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JM Search Assists Eden Brothers with Recruitment of New CEO
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has assisted in the recruitment of Mike Hollenstein as CEO of Kian Capital Partners-backed Eden Brothers. JM Search’s consumer practice team members Liza Stokes, partner, and Avery (Loeffler) Jacob, vice president, led the assignment. “Mike brings over 20 years of merchandising
Mercuri Urval Appoints Leader of Construction Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has named Ulf Hillstedt as global practice lead for the construction practice. “Ulf has been working with clients from the construction industry for so many years, that he is the obvious choice to coordinate our activities in this industry globally,” said Andreas Frische, CRO at MU. “We know his passion
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.
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
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?
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group Seeking Chief of Development for the American LGBTQ+ Museum
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group was recently retained by the American LGBTQ+ Museum to lead in its search for chief of development. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the executive director, the chief of development will provide the leadership, direction, and coordination of fundraising strategies and activities to advance the mission of the American
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Janelle Padgett as VP and CFO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association in Glen Allen, VA. Ms. Padgett has more than 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience across complex healthcare systems, including multiple CFO, controller, and senior finance leadership roles within both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Most recently,
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
Kaye/Bassman Names Leader of North Division, Construction and Real Estate Practice
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has named Lee Martin as managing director and practice leader of the north division within its construction and real estate practice. In this expanded leadership role, he will lead the continued growth of the firm’s commercial real estate, building construction, and construction technology practices across the northern United States, further advancing KBIC’s integrated
How Executive Search Is Evolving Alongside Private Equity
With private equity firms placing greater emphasis on operational execution and long-term value creation, expectations around leadership strategy are rapidly evolving. Search firms are increasingly being asked to move beyond traditional recruiting models and serve as broader talent advisors aligned with investment outcomes. In this environment, the distinction between transactional hiring and strategic partnership is
DSG | Koya Retained by Gilda’s Club Chicago for CEO Search
DSG | Koya has been tapped by Gilda’s Club Chicago to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Cheryl Stevens and Claire Hunt. The next CEO will have the chance to build on Gilda’s Club Chicago’s strong foundation while leaving a lasting mark—expanding its reach, deepening community and healthcare
June Hiring Cools While Unemployment Holds at 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 57,000 in June as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, changed little in June. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services, social assistance, and healthcare. Leisure and hospitality lost jobs. The
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
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
Comhar Partners Recruits CEO for Embrace Living Communities
Chicago-based executive recruitment firm Comhar Partners has placed Ralph Gaines as the new chief executive officer of Embrace Living Communities, an Oak Brook, IL-based non-profit which owns and operates housing communities for seniors and people with special housing needs in Illinois, Missouri and Florida. Managing director James O’Malley along with Bernard Layton and Nick Layton led the assignment
Heidrick & Struggles Posts Flat Revenues as COVID-19 Impact Continues
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles (NASDAQ:HSII) posted first quarter revenues of $171.5 million, flat from revenues during the same period a year ago surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.32 percent. The firm has topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters. “We generated revenue in the upper
Greenwich Harbor Partners Recruits CFO for Warburg Pincus-Backed Petplan
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In recent months, search firms of all varieties have placed CFOs at various companies, especially private equity-backed outfits. Recently, Greenwich Harbor Partners placed David Zollenberg as the new CFO for Petplan, a Warburg Pincus portfolio
Robert Half Posts Three Percent Revenue Gain Citing COVID-19 Impact on Results
Robert Half International Inc./(NYSE:RHI) posted first quarter revenues of $1.507 billion, up three percent from the same period a year ago beating Wall Street’s expectations. This compares to year-ago revenues of $1.47 billion. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters. The Menlo Park, CA-based recruiting company recorded net income
The COVID-19 Impact on Executive Search
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on every business sector, executive recruiting included, costing organizations billions of dollars in lost revenue. Goldman Sachs estimates that economic growth around the world will be zero in 2020 thanks to the virus. To many, even that seems grossly underestimated. But the coronavirus is causing far more than just
Lindauer Tapped to Find Alumni Relations Director for Seoul Foreign School
Boston-based Lindauer is spearheading the search for a new director of alumni relations for the Seoul Foreign School (SFS) in South Korea, one of the leading international schools in Asia. Heading the assignment is vice president Carmel Napolitano. “The Seoul Foreign School is seeking an adventurous and energetic alumni relations and development professional to join
Odgers Berndtson Opens Salt Lake City Office
Odgers Berndtson has continued its rapid expansion in the U.S. by opening an office in Salt Lake City, UT. The location will be led by Evan McClure, a partner in the firm’s life science practice, who joined Odgers Berndtson last year and leads search engagements for CxO, vice president and board positions across the life
Executive Recruiters Roll Up Their Sleeves as COVID-19 Crisis Unfolds
In mid-March, just as the full impact of the coronavirus crisis was starting to take shape for search firms and other businesses across the nation, Kenneth Vancini, founder of Innova International, an advisory firm for the executive recruitment industry, had a flash of inspiration. Mr. Vancini had been on the telephone with chief executive officers
Herbert Mines Assists Sprouts Farmers Market in Chief Marketing Officer Search
Following a nationwide search, New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has placed Gil Phipps as the new senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Sprouts Farmers Market in Phoenix, AZ. President Brenda Malloy led the search along with managing director Alison Weil and vice president Caitlin Kenefick. “We’re extremely pleased
Kingsley Gate Partners Opens New Office in Madrid
Kingsley Gate Partners is continuing its recent expansion with the opening of a new office in Madrid. Spain. Rocío Rufilanchas and Alberto Terron have joined the firm as vice presidents in the new office. “Despite the difficult times Spain and the rest of the world are currently going through, the expansion in Madrid demonstrates Kingsley Gate Partners’ commitment to growth and to
Another Tough Week for Workers as Pandemic Crisis Sends Millions More into Unemployment
Americans displaced by the coronavirus crisis again filed for unemployment benefits in historic numbers within the last seven days, with the Labor Department reporting this morning a new surge of 4.4 million claims. Over 26 million people have now filed for unemployment benefits over the past five weeks. Economists were predicting 4.5 million jobless claims
Naval Postgraduate School Taps Reffett Associates to Find New Provost
Reffett Associates has been selected by the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) to assist with the search for its next provost. The assignment is being led by William Reffett, managing partner and founder, with assistance from Marshall Reffett, managing director. “We are pleased to have been selected by the provost search committee to work with the
ManpowerGroup Revenue Declines Eight Percent Citing COVID-19 Impact
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted first quarter revenues of $4.6 billion, a decrease of eight percent from the same period a year ago. The company said it is focused on managing costs and is withholding guidance given the uncertainty when governments will ease stay-at-home restrictions. The Milwaukee-based recruiting company recorded net earnings of $1.7 million for the quarter,
Leveraging Existing Response Plans to Tackle COVID-19
While the world continues to face the uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, corporate, academic and government leaders are examining the long-range questions of “What’s next?” and “How do we respond?” If your organization has yet to have a pandemic response and recovery plan in place, it may be time to take what is in place
Library of Congress Taps JDG Associates to Begin Search for Register of Copyrights
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been engaged to conduct the search for a Register of Copyrights for the Library of Congress. Leading the assignment is Darren DeGioia, president of the search firm. The incoming leader will be responsible for administering the provisions of copyright and related laws set out in Title 17 of the U.S. Code.
LifeSci Search Opens Office in San Francisco; Expands Health Technology and AI Expertise
New York City-based life sciences-focused executive search firm LifeSci Search has opened a new office in San Francisco. The location will be led by managing partner Elena Liapounova. “Having a presence in San Francisco gives us an opportunity to provide a more personalized approach to clients on the West Coast,” said Andrew Cronin, president and co-founder
Companies Planning Big Comeback Post-Pandemic Crisis
As the global, interconnected business community confronts unprecedented challenges manifested by the COVID-19 pandemic, the interdependence of the world’s economies has never been more obvious or so uniformly tested. “In the face of our collective battle to endure and overcome, there will rise up great strength of resolve, new innovations, and a shared effort to
Frederickson Partners Finds Director of Employee Engagement for The Nature Conservancy
Frederickson Partners, a global HR executive search firm, has placed Alia Ayer as director of employee engagement at The Nature Conservancy. Beth Ann Namey, a partner for executive search, led the assignment for the firm. Ms. Ayer, who will be based in the San Francisco Bay area, was previously principal and head of data strategy at Stop
Ridgeway Partners Strengthens Asset / Wealth Management Team
Boston-headquartered executive search firm Ridgeway Partners has expanded with the addition of Michael Fitzgerald as a partner in its Boston office. He specializes in asset management and has a strong track record of recruiting senior leadership positions in distribution, marketing, product, investments as well as building new business lines. “We are truly excited to have Mike join Ridgeway Partners,” said Charles Preusse,
Solomon Page to Donate Quarterly Profit to COVID-19 First Responders Fund
Executive search firm Solomon Page has announced a charitable initiative to support COVID-19 frontline workers. In conjunction with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement of the First Responders Fund, the recruitment provider will donate five percent of its quarterly margin to the New York City-based fund. With its corporate headquarters based in the global epicenter of the
Academic Search Seeks New President for California Lutheran University
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been enlisted to find the next president for California Lutheran University. Jay Lemons, president and senior consultant; Stuart Dorsey, senior consultant; and Jennifer Kooken, associate consultant, are leading the assignment. Last fall, Chris Kimball, who has held the job for 12 years, announced that he would be stepping down at
SearchPath Global Appoints President as Coronavirus Crisis Continues
Executive recruitment organizations have made a number of top leadership appointments over the past year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Recruiting and interim executive franchise system SearchPath Global has named executive search veteran Jonathan Bartos as its new president. In his new role, Mr. Bartos will support existing franchises and grow franchise
Isaacson, Miller Seeks New Leader for the Mystic Seaport Museum
Museums are increasingly turning to specialist recruiters to help fill critical senior-level leadership roles. As these positions grow more sophisticated and complex, the hunt for top-flight talent to fill these roles becomes all the more important. With that, search fees across the space are rising substantially, according to recruiters. And that is something to think
Christopher Group Seeks CHRO for American Hotel and Lodging Association
The Christopher Group (TCG) has been retained by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) to lead the organization’s chief human resources officer search. Founder and CEO Thomas Christopher, recruiting manager Kristen Pace, and senior operations manager Matthew Duda are leading the assignment. “The Christopher Group is pleased and honored to launch our second chief human resources officer search for
Novare Executive Search Recruits CEO for Live Nation Sweden
Stockholm-headquartered Novare Executive Search has placed Mattias Behrer as the chief executive officer of Live Nation Sweden, the largest organizer of concerts, tours and events in Sweden. He starts his new position on August 10. It is very gratifying to welcome Mattias to the team,” said John Reid, president of Live Nation Europe concerts. “With his broad background
Pandemic Crisis Sends Another 5.2 Million Americans Into Unemployment
Americans displaced by the coronavirus crisis again filed for unemployment benefits in historic numbers within the last seven days, with the Labor Department reporting Thursday a new surge of 5.245 million claims. Over 22 million people have now filed for unemployment benefits over the past month. Economists were predicting five million jobless claims for the
PFM Executive Search Finds President for B.C. Marine Terminal Operators Association
Vancouver, British Columbia-based PFM Executive Search has placed Stephanie Jones as president of the B.C. Marine Terminal Operators Association (BCMTOA). Partner Shaun Carpenter and consultant Matthew Bell led the assignment. Ms. Jones will work on behalf of the BCMTOA board of directors and members as the voice of marine terminals operating at British Columbia Ports and Canada’s
P. Jason King Associates Appoints EVP, Preparing for Industry Rebound
Travel and hospitality unemployment fell by 459,000 in March. This employment decline nearly offset gains over the previous two years. While many companies within these sectors are not hiring as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, one search firm that focuses on these industries sees an opportunity. Skyland, NC-headquartered executive search firm P. Jason King Associates recently
CEO Confidence Falls to Lowest Levels Since 2008 Great Recession
Amid the fallout from COVID-19, confidence among U.S. CEOs has declined sharply. The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence decreased from 43 in the fourth quarter of 2019 to 36 in the first quarter of 2020. In addition, a follow-up survey from late March to early April showed a further decline to 34. (A reading of
Acertitude Places CIO for Enlivant
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited Justin Sheppard as chief information officer for Enlivant, one of the nation’s largest senior living owners and operators with a presence in 27 states across the U.S. Co-founder and managing partner Rick DeRose spearheaded the assignment. As CIO, Mr. Sheppard has strategic oversight for all aspects of technology and is responsible
Naughtin Group Expands Senior Leadership Team
Naughtin Group, a woman-owned national executive search firm based in Minneapolis, MN, has expanded its senior leadership team with the addition of Heidi Dodd as partner. While some firms continue to focus solely on hiring revenue generators to drive the top line, CEO Terri Naughtin saw the importance of making a strategic investment in operations
