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U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent
Employment fell by 23,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 6.9 million, changed little in July. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.1 percent) and people who are Hispanic (4.6 percent) declined
Parker Remick Expands with New Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has appointed Adam Szepkouski as partner of consulting excellence. The firm explained that this hire reflects a broader push to refine execution and scale delivery as demand for senior technology leaders accelerates. The appointment comes at a time of structural change in technology leadership. AI is reshaping how technology organizations are built 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.
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
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?
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
GHP Search Partners with Ascend Learning on Board Member Appointments
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently tapped by Ascend Learning to assist in growing both the Ascend Learning board of directors and the Ascend Charter Schools board of trustees. New members of the Ascend Learning board identified by GHP include Robert Childs, retired EVP, strategic initiatives at American Express and Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, a founding leader of Amazon’s Streaming TV advertising business. Richard Young Jr, director,
FMG Leading Adds Healthcare Strategy and Transformation Expert
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of healthcare strategy and transformation expert Doug Van Wie as managing director. The firm explained that the addition further aligns FMG Leading’s capabilities with the needs of investor-backed organizations looking to add value and mitigate risk as they deploy purpose-driven capital into the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Caldwell Launches Global Financial Institutions Group Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launch its global financial institutions group (FIG) practice, bringing together the firm’s financial services capabilities under a single, globally coordinated practice. “This is more than a change in name,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “It reflects the scale, connectivity, and depth of the practice we have built globally, as well as
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
Myers McRae Helps Pensacola State College Select Finalist for President Role
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted Pensacola State College (PSC) with the selection of J. Alex Kelly as the finalist to become it’s next president. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Kenny Daugherty of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. The search attracted 107 qualified applicants from across the country. The committee selected
Potrero Group Recruits CEO for Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has placed Karen Strolia as the next CEO of Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) in San Rafael, CA. She succeeds longtime CVNL CEO Linda Jacobs, who led the organization for 25 years. “The board is thrilled to welcome Karen as CVNL’s next chief executive officer,” said Luana Vaetoe,
Marovi Appoints Head of Engineering
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has expanded with the addition of Ebubechukwu “Don” Enwerem as head of engineering. “Over the past few years, Don has had several engineering terms with Amazon Robotics – work estimated to save millions in operational costs. In between stints, he was building with Marovi. When the opportunity came to continue with Amazon, Don chose
As Executive Search Accelerates, Judgment Becomes the Differentiator
Executive search firms are under pressure to demonstrate value earlier than ever. Clients increasingly expect firms to understand the market, identify credible candidates, and begin calibrating on potential profiles before a search has even formally launched. AI and new data tools are helping firms meet those demands. Tasks that once took days can now be
Fractional vs. Full-Time Executives: The Real Math for Mid-Sized Growing Companies
As mid-sized companies grow, one of the more consequential leadership decisions is determining when fractional executive support is sufficient and when the business requires a full-time leader. A recent ExactSearch.AI report examined the economics behind that decision, finding that the answer often depends less on compensation than on the level of ownership, accountability, and organizational
Lindauer Recruits Chief Development Officer for C-SPAN
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Adele Hixon-Day as the first chief development officer of C-SPAN. The search is being led by Lindauer vice president Maureen Huminik, senior vice president Bob Giannino, and senior consultant Taylor Beard. “Adele joins C-SPAN at a pivotal moment,” said C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist. “For decades, the cable and satellite, and recently
Pyramind Recruits President and CEO for The SkillSource Group
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Clifford Yee as president and CEO of The SkillSource Group, Inc. (SSG), fiscal sponsor of Virginia Career Works – Northern. He succeeds interim executive officer Seema Jain, following a leadership transition supported by SkillSource’s staff, board, and community partners. “Cliff has a strong
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Fortra Search
In an effort to strengthen its venture capital and private equity search capabilities, Buffkin / Baker has acquired Fortra Search, a boutique retained executive search firm focused exclusively on executive sales and revenue leadership. The firm has also named its founder Andy Grosso as partner. “We’re thrilled to welcome Andy to Buffkin / Baker,” said Jackson Ross, partner
The Role of the CFO in PE-Backed Businesses
The role of the CFO in private equity-backed businesses has shifted materially in recent years. Historically a function for financial stewardship, the CFO role is now defined by operational accountability, value creation and the ability to translate investment strategy into outcomes. A recent report from U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP). The study examined how
JDG Associates Seeking Executive Director for the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently selected by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) to lead its search for a new executive director. The position is remote and may be based anywhere in the United States, with proximity to the Washington, D.C. area considered a plus. NCART stands at a pivotal moment, with active,
Calibre One Assists Cibus with CEO Search
Calibre One has helped to recruit board member Craig Wichner as the new CEO for NASDAQ-traded Cibus, Inc. in San Diego, CA. Peter Beetham, who has served as the company’s interim CEO, will continue his role as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Concurrently, both Mr. Wichner and Dr. Beetham resigned from the Cibus board of directors as part
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for OneOC
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Bonni Pomush as the new president and CEO of OneOC. She will succeed Tim Strauch, who will remain president and CEO through December 31, 2026, before retiring from OneOC after 19 years of service and leadership. “Bonni’s record of organizational transformation, collaborative leadership, and community engagement makes her exceptionally
NPAworldwide Forms Alliance with Dimensional Search Associates
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has formed a strategic partnership with the Sanford Rose Associates family of companies, including Dimensional Search. “This partnership brings together two strong organizations with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to helping independent recruiting firms succeed,” NPAworldwide said. “For NPAworldwide, the agreement represents a meaningful extension of its mission to connect independent recruiting
Scaling Growth Through Transformative Talent
High-growth environments can compress time, magnify decisions, and expose leadership gaps in an instant. As companies move through periods of rapid expansion, the ability to build and evolve the right leadership team becomes increasingly critical to sustaining momentum and creating long-term value. Across private equity, venture capital, and technology-driven businesses, organizations are rethinking how they
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Allstate
Crist|Kolder Associates has recruited Christian Lown as executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Allstate Corporation. “Chris’s leadership and capital markets expertise will enable us to continue increasing Property-Liability market share and expand protection provided to customers,” said Tom Wilson, president and CEO of The Allstate Corporation. With more than 25 years of senior
Protis Global Appoints Co-Presidents
Consumer packaged goods-focused executive search and advisory firm Protis Global has named Skye Miller and Isabel Cosby as co-presidents in a planned generational leadership transition as the company positions itself for its next phase of growth. Bert Miller, who co-founded the firm in 1995, moves from chairman and CEO of Protis Global to chairman. He will continue as founder
Why PE-Backed Companies Need a Talent Operating System
PE-backed companies rarely underperform because they lack urgency. They underperform because they fail to translate strategy into talent with enough precision, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at Talentfoot Executive Search. “In our experience leading executive searches for PE-backed businesses, the real breakdown usually happens before a search begins,
L.Maxwell Global Names Leader of Chief People Officer Practice
L.Maxwell Global has appointed Shelton Guinn as partner, where he will lead the firm’s chief people officer practice and expand its advisory work with CEOs, boards, and private equity sponsors. “Shelton brings a rare combination of operating depth and board-level perspective at a time when leadership and culture are under real pressure to perform,” said Lisa Maxwell,
2026 Report Finds Executive-Level CISO Titles More Prevalent than Ever
The cybersecurity function continues to rise in prominence, expand in scope and gain visibility. Consequently, chief information security officers (CISOs) are increasingly expected to serve not just as technical leaders, but as enterprise-wide strategists. Their rise to the executive ranks brings greater influence but also greater demands, including wider accountability, more cross-functional engagement, and intensified
Why AI in Executive Search Demands Judgment, Not Just Speed
Executive search has always balanced rigor with discretion, speed with judgment, and data with human insight. As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in professional services, search firms and hiring organizations are increasingly testing where technology can enhance outcomes—and where it risks undermining the very qualities that define effective leadership hiring. The challenge is not whether
Coulter Partners Recruits CFO for Trevi Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed David Hastings as the new CFO of NASDAQ-traded Trevi Therapeutics, Inc. in New Haven, CT. “I am thrilled to welcome Dave to the leadership team as we enter an important chapter of growth at Trevi,” said Jennifer Good, president and CEO of Trevi Therapeutics. “His proven track record
Occam Global Fills Senior Post for Variant Bio
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has recruited Craig T. Basson as chief medical officer and president of R&D of Variant Bio, a genomics-driven AI drug discovery company in Seattle, WA. “Craig’s career uniquely spans deep human genetics, rigorous clinical science, and successful drug development at scale,” said Andrew Farnum, chief executive officer of Variant Bio. “His
ECA Partners Expands Healthcare and Life Sciences Practices
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has named Ryan March and Allison Chappelle as senior directors within the its healthcare & life sciences practice. “Both appointments reflect ECA’s strategic expansion in the healthcare sector and reinforce its commitment to delivering specialized expertise to private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies,” the firm said. “Together, they strengthen ECA’s
Spencer Stuart Recruits 16th President for the University of Michigan
Spencer Stuart has recruited Kent Syverud, chancellor and president of Syracuse University, as the 16th president of the University of Michigan. He becomes the first U-M alumnus in nearly a century to be appointed president. Mary Gorman, a partner in the firm’s education and social impact practice, and Alexis Stiles, a University of Michigan alumna and a
The Key Gaps in Hiring for AI
Artificial intelligence is progressing more quickly than most organizations can keep pace with. From predictive analytics to generative models, companies everywhere are racing to establish their AI strategies. But while many are investing heavily in data, technology, and infrastructure, one critical piece of the equation is being overlooked: the human one, according to a recent
Massey Henry Seeking Chief People and Culture Officer for Kindred Credit Union
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has been retained by Kindred Credit Union to lead in its search for a new chief people and culture officer. Reporting to the CEO and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the chief people and culture officer provides strategic leadership and oversight of Kindred’s human resources and
HTP Group Adds New Partners
HTP Group has expanded with the additions of Francesco D’Aniello as partner for Germany and Els Van de Water as partner EMEA. Mr. D’Aniello brings more than 25 years of experience in executive search, consulting, and human resources. His core expertise lies in the identification and selection of senior executives and highly qualified specialists for national and international
From Experimentation to Infrastructure: How AI is Redefining Executive Search
What was once considered “experimental” technology (AI-powered sourcing, workflow automation, and predictive analytics) has quickly become foundational, according to a recent Cluen survey. It found that a majority of firms are not only adopting these tools but reshaping entire business models around them. Yet with maturity comes new challenges. How do you balance speed with
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for A Place for Mom
NU Advisory Partners has recruited Michelle Deitchman as the new chief people officer for A Place for Mom in Seattle, WA. “Congratulations Michelle Deitchman on joining A Place for Mom as chief people officer,” NU Advisory Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “We look forward to seeing your deep HR expertise, business acumen, and dynamic leadership drive
Rokos Group Recruits CFO for Keck Medicine of USC
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has placed Christian Pass as CFO of Keck Medicine of USC. “Pass has more than 30 years of health care finance leadership experience with a proven history of cultivating high-performing teams and guiding organizations through critical financial and operational transformations,” said Rod Hanners, CEO of Keck Medicine. “He brings tremendous
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Howmet Aerospace
Crist|Kolder Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Winterlich as the new CFO of executive vice president and CFO of NYSE-traded Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA. He succeeds Ken Giacobbe, who is retiring after more than two decades at the company. Mr. Winterlich most recently was executive vice president and chief financial officer at
Jobplex Establishes its First Presence in Japan
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has launched in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and established its first presence in Japan with the appointment of Eimi Akanuma as a partner in Tokyo. “Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific region are critically important markets for our clients, many of whom are navigating growth, succession, and cross-border leadership challenges, said
The Strategic Implications of AI for Today’s Senior Leaders
As artificial intelligence terminology accelerates, many leaders find themselves navigating a landscape that feels simultaneously urgent and opaque. The challenge is not simply understanding new tools, but separating genuine strategic shifts from familiar ideas dressed in new language. A clearer perspective emerges when today’s AI concepts are viewed through the lens of long-standing management disciplines
McCormack+Kristel Recruits CEO for the Independent Film & Television Alliance
Following a highly competitive national search, McCormack+Kristel has placed Jackie Brenneman as president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA). She succeeds Jean Prewitt, who is stepping down at the end of the month after 25 years leading the organization. “Jackie brings industry insight, legal and lobbying expertise, and a proven record of
Cooper Coleman Recruits Executive Director for San Diego Pride
Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has assisted in the recruitment of KishaLynn Elliott as executive director of San Diego Pride. She becomes the first Black lesbian to serve as permanent executive director in the organization’s more than 50-year history. The national search was led by J. Michael Durnil, director of executive search at Cooper Coleman, in close partnership with
Bespoke Partners Appoints Partner in Go-to-Market Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has named Liz Moses as partner in the firm’s go-to-market (GTM) practice. “Liz has an exceptional ability to assess and place go-to-market leaders with clarity, rigor, and judgment,” said Tess Fischer, partner and go-to-market practice lead at Bespoke Partners. “She has earned the confidence of investors and management teams through consistent execution and
NGS Global Adds Managing Partner for Singapore and Southeast Asia
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has named Jonathan Khoo as managing partner for Singapore and Southeast Asia. “Jonathan was a key partner on the NGS Global team early in the firm’s evolution,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “After eight years building the strategy for another major search firm, Jonathan has rejoined his NGS Global family
Hunt Scanlon Launches HSiQ Talent Intelligence Advisory Unit
HSiQ, a data-driven, AI-enabled talent intelligence platform that delivers real-time competitive intelligence, deep people analytics, and strategic leadership insights to enterprises across financial services, private equity, multinationals, and executive search. With HSiQ, organizations will have access to a powerful new engine that combines proprietary data, original research, and market-wide benchmarking to inform strategic hiring, leadership
ON Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for NVIDIA
ON Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Alison Wagonfeld as chief marketing officer of NVIDIA. “We placed Alison Wagonfeld as the chief marketing officer of NVIDIA, one of the most selective CMO mandates in global technology,” Bryan Buck said in a LinkedIn post. “In reality, there were only a handful of leaders globally who
Flatiron Search Partners Forms Alliance with Middle-Market Private Equity Firm Nonantum
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has formed a growth partnership with middle-market private equity firm Nonantum Capital Partners. “We were intentional about finding a partner who truly understands what we’re building and why,” said Bill Stauffer, co-founder and managing partner of Flatiron Search Partners. “Nonantum shares our belief that great outcomes start with great teams. This partnership gives
ZRG Partners and Sportsology Group Assists Atlanta Falcons with Head Coach Search
ZRG Partners and Sportsology Group have assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Stefanski as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. His deal with the Falcons is for five years, according to a league source. He succeeds Raheem Morris, who went 20-25 in three seasons at the helm and was not retained following the
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added CGT Partners in Singapore as its newest member firm. “We are delighted to welcome CGT Partners to our global organization,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “Their unique, tailored approach to client engagements, combined with an impressive track record across board advisory, executive search, and leadership assessment,
Six Steps to Sharpen Leadership Focus and Protect Performance in 2026
The start of a new year often tempts senior leaders to move straight from results to resolution, skipping the quieter work of reflection. Yet without pausing to examine how leadership is experienced—not just measured—patterns of strain, growth, and resilience remain invisible, quietly shaping the year ahead. What follows is a structured way to slow the
Klein Hersh Recruits CHRO for Disc Medicine
Horsham, PA-based Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Lisa Amaya Price as the new chief human resources officer of Disc Medicine, Inc. in Watertown, MA. “As we move towards commercialization, we have meaningfully increased hiring to support these efforts and Lisa will play a central role in
Furst Group Recruits CEO for Delaware Hospice
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has recently assisted in the recruitment of Charles McDonough as the new president and CEO of Delaware Hospice. He succeeds Susan D. Lloyd, who has served with distinction for more than 38 years. Bob Clarke, Rebecca Kapphahn, and Caroline O’Shea led the assignment. “On
DSG Global Appoints Practice Leader for Technology, AI, and Cybersecurity
DSG Global has named Lavonne Moon as managing director and practice leader for technology, AI, and Cybersecurity. In this position, she will expand the firm’s work with organizations seeking digital transformation and cyber leadership. “As organizations confront rapid advances in AI, heightened cyber risk, and ongoing digital disruption, Lavonne’s leadership significantly strengthens our team’s ability to
Korn Ferry Launches New Talent Suite
Korn Ferry has launched Korn Ferry Talent Suite, a technology platform that is powered by 50 years of the firm’s proprietary performance IP and data. The new offering combines a powerful set of talent applications built on a single SaaS technology platform. “Talent Suite is a substantial differentiator and will elevate our firm as we seamlessly
Managing Strategic Risk and Talent Search in 2026
In 2026, return-to-office mandates have evolved from a temporary “reset” into a defining talent-market force—one that’s reshaping executive mobility, employment risk, and the true cost of leadership retention. What looks like a straightforward policy decision on paper is increasingly a high-stakes tradeoff in practice, where culture goals collide with contractual realities and a limited supply
