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Spencer Stuart Names Chief Communications Officer
Spencer Stuart has appointed Bill Launder as chief communications officer, a newly created position with the firm. “We are delighted to welcome Bill to Spencer Stuart in this important role at a pivotal time for our firm,” said Jordan Brugg, chief executive officer of Spencer Stuart. “We operate at the intersection of talent and strategy, and
Executive Search: Why It Matters and When to Use It
Leadership decisions at the senior level shape an organization’s trajectory in ways that are both visible and structural. Individuals appointed to board and C-suite positions influence capital allocation, operational priorities, governance standards, and organizational culture. Their judgment impacts not only performance, but also the confidence of investors, employees, and partners. Against that backdrop, executive hiring
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.
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
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?
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Global Employers Take Cautious Approach to Q4 Hiring
Global employers are continuing a careful approach to hiring in the fourth quarter, with 45 percent planning to maintain current workforce levels—the highest since early 2022—as organizations balance capturing growth opportunities with mitigating economic uncertainty. This measured shift sees 38 percent of employers planning to add staff while 15 percent expect reductions, resulting in a
AMN Healthcare Names Leader for the Leadership and Search Solutions Division
AMN Healthcare, a provider of healthcare total talent services to facilities, announced today that it has appointed Bernard Godley as lead physician executive for the leadership and search solutions division. “We are thrilled to have Dr. Godley join AMN Leadership Solutions,” said Kelly Rakowski, group president and chief operating officer, strategic talent solutions for AMN
Managing C-Level Succession Virtually
As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings, interviews, workshops — even general assemblies — are being managed online via conference calls or video technologies. Globally, business leaders are navigating an unprecedented crisis. Hour-by-hour, they have been changing the way their organizations operate to cope with uncertainty, risk, restrictions and lock downs, according to a
SearchWide Global Seeks New Leader for Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
The Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center in West Virginia has retained executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global to find its next executive director. Mark Gnatovic, senior vice president at SearchWide, is leading the assignment. The executive director will be responsible for overall management, promotion and operation of the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center and Municipal Auditorium, including strategy, service,
The Bowdoin Group Appoints Senior Finance Leader
The Bowdoin Group, a Boston-based executive search firm, has expanded with the addition of Terri Ryan as vice president of finance. She brings a strong finance background to The Bowdoin Group and experience in building and managing companies in high growth environments with increasing levels of complexity. Ms. Ryan has over 25 years of experience
Virtual Recruitment: How to Hire From a Distance
Have you hired someone without ever meeting face-to-face? With COVID-19, businesses can’t recruit the same way they once did — but that doesn’t mean they can’t find the best candidates for the job now. In fact, Comhar Partners recently concluded an executive search that was conducted completely virtually using Zoom, the video conferencing tool, and
West Virginia State University Picks AGB Search to Find President
Higher education recruitment firm AGB Search has been enlisted to find the next president for West Virginia State University (WVSU). Anthony Jenkins, who held the job for four years, recently moved on to the president’s role at Coppin State University in Baltimore. R. Charles Byers, former provost at WVSU, is serving as interim president. AGB Search
NPAworldwide Adds New Member Firms in Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, the U.K. and the U.S.
Thirteen independent recruitment firms joined member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide during recent months. These search outfits seek to increase revenue through NPAworldwide’s cooperative placement model. NPA now has 550 member offices across six continents. “Congratulations to each of our new members,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “By joining the network, these recruitment firms have the ability
More American Workers Displaced in Record Numbers
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 another surge of 2.4 million claims. More than 38 million people have now filed for unemployment benefits over the past nine weeks, representing the biggest loss in U.S. history.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Digital Officer for Pizza Hut Digital Ventures
Marc Gasperino, leader of the digital practice at ON Partners, recently placed Paul Morris as chief digital officer of Pizza Hut Digital Ventures, an in-house start-up of Pizza Hut looking to build the next generation pizza ordering and delivery platform. Mr. Morris brings extensive global expertise in digital transformation having led business strategy with a clear focus on the customer
Mlegal Group Expands in Washington, D.C.
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
Leveraging Your Network and Discovering What Matters Most in Your Career
For many, these days of self-quarantine and work-from-home have allowed more time for self-reflection and consideration of how best to advance one’s career. Two of the pillars of getting to the place one wants to be professionally are networking and understanding what matters most to you in your work. RevelOne, a specialized marketing recruiting and
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Saniona
Over the past few months, numerous healthcare organizations have turned to executive search firms to find new chief medical officers. And in the era of COVID-19 we can expect this to be another burgeoning area for executive search firms. Recently, life sciences-focused executive search firm Coulter Partners has placed Rudolf Baumgartner as chief medical officer and head of
Alexander Hughes Expands in London
Paris-headquartered search firm Alexander Hughes has expanded with the addition of Joanne Macris as a new managing partner in its London office. “Alexander Hughes’ U.K. and Ireland office is a crucial part of the Alexander Hughes group with regards to the customized services we offer to our clients in executive search, specialized skills and talent to deal
As Lockdowns are Lifted, Can the Workforce Return Safely?
Beginning this week, many parts of the world, including many states in the U.S. and entire countries such as Italy, are lifting the strictest elements of shelter-in-place orders. Now, instead of asking: “How do we get people to work off-site?” many business leaders are asking: “How do we get people back?” But those leaders are
The Onstott Group Recruits CFO for Aware
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 a range of companies. The Onstott Group, a Wellesley, MA-based search firm, recently placed David Barcelo as the new treasurer
ZRG Expands in Latin America and Mexico
ZRG Partners has expanded its global footprint into Latin America and Mexico with the additions of Manny Corsino and Hugo Lara. Mr. Corsino, an executive search professional with 15 years of experience, will serve as managing director in ZRG’s Miami office. Beyond providing his expertise to the firm’s technology, private equity and consumer practices, he will manage ZRG’s
How to Lead Through a Crisis
While business leaders have years of experience managing and leading teams, the recent Odgers Berndtson Leadership Confidence Index revealed that 85 percent of senior leaders lack confidence in their leadership’s ability to manage disruption effectively. The index, in conjunction with Harvard Business Review Analytic Services, is not only timely but has exposed a real weakness for organizations
Des Moines University Picks WittKieffer for CHRO Search
Executive search firm WittKieffer is spearheading the search for a new chief human resources officer (CHRO) for Des Moines University in Iowa. Consultants Melissa Fincher and Sarah Miller are leading the assignment for the search firm. Des Moines University wants a dynamic, creative and engaging leader to play an integral role in a time of significant
Decoupled Search Opens Office in London
Las Vegas-headquartered executive search firm Decoupled Search has expanded with the addition of a new office in London. The firm now has capabilities to fill non-board level leadership positions in North America, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific and India. “The decision to establish a physical presence in Western Europe is a natural extension of our strategy to maintain cost leadership in the retained executive search industry,”
USOPC Taps Turnkey Search for Multiple Searches
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has been enlisted to help the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) in Colorado Springs, CO to lead its search for both a new vice president of communications and vice president of finance. “My mindset these days is to be thankful. Be grateful,” said Len Perna,
BrainWorks Assists The Jobe’s Company in CEO Search
New Providence, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks recently assisted in the placement of Chris Armstrong as the new CEO of lawn and garden manufacturer The Jobe’s Company. CEO Andy Miller led the assignment. “Chris brings the perfect blend of operations experience in addition to a strong growth background,” Mr. Miller said. “His pedigree in management consulting and
Heidrick & Struggles Seeking Provost for Georgia Tech
Jackie Zavitz and Ellen Landers of Heidrick & Struggles have been retained by the Georgia Institute of Technology to lead in the school’s search for a new provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. Georgia Tech recently said the search is moving forward with some accommodation for the logistical challenges imposed by the ongoing
Surge in Jobless Claims Continues
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 another surge of 2.98 million claims. More than 36.5 million people have now filed for unemployment benefits over the past two months, representing the biggest loss in U.S. history.
Caliber Associates Recruits VP of Immunobiology for Sutro Biopharma
The competitive landscape of the life sciences industry is transforming recruiting. Growing pressure to rapidly advance scientific discovery and expand market share in the face of COVID-19 is making the competition to attract top talent more fierce than ever before, according to recruiters that specialize in the sector. Recently, executive recruitment firm Caliber Associates placed
Cejka Search Expands Leadership Team
Cejka Search has expanded with the addition of John Elffers as vice president of executive search services. In this role, he will be responsible for initiating and growing client and industry relationships, and support the firm in expanding reach and creating new opportunities. “We are extremely happy to welcome John to our team,” said Paul
Best Practices for Virtual Job Interviewing
As the world increasingly turns to remote work options, virtual interviews are quickly becoming more of the norm. “While qualifying prospective candidates and effectively demonstrating your organization’s culture in a virtual world is complicated, there are many ways to ensure that you are able to get comfortable with and overcome these challenges,” says a new
August Leadership Expands Footprint in Asia, Europe
Executive recruitment firm August Leadership, which changed its name from Ward Howell USA earlier this year, is growing its global presence by adding new partners in Asia and Europe. “We are witnessing a very high interest from top performing partners to join our firm to re-position themselves within the industry,” said Asad Haider, founder and
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Banking Officer for Pacific Mercantile Bank
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has placed Sean Foley as the chief banking officer of Pacific Mercantile Bancorp, the holding company of Pacific Mercantile Bank, a wholly owned banking subsidiary. The assignment was led by president Brandon Biegenzahn and vice president Michelle Davis. Mr. Foley brings 25 years of experience leading commercial lending teams. Earlier in his career, he served as
10 Tips for Networking with Executive Recruiters During COVID-19
As invaluable as executive search firms are for companies, they can also make a tremendous difference in the careers of professionals who are in the market for a new job. During COVID-19, what can be more important for an aspiring job changer than tapping into the right recruiter’s network for forethought as well as networking
R. William Funk & Associates Recruits Provost for College of Charleston
R. William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, has placed Suzanne Austin as the new provost and executive vice president for academic affairs for the College of Charleston. R. William Funk, president of the Dallas-based recruitment firm, led the assignment. “Suzanne Austin is an incredible addition to the College of
Caldwell Strengthens Insurance Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell announced a major enhancement to its recruiting capabilities in the insurance sector with the return of Peter Reed as managing partner of the firm’s insurance practice, and a member of the firm’s Stamford, Conn. and New York offices. “Peter has more than 25 years of experience leading board and C-suite searches across the insurance
