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ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
Options Group Appoints VP in London
Options Group has named Henry Wilson as a vice president in London. He will specialize in the commodities trading technology sector. Over the past 12 years, Mr. Wilson has specialized in technology recruitment across commodities and capital markets, partnering with trading businesses to solve complex hiring challenges across front‑office, quantitative, and core trading technology functions. He previously spent over
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.
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
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?
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 Chief Commercial Officer: Driving Private Equity Value Creation
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on organic growth, commercial leadership is taking on a more central role in value creation. The chief commercial officer (CCO) has become one of the most important post-acquisition hires for private equity sponsors, according to a recent report from Spencer Stuart’s Dave Vidor. As extended hold periods and
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for U.S. Mobile Health Exams
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Eric Hepburn as CEO at U.S. Mobile Health Exams (USMHE) in Jacksonville, FL. He brings more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, business operations, strategic growth, and organizational transformation. Mr. Hepburn’s appointment brings USMHE an experienced executive with a track record of strengthening business operations, developing scalable
Cooper Coleman Leading CFO Search for Jacksonville Zoological Society
Cooper Coleman LLC has been retained by Jacksonville Zoological Society, Inc. to conduct a national search for its next CFO. “Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has an ambitious vision for its future, and its next CFO will help shape how those plans move forward,” said Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “We’re looking for someone
The Christopher Group Tapped by MITRE for Head of Total Rewards Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by MITRE to lead in its search for a head of total rewards. The search is being led by managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director Kat Kilkenney. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a total rewards leader who wants to make
True Establishes Dedicated Private Credit Practice
Global executive talent platform True has launched a dedicated private credit practice, led by Rick Bank, managing director and head of the private credit and private equity practices. The launch comes as private credit enters a significant credit cycle, with 67 percent of portfolio managers citing greater competition and 64 percent citing defaults and credit losses as
Inside the Decisions That Shape Hiring and Careers
Hiring and leadership decisions continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping both individual careers and organizational performance. As companies navigate tighter talent markets, rapid technological change, and evolving expectations around leadership, greater attention is being placed on how executives identify high performers, assess potential, and make decisions about who is ready for greater
ON Partners Recruits Board Members for Artisan Industries
Partners Seth Harris and Shawn Oglesbee of ON Partners have assisted in the recruitment of Stephen S. Schwartz and Gary A. Doyon as new members of the board of directors of Artisan Industries. The addition of two independent directors strengthens the company’s governance and strategic leadership, as Artisan expands its core technologies into high-growth markets, including specialty chemicals, PFAS removal, drug
Reffett Associates Seeking Vice President of Development for the Army Historical Foundation
WA-based Reffett Associates was recently retained by the Army Historical Foundation to recruit its next vice president of development. The Army Historical Foundation is the non-profit organization that supports the National Museum of the United States Army, which honors the service and sacrifice of American soldiers throughout the Army’s history. The vice president of development will play
DHR Global Expands Middle East and Africa Presence
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Michael Patrick Okumu-Ringa as managing partner, Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai, he will lead the expansion of DHR’s regional business, building its team and strengthening its executive search and leadership advisory capabilities while connecting regional clients with international talent in partnership with DHR’s London office. “The
Talentfoot Grows HR Practice
Talentfoot Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Gabe Peacock as associate partner, helping drive the continued growth of the firm’s human resources practice. “With Gabe joining the team, Talentfoot is continuing to expand our ability to support clients in finding HR leaders who can solve complex people challenges, strengthen culture, scale people operations,
Artico Search Founders Reflect on Five Years of Growth and Lessons Learned
Five years after its founding, Artico Search has grown from a two-person venture into a boutique executive search firm serving venture capital, private equity-backed, and publicly traded companies. Founded in 2021 by Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO and co-founder, and Matt Comyns, president and co-founder, the firm has built its business around emerging technology, with particular depth
Caldwell Sells IQTalent Partners to WinMil for $4.7 Million
Toronto-based Caldwell has completed the sale of substantially all of the net operating assets of its wholly owned subsidiary, IQTalent Partners, Inc., to WinMil, Inc. WinMil will continue to operate the business under the IQTalent name and brand. In 2020, Caldwell acquired IQTalent to broaden its service offerings into technology-enabled recruiting solutions at the professional level.
WittKieffer Selected by Park University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Park University to lead in its search for a new president. Consultant Alejandra Gillette-Teran, principal Melody Rose and associate Sarah Seavey are spearheading the assignment for the search firm. Reporting to an engaged board of trustees, the president will be expected to grow the University into the future. The president provides leadership in
NPAG Leading Executive Director Search for SEAL
Executive search firm NPAG was recently retained by SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Allison Kupfer Poteet, managing partner, is leading the search along with Alejandra Villa, managing associate. The organization seeks a strong enterprise leader with strategic and financial acumen, experience leading through change, and genuine credibility
August Leadership Appoints Senior Advisor in Tokyo
August Leadership has named Paul Dupuis as senior advisor in Tokyo. “We are delighted to have Paul join August Leadership,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “His experience will add significant depth as we aim to strengthen our presence and relationships in Japan, alongside our broader APAC capabilities.” With more than 30 years of leadership
C-Suite Volatility Reshapes Talent Market, Creating Expanding Role for Search Firms
Crist|Kolder Associates’ latest 2026 Mid-Year Volatility Report provides a detailed look at leadership trends across 665 Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies. Tracking executive changes through July 31, the research examines CEO, CFO, and COO turnover, career paths, diversity, and the emergence of new leadership positions as organizations adapt to an increasingly complex business environment.
The McCormick Group Completes Searches for Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies
The McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the federal health policy practice of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor. The search was led by principal David
Krauthamer & Associates Selected by Regional Transportation District for CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has been retained by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, CO, to lead in its search for a new CEO. “RTD seeks a CEO who can continue strengthening the agency’s fiscal foundation, drive long‑range funding solutions, and guide RTD through budget challenges while advancing innovation, equity, transit service delivery and the
BrainWorks Grows Legal Practice
Warren, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks has named Rachel Chandler as director of legal recruitment. “With nearly two decades of experience spanning law, legal recruitment, and business development, Rachel brings an exceptional depth of expertise and a unique perspective to our team,” Brainworks said in a LinkedIn post. “From practicing corporate law to leading legal recruiting teams,
Boyden Forms Alliance with South African firm Tuesday Consulting
Boyden has formed a partnership with South African firm Tuesday Consulting, an executive search and advisory firm helping clients drive growth through sustainable human capital resourcing practices. The partnership will be led by seasoned industry executives Wendy Spalding and Tsholofelo Nketane, along with a team of nine professionals from Tuesday Consulting. “Partnering with Tuesday Consulting represents an
Leadership in Uncertain Times: How Executives Adapt
Leadership has always required navigating change, but today’s executives operate in an environment where geopolitical developments, economic uncertainty, and evolving market expectations can quickly reshape business priorities. This places renewed attention on how leaders set direction, strengthen organizational resilience and prepare their businesses for an uncertain future. According to the latest Kestria Global Leadership Barometer, geopolitical
Excel Search & Advisory Leading Search for Next WNBA Commissioner
The WNBA has begun the search for its next commissioner as the league prepares for a leadership transition at the end of the year. The NBA has retained Excel Search & Advisory, formerly Nolan Partners, to identify a successor to Cathy Engelbert, according to The Athletic. The assignment comes as the league continues to experience
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for Wabash College
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has placed Tyler J. Wade as dean for enrollment management at Wabash College. Mr. Wade, a 2012 Wabash graduate, has served as interim dean since June. This follows a nationwide search led by the firm’s president Chris Bingley. “One of the things that made him stand out in the field
Leathwaite Continues Partnership with St Marylebone School
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite is continuing its long-standing partnership with St Marylebone School in London, supporting students as they prepare for the next stages of their academic and professional journeys. The firm said the program is part of its community engagement efforts and reflects its commitment to social mobility and widening access to opportunity. St
Navigating Uncertainty: How Non-Profit Executive Search is Evolving in 2025
The non-profit sector is entering a pivotal moment in 2025, marked by financial volatility, leadership transitions, and heightened expectations around organizational performance and equity. As federal funding cuts ripple through social services, education, the arts, and environmental initiatives, many non-profits have paused executive hiring or slowed decision-making, creating an environment of deep uncertainty. As expectations
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
Recruitment Firms Land Big West Conference Commissioner Using Virtual Technology
As the coronavirus pandemic alters the way executive recruiters conduct business, collegiate athletics consultants College Sports Solutions (CSS) and Buffkin / Baker have teamed up to place Dan Butterly as commissioner of the Big West Conference. He will start on June 1 to transition alongside Dennis Farrell, who will officially step down one month later. Mr. Farrell is retiring after
