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Alexander Hughes Names Head of Global Legal Practice
Alexander Hughes has named Anthony Dodeman as head of its global legal practice to strengthen expertise across key legal domains. “This strategic move reinforces our commitment to supporting clients with access to legal professionals who possess a deep understanding of today’s complex legal landscape,” Alexander Hughes said. “Our legal practice spans a broad spectrum of expertise,
EY’s CEO Outlook Puts Talent At The Center Of Growth
EY-Parthenon’s 2026 CEO Outlook Survey of 1,200 global CEOs reveals a striking divergence. While confidence in the global economy has softened, nearly nine in 10 U.S. CEOs remain optimistic about their own companies’ prospects. The implication is clear: leaders believe growth, this year at least, will be self-generated rather than market-driven. That confidence rests on transformation. Ninety-seven percent of CEOs report they
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.
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,
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?
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,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
Rethinking The Leadership Pipeline
In a recent LinkedIn post that gained wide attention across the executive search community, Shawn Cole laid out his forecast for the decade ahead: intense demand for talent, shrinking candidate slates, partner retirements, industry consolidation, and surging compensation. His message was clear – the model is shifting, and search firms that don’t evolve risk being left behind.Mr. Cole brings
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits CEO for the National Association of State Aviation Officials
Over the past year, a growing number of transportation companies have enlisted executive search firms to help find senior talent. After a nationwide search, ADK Consulting & Executive Search has placed Greg Pecoraro as the new president and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “NASAO’s board of directors is very pleased and excited
Harris Search Associates Seeks Department Chairs for University of Buffalo Pharmacy and Dental Schools
Harris Search Associates has been chosen to find new department chairs within both the schools of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences and dental medicine at the University of Buffalo, which is part of the State University of New York system. In the former assignment, the university seeks a chair for the department of pharmacy practice. The
ZurickDavis Tapped by Community Health Centers of Burlington to Find New CEO
Healthcare is among the most rapidly growing employment fields, according to analysts at Hunt Scanlon Media, which tracks trends in the executive search and leadership solutions space. So it is that the need for recruiting firms to deliver top-drawer leaders throughout the sector has only grown. ZurickDavis, a search firm that recruits executives and physician leaders for
WilsonHCG Forms Alliance with Profile Search & Selection
Global talent solutions provider Wilson Human Capital Group (WilsonHCG) has partnered with Profile Search & Selection (Profile), a Hong Kong-based human capital solutions specialist, as it continues its expansion across Asia. Profile, which was established in 2005, is headquartered in Hong Kong and has offices in Singapore, Shanghai and Beijing. With more than 100 consultants, Profile provides
As Global Talent Shortages Double, New Ways Emerge to Attract and Keep Talent
Global talent shortages have almost doubled in the last decade according to new research from ManpowerGroup. Fifty-four percent of companies report skills shortages with businesses in 36 of 44 countries finding it more difficult to attract skilled talent last year compared to 2018. Employers in the U.S. (69 percent), Mexico (52 percent) Italy (47 percent) and Spain (41 percent) report the
CohenTaylor Recruits CEO for Minneapolis Public Housing Authority
Following a five-month search, Chris Cohen of Minneapolis-based CohenTaylor Executive Search has placed Abdi Warsame as the new CEO and executive director of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority. He replaces Greg Russ, who left the role last year. Mr. Warsame will become the first Somali to lead a public housing agency in the nation, said Sharmarke Issa,
The Phelps Group Seeking President for Northern College
Executive search firms continue to reap the benefits of an active education sector, which many academic recruiters report has never been busier. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels. If any slowdown is coming, it most likely will be found at the talent identification stage. With so much
McCann Partners Appoints Chief Growth Officer
Chicago-based recruiting firm McCann Partners has expanded with the addition of Jane Hamner to the newly created position of chief growth officer. She will be responsible for growing the firm’s recruitment service lines and expanding its executive search offering. She will also seek to increase McCann Partners’ Chicago footprint and explore regional growth opportunities. Ms. Hamner
SkyWater Search Partners Appoints New Marketing Leader
Minneapolis-headquartered executive search firm SkyWater Search Partners has named McKaela Baldus to lead its newly expanded marketing practice division. With over a decade of experience as a Twin Cities marketing recruiting leader, McKaela is uniquely positioned to help SkyWater achieve its 2020 growth plans in this segment. “We’ve been looking at expanding our marketing practice for some
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 2019 Revenue Decline; Coronavirus to Impact Next Quarter Results
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) posted global revenues of $706.9 million in 2019, a 1.3 percent decrease from revenues of $716 million the year before. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter – the third largest in the Americas as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media last year – reported net income of $46.9 million, or $2.40 per share, on the
KLR Executive Search Group Leading CEO Search for Harvard University Employees Credit Union
Providence, RI-headquartered KLR Executive Search Group has been enlisted to find the next president and chief executive officer for Harvard University Employees Credit Union (HUECU). Partner Susan Pardus is leading the assignment for the recruitment firm. Gene Foley, who has been with the credit union for four decades and led it for 25 years, is retiring
Jorgenson Consulting Places Chief Economic Development Officer at the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC
Greensboro, NC-based Jorgenson Consulting has helped to place Cecilia Harry as chief economic development officer for the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC in Colorado. “Cecilia’s background in leading economic development programs and producing results in attracting jobs and capital investment are critical to moving Colorado Springs forward,” said Dirk Draper, president and CEO of the non-profit economic
Solomon Page Opens New Office in Washington, D.C.
New York City-headquartered Solomon Page has opened a new office in Washington, D.C. The firm also expanded its legal services division with the addition of Jennifer Atlan as director of legal recruiting. Ms. Atlan is a licensed attorney and has over six years of experience in the recruiting industry. Her efforts will be concentrated on expanding
Russell Reynolds Associates Names Canadian Operations Leader
Executive recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates has named Pascal Bécotte to lead its operations in Canada, which is comprised of three closely integrated offices: Calgary, Montreal and Toronto. In addition, the firm has added four new consultants to its Canada team to expand its support of evolving client needs. “We have been advising Canadian clients on talent and
Michigan State and UMass Tap Isaacson, Miller to Find Chief Diversity Officers
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. So
Saenger Associates Fills Key Post for Gerber Childrenswear
After a nationwide search by executive search firm Saenger Associates, South Carolina-based baby products giant Gerber Childrenswear has a new head of distribution for the company’s massive worldwide distribution center in the Charleston area. Katherine Hayes took the lead on the search for the Los Angeles-based recruitment firm along with Gary L. Saenger. The assignment took just
SearchWide Global Retained by VisitPittsburgh for CEO Search
VisitPittsburgh, the tourism promotion agency for Pennsylvania’s Allegheny County, has retained executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global to find its next president and chief executive officer. Craig Davis, who led the agency for seven years, stepped down at the end of last year to take the job as president and CEO of VisitDallas. Mike Gamble, president and
Bench International Opens Office in San Diego
Los Angeles-headquartered search firm Bench International has expanded with the opening of a new office in San Diego. This expansion is being co-led by Denise (DeeDee) DeMan, chairman and CEO, and Kim Mittemeyer, regional head, San Diego. Fueled by an increase in San Diego life science venture capital funding, Bench International is focused on making
The Intersect Group Names CEO
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments over the past year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Atlanta-based executive search firm The Intersect Group has appointed Edwin Miller as CEO. His appointment rounds out a series of strategic moves recently made to further position the firm for growth.
Is the Workplace More Stressful Than Just Five Years Ago?
If you find yourself feeling nostalgic about a former job, there may be a good reason for it: A new Korn Ferry survey suggests that today’s workplace has become increasingly stressful compared to recent years past. Increased work demands, bad bosses and changes in leadership are creating an ever more stressful work environment for professionals. The report sought to determine
Bespoke Partners Recruits CEO for Therapy Brands
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has placed Kimberly O’Loughlin as the new CEO of Therapy Brands in Birmingham, AL. She replaces Shegun Otulana effective immediately. “Therapy Brands has achieved incredible growth over a short time and it’s exciting to continue to build our talented executive team with a proven leader like Kimberly,” said Mr. Otulana.
Museum Search & Reference Finds Senior Curator for Vero Beach Museum of Art
Executive search firm Museum Search & Reference has placed the new senior curator for the Vero Beach Museum of Art (VBMA) in Florida. Senior search consultant Dan Keegan led the assignment. Anke Van Wagenberg joins the museum from the Academy Art Museum in Easton, MD, outside of Washington, D.C., where she was chief curator. “Anke’s expertise and
Ballinger | Leafblad Assists Hennepin Healthcare with CEO Search
Executive search firm Ballinger | Leafblad has assisted Minneapolis, MN-based health system Hennepin Healthcare in the recruitment of Jennifer DeCubellis as its new CEO. She replaces Jon Pryor who resigned last year. The assignment was led by co-founder Marcia Ballinger and principal Bob Schoenbaum. “We had a strong pool of candidates from across the nation to choose
ZRG Partners Adds Recruiting Specialists Across Several Business Sectors
ZRG Partners has expanded with the addition of government, cyber and security industry specialist Pete Metzger as a senior advisor and managing director. Mr. Metzger’s executive search career extends over two decades, and has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor to business and government leaders, said the search firm. He has a strong
Five Strategies to Attract Top Talent in Today’s Market
With the nation’s economy churning on all cylinders and the labor market stretched thin, many companies are having to work harder to attract and retain the best talent. As CEO for nationwide life sciences search firm Slone Partners, Leslie Loveless can attest to the challenges clients face in attracting the right people for the biggest
Acertitude Recruits Former GE CIO to Lead Global IT Strategy at DXC Technology
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited Chris Drumgoole as executive vice president and chief information officer for Tysons, VA-based DXC Technology. The search was led by Kevin O’Neill, founder and managing partner, supported by partner Geoffrey Votta. The assignment was completed in just 88 days. “Chris Drumgoole is an extraordinary technology executive and the DXC ecosystem is
Coulter Partners Recruits CFO for Stilla Technologies
Life sciences-focused executive search firm Coulter Partners placed Khaled Bahi as the new CFO of Paris-based Stilla Technologies. Client partner Eskil Westh led the assignment. Mr. Bahi’s appointment comes at a time of rapid growth for the company, with the recent opening of a U.S. subsidiary headquartered in Beverly, MA, providing American customers with direct sales and
DRG Search Seeks CEO, CFO for Non-Profit Citizen Advocates
DRG Search, which finds executives for the non-profit sector, has been enlisted to find both the next chief executive officer and chief financial officer for Citizen Advocates in Malone, NY. The client organization provides mental health, substance abuse, housing and vocational services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ami Abramson, DRG’s chief strategy officer,
Jensen Partners Appoints Head of Europe
New York City-based Jensen Partners has expanded its global footprint with the addition of Peter Mayer as head of Europe. He will lead European efforts out of the firm’s London office and spearhead recruiting and assets under management growth advisory. “Peter is a veteran of the alternative investment industry, with a deep understanding of different strategies and asset
Navigating the Insular World of Academic Recruiting
Confusion abounds in the marketplace regarding academic executive recruiting vs. corporate search work. Every search is unique, and each finds its own path. It’s possible, however, to draw some generalizations about the differences and similarities in search work, says Shawn M. Hartman, vice president and chief operating officer of Washington, D.C.-based Academic Search. “If you
Herbert Mines Associates Assists CEC Entertainment in CEO Search
Retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has placed David McKillips as the new CEO of CEC Entertainment Inc., operators of Chuck E. Cheese. He replaces Tom Leverton, who recently resigned. “David is a proven executive with a lifetime of experience and success in the family entertainment industry, both domestically and around the world,” said
