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How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
The Structure of an Organization’s Culture: Building a Foundation for Performance
Building a strong, values-driven culture begins with understanding the underlying structures that shape how people think, behave, and interact within an organization. By identifying the core beliefs, unwritten norms, and systems that influence daily actions, leaders can intentionally align employee behavior with the company’s purpose and values. This alignment fosters clarity in expectations, accountability in
Hanold Associates Launches Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Practice
Hanold Associates has launched a global diversity, equity and inclusion practice and named Keri Gavin as practice leader. As one of the nation’s top C-suite HR leadership providers, the search firm has led dozens of critical chief diversity and inclusion officer searches for clients such Gucci, Live Nation Entertainment, Ford Motor Company, MGM Resorts International, Major League Baseball,
Diversified Search Assists DairyAmerica in CEO Search
Julie Kanak of Diversified Search has recently assisted Fresno, CA-headquartered DairyAmerica in the recruitment of Patricia Smith as its new president and CEO. She brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served in a number of senior leadership capacities over the past 20 years in the dairy processing and food ingredient industry. “DairyAmerica sits at the forefront of one of the
Korn Ferry Posts Flat Year-End Revenues; Q4 Down 10.2 Percent
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2020 fiscal year-end revenues of $1.92 billion, flat from a year ago. The Los Angeles-headquartered executive recruiter and leadership consultant – the largest globally and in the Americas as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media – also reported fourth quarter revenue of $490.8 million, a decline of 10.2 percent. The firm reported restricting charges of $40.5 million in its fourth quarter. Net income
ZRG Recruits President for AccelerātUM
ZRG has recruited Brett Feddersen as the president of AccelerātUM, a new entity founded by the former head of the FAA and industry colleagues to advance the unmanned air mobility industry. Managing directors Samantha Foster and Craig Sabina led the assignment. “ZRG managing directors Craig Sabina and Samantha Foster were instrumental in Brett’s recruitment,” AccelerātUM
Versique Search and Consulting Names CFO
Minneapolis, MN-headquartered Versique Search and Consulting has promoted Erik Fortier to chief financial officer. In this role, he will oversee the company’s finance operations as well as HR, IT and office administration functions, and will focus on maintaining Versique’s continued growth and helping to drive its strategic initiatives. “Erik has brought a whole new level
Unemployment Rate Falls to 11.1 Percent; Another 1.4 Million Jobless Claims Filed
Employment surprisingly rose by 4.8 million in June as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 11.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. These improvements in the labor market reflect a limited resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed in March, April and May due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and
Higher Education Leadership Recruits Business Dean for Arkansas Tech University
Following a nationwide search, C. Wayne Alderman and Alan Medders of Anniston, AL-based Higher Education Leadership Search have completed the search for the new dean of the college of business for Arkansas Tech University (ATU). K. Russell Jones will start in his new role with the university on Monday. “Dr. Jones is an experienced academician and administrator who is
20/20 Foresight Strengthens Search Staff
Chicago-headquartered 20/20 Foresight Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Mitch Ornstein as managing director. Mr. Ornstein, who will work from the firm’s Chicago office, brings more than 15 years of executive search experience in placing senior leaders across all functions to his new role. He will serve as 20/20 Foresight’s functional expert in the CFO
How to Retain Executive Mothers During and After COVID-19
In January 2020, women constituted more than 50 percent of the American workforce. Six months and 15 million jobs later, this may not be the case, according to a new report by Odgers Berndtson and co-authored by Catherine Bass Black and Lisa DeConto. “It’s been widely recognized that women in the United States are being disproportionately affected
McDermott & Bull Recruits CEO for NEXT for AUTISM
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has placed former American Montessori Society executive Timothy Purnell as the new CEO for NEXT for AUTISM. Chris Bull, managing partner and co-founder of the search firm, led the assignment. Mr. Purnell has a proven track record as an innovative leader, strategic planner and inspiring educator. He transitioned
Hightech Partners Adds Technology, Digital Executive
Digital-focused executive search firm Hightech Partners (HTP) has expanded with the addition of Jean-Christophe Legrand, a senior executive in technology and digital, to help develop the firm’s international business. His appointment strengthens HTP’s strategy as a global leader in the field of digital executive-level recruitment, but also as advisor to clients on the talent aspects of digital
Turnkey Search Recruits Chief Business Officer for the Detroit Pistons
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has assisted the Detroit Pistons in the recruitment of former Roc Nation executive Mike Zavodsky as its new chief business officer. The role is a new position for the professional basketball organization. Mr. Zavodsky begins work with the NBA team on Wednesday. He will report to Pistons vice chair Arn Tellem.
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
