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Baird Global Investment Banking Integrates Ren Systems
Baird Global Investment Banking recently integrated Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders. “It’s not every day a century-old financial institution changes how their investment bankers work,” said Canay Deniz, co-founder and CEO of Ren Systems. “It says a lot about Baird’s culture that they’re leaning
6 Executive Search Trends Shaping Leadership in 2026
Executive search is no longer just a hiring function — it’s becoming a strategic response to how fast organizations are being forced to evolve. Boards and CEOs are facing a leadership environment defined by volatility, accelerated technology shifts, changing workforce expectations, and increasing pressure to deliver results with fewer resources and tighter timelines. In that
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
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?
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
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
StevenDouglas Expands Presence in Seattle, Names Practice Leader
Executive search firm StevenDouglas is expanding its presence in Seattle to include information technology search, staffing and consulting services. The firm also named Eamon Reilly to managing director, Seattle, to lead the practice. Mr. Reilly, a Seattle native, is focusing on supporting the expansion of the firm’s IT staffing and search service capabilities on the West Coast
Heidrick & Struggles Makes Leadership Changes in Europe
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles recently made several leadership changes in Europe. Claire Skinner has been named regional leader, Europe and Africa, continuing to focus on working at the top and driving growth and collaboration across the region, in addition to fostering inclusion and professional development initiatives. Most recently, she
Executive Search 101: Back to Basics
The executive search process varies little from search firm to search firm. Every time they conduct a senior-level executive assignment, executive recruiters follow the same basic search process. “Of course, since the retained search process and the pricing look pretty much the same at most traditional recruiting firms, it can be challenging for executive search buyers
Comhar Partners Lands SVP of Global Sales for Myers-Briggs Co.
Executive search firm Comhar Partners has placed Steven Nolan as senior vice president of global sales for the Myers-Briggs Co. Karen Turrini, managing director in the search firm’s San Francisco office, led the assignment. Based in Sunnyvale, CA, Mr. Nolan will report to Myers-Briggs’ president and CEO. He will oversee the global sales leadership team
Diversified Search Recruits Chief Information Officer for Herbalife Nutrition
The chief information officer is considered among the most strategic roles in any organization. Still, head-hunting within the function remains challenging, as skilled C-suite IT professionals are among the toughest to find. Recently, Diversified Search placed former Estee Lauder Companies executive Rhonda Vetere as the new CIO of Herbalife Nutrition. The search was led by
Robert Half Posts 3.8 Percent Revenue Increase
Robert Half International Inc./(NYSE:RHI) posted full-year revenues of $6.074 billion, up 3.8 percent from $5.80 billion the prior year. The Menlo Park, CA-based recruiting company posted fourth quarter revenues of $1.48 billion, up slightly from $1.48 billion last year. For the year, net income was $454 million, or $3.90 per share, compared to earnings of $434.3 million, or $3.57 per share,
Talentmark Makes Addition to Fuel U.S. Growth Strategy
Talentmark, a London-based specialist and executive recruitment solutions provider to the global life sciences market, has expanded with the addition of Patricia Hall as vice president as the firm continues its strategic growth in the U.S. She will be based in Chicago. Ms. Hall joins Talentmark from Quick Leonard Kieffer, where she led the firm’s
The State of Executive Recruiting in 2020
Cautious optimism seems to be the consensus among business leaders and executive recruiters heading into 2020. Although some pundits are predicting a dramatic and near-term market correction, supporting data is decidedly mixed. Changes in expectations for 2020 include: U.S. economic growth is expected to range from 1.5 percent to 2.0 percent, likely down from the 1.9
HARTZ Search Seeks CEO for Roper St. Francis Healthcare in South Carolina
Charlotte, NC-based executive search firm HARTZ Search has been selected to find the next chief executive officer for Roper St. Francis Healthcare (RSFH) in Charleston, SC. Leading the assignment are Carol Maxwell, the firm’s managing director, and Mike Hartz, president and CEO. The health system’s previous leader, Lorraine Lutton, recently took a new role as market
The Everest Group Announces Promotions
Glendora, CA-headquartered executive search firm the Everest Group has named Dennis Teschler and Anthony Duncan as vice presidents of national accounts as well as Kyle Bueckert as director of national accounts. Mr. Teschler focuses on placing middle to senior-level executives in many functional positions within the third party logistics, supply chain, and transportation industries. He recently placed
ManpowerGroup Posts Five Percent Revenue Dip in 2019
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted full-year revenues of $20.9 billion, a decrease of five percent from $22 billion a year ago. The company posted fourth-quarter revenues of $5.2 billion, a decrease of four percent from the year earlier period. Financial results in the quarter were impacted by the stronger U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies compared to the prior
Executive Search Firms Expect Revenue Uptick, Continued Growth in 2020
A new year brings a new set of perspectives and priorities. In 2020, search consultants are excited about the possibilities provided by technology, anxious about the economy, and (still) struggling with the talent shortage. Expectations for 2020 are largely positive but are more modest than in years past, according to Bullhorn’s “Global Recruitment Insights and Data”
The Pauly Group Places First Female and African-American President at Kellogg Community College
The Pauly Group, an academic executive search firm, has recruited Adrien L. Bennings as the sixth president of Kellogg Community College (KCC) in Battle Creek, MI. She becomes the first female and African-American president at the school replacing Mark O’Connell, who has held the role since 2015. Dr. Bennings was selected from a pool of 54
Human Resource Solutions Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Great Plains Communications
Golden, CO-based executive search firm Human Resource Solutions has placed Josephine Bernson as the first chief revenue officer for Great Plains Communications, Nebraska’s largest independent telecommunications company and a grain management portfolio company. The search was led by R. Woody Daroca. “Josephine’s experience and proven track record in leading teams and driving increased revenue and
Novak Consulting Group Seeking Police Chief for Oro Valley
Cincinnati-based Novak Consulting Group has been chosen to conduct a nationwide search to find the next chief of police for the Town of Oro Valley in Arizona. Current chief Danny Sharp plans to retire on Feb. 21. The chief of police reports directly to the town council, which will make the final selection. The council’s
Development Guild DDI Appoints President and COO
Executive recruitment firm Development Guild DDI, which focuses on the non-profit sector, has named Victoria Jones as president and Deborah Brown as chief operating officer. “I’m delighted to share that Victoria Jones is our new president,” said CEO Suzanne Weber. “Victoria’s new role along with the promotion of Deb Brown to COO will drive our continuous
Kincannon & Reed Appoints President
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments in the past year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Waynesboro, VA-based executive search firm Kincannon & Reed named David Turner as its new president. “Having spent nearly a decade working with our team and processes around the world, we’re confident David
Independent Directors, Women and Minorities See Board Gains
Standard & Poor’s 500 boards appointed 432 new independent directors in the 2019 proxy year, the most since 2004, and 59 percent were women and/or minorities, up from 50 percent the year before, according to a study by Spencer Stuart. The 2019 U.S. Spencer Stuart Board Index found that boards are listening to shareholders’ and
Allegis Partners Places VP of People for Venture-Backed Diamanti
Executive search firm Allegis Partners has placed Christina Monzon-Le as vice president of people for Diamanti in San Jose, CA. The search was conducted by John K. Anderson, managing director in Allegis Partners’ San Francisco office, and Lora Martinelli, director in Minneapolis. Ms. Monzon-Le has more than 15 years of HR experience in the areas of business
Clarendon Executive Selected by Fold Ireland to Find New CEO
Belfast-headquartered executive search firm Clarendon Executive has been called in by Fold Ireland to lead its search for a new CEO. Managing partner Ciaran Sheehan is leading the assignment. Fold Ireland provides a unique combination of accommodation and associated service options. As well as providing apartments and houses for older people, families and people with
Lucas Group Appoints Digital Strategy Leader
Atlanta, GA-headquartered executive search firm Lucas Group has expanded with the addition of Stephen Todd Duclos as vice president of digital strategy. Mr. Duclos brings a track record of digital innovation and change management with expertise in the technology recruitment space. “Todd will accelerate our adoption of cutting-edge technologies that streamline the recruiter experience and amplify recruiter effectiveness,”
NPAworldwide Adds 11 New Member Firms
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added 11 new member locations as it continues to expand its global roster. NPA now has 530 member offices across six continents. Membership in the network allows independent recruiters to serve their clients and candidates by partnering with other member firms. “Congratulations to each of our new members,” said Dave Nerz, president of
Help Wanted: President Business Operations, Detroit Pistons
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has been selected by the Detroit Pistons to find a new president of business operations. “The Detroit Pistons are an iconic NBA team that recently moved back into downtown Detroit,” said Len Perna, founder and chairman of Turnkey Search. “Detroit itself is really buzzing as a comeback
Caldwell Places Chief Marketing Officer at Recorded Future
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging — and much more influential. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, managing partner of the private equity and venture capital practice at Caldwell, recently placed former Acquia executive Tom
ON Partners Adds Partner in San Francisco
Executive search firm ON Partners has expanded with the addition of Michael Lynch, a veteran search executive with more than 20 years of experience in the global technology market, as a partner in its San Francisco office. Throughout his career, Mr. Lynch has placed CEOs, C-level and board executives in sectors that are increasingly turning to cutting-edge technologies such
Versique Search and Consulting Acquires Midwest Financial Search
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Recently, Minneapolis-headquartered Versique Search and Consulting acquired St. Paul, MN-based Midwest Financial Search to boost its presence in the banking and financial services sector. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Midwest Financial Search specializes in placing
Pearson Partners Expands Search Staff
Dallas-headquartered Pearson Partners International has expanded with the addition of veteran attorney Cortland Kelly Grynwald as vice president. She brings to the firm experience in recruiting leaders for both corporate and law firm clients. “The insight that Cortland brings to our team, gained from experience in her law practice and legal search career, is invaluable to our
A New Twist in the War for Talent
We’ve all heard about global talent shortages. But have you ever thought how the talent deficit is impacting the executive search industry itself? With competition stronger than ever, recruitment leaders are dealing with a pressing dilemma of their own: How and where to find top revenue producers. According to Ken Vancini, founder and CEO of Innova International
JM Search Names Three Partners
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, has appointed Bill Borkovitz, Brian Dwyer and David Robinson as partners. “JM Search strives to be a career destination for professionals at every stage of their careers,” said co-founder and CEO John Marshall. “As we begin our 40th anniversary year of client
Buffkin / Baker Recruits CFO for PE-Backed Digitech
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 various companies, especially private equity-backed outfits. Just recently, executive recruitment firm Buffkin / Baker placed Tomas Chadwick as CFO for private
Missouri Southern State Selects EFL Associates to Find President
Executive search firm EFL Associates has been enlisted to find the next president for Missouri Southern State University (MSSU). Alan Marble, who has been the university’s president since 2014, announced in August that he would be retiring effective June 30. EFL Associates was one of two finalists out of six search firms which sought the assignment.
