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SPMB Executive Search Expands Private Equity Practice
SPMB Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Rawlins Heaton as a partner and member of the firm’s private equity practice. “Rawlins brings a rare combination of deep private equity expertise, exceptional judgment, and a thoughtful, client-centric approach to executive search,” said Mike Doonan, SPMB managing partner. “She has earned the trust of some of
Massey Henry Expands Advisory Board
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has elected Yung Wu to its advisory board. “Yung brings a rare combination of entrepreneurial drive, executive leadership, and board governance expertise, grounded in a deep conviction in innovation as a driver of social and economic progress,” said Michael Henry, founder and managing partner at Massey Henry. “As financial services organizations navigate
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
Private Equity Shifts Focus in Executive Hiring
In the evolving environment of private equity, the expectations placed on executive talent are undergoing a dramatic transformation. As firms adapt to shifting market dynamics, leadership teams are reassessing how executives engage, lead, and deliver value within portfolio companies. One of the most notable shifts is a renewed emphasis on in-person leadership, with cultural cohesion,
accelHRate Assists Venture Global LNG in CFO Search
HR executive search and management consulting firm accelHRate has placed Jack Thayer as the new CFO of Venture Global LNG Inc. “We are delighted to welcome Jack to our experienced leadership team,” co-chief executive officers Bob Pender and Mike Sabel jointly stated. “He has an outstanding record of accomplishment as chief financial officer at two
Caldwell Fills Key Posts for PE-Backed Episerver and Tricentis
Executive search firms have been stepping up their efforts to assist private equity-backed firms across the nation find top level talent, including chief people officers who are becoming central to organizations grappling with the human resource impact of COVID-19. Meanwhile, as businesses become more complex as a result of the ongoing pandemic, marketing activities are
DiMarchi Partners Places CEO at Rudi’s Organic Bakery
Grand Junction / Boulder, CO-based DiMarchi Partners has recruited Brian McGuire as the new CEO of Rudi’s Organic Bakery, a producer of certified organic bread. “All vetting, interviewing and evaluation were done remotely through ZOOM, SKYPE and other formats,” said Paul DiMarchi, founder and president of the firm. “This shows a leap of faith by all parties, as well as how efficiently critical
Raines International Expands Asset Management Practice
New York-based Raines International has expanded with the addition of Engy Lamour as senior vice president of its asset management practice. Based in New York City, Mr. Lamour has more than 10 years of experience in the asset management and alternative investments industry and is recognized for his extensive subject matter expertise and vast executive network. As a member
When is the Right Time to Change Jobs?
Leaving a job is stressful under any circumstances. It is hard enough to do when times are normal. And 2020 is hardly normal. Everything is in flux, and even more challenging, those changes are largely happening remotely, this according to a new report authored by Richard Stein, chief growth officer at Options Group. “It’s good to remember, therefore,
Bishop & Company Seeking CEO for Hawaii Tourism Authority
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has contracted with Honolulu-based executive search firm Bishop & Company to assist in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. The assignment is being spearheaded by Erinn N. Tomlinson, the search firm’s director of executive recruitment. The organization’s current leader, Chris Tatum, announced last month that he would be
The Mom Project Announces $25 Million in Funding
Investors are pouring money into recruiting solutions businesses, especially those with an artificial intelligence component. Just recently, The Mom Project, a talent marketplace, closed a $25 million series B funding round, bringing total funding at the Chicago-based company to $36 million. The Mom Project aims to connect women, including mothers, with employment opportunities. Its platform has amassed
Cejka Search Assists Iowa Clinic in CEO Search
Cejka Search has placed Ben Vallier as the new CEO of the Iowa Clinic. He succeeds Ed Brown, who helped found the clinic in 1994 and led the organization for more than 25 years before announcing his plans to step down from the top job last September. The assignment was led by Mark Madden, the recruitment firm’s executive vice president
Hanold Associates Launches Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Practice
Hanold Associates has launched a global diversity, equity and inclusion practice and named Keri Gavin as practice leader. As one of the nation’s top C-suite HR leadership providers, the search firm has led dozens of critical chief diversity and inclusion officer searches for clients such Gucci, Live Nation Entertainment, Ford Motor Company, MGM Resorts International, Major League Baseball,
Diversified Search Assists DairyAmerica in CEO Search
Julie Kanak of Diversified Search has recently assisted Fresno, CA-headquartered DairyAmerica in the recruitment of Patricia Smith as its new president and CEO. She brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served in a number of senior leadership capacities over the past 20 years in the dairy processing and food ingredient industry. “DairyAmerica sits at the forefront of one of the
Korn Ferry Posts Flat Year-End Revenues; Q4 Down 10.2 Percent
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2020 fiscal year-end revenues of $1.92 billion, flat from a year ago. The Los Angeles-headquartered executive recruiter and leadership consultant – the largest globally and in the Americas as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media – also reported fourth quarter revenue of $490.8 million, a decline of 10.2 percent. The firm reported restricting charges of $40.5 million in its fourth quarter. Net income
ZRG Recruits President for AccelerātUM
ZRG has recruited Brett Feddersen as the president of AccelerātUM, a new entity founded by the former head of the FAA and industry colleagues to advance the unmanned air mobility industry. Managing directors Samantha Foster and Craig Sabina led the assignment. “ZRG managing directors Craig Sabina and Samantha Foster were instrumental in Brett’s recruitment,” AccelerātUM
Versique Search and Consulting Names CFO
Minneapolis, MN-headquartered Versique Search and Consulting has promoted Erik Fortier to chief financial officer. In this role, he will oversee the company’s finance operations as well as HR, IT and office administration functions, and will focus on maintaining Versique’s continued growth and helping to drive its strategic initiatives. “Erik has brought a whole new level
Unemployment Rate Falls to 11.1 Percent; Another 1.4 Million Jobless Claims Filed
Employment surprisingly rose by 4.8 million in June as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 11.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. These improvements in the labor market reflect a limited resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed in March, April and May due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and
Higher Education Leadership Recruits Business Dean for Arkansas Tech University
Following a nationwide search, C. Wayne Alderman and Alan Medders of Anniston, AL-based Higher Education Leadership Search have completed the search for the new dean of the college of business for Arkansas Tech University (ATU). K. Russell Jones will start in his new role with the university on Monday. “Dr. Jones is an experienced academician and administrator who is
20/20 Foresight Strengthens Search Staff
Chicago-headquartered 20/20 Foresight Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Mitch Ornstein as managing director. Mr. Ornstein, who will work from the firm’s Chicago office, brings more than 15 years of executive search experience in placing senior leaders across all functions to his new role. He will serve as 20/20 Foresight’s functional expert in the CFO
How to Retain Executive Mothers During and After COVID-19
In January 2020, women constituted more than 50 percent of the American workforce. Six months and 15 million jobs later, this may not be the case, according to a new report by Odgers Berndtson and co-authored by Catherine Bass Black and Lisa DeConto. “It’s been widely recognized that women in the United States are being disproportionately affected
McDermott & Bull Recruits CEO for NEXT for AUTISM
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has placed former American Montessori Society executive Timothy Purnell as the new CEO for NEXT for AUTISM. Chris Bull, managing partner and co-founder of the search firm, led the assignment. Mr. Purnell has a proven track record as an innovative leader, strategic planner and inspiring educator. He transitioned
Hightech Partners Adds Technology, Digital Executive
Digital-focused executive search firm Hightech Partners (HTP) has expanded with the addition of Jean-Christophe Legrand, a senior executive in technology and digital, to help develop the firm’s international business. His appointment strengthens HTP’s strategy as a global leader in the field of digital executive-level recruitment, but also as advisor to clients on the talent aspects of digital
Turnkey Search Recruits Chief Business Officer for the Detroit Pistons
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has assisted the Detroit Pistons in the recruitment of former Roc Nation executive Mike Zavodsky as its new chief business officer. The role is a new position for the professional basketball organization. Mr. Zavodsky begins work with the NBA team on Wednesday. He will report to Pistons vice chair Arn Tellem.
Focus Search Partners Creates Interim Executive Services Practice
Top experts in talent management and leadership recruitment agree that filling an interim leadership position can be a significant opportunity for an organization. Focus Search Partners, the executive search division of talent solutions provider Vaco, recently launched an interim executive services practice to leverage the firm’s 20-year history. The firm tapped C-suite talent veteran Monica Foster to lead the
IRC Global Adds New Member Firm in Russia
IRC Global Executive Search Partners has strengthened its global presence adding VIPJOBS LLC as a new member firm in Russia. The organization says that Russia is a market with significant talent and strong demand for leadership capabilities. “With IRC Russia, our worldwide executive search firm alliance has secured a strong foothold to support our international clients,”
Leading Through & Beyond COVID-19; Best Practices for an Unprecedented Time
Leaders may automatically default to the bottom line and focus on the financial damage that COVID-19 is causing—and for good reason. But many employees place greater emphasis and importance on the support they are receiving from leadership, according to a new report from Robinson Resource Group. “People need to know that even though their leader is
The Christopher Group Places CHRO for American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
The Christopher Group has placed Michelle Jones as the new chief human resources officer (CHRO) at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. The search was completed by founder and CEO Tom Christopher, recruiting director Jeff Wilbanks and senior operations manager Matthew Duda. “Partnering with TCG and Jeff specifically was absolutely fantastic,” said Ms. Jones. “COVID-19 hit during the process and
DHR International Adds Partner to Financial Officer Practice
Chicago-based search firm DHR International has expanded with the addition of Rob Tillman as managing partner of its global financial officer practice. He will also serve as a key leader in the firm’s private equity and advanced technology practices and will work closely with DHR’s advisory services team, Elevate Partners. Mr. Tillman has served with three of
Bespoke Partners Recruits Technology Officer for Clearlake Capital-backed Provation
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has assisted in the placement of Linda Buan as chief technology officer of Clearlake Capital Group-backed Provation. Ms. Buan had been serving as the company’s vice president, product development and operations. “Innovation, quality and service have long been defining characteristics of Provation’s software solutions, and our chief technology officer
Westmont Search Selected to Lead Chief Nursing Officer Search for Essentia Health
As the healthcare sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the chief nursing officer has traditionally been the most
Russell Reynolds Associates Names Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Executive recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates has hired Amy Scissons as its new chief marketing and communications officer. She is based in New York and also serves as a member of the firm’s operating committee. “We are delighted to have Amy join our senior leadership team,” said Clarke Murphy, CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates. “Her
As COVID-19 Concerns Escalate, Unemployment Claims Continue
As businesses reopen and COVID-19 cases spike in more than half the U.S., the Labor Department reported this morning that 1.48 million more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week, the 14th week in a row that the figure has topped one million. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting 1.35 million
JM Search Forms Dedicated Cybersecurity Practice
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, has formed a dedicated cybersecurity practice to assist public and private equity-backed companies in identifying and recruiting high-performance leaders. Partners Kevin Kernan and Tom Figueroa will co-lead the firm’s center of excellence for cybersecurity leadership. The search firm brings a
Caldwell Assists CrossFirst Bank in CEO Search
Rich Perkey and Jeremy Zeman of Caldwell recently assisted CrossFirst Bankshares based in Leawood, KS in the placement of Mike Maddox as its new president and chief executive officer. His successor, George F. Jones, will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors through 2021 and will serve as vice chairman. “I am excited to welcome Mike
