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WittKieffer Tapped by the University of Tulsa for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by the University of Tulsa (UTulsa) to lead in its search for a new president. Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley are leading the assignment. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its next president and to guide the private research institution to the next phase of success.
Kirk Palmer Associates Assists BRUNT Workwear with Chief Financial and Operating Officer Search
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Stephen Stanton as chief financial and operating officer of BRUNT Workwear. The search was led by Dana Levine, Suzannah Brown, and Jennifer Riemer. “As we head into our sixth year of business, the opportunity in front of us is bigger than ever,” said
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.
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
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?
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
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
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
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,
Bridging Talent Gaps Across HR, Private Equity, Higher Education
In today’s complex talent environment, organizations across industries are facing a growing (and increasingly urgent) challenge: navigating critical talent gaps. Whether you’re scaling a portfolio company in private equity, rebuilding your human resources function, or filling a leadership void in higher education, the stakes are high, according to a new report from Blue Rock Search’s Ruben
Korn Ferry Lands GM for the Pirates, Chief Baseball Officer for the Red Sox
Korn Ferry has placed Ben Cherington as the new general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He takes over from Neal Huntington, who was fired after a 12-year stint. The club has announced it will hold a press conference at PNC Park to introduce the new general manager. Mr. Cherington has more than two decades of experience
The Koblentz Group Places New CEO for Epi Breads
The Koblentz Group has placed Cheryl Barre as CEO of custom breadmaker Epi Breads. She succeeds Hugh Sullins, who is now vice president of business development for the Atlanta-based company. This search was led by Jeff Neppl and Joel Koblentz. Ms. Barre will be responsible for leading the executive team, developing and implementing a strategy for
Slayton Search Partners Expands Financial Services Practice
Chicago-based executive search firm Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Stuart T. Smith as senior vice president and principal. He will be a key member of the financial services practice, supporting commercial banking, private banking, wealth management and real estate partners. “Stuart’s skill-set, work ethic and personality make him an excellent fit for our team,”
Space Executive Appoints Leader of Newly Launched London Operations
Singapore-headquartered recruitment agency Space Executive has recently appointed senior recruiter Tom Hughes as leader of its new London office. He will head the audit, risk, compliance and legal recruitment operations for the firm in the U.K. and Europe. “The opening of our U.K. office is a landmark moment for Space Executive and the next step in our overseas expansion,”
Purpose-Driven Leadership and Its Impact on Long-Term Financial Results
Purpose doesn’t just add to an employee’s well-being; it adds to a company’s bottom line. That’s the key finding of a survey of top executives just completed by Korn Ferry. The vast majority of respondents (96 percent) said there is a long-term financial benefit to companies that make a strong commitment to purpose-driven leadership, with 77 percent
Spelman Johnson Recruits Chief Marketing and Communication Officer for Texas Tech
Executive recruitment firm Spelman Johnson has placed Matthew Granger Dewey as Texas Tech University’s new chief marketing and communication officer. Search associate Michel Frendian led the assignment. Mr. Dewey had been senior executive director of marketing and communications for the Office of University Advancement at the University of Michigan. He will lead Texas Tech’s overall
One Degree Partners Tapped by Ribbon Communications to Find CEO
San Francisco-headquartered executive search firm One Degree Partners has been selected by NASDAQ-traded Ribbon Communications Inc. in Westford, MA, to find its next president and CEO. The board has appointed Steven Bruny, executive vice president, global sales and services, and Kevin Riley, EVP and chief technology officer, as interim co-presidents and CEO while One Degree Partners identifies and
BarkerGilmore Expands Advisory and Coaching Division
New York-based boutique search firm BarkerGilmore has recently expanded with the addition of former MasterCard Worldwide general counsel Noah Hanft to its advisory and coaching division. Mr. Hanft has deep roots in the global financial services and technology sectors, having served as general counsel, corporate secretary and chief franchise officer for MasterCard Worldwide for more than 13 years.
PRAXI Alliance Adds New Member Firm in Ireland
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. Global executive search consortium PRAXI Alliance Worldwide Executive Search recently expanded in Ireland with
ZRG Partners Acquires Toft Group
ZRG Partners, one of the fastest growing executive search firms, continues its rapid expansion to super boutique status by acquiring Toft Group, a smaller rival focused on the life sciences and biotech sectors. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Toft Group will operate as a ZRG company, focused on supporting client needs
CarterBaldwin Places 16th President at Oklahoma Baptist University
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has recruited Heath Thomas as the 16th president of Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU). He will assume his role in January. The search was led by consultant Debby White and founding partner Price Harding. Dr. Thomas was selected following a nine-month process, which included the partnering of CarterBaldwin and the elected presidential search committee. The committee
Lindauer Tapped to Find Chief Development Officer for Girls Inc.
Boston-based recruitment firm Lindauer has been selected to find a chief development officer for Girls Inc., a non-profit organization that works to empower and inspire girls and young women. Vice president Lisa Abair Vuona is leading the assignment. The chief development officer will be expected to lead, develop and direct a comprehensive and integrated fund development
Stanton Chase Forms Alliance with Nasdaq Boardvantage
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Recently, Baltimore, MD-headquartered Stanton Chase formed a partnership with Nasdaq Boardvantage to serve as the firm’s preferred board portal
Alexander Mann Names CEO
Alexander Mann Solutions, a London-based talent acquisition and management services firm, has appointed David Leigh as its new CEO. He succeeds founder Rosaleen Blair who becomes chair of the company’s board. Founded by Ms. Blair in 1996, Alexander Mann has grown to more than 4,500 employees operating in more than 100 countries globally. Acquired by
To Improve Diversity, Recruiting Sector Must Set a New Course
Improving diversity is something that most well-run companies and mission-driven businesses are now implementing. Progress is slow and many times it feels as if we are all taking one step forward, two steps back. But no organization is more important to the success or failure of these initiatives than executive search firms. They hold powerful
Norwich University Selects Academic Search to Find President
Many academic recruiting specialists say business has never been better. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels. With so much activity, it seems, talent demand is far outstripping the supply. In recent months, a number of top schools have announced that they are looking for new, high-profile leaders
AEGEUS Executive Search Recruits Artistic Director for Queensland Theatre
Sydney-headquartered AEGEUS Executive Search has recruited Lee Lewis as the new artistic director of Queensland Theatre. Sam Strong, who has held the role for four years, recently announced that he will be leaving the organization later this year. Managing director Tony Grierson led the assignment. “Lee Lewis and I have shared an office, we’ve co-directed shows, and we have
The Bedford Group Extends Talent Management Offering
Toronto-based executive search and talent management solutions provider the Bedford Group has expanded its services with the addition of Val Cambre of Teal & Co. as its newest partner offering talent management solutions to the education sector in North America. Ms. Cambre will lead the design of competitive strategies on talent identification, talent development and establishing
EMA Partners Opens Offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, strengthened its presence in Asia Pacific with the opening new offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The organization added Janet Lee in Hong Kong as managing partner, and Danny Zhang and Kathy Zheng as managing partners in Shanghai and Beijing. Ms. Lee has significant experience in managing
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Taps ChapmanCG for CHRO
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resources officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation, and around the world. Just recently, Singapore-headquartered ChapmanCG was enlisted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to lead its search for a new CHRO. Steven Rice recently left the non-profit’s CHRO role to take on the same position at Vir Biotechnology. Director
Bridge Partners Recruits CFO for the San Francisco Symphony
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. Recently, executive recruitment firm Bridge Partners placed Liz Pesch as the new chief financial officer of the San Francisco Symphony
Russell Reynolds Associates Selected by ACI Worldwide to Find New CEO
Russell Reynolds Associates has been called in by ACI Worldwide, a global provider of real-time electronic payment and banking solutions, to lead in its search for a new CEO. Philip Heasley recently notified the company’s board of directors that he will retire at the end of the year. As part of its ongoing succession planning activities
Berwick Partners Launches Life Sciences Practice
Birmingham, England-based Berwick Partners, a division of Odgers Berndtson, has launched a life sciences practice dedicated to recruiting senior executives into pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical devices and service provider companies, nationally and internationally. Recruited to support the new practice are senior consultants Caroline Hunt and Katy Wallace. “Sustainable success for life sciences organizations is highly dependent
IIC Partners Elects Three New Board Members
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has elected Sam Dinte, Agnieszka Jablonska and Thayanie Ujino to its board of directors. “It is an honor to work with a board comprised of such talented and dedicated professionals,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “Our new board directors bring much enthusiasm to serving, and I look forward to
Turnkey Search Recruits Director of Athletics for USC
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has placed Mike Bohn as the new director of athletics for the University of Southern California. He replaces NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann who resigned in September amid investigations targeting the athletic department. In 2016, the school used Neumann Associates (now part of Koya Leadership Partners) to recruit
680 Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for SecurityScorecard
New York City-based executive search firm 680 Partners has placed Mike Maziarz as chief marketing officer of SecurityScorecard. Ross Freeman, founder and CEO of the search firm, led the assignment. Mr. Maziarz has 25 years of experience in senior roles at Coupa / Exari, Safelight Security, Novell and CSC. Beginning his career as a software engineer, then
Vantage West Credit Union Picks D. Hilton Associates for CEO Search
These are critical days for credit unions. The U.S. has about 5,300 federally insured credit unions, with more than $1.5 trillion in assets and 118.3 million members, according to the National Credit Union Administration. But with the steady retirement of Baby Boomers, among other factors, the cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000
Robert Half Appoints New CEO, Announces Management Changes
Robert Half International Inc. has appointed longtime company executive M. Keith Waddell as its new CEO, effective Dec. 15. He succeeds Harold M. Messmer Jr., who held the position for 33 years. Mr. Messmer, one of the longest serving recruitment chief executives, will continue as executive chairman. Mr. Waddell is currently vice chairman, president and CFO, leading Robert
Saxton Bampfylde Forms Alliance with Executive Coaching Firm Praesta
U.K.-based executive recruiter Saxton Bampfylde has formed a new partnership with executive coaching firm Praesta Partners. “The innovative partnership is part of continuing work by Saxton Bampfylde and our global partners across Panorama Search to expand our leadership services offering, which includes board review, executive assessment, team development and talent mapping,” the search firm said. Praesta Partners coach senior
Florida State University Taps DHR International for Head Football Coach
Glenn Sugiyama, managing partner and global sports practice leader at DHR International, has been selected by Florida State University to assist in the search for a new head football coach. Florida State athletic director David Coburn made the decision to fire coach Willie Taggart last week after going 9-12 during his tenure with the team. Veteran assistant Odell
Caldwell Places Chief Experience Officer at Caliber Collisions
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, managing partner of the private equity and venture capital practice at Caldwell, recently placed former Jamba Juice chief marketing officer Claudia Schaefer as chief experience officer of Caliber Collisions. “Ms. Schaefer will be responsible for furthering the Caliber brand and delivering a powerful and emotional internal and external customer experience,” said Steve Grimshaw,
