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Baird Global Investment Banking Integrates Ren Systems
Baird Global Investment Banking recently integrated Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders. “It’s not every day a century-old financial institution changes how their investment bankers work,” said Canay Deniz, co-founder and CEO of Ren Systems. “It says a lot about Baird’s culture that they’re leaning
6 Executive Search Trends Shaping Leadership in 2026
Executive search is no longer just a hiring function — it’s becoming a strategic response to how fast organizations are being forced to evolve. Boards and CEOs are facing a leadership environment defined by volatility, accelerated technology shifts, changing workforce expectations, and increasing pressure to deliver results with fewer resources and tighter timelines. In that
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
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
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,
Executive Hiring Tightens Across Healthcare IT and Life Sciences
In the evolving landscape of healthcare IT and life sciences, executive hiring is undergoing a transformation marked by elevated expectations and tighter scrutiny from private equity investors and growth-focused organizations. With an increased demand for leaders who not only bring a track record of successful exits but also embody a “player-coach mentality,” companies are seeking
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by HanesBrands for CEO Search
HanesBrands has started a comprehensive search process to identify the company’s next CEO with the assistance of Russell Reynolds Associates. Gerald W. Evans Jr. has notified the company’s board of directors of his decision to retire at the end of the current fiscal year, which ends Jan. 2, 2021. “After more than three and a half decades
Bay Street Advisors Names Diversity Pioneer as Head of Asset Management Practice
Executive recruitment firm Bay Street Advisors has named Patricia Muller as partner and head of the firm’s asset management practice. Ms. Muller is a well-known pioneer in diversity efforts across the industry. She will lead diversity strategy and planning efforts at Bay Street and serve on the firm’s executive committee. Ms. Muller brings more than
DHR International Adds Managing Partner to Focus on Corporate Affairs
Chicago-based search firm DHR International has expanded with the addition of John Hesse as managing partner focusing in corporate affairs. DHR said that the practice will “focus on identifying skilled communications professionals who anticipate challenges and employ smart, strategic plans to advance the mission of clients by communicating with, engaging, influencing and managing external audiences.” Mr. Hesse is
Is the Person You Know the Best Person for the Job?
We’ve all heard someone say, “I’ve got the perfect person for this job.” You’re probably thinking, “Great. That makes my life easier.” But what if the recommender is biased? What if there’s a much better candidate out there? What if the person being referred is the best candidate? A new report by Paul Manning of The Bowdoin Group
Spencer Stuart Recruits President for Bryant University
After an extensive national search, Spencer Stuart has placed Ross Gittell, chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire, as the eighth president of 157-year-old Bryant University in Rhode Island. He will succeed Ronald K. Machtley, who has held the job since 1996. Dr. Gittell’s tenure at Bryant begins in July. “We are thrilled to find a leader like
O’Neill Consulting Recruits President for Rip Van Wafels
Wakefield, RI-based O’Neill Consulting has placed James Low as the new president for Rip Van Wafels, which makes popular snack wafels. Managing partner Kevin O’Neill and partner Doug Rosen led the assignment, working closely with company co-founders and co-CEOs Rip Pruisken and Marco De Leon. “Jim is a great commercial leader who shares Rip Van’s
Beacon Hill Legal Opens New Office in Nashville
Beacon Hill Legal has opened a new office in Nashville, TN to better serve its clients in the region. With this addition, the legal division now operates in 17 Beacon Hill locations, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, Richmond, VA, San Francisco, and Washington,
IIC Partners Adds New Member in Norway
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has expanded with the addition of Visindi as a new member. This becomes the 24th IIC Partners office in Europe. Visindi was founded in 2004 by Jenny Homme, Heidi Wiggen and Magne Amundsen, and immediately experienced rapid growth. Every year since 2015, Visindi has been rated the biggest executive search firm in
Crisis Management: Leading in Times of Great Uncertainty
The COVID-19 outbreak is making its way through the business world and 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. Even that seems grossly underestimated. But the coronavirus is causing far more than just financial damage. Leaders
Koya Leadership Partners Seeks Chief Diversity Officer for Natural Resources Defense Council
Koya Leadership Partners, which recruits leaders for the non-profit sector, has been chosen by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to find a chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. Leading the assignment are founding partner and executive vice president Molly Brennan and consultant Shelby Woods. “NRDC is currently seeking an exceptional chief diversity, equity and
The Lancer Group Assists Infomedia in President Search
The Lancer Group, established in 1998, serves private equity firms, their portfolio companies and public corporations in their talent acquisition needs. The firm specializes in board-driven search mandates including CEOs, CFOs, C-suite executives and board directors as well as private equity investment professionals and operating partners. With that background, the firm has provided strategic counsel
ZRG Partners Names Global Head of Fintech
ZRG Partners has continued its recent expansion with the addition of Abe Doctor as managing director and global head of the fintech practice. Mr. Doctor joins ZRG from TritonExec where he served as managing partner and head of North America, driving double-digit annual growth in the region. Previously, he was with Korn Ferry as a leader
AIMS International Appoints Global Automotive & Mobility Practice Leader
Executive search consortium AIMS International has named Olivier Legrand as its new global automotive and mobility practice leader. After six years of driving the global automotive and mobility practice, Alexander Müller has decided to step down from his global role. “I am proud of the successes we have had with the team over the last years, establishing AIMS International as a
Working Virtually Keeps Everyone Safe and Productive
Staying at home may be the best way to stay safe in these early days of the global coronavirus crisis, but it also happens to be the best way to get the most done at work. That is according to a new Korn Ferry survey of professionals regarding working virtually. The vast majority of respondents
Odgers Berndtson Names Board Services Practice Leader
Odgers Berndtson has appointed Clarke Havener as vice chairman, head of board services, and as a member of the firm’s aerospace, defense and national security sector. “We’re thrilled to have someone with Clarke’s extensive executive search and board experience join Odgers Berndtson and to lead our board services practice,” said Steve Potter, CEO of U.S. Odgers
The Christopher Group Selected by Terumo BCT to Fill Top HR Post
The Christopher Group (TCG) has been retained by Terumo BCT to lead its search for a senior vice president of human resources. The assignment is being led by managing director Nathaniel Schiffer, recruiting director Jeff Wilbanks and senior operations manager Matthew Duda. “Terumo BCT provides the opportunity to fundamentally improve healthcare,” said Mr. Schiffer. “They are primed for growth in
CohenTaylor Executive Search Seeks CEO for Children’s Cancer Research Fund
Minneapolis-based CohenTaylor Executive Search has been enlisted to help find a chief executive officer for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). The Minneapolis-based non-profit wants a dynamic and visionary CEO to guide the organization through its continued growth trajectory, said CohenTaylor Excutive Search. Reporting to the board of directors, the leader will be expected to provide
4c Executive Search Launches New Service Offering
Belfast-based 4c Executive Search has launched 7twenty Professional Search in response to a gap in the market for a dedicated service specializing in the recruitment of middle management roles within core business services, such as HR, finance and marketing. Managing director Gordon Carson said the investment followed “significant and increasing demand” from 4c Executive’s portfolio of clients.
Recruiting Senior Executives for the Federal Government
Executive recruitment for the federal government is not exactly the same as finding talent for the corporate world. One of the main differences, according to recruiters, is the application process and the time it takes to fill positions. Candidates must apply through the USAJOBS website, which can often be confusing and a challenge to navigate.
CarterBaldwin Completes Two Top Searches for Christian Organizations
CarterBaldwin Executive Search recently placed Vicki VannBerstein as the new chief executive officer of America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU) and Debra A. Schwinn as the ninth president of Palm Beach Atlantic University. Founding partner Price Harding led both assignments and Chris Hornsby assisted in the Palm Beach Atlantic University search. “Calling” is a word that is often-used in the faith-based
B.E. Smith Recruits CEO for Estes Park Health
B.E. Smith, a healthcare-focused executive search firm, has placed Vern Carda as next chief executive officer for Estes Park Health, a medical center in Estes Park, CO. He will start his new role on March 23. Larry Leaming recently retired from the organization’s top role. Mick Ruel, vice president of executive search, led the assignment.
Stanton Chase Names Aerospace and Defense Practice Leader in Dubai
Baltimore, MD-headquartered Stanton Chase has continued its recent expansion with the addition of Fadi Sbaiti as partner and leader for the firm’s aerospace and defense team in Dubai. “Fadi brings with him a strong military background and long expertise in aerospace, defense, security and data management sectors, which will support the rise in demand of these competencies in leadership positions for
Jensen Partners Names Infrastructure Investments Practice Leader
New York City-based Jensen Partners has appointed George Lewis as the leader of its infrastructure investments practice and managing director in the firm’s London office. “George is a well-known player in our industry and be brings with him an unmatched level of specialist knowledge about global infrastructure investing and private placements,” said Sasha Jensen, founder and CEO of
Korn Ferry Posts 8.6 Revenue Increase, Suspends Fiscal Q4 Guidance Amid Coronavirus Concerns
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted fiscal third quarter revenues of $515.3 million, up 8.6 percent from last year. The Los Angeles-headquartered executive recruiter and leadership consultant – the largest globally and in the Americas as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media – recorded net income of $20 million, or $0.36 and $0.75 per share and adjusted diluted earnings per share, respectively. During the third quarter, Korn
DHR International Lands Athletics Director for Georgia Southern University
Executive recruitment firm DHR International has placed Jared Benko as the new director of athletics at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA. Mr. Benko has more than a decade of progressive leadership experience in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). For the past four years, he has been deputy director of athletics/chief financial officer at Mississippi State
Kincannon & Reed Assisted the Illinois Soybean Association in CEO Search
Waynesboro, VA-based executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has assisted the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) in the recruitment of John Lumpe as its new chief executive officer. He was selected from a deep pool of qualified candidates seeking the position. Managing director Carolyn Schubert led the assignment. “John Lumpe will be a tremendous asset to the
RSR Partners Launches Board and CEO Services Practice
Greenwich, Conn-based RSR Partners recently launched a new board and CEO services practice. It was created to partner with CEOs and boards to understand issues, assess opportunities and strategically advise to ensure that sustainable growth strategies are optimized, according to the search firm. “Boards and CEOs today face complex challenges at an accelerating pace driven by the
National Hiring Outlook Remains Positive, Despite Looming Fears
U.S. employers are saying they expect the hiring pace to remain steady into the second quarter of 2020. That is good news in light of recent swings in American stock markets. Employers in 23 percent of U.S. businesses surveyed expected to add to payrolls, while three percent anticipated a decrease and 73 percent expected no
ON Partners Lands New CEO for Arcadia Beverage
Executive search firm ON Partners has helped to place David Moller as the new chief executive officer for Arcadia Beverage, an Ashville, NC-based beverage supplier for local and global retailers. Managing partner Tim Conti led the assignment. Mr. Moller brings more than 25 years of consumer product and business-to-business organizational expertise to his new role. Most
Development Guild DDI Seeks New Leader for League School of Greater Boston
Executive recruitment firm Development Guild DDI, which focuses on the non-profit sector, has been selected by League School of Greater Boston, a private school for students on the autism spectrum, to lead its search for a new executive director. Current leader Frank A. Gagliardi plans to retire in the spring. President William Weber is leading the assignment.
Raines International Expands to Buenos Aires
New York-based Raines International recently opened a new office in Buenos Aires to serve as its Latin American headquarters and to strengthen the firm’s research and analytics team. Duncan Piper, head of Buenos Aires operations, oversees the new office and is responsible for building Raines’ client service and search operations. Director Kare Hernandez, also based in the
