CEO of
Hobson Leavy Recruits Chief People and Culture Officer for Beca Group
As companies look to build internal brand awareness and set their sights on establishing and driving their own unique cultures, chief people officers are coming more into vogue. Recently, New Zealand executive search firm Hobson Leavy placed former Air New Zealand executive Anne Henry as chief people and culture officer for Beca Group. “We are delighted to welcome Anne to Beca,”
Caldwell Records 42 Percent Q3 Revenue Decline
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q3 revenues of $11.5 million (Canadian), a 42 percent decrease from a year ago. Like many companies, the firm’s performance was impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. “This is a challenging business environment for the executive search industry,” said John Wallace, chief executive officer. “Our third quarter revenue is down 42 percent over last
BarkerGilmore Adds Legal Expert as Senior Advisor
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has added legal operations pioneer Audrey Rubin to its advisory and coaching division. Ms. Rubin is nationally acclaimed as both a pioneer of the legal operations function and a preeminent leader in the business of law, with an innovative background in advising law
Spencer Stuart Assists the National Council on Aging with CEO Search
Spencer Stuart has assisted the National Council on Aging (NCOA) with the recruitment of Ramsey Alwin as its next president and CEO. Current president and CEO James Firman announced late last year his plans to retire from the organization after 25 years of service. Consultants Jennifer Heenan and Leslie Hortum led the assignment. “Ramsey has
Another 1.3 Million Americans File for Jobless Claims
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 15th week in a row that the figure has topped one million. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had been expecting 1.38 million claims. The latest numbers reflect
Sheffield Haworth Adds Managing Director to Consulting, Technology & Services Practice; Expands to West Coast
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has named Sam Wallace as a managing director to the firm’s consulting, technology and services (CTS) practice. Based in Los Angeles, Ms. Wallace will be responsible for leading and growing the practice across the Americas. Ms. Wallace has an extensive track record focusing on senior hires for technology
