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Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
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.
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
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?
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
Non-Profit CEO Demand Rises: Vetted Solutions Leading Search for NSPE’s Next Chief Executive
Executive search for the non-profit sector often mirrors broader hiring trends, with a distinct focus on leadership, strategic vision, and organizational impact. Recruiters say that non-profits, generally, are increasingly seeking executives and management teams who can provide strong leadership, articulate a compelling vision, and inspire stakeholders. As a result, search firms are staying busy, as
JM Search Expands Retail and Consumer Goods Practice
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the addition of Michael Neff as a partner in its retail and consumer goods practice supporting clients’ strategic growth on a national scale. Mr. Neff brings over 25 years of experience in driving business value and operational excellence
Calibrate Legal Forms Alliance With The Tilt Institute
Legal recruiting continues to be a hot area for search firms. Lawyers employed by government agencies in particular have been on the move in recent months, according to Hunt Scanlon Media. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 10 percent through 2022. Demand for legal work is expected to be robust as individuals, businesses and all levels of
Jobless Claims Fall Below One Million for the First Time Since March
As COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the U.S., the Labor Department reported this morning that 963,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. While not exactly good news, this is the first week since March where claims were reported below the one million mark for the week. Economists were expecting initial
JDG Associates Seeks General Counsel for Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal corporation that insures private-sector defined benefit pension plans, has enlisted Rockville, MD-based JDG Associates to find its next general counsel. Leading the assignment is Darren DeGioia, the search firm’s president. The general counsel, who reports to the director of Washington, D.C.-based PBGC, serves as secretary to the
Principal Connections Seeks CIO for Maxol Group
Ireland-based executive search firm Principal Connections has been selected by Maxol Group to lead its search for a new chief information officer. Practice leader Darren McCabe is leading the assignment. Reporting to the group CEO, the CIO will lead the company’s IT infrastructure across its retail network, manufacturing facilities, fuel card operations, head offices and other
Stanton Chase Appoints New Private Equity Global Practice Leader
Baltimore, MD-headquartered Stanton Chase named Mikael Stelander, managing partner of the firm’s Finnish office, as global practice leader for all private equity activities. “Mikael will bring a fully updated and in-depth experience from servicing clients and the PE environment over the past 10 years,” said Flemming Riber, vice chair of practice groups. “He has been an active
AIMS International Appoints Global Head of Talent Management
Executive search consortium AIMS International has named Maria Shishkova as its new global head of talent management. “AIMS International’s board of directors welcomes Maria in this challenging position and looks forward to working with her and taking the talent management practice to the next level,” said Bernardo Entschev, president of AIMS. “Growing sustainable leaders has become a key focus area
Ezekia and BoardEx Form Strategic Alliance
Innovative executive search software platform Ezekia and BoardEx, an advanced enterprise solution connecting users with an exclusive network of global business leaders and decision makers, have partnered to offer recruiting firms a solution that will enable them to access their BoardEx account via Ezekia. The integration will be operationally ready in the last quarter of this year. Established in 1999, BoardEx is
Russell Reynolds Associates Acquires Cultural Analytics Business
Historically, recruiting has been largely dependent upon the instincts of the employer. Whether he or she felt a particular candidate was fit for a given position was based primarily on the resume, indicating the candidate’s previous experience, qualifications and job history. Today, it is widely accepted that organizations that base decisions on data consistently outperform
How Boosting Your Visibility on LinkedIn Pays Dividends
Too many business leaders make the mistake of dismissing the very idea of having a LinkedIn profile. After all, they say, they are not looking for a job. What’s the point? Here’s the point: Contrary to popular belief, looking for a job is not the top use for LinkedIn, according to a new report by
Acertitude Recruits CFO for OnSolve
Executive search firm Acertitude recently recruited Bruce Duner as the new chief financial officer of Veritas Capital-backed OnSolve, a global provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based mass notification and critical communication solutions for enterprise, mass market and government organizations. During the pandemic, OnSolve has played a critical role in helping businesses and government agencies with communication and crisis planning challenges,
Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette Assists St. John’s Board of Trade in CEO Search
Nova Scotia-headquartered executive search firm Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette (KBRS) has assisted the St. John’s Board of Trade in the recruitment of AnnMarie Boudreau as its new CEO. “AnnMarie’s experience providing counsel and strategic advice to diverse companies throughout the region will be an outstanding asset to our membership and our team,” said Andrew Wadden, board chair of
How One Executive Search Firm is Weathering the Global Pandemic Storm
Since being declared a pandemic in March, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the executive search sector. Industry leaders were forced to make swift changes. Budgets were scaled back. And plans were put on hold. Adopting a wartime mindset, search firms have quickly shifted the prime directive of their business to strengthening relationships with
Lindauer Expands Higher Education Leadership Practice
Boston-based Lindauer has expanded with the addition of higher education leader and former college president Carolyn J. Stefanco as senior vice president to significantly expand its higher education leadership practice. Ms. Stefanco, who stepped down as president of the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York on June 30, will focus on partnering with colleges
Buffkin / Baker Seeking Chief Diversity Officer for University of San Diego
Executive recruitment firm Buffkin / Baker has been called in by the University of San Diego (USD) in California to assist in its search for a chief diversity officer for diversity, equity, inclusion and access. Leading the assignment are managing partner Martin M. Baker and principal Chelsie Whitelock. “The chief diversity officer for diversity, equity, inclusion and
Greenwich Harbor Partners Places Four Board Members for Teach for America
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Recently, Greenwich Harbor Partners recently partnered with Teach for America to expand its board of advisors
Four Corners Group Adds Former Marketing Executive to Staff
Toronto-headquartered executive recruiting firm Four Corners Group has expanded with the addition of Karen Hsiung as its newest partner. She brings over 25 years of fast-moving consumer goods experience and knowledge to the business. “Karen is uniquely positioned to build competitive advantage for companies in the retail and consumer goods sector through people,” Four Corners Group said.
Adapting to a New Normal
Boards and senior management must be more open to radical ideas while ensuring business sustainability as well as the health of their employees, according to a new report by InterSearch’s Clementina Mustapha. The world is facing challenging times and this will have a significant impact on how we go about our daily activities. InterSearch collected advice and guidance
Noetic Search Tapped by After School Matters for CFO Search
After School Matters (ASM), a non-profit that provides life-changing after-school and summer program opportunities to Chicago high school teens, has retained Noetic Search to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. The CFO reports to the CEO and is responsible for promoting integrity and transparency in all matters relating to fiscal operations, human resources, information technology,
DRG Seeks Leaders for NYC-Based Non-Profits
DRG Search, which serves the non-profit sector, is conducting searches for executive directors for two New York City non-profits, an unnamed, new, family foundation and the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault. Leading the foundation search is Dara Z. Klarfeld, CEO, and Amichaim Abramson, chief strategy officer. The alliance assignment is being spearheaded by
Charles Aris Appoints VP Human Capital and Organizational Development
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR and talent executives looking for a career change. Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris recently expanded with the addition of talent management veteran Danielle Bowman as vice president of human capital and organizational development. “I know I speak for the entire Charles Aris family
Kaye/Bassman Names Managing Partner
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the ladder within their respective firms. Just recently, Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International Corp. promoted Nasrin Akter to managing partner in its insurance and risk practice. The firm said she will be “leading the team with mentoring and developing the search consultants and project consultants under her.” Prior
Latest Jobs Data Shows Braking Recovery in Labor Market
Employment rose by 1.8 million in July as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 10.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. That’s down from a peak of 14.7 percent in April, but still far above the 3.5 percent rate in February before the coronavirus pandemic led to
The Clark Partnership Assists OakNorth in Talent Acquisition Director Search
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of talent acquisition leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top-flight experts? Corporate leaders want talent acquisition leaders who are sophisticated, proactive and strategic-minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they would a P&L, according to executive recruiters. CEOs, in particular, want their
Diversified Search Seeks Executive Director for ACLU of Colorado
Diversified Search has been enlisted by the ACLU of Colorado (ACLU-CO) to find its new executive director. The assignment is being spearheaded by J. Veronica Biggins, managing partner; Denielle Pemberton-Heard, managing director and general counsel; and Corina Benitz, vice president and senior associate. “The ACLU-CO seeks an experienced, strategic and visionary leader with a demonstrated commitment
De Forest Search Finds Top Sales Executives for Ja-Ru Toys and Rehrig Pacific Company
Manhattan Beach, CA-based De Forest Search has placed Steve Sandler as executive vice president of sales at Ja-Ru Toys and Marc Scott as vice president of environmental sales at Rehrig Pacific Co. “Marc has been a joy to work with,” the search firm said. “His larger than life and engaging personality makes you want to be his friend.
Boyden Expands Presence on West Coast
Boyden has expanded with the addition of Liesl Forve, who will serve as a partner and attend to clients throughout California. Boyden has seen strong growth in the U.S., particularly on the West Coast. The firm has doubled the number of partners there in the last six months. “Liesl is a major asset for Boyden and our clients, bringing geographic
Layoffs Remain Elevated as Pandemic Persists Across U.S.
As COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the U.S., the Labor Department reported this morning that 1.2 million more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week, the 20th week in a row that the figure has risen to well over one million. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been looking for 1.42 million.
Hanold Associates Recruits Chief People and Culture Officer for Major League Baseball
Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has placed Michele Meyer-Shipp as chief people and culture officer for Major League Baseball. Jason Hanold, CEO and co-managing partner of the search firm, led the assignment along with partner Keri Gavin. “Michele is an exceptional leader and an inspirational person,” said Mr. Hanold. “She will have an incredibly positive impact on
AlbertHall&Associates Seeks Executive Director for Second Stage Theater
Not-for-profit-focused executive recruitment firm AlbertHall&Associates has been selected to find the next executive director for Second Stage Theater, one of New York’s leading non-profit theaters. Leading the assignment are managing partner Thomas Hall and principal Christine O’Connor. “Second Stage’s next executive director will be an individual who shares this deep commitment to celebrating the work of 21st
Hudson Global Posts Seven Percent Revenue Loss; Americas Down 44 Percent
Hudson Global Inc. / (NASDAQ:HSON) posted second quarter of $24.6 million, down seven percent from a year ago. This surpassed the Zacks consensus estimate by 6.84 percent. By region, Hudson Asia Pacific was up 14 percent, while the Americas and Europe were down 44 percent and 27 percent, respectively. The Old Greenwich, Conn.-based recruiting firm posted a
