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CEOs and CHROs: Strategic Alignment or Differing Priorities?
Like the broader business landscape, the roles of the CEO and CHRO have evolved significantly in recent years. CEOs remain focused on driving competitiveness and performance, while CHROs are increasingly prioritizing employee well-being and mental health. But are these visions completely irreconcilable? To answer this question, a recent report from Radar HH, IMD International Search
January Hiring Tops Expectations, But Sharp Revisions Reveal Weakest Growth in Years
Employment rose by 130,000 in January as the U.S. unemployment rate was at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Job gains occurred in healthcare, social assistance, and construction, while federal government and financial activities lost jobs. The number of unemployed people, at 7.4 million, changed little in January. However, the bullish
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.
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
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?
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
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
The New Era of Executive Search: Blending Intuition with Innovation
Executive search is at an inflection point. According to Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of DSG Global (Diversified Search Group), “The industry has long been built on trust, relationships, and intuition – and that’s not going away, but today, it must also be agile, inclusive, and increasingly driven by automation and data,” she said. “Parts of the search
Cejka Search Wins CEO Assignment for the Iowa Clinic
Cejka Search has been retained by the Iowa Clinic to lead its hunt for a new CEO. The assignment is being led by Mark Madden, the recruitment firm’s executive vice president and managing principal. The incoming CEO will be expected to provide executive leadership in establishing and executing a strategic vision in alignment with the board
Russell Reynolds Associates Expands in Munich and Hamburg
Executive recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates recently closed the year by adding Immo Futterlieb as managing director in Munich and Moritz Trebeljahr as executive director in its Hamburg office. “We are very happy to have been able to strengthen our team by having Immo and Moritz join us,” said Ulrike Wieduwilt, Russell Reynolds Associates’ German country
Hunt Scanlon Media’s Top 10 Recruiting Stories of 2019
What a year to be covering the executive recruitment industry! Going back over the hundreds of stories Hunt Scanlon Media brought to our readers over the course of 2019 has been both exhilarating and revealing. Change continues to come to the field, often in the most surprising ways. There has been growth and expansion, new ways of
RM Nephew and Associates Places CHRO of Cytel
CHROs have become critical stakeholders in defining the strategy of a company. Their job description calls for them to tackle the HR challenges and evolving expectations of a dynamic workplace environment that will consist of constant change, calculated risk taking and evolving expectations from top stakeholders. Those well-equipped to achieve the greatest success will have
AGB Search Seeks Provost for University of South Carolina
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search is looking for a new executive vice president for academic affairs and provost for the University of South Carolina. Managing principal Roderick J. McDavis, consultants Sally Mason and Garry W. Owens, and principal Kimberly S. Templeton are leading the assignment. This role is the second ranking officer of the university, acting for the president in his
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Sports Search Assignments of 2019
2019 was a thrilling year for sports. It all started with the New England Patriots winning their sixth Super Bowl. The Washington Nationals claimed their first World Series. The Toronto Raptors won the NBA title. Megan Rapinoe and her teammates captured the FIFAWomen’s World Cup. And the cheers, jeers and intrigue were in evidence on
Ezekia to Manage Global Recruiting Processes at Stanton Chase
Stanton Chase is adopting Ezekia as the primary platform for managing its global recruiting business processes in a move that could have big implications for search firms as 2020 unfolds. The platform, which offers innovative, customized, easy-to-use software for recruiters, will be adopted across all of the firm’s 75 worldwide offices. “Ezekia is a proven, top-tier
Sapphire Partners Assists the Bank of England in Governor Search
Sapphire Partners, a London-based executive search firm, assisted the Bank of England in the recruitment of Andrew Bailey as its new governor. Mark Carney, who has held the position for six years, will step down at the end of January. Mr. Bailey will be the 121st Governor in the bank’s 325 year history and the
Koya Leadership Partners Recruits Chief Diversity Officer for Susquehanna University
The role of chief diversity officer is expanding at universities across the country — and fast becoming one of the most sought after C-suite positions to be filled by recruiters. It has, in fact, become one of the most important positions for shaping the vision, culture and very face of institutions of higher learning from
Russell Reynolds Associates Names Leader for HR Officers Practice in Australia
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR executives and other top corporate executives looking for a career change. Executive recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates recently named veteran HR executive Katherine Henry as a senior member of the firm’s global corporate officers sector, leading the human resources officers practice in Australia. She is based
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Search Assignments of 2019
With 2019 drawing to a close, we looked back through our archives over what was by all accounts a remarkable year for first-rate search assignments. Hunt Scanlon Media tracked hundreds of them. From CEO placements to those covering the bandwidth of the C-suite, our editorial team gleaned the best from every industry sector and functional discipline to create
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking Chief Diversity Officer for University of Pittsburgh
West Hartford, Conn-based Academic Career & Executive Search was recently selected by the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, a regional campus of the University of Pittsburgh, to lead the search for the school’s first chief diversity and inclusion officer. Managing partner Jennifer Muller is leading the assignment. Reporting to the university president, the successful candidate will assume a critical leadership
Search Firms Partner to Recruit Head Football Coach for University Northern Colorado
Executive search firms College Sports Solutions (CSS) and Buffkin / Baker have collaborated to recruit former Denver Broncos wide receiver Ed McCaffrey as the 16th head football coach for the University Northern Colorado (UNC). The search was led by Jeff Schemmel, founder and president of College Sports Solutions, and Dan Walters, associate partner with Buffkin Baker. “We are
NGS Global Expands in Paris
Executive search firm NGS Global has continued its recent expansion by adding Fariman Felisa, Emmanuel Caron and Michel Felisa as managing directors on its Paris team. “We are delighted to have recruited Fariman, Emmanuel and Michel to NGS Global,” said David Nosal, chairman of NGS Global. “They are not only recognized as thought leaders in their market,
BG Staffing Acquires L.J. Kushner & Associates
BG Staffing, Inc., a NYSE-traded provider of workforce solutions, has acquired L.J. Kushner & Associates, an executive search and professional recruitment firm dedicated exclusively to the information security industry. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Since 1999, L.J. Kushner & Associates has provided services nationally to companies of all sizes (early stage to
Choi & Burns Rebrands to CBK Partners, Launches Tech Platform Pointr
New York City-headquartered executive search firm Choi & Burns has rebranded to CBK Partners on its 20th anniversary, following the launch of Pointr, a tech platform designed to foster relationships with sought-after talent. As part of its rebranding efforts, Sumi Kang, CBK co-founder, was named president. “As part of our rebranding, we elevated Sumi Kang
4D Executive Search Places Senior Director of People Operations for TrueCar
Los Angeles-based recruitment firm 4D Executive Search has helped place Sonya McLelland as the new senior director of people operations for TrueCar Inc., a digital automotive marketplace, in Santa Monica, CA. Ms. McLelland will be responsible for ensuring a high-level experience for both employees and managers across all human resources transactions and programs, said 4D
The Christopher Group Tapped by Nu Skin Enterprises to Find Head of Total Rewards
Nu Skin Enterprises has selected The Christopher Group (TCG) to lead its search for a new head of total rewards. Managing director and chief marketing officer Nathaniel Schiffer, recruiting manager Kristen Pace and operations manager Amy Bott are leading the assignment. The head of total rewards will be provided the opportunity to revamp and execute the total rewards
Vetted Solutions Recruits New Leader for International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation
Jim Zaniello of Vetted Solutions has recruited Gregory L. Schultz as the new CEO of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT). He succeeds retiring executive director Amanda Rowe, who led the organization for 27 years. “We are so grateful for Amanda’s leadership,” said Stuart Sweet, ISHLT president and a pediatric pulmonologist at Washington University in St.
NPAworldwide Adds 10 New Member Firms in the U.S.
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added 10 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
Options Group Opens In Paris, Appoints Office Head
Options Group has opened a new office in Paris to be led by Carole Jean-Baptiste. As part of her primary responsibilities, Ms. Jean-Baptiste will be expanding the Options Group EMEA footprint in asset and wealth management, capital markets, sales and trading as well as fintech. Ms. Jean-Baptiste was most recently a partner and executive coach
DHR International Assists University of New Mexico in Head Football Coach Search
Glenn Sugiyama, managing partner and global sports practice leader at DHR International, has placed Albuquerque, NM native Danny Gonzales as the 32nd head football coach of the University of New Mexico (UNM). Bob Davie was fired after going 35-63 over the last eight seasons, posting a losing record in six of them. “We helped run a national search
Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates Seeks President for University of Wisconsin System
Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates, a search firm focused on higher education, has been chosen to lead a national search to find the next president of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System. This fall, Ray Cross announced that he intended to retire after five years in the role and a 42-year career in higher education. He will
MedBest Names Leader of Interim Solutions
Across the board, in every industry, today’s market is fueled by growing demand for top talent against a landscape of short supply. This has led to nearly three million people taking temporary jobs, a number that is expected to grow at a healthy pace over the next few years as companies strive to stay agile in
IIC Partners Adds NOVUS Search Partners in Sydney
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Sydney, Australia-headquartered NOVUS Search Partners as its newest member firm. The addition will strengthen IIC Partners’ representation in government, education, technology, social purpose, supply chain and logistics, defense, infrastructure and industrials. NOVUS Search Partners services includes channels such as executive search, structured talent mobility initiative, jobs of the future
Recruiters Hunting Down Leaders with a Digital Mindset
Almost no organization today is run without digital technologies. The scope and speed of the process varies across countries, sectors and organizations, but there is a change-evoking ocean, and no safe harbor for a single company or a single market. There are many challenges posed by digital transformation – namely artificial intelligence, internet of things,
Boyden Seeks New Governor for Bank of Canada
The Bank of Canada has selected global executive search firm Boyden to assist in its search for a new governor following the resignation of Stephen S. Poloz. Earlier this month, that bank announced that Mr. Poloz had said he will not seek a second term when his seven-year term expires on June 2. “It has been
ZRG Partners Acquires Miror Partners
ZRG Partners, one of the fastest growing executive search firms, has agreed to purchase certain assets of Miror Partners, an Irvine, CA-based executive search and leadership development firm that is focused in the technology leadership area. Details of the acquisition have not been disclosed. “One of our strategic key growth areas for the firm is
Hobson Leavy Recruits CIO for Altus
The chief information officer is considered among the most strategic roles in any organization. Executive search consultants who specialize in recruiting for the position say that the best CIOs can dramatically differentiate a company in the market, while a poorly performing one can be an organization’s weakest link. Still, headhunting within the function remains challenging, and
Tier One Executive Search Names North American Automotive Retail Practice Leader
In the world of mobility, organizations that develop and produce automotive vehicles, components and related technologies that move people, goods and materials face unprecedented competition from established players and new entrants. Accelerating electrification of vehicles, autonomous vehicle innovation and entirely new value propositions centered on connectivity require that organizations rethink their approach to leadership and
Demand is Rising for Executive Recruiters . . . Here’s Why
It’s an all-out war for talent these days, according to recruiters and talent leaders, and that’s making demand for executive search firms stronger than ever. But recruiting agencies must evolve to compete. The Bowdoin Group founder and CEO Dave Melville believes search firms must revise their approach or go the way of the dinosaurs, and







