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Bespoke Partners Expands Go-To-Market Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has expanded with the addition of Alyssa Berardi as a partner in the go-to-market practice. “Alyssa’s combination of executive search experience and data-driven insight makes her an exceptional addition to the Bespoke team,” said Tess Fischer, partner and practice lead of Bespoke Partners’ go-to-market practice. “She brings a modern, data-informed perspective to go-to-market
Middle Market Momentum Meets a Talent Bottleneck
PitchBook’s latest report, 2025 Annual US PE Middle Market Report, highlights a market that is stabilizing but not yet fully normalized. Deal activity rebounded in 2025, with value rising 8.5 percent year-over-year to $410.7 billion across more than 4,000 transactions, supported by improving sentiment and a more accommodative financing environment. The recovery, however, is uneven. Deal sizes
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.
Coulter Partners Strengthens Global Leadership Team
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has expanded with the additions of Carlos Gómez-Arnau, Doug Roberts, and Stuart Penney as client partners. “These strategic hires further strengthen the firm’s international presence and reinforce its commitment to supporting clients across key healthcare, life sciences, and biotechnology markets,” Coulter Partners said. The appointments expand Coulter Partners’ capabilities across Europe and North
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?
Cornerstone International Group Opens New Office in Jakarta
Cornerstone International Group has opened a new office in Jakarta, a strategic gateway to expand its retained executive search and leadership advisory practice across Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian region. Leading the new office is Nadya Soetedja, founder of Inspire Recruitment Indonesia and a veteran of more than 20 years across executive recruitment, consulting, talent
Why CEOs Leave — and What Boards Can Do About It
CEO turnover is placing greater pressure on boards to think about leadership retention long before a search becomes necessary. For executive search firms, that means helping clients look beyond succession planning to understand the factors that influence whether a high-performing leader stays, disengages, or ultimately decides to leave. “Over the past two decades of placing
Occam Global Recruits CFO for Tortugas Neuroscience
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has recruited Ramzi Benamar as CFO of Tortugas Neuroscience, a clinical-stage biotech company developing medicines for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. “Ramzi brings meaningful capabilities and an understanding of the life sciences industry,” said Jeff Jonas, CEO of Tortugas. “He has had a documented and successful track record of
McDermott + Bull Recruits General Counsel for Corning Credit Union
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has assisted in the recruitment of Rachel Carlson Toth as vice president and general counsel at Corning Credit Union. This executive search was completed by McDermott + Bull president Brandon Biegenzahn, partner Courtney Wade, and executive recruiter Ella Canning. Ms. Toth brings more than a decade of in-house legal and business leadership experience
WittKieffer Elects New Chair
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has elected Angelique David as chair of its board of directors, succeeding L. Thomas Richards, who completed a distinguished tenure as board chair and concluded more than a decade of service on the firm’s board. “We are honored to have Angelique David serve as board chair for WittKieffer,” said Andrew P. Chastain, WittKieffer
Caldwell Appoints Leader of Global HR Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has named John Staines as a partner and leader of the firm’s global HR practice. “We’re pleased to welcome John to Caldwell to lead our human resources practice,” said Chris Beck, CEO. “John’s addition, together with Ali Palmer’s recent arrival in London, strengthens our global human resources practice and our ability to serve clients
With millionways Investment Hunt Scanlon Ventures Backs the Future of AI-Powered Talent Platforms
Hunt Scanlon Ventures (HSV) has spent the last several years building an investment portfolio around a central conviction: as AI becomes embedded across the human capital and private markets ecosystem, the greatest opportunities will extend beyond automation and productivity. The next generation of platforms, according to Hunt Scanlon, will increasingly help organizations make better decisions
In NYSE Interview, HelloSky CEO Alex Bates Explains the ‘Moneyball’ Approach to Executive Search
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how executive search firms identify and evaluate leadership talent, but the technology alone is not replacing the judgment that experienced recruiters bring to senior-level hiring. Instead, the opportunity increasingly lies in combining better data and targeting with the intuition, pattern recognition, and relationship skills that have long defined successful executive search.
Academic Search Retained by William Penn University to Find Next President
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been retained by William Penn University (WPU) to lead in its search for a new president. The search is being led by senior consultant and Dan DiBiasio and consultant Andrea Cowsert. President John Ottosson will retire in June 2027 after more than a decade of leadership, leaving William Penn poised for further growth and
McCormack + Kristel Recruits CEO for Resource Center
McCormack + Kristel recently placed Christopher Wagley as CEO of He will join Resource Center in November 2026 following an extensive national search prompted by the planned retirement of long-standing CEO Cece Cox in early 2027. “The board is thrilled to welcome Christopher Wagley as the next CEO of Resource Center,” said Chris LaGrone, board
Lindauer Forms Alliance with Cedars-Sinai to Grow Development Team
Lindauer and Cedars-Sinai, one of the largest non-profit academic medical centers in the U.S., have form an alliance in an effort to expand its development team and build the infrastructure needed to sustain that growth. In preparation for an ambitious new philanthropic campaign and to help Cedars-Sinai respond to the evolving needs of the communities it serves, the
The Last Mile of Executive Search: Turning Candidate Conversations Into Defensible Shortlist Decisions
As executive search becomes more data-driven, firms are under growing pressure to show clients not only who made the shortlist, but why. That is putting greater emphasis on consistent evaluation, clearly defined criteria, and stronger evidence around leadership capability, risk, and fit. The shift is also creating a larger role for AI in helping search
TurnkeyZRG Leading Chief Commercial Officer Searches for the University of Kentucky and the Indianapolis Colts
College athletics is moving into a new era as the business of sports continues to evolve, making commercial leadership increasingly important and creating new opportunities for experienced executives. As universities and professional teams place greater emphasis on revenue growth, partnerships, fan engagement, and brand strategy, the chief commercial officer role is becoming increasingly central to
TOC Arts Partners Seeking Chief Marketing Officer for by Brooklyn Academy of Music
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners was recently retained by Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). The search is being led by senior strategist Brenna Thomas. The CMO will lead marketing, creative services, ticketing, audience research, revenue forecasting, communications, and brand storytelling for an organization that showcases both emerging artists and modern icons. The chief marketing officer
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits CFO for SkyCity
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has helped to recruit Basil O. Dosunmu as the new CFO of SkyCity, a purpose-built consortium for the transformative U.S. Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) Airports. Linda Frankl, director, senior practice leader, led the assignment. Mr. Dosunmu brings more than 30 years of financial and executive leadership experience, with extensive
Stevenson Search Partners Names Head of Life Sciences Tools and Services
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has named Allen Reed as partner and head of life sciences tools and services. “Allen’s breadth of experience will be a key asset to Stevenson,” said Kris Steen, president, executive search at Stevenson Search Partners. “His
Spencer Stuart Expands CEO and Board Advisory Capabilities Around Succession and Value Creation
Spencer Stuart has strengthened its global CEO and board advisory offering with the appointment of Colin Graham as global head of its board and CEO practice and with additions of Sandy Ogg and Chris Gagnon. “CEOs and boards face an increasingly complex leadership agenda where creating value depends on connecting the right leaders to the most
Funk Associates Retained by Troy University to Assist Chancellor Search
Funk Associates has been retained by Troy University to lead in its search for a new chancellor. The Troy University board of trustees has appointed a 14-member search committee. Gibson Vance, president pro tempore of the board of trustees, will chair the committee, which includes representatives from the board of trustees, senior administration, faculty, the
TalentRise Assists the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology with CEO Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Denise Harris as president and CEO of the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT). The search follows the planned retirement of the organization’s current CEO, who has provided dedicated leadership to BCAT and its community mission for nearly 10 years. “Denise stood out early in a thorough search, and it
Lochlin Partners Recruits CHRO for Communities Foundation of Texas
Lochlin Partners has placed DeLancey Johnson as chief human resources officer of Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT). “Delancey brings new perspective, experience, and leadership to CFT as we continue building a culture that supports our mission and our staff experts,” said Wayne White, president and CEO of Communities Foundation of Texas. “His depth of experience leading
HTP Group Expands in Europe and Transatlantic Markets with Four Partner Appointments
HTP Group has expanded with the additions of François Carloni, Diego Chinnì, Sandrine Lebouc, and Chloë Sonnois as partners. These appointment marks a significant milestone in HTP Group’s international growth, strengthening its capabilities across France, Italy, and Switzerland, while establishing its first-ever dedicated bridge to the North American market. “We are thrilled to welcome Chloë, Diego,
Fractional CHRO vs. Interim HR Leader: Key Differences and When to Hire Each
As organizations grow, restructure, prepare for investment, or navigate leadership change, many realize they need experienced HR leadership – but not always in the same way. That’s where fractional CHRO and interim HR solutions come in, according to a recent Talent Connections report. “While these terms are often grouped together, they solve very different business
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading General Counsel Search for Illinois State University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) was recently selected by Illinois State University to lead in its search for a general counsel. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jim Johnsen are leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the president’s cabinet, the general counsel will serve as the University’s chief
ESGI Potomac Recruits CFO for MTSI
ESGI Potomac recently assisted in the recruitment of Ashutosh Gokhale as executive vice president and CFO of Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI). “We welcome Ashutosh Gokhale as our new executive vice president and chief financial officer,” said Kevin Robinson, MTSI president and CEO. “As MTSI continues its growth trajectory, Ashutosh’s leadership, financial expertise, and strategic perspective
Marovi Targets Executive Search’s Evaluation Gap With AI-Driven Platform
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has shared details of its market momentum and customer experience. Core to Marovi’s success is its proprietary evaluation intelligence engine, which weights every candidate against role-specific requirements and generates scorecard comparisons and curated shortlists before the interviewing process commences. Executive search has long been a high-stakes, challenge-filled endeavor, where misalignment can cause significant disruption. Ensuring
EY Says Big Deals Driving Record M&A Growth In U.S.
The latest EY Merger Monthly report shows that the total value of large transactions rose 25 percent in Q3, propelling year-to-date U.S. deal value to $1.78 trillion – up 36 percent from the same period in 2024. September alone delivered 151 large deals totaling $257.6 billion in value. Technology, oil and gas, and life sciences led the surge, signaling
Focus Search Partners Creates Interim Executive Services Practice
Top experts in talent management and leadership recruitment agree that filling an interim leadership position can be a significant opportunity for an organization. Focus Search Partners, the executive search division of talent solutions provider Vaco, recently launched an interim executive services practice to leverage the firm’s 20-year history. The firm tapped C-suite talent veteran Monica Foster to lead the
IRC Global Adds New Member Firm in Russia
IRC Global Executive Search Partners has strengthened its global presence adding VIPJOBS LLC as a new member firm in Russia. The organization says that Russia is a market with significant talent and strong demand for leadership capabilities. “With IRC Russia, our worldwide executive search firm alliance has secured a strong foothold to support our international clients,”
Leading Through & Beyond COVID-19; Best Practices for an Unprecedented Time
Leaders may automatically default to the bottom line and focus on the financial damage that COVID-19 is causing—and for good reason. But many employees place greater emphasis and importance on the support they are receiving from leadership, according to a new report from Robinson Resource Group. “People need to know that even though their leader is
The Christopher Group Places CHRO for American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
The Christopher Group has placed Michelle Jones as the new chief human resources officer (CHRO) at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. The search was completed by founder and CEO Tom Christopher, recruiting director Jeff Wilbanks and senior operations manager Matthew Duda. “Partnering with TCG and Jeff specifically was absolutely fantastic,” said Ms. Jones. “COVID-19 hit during the process and
DHR International Adds Partner to Financial Officer Practice
Chicago-based search firm DHR International has expanded with the addition of Rob Tillman as managing partner of its global financial officer practice. He will also serve as a key leader in the firm’s private equity and advanced technology practices and will work closely with DHR’s advisory services team, Elevate Partners. Mr. Tillman has served with three of
Bespoke Partners Recruits Technology Officer for Clearlake Capital-backed Provation
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has assisted in the placement of Linda Buan as chief technology officer of Clearlake Capital Group-backed Provation. Ms. Buan had been serving as the company’s vice president, product development and operations. “Innovation, quality and service have long been defining characteristics of Provation’s software solutions, and our chief technology officer
Westmont Search Selected to Lead Chief Nursing Officer Search for Essentia Health
As the healthcare sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the chief nursing officer has traditionally been the most
Russell Reynolds Associates Names Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Executive recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates has hired Amy Scissons as its new chief marketing and communications officer. She is based in New York and also serves as a member of the firm’s operating committee. “We are delighted to have Amy join our senior leadership team,” said Clarke Murphy, CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates. “Her
As COVID-19 Concerns Escalate, Unemployment Claims Continue
As businesses reopen and COVID-19 cases spike in more than half the U.S., the Labor Department reported this morning that 1.48 million more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week, the 14th week in a row that the figure has topped one million. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting 1.35 million
JM Search Forms Dedicated Cybersecurity Practice
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, has formed a dedicated cybersecurity practice to assist public and private equity-backed companies in identifying and recruiting high-performance leaders. Partners Kevin Kernan and Tom Figueroa will co-lead the firm’s center of excellence for cybersecurity leadership. The search firm brings a
Caldwell Assists CrossFirst Bank in CEO Search
Rich Perkey and Jeremy Zeman of Caldwell recently assisted CrossFirst Bankshares based in Leawood, KS in the placement of Mike Maddox as its new president and chief executive officer. His successor, George F. Jones, will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors through 2021 and will serve as vice chairman. “I am excited to welcome Mike
Business Agility Critical to Post-Pandemic Workforce, Economic Recovery
If there was ever a moment in recent history where human capital leaders were challenged to play a strategic part in their organization’s survival and growth, that defining moment is now. In just a few short months, the once-thriving global economy has been toppled by the pandemic. Helping organizations safely return to work sites will
JDG Associates Seeking CFO for NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has retained Darren DeGioia of JDG Associates to find its new chief financial officer/ chief administrative officer for its National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) division. NESDIS, based in Silver Spring, MD, is charged with providing secure and timely access to global environmental data and information
Boyden Adds Former Goodwill CEO and Psychologist as Senior Advisors
Boyden has added former Goodwill CEO Jim Gibbons and accomplished psychologist Christina Greathouse as senior advisors. “Jim and Christina are tremendous additions as senior advisors to Boyden’s CEO and board services practice – they will consult to our partners and clients globally,” said Craig Stevens, a Boyden board member, U.S. chairman and managing partner. “I have had the privilege of working with both
Pandemic’s Lingering Effect on Recruiters: Client Activity Down, Interim Hiring Up
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big 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
KLR Executive Search Group Assists Harvard University Employees Credit Union in CEO Search
Providence, RI-headquartered KLR Executive Search Group has assisted Harvard University Employees Credit Union (HUECU) in the recruitment of Craig Leonard as its new president and CEO. Gene Foley, who has been with the credit union for four decades and led it for 25 years, is retiring in July. Partner Susan Pardus led the assignment for the recruitment
AMN Healthcare Launches Return-to-Work Services
AMN Healthcare, a provider of healthcare total talent services to facilities, has launched a customizable, technology-enabled and clinically based service for businesses and other organizations to protect the health and safety of employees as they return to work. As businesses welcome back employees and clients amid the coronavirus outbreak, AMN Healthcare said that it requires
Leading From the Front in a Pandemic
Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, the operative word has been “unprecedented.” That’s true on a human tragedy level as well as for businesses. It’s no wonder that many leaders have found themselves in the same position as their employees—uncertain, confused, anxious. A new report by Korn Ferry offered the firm’s best advice for
True Search Finds CEO for The Bouqs Company
Haddonfield, NJ-based executive recruitment firm True Search has placed the new chief executive officer of The Bouqs Company, a leading online floral retailer. Alejandro Bethlen brings over two decades of leadership and international experience in scaling global businesses for Fortune 100 companies including Amazon and Procter & Gamble to his new role. Mr. Bethlen will
WittKieffer Opens Office in Singapore
Executive search firm WittKieffer has expanded into the Asia-Pacific market with the opening of an office in Singapore. Headed by managing director Anissa Low, the Singapore office will allow WittKieffer to operate on a global scale, to source talent across continents and serve clients in healthcare, education, and life sciences. WittKieffer selected Singapore as the regional hub
Leadership Development Pays Off in Times of Crisis
The coronavirus pandemic is threatening both lives and livelihoods across the globe. Catastrophes happen and most of the time we have no control over them. “However, our response as leaders is something we do have a control over, and that’s what more often than not defines the outcome of any crisis,” according to a new
Sage Search Partners Fills Posts for Tulane and UCLA
Newton, MA-based Sage Search Partners, which specializes in higher education and non-profit institutions, has made two key placements that will help their clients address equity issues as well as the financial constraints of students, which is of particular concern during the current economic crisis as well as the Black Lives Matter movement. Marvin Smith will
Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints Leader of Leadership and Succession Practice
Executive recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates has expanded with the addition of Paul Ballman as leader of its leadership and succession practice in the EMEA region. He will work with clients to deliver assessments and solutions to complex challenges faced by leadership teams across the globe. “We are delighted to welcome Paul to our leadership team,”
Another 1.5 Million Americans File for Unemployment
Despite the U.S. adding a record amount of jobs last month, the Labor Department reported this morning that 1.5 million more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected the Labor Department to report 1.3 million initial claims. The latest numbers reflect the persistent strain on the economy caused
Slone Partners Recruits CEO for Mesa Biotech
Executive search firm Slone Partners has recruited Ingo Chakravarty as the new president and CEO of Mesa Biotech. He assumes leadership of the company less than two months after it received emergency use authorization from the Federal Drug Administration to market its 30-minute point-of-care molecular SARS-CoV-2 test. Mr. Chakravarty succeeds Dr. Hong Cai, co-founder and CEO of Mesa Biotech since
Naughtin Group Expands Senior Management Team
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR executives looking for a career change. Recently, Naughtin Group, a woman-owned national executive search firm based in Minneapolis, MN, expanded its senior leadership team with the addition of HR veteran Mike Carey as senior partner. In his role, he will lead client
Getting Succession Planning Right During a Pandemic
The last couple of months have been a wake-up call for many organizations. The potential effect of COVID-19 on executive health has made boards of trustees aware of the need to review their succession planning processes, according to a new report from DHR International’s Lisa Sprenkle Jones and Heather Smith. “A viable succession planning process
WittKieffer Assists UConn in Landing New Chief Diversity Officer
The role of chief diversity officer is expanding at universities. It has become one of the most important positions for shaping the vision, culture and very face of institutions of higher learning from coast to coast. It is also increasingly becoming a cabinet-level job, with a broad range of responsibilities beyond that of most administrators. In
Momenta Partners Appoints Leader of Executive Search
Zurich-based executive search firm Momenta Partners has expanded with the addition of Richard White as managing partner of executive search. With the addition of Mr. White, Momenta strengthens its offerings to private equity and expands its geographic presence. “We believe there is no more critical factor to digital industry transformation than catalytic leadership,” said Ken Forster, executive director of Momenta.
Secrets to High Growth C-Suite Hiring
With many people expecting business to boom after the COVID-19 pandemic clears, bringing on new employees could turn out to be a momentous and somewhat intimidating process. “Employees are your greatest asset. After all, they decide the direction of your company’s future and are the building blocks of company culture,” said Chris Murdock, co-founder and chief sourcing
Dine Brands Global Taps Spencer Stuart to Find CEO
Dine Brands Global Inc., parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP, has hired executive search firm Spencer Stuart to find a successor for CEO Steve Joyce, whose employment agreement with the company expires on Feb. 1, 2021. “I am proud of the growth that we have experienced during my tenure as CEO,” Mr. Joyce
