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Kincannon & Reed Recruits Executive Director for the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network
Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has placed Mariam Parker as executive director of the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network (CFBN). She succeeds founding leader Alan Reed, who is retiring after nearly a decade of service. “Mariam brings a rare combination of strategic vision, relationship-building, and mission-driven leadership,” said Lisa
Korn Ferry Appoints Chief People and Legal Officer
Korn Ferry has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Jonathan Kuai as chief people and legal officer. He also currently serves as general counsel, corporate secretary and managing director – corporate responsibility & business affairs at the firm. Mr. Kuai oversees multiple global functions including legal, business affairs, compliance, privacy, and corporate responsibility.
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,
Five Years Later: How the Shutdown Redefined Business and Leadership
Five years ago this week, the world came to a sudden halt. In March 2020 marked the beginning of a global shutdown that reshaped business, leadership, and the way companies operate. “At Z3Talent, everything came to a standstill,” Steve Ziegler, founder of the Denver-based executive search firm, remembers. Were companies going to keep hiring? Would the
Korn Ferry to Acquire Three Companies in Leadership Development Area
Los Angeles-based executive recruiter and leadership consulting firm Korn Ferry has announced that it will acquire three companies from TwentyEighty Inc. in the leadership development area: Miller Heiman Group, AchieveForum and Strategy Execution. The transaction is expected to close by Nov. 1. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. “The combination brings a world-class portfolio of
Odgers Berndtson Appoints Head of Newly Formed Aerospace, Defense & National Security Recruiting Practice
Building on a period of unprecedented expansion, global search firm Odgers Berndtson has named Jon Barney as a partner and head of its just launched aerospace, defense & national security practice. Mr. Barney, who has more than 20 years of executive search, leadership development and management consulting experience, will be based in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office. The
Novare Executive Search Places CEO at Saab
Stockholm-headquartered Novare Executive Search has placed company insider Micael Johansson as the new president and CEO for Saab. Mr. Johansson, who will take up his position on Oct. 23, replaces Håkan Buskhe who resigned in August. After an extensive search, the company ended up selecting an internal candidate; Mr. Johansson has been deputy CEO and
Kirk Palmer Associates Launches HR Practice
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has launched a dedicated human resources practice, which will be led by multi-industry HR-veteran Catherine Savoca. The new practice will draw on more than 30 years of firsthand people, operations and business development experience to help leading organizations identify senior HR professionals who understand the businesses they support and people as
Why HR Leaders Need to Forge New Relationships with Boards
The magnitude of change predicted by management visionaries in the field of human resources will have limited impact unless organizational leaders can successfully engage directors in a similar rethinking of the strategic importance of talent, culture and workforce management, this according to a report by Mark B. Nadler, principal and co-founder of Nadler Advisory Services,
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires The Human Capital Group
The Human Capital Group has been acquired by Arthur J. Gallagher, one of the world’s largest consulting and risk management companies. Financial terms were undisclosed. “Gallagher’s mission, culture and values align with The Human Capital Group’s – to provide value-based services to clients in an intentional, respectful and high-integrity manner,” the search firm said in
RM Nephew and Associates Recruits CEO for Accord Services
Executive recruitment firm RM Nephew and Associates has placed Brandon Ballew as the new CEO of merged companies Accord Services and Allegiant Home Care. Mr. Ballew brings more than 20 years of experience in growing healthcare services businesses to Accord. He is an operations executive with extensive experience in M&A, standardizing operating procedures and enhancing technology. Mr.
Teri Black & Company Recruits Grand Rapids Police Chief
The public sector is in the midst of major transformation. It faces an array of challenges that range from shifting public expectations to budgetary pressures and a growing demand for operational efficiency. To successfully navigate these issues, government organizations need leaders who are focused, tenacious and adaptable, with the capacity to deal with significant scale,
Dore Partnership Names Investment Banking and CFO Practice Leader for North America
New York-based executive search firm Dore Partnership has appointed Graham Michener as investment banking and CFO practice leader for North America. He will also help drive the financial officer expertise for the firm’s private equity practice. “I am excited to have Graham join our firm,” said Jonathan Lang, president of Dore Partnership. “He brings with
New Ways to Manage Human Capital
At a time when the human cloud is rapidly expanding, work mobility is rising and on-demand talent is everywhere, companies can no longer adhere to conventional methods to manage human capital. Now more than ever, embracing a total talent philosophy is the most effective way to gain speed and agility. Most companies, in fact, plan
Boyden Lands CEO for USA Diving
Executive search firm Boyden has recruited Terry Basset as the new CEO of USA Diving in Colorado Springs, CO. He replaces Lee Walsi Johnson who left after just 16 months on the job. Jack Perkins had been acting CEO. Partner Chip Novick led the assignment. Mr. Basset became the top choice after stops at several
Estes Park Health Taps B.E. Smith to Find CEO
As the healthcare industry continues its transformation, talent management remains a high priority. The shortage of physicians and other clinicians is one matter. But healthcare organizations must also fill new and expanding leadership roles to carry out strategic initiatives in response to reform efforts, and whatever changes are coming. This has produced a high demand
Heidrick & Struggles Acquires Brazilian Search Firm 2GET
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Recently, Heidrick & Struggles acquired Brazil-headquartered search firm 2GET. Terms of the transaction were undisclosed. With offices in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, 2GET has 50 employees, including 13 consultants. The firm was founded in 2009. Paulo Mendes, a founder
Cornerstone International Group Expands Into France
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has expanded its footprint in Europe with the addition of a member office in Paris. Peak-Lifecycles HR will represent the global network across France. The new Cornerstone Paris is an owner-managed, specialist firm with extensive experience in board and executive search, talent management and consulting services. It also has
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Foundation Turns to Hanold Associates to Fill Directorships
Seasoned board directors are considered the backbone of organizations, with the best ones implementing gold standards that filter throughout an organization. The latest institution seeking to fill multiple board seats is the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Foundation, which has turned to Hanold Associates for guidance. The board is chaired by Vista Equity Partners CEO Robert
Spencer Stuart Completes CEO Search for Wells Fargo
Following an extensive global search, Spencer Stuart has recruited former Bank of New York Mellon CEO Charles W. Scharf as the new president and CEO of Wells Fargo & Company. He assumes his new role on Oct. 21. While many had expected a woman to take the helm at the banking giant, Mr. Scharf will take
Diversified Search Recruits CHRO for Population Services International
Philadelphia-based Diversified Search has placed Brandon Guzzone as the new CHRO of Population Services International (PSI) in Washington, D.C. Judy Boreham, co-leader of the firm’s human resources practice, led the assignment. Mr. Guzzone has a track record in translating business strategies into effective communications plans that engage and influence employees. Previously, he was chief human capital officer of Millennium
Onstott Group Promotes Cullen Onstott to Managing Director
The Onstott Group, a Wellesley, MA-based executive search firm, has named Cullen Onstott as managing director. Mr. Onstott, the son of founder and CEO Joe Onstott, will continue his search practice, primarily in the energy, financial services and technology industries, and will now assume expanded operational responsibilities. He has been with the firm for three
Osprey Executive Search Joins AltoPartners
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. AltoPartners, an international partnership of independent executive search firms and leadership consultants,
10 Compelling Reasons to Hire an Executive Search Firm
It’s far from easy to find talent with the right skills, experience and values to fill vital senior executive positions. Some roles are simply so important that you have to invest time, money and resources in identifying and recruiting the absolute best individual. That means bringing in an executive search firm. Using a new report
Phillips Oppenheim Recruits CEO for World Monuments Fund
Following an international search, executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has placed Bénédicte de Montlaur as the new CEO of the World Monuments Fund (WMF) in New York City. Joshua David stepped down from the role to pursue other opportunities. Principal Sarah James and partner Becky Klein led the assignment for the recruitment firm. “The board is delighted to
SearchWide Global Tapped by VisitDallas to Find New CEO
After suffering a massive hit during the Great Recession, employment and hiring within the travel, hotel and hospitality industry continues to rebound. Last year, according to one set of survey metrics, the industry added more than 527,000 jobs (2.6 million since 2004). That number is likely to increase this year as global tourism and traveling in
NGS Global Adds Zavala Civitas in Brazil
Executive search firm NGS Global has continued its recent expansion by adding executive search firm, Zavala Civitas. This bring offices in Spain, Mexico and Brazil to NGS. Established in 2002, Zavala Civitas, led by director and owner Lorenzo Zavala, offers professional advisory and executive search services. The firm has completed more than 800 searches for Spanish and
SolomonEdwardsGroup Acquires QUAD656
Professional services firm SolomonEdwardsGroup has acquired QUAD656, a certified women-owned executive search firm in the Delaware Valley with offices in Wayne, PA and Mount Laurel, NJ. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Since 2001, QUAD656 has been recruiting and placing senior talent across multiple disciplines, adding recruiting strength and a robust client base
Transitioning from Recruiting Automation to AI
A large barrier to AI acceptance in the talent acquisition world is the confusion between the capabilities of automation and AI. The benefits of AI sound like extreme hype if it is understood as mere automation. “Automation tools, which are widely used in the industry today, allow talent acquisition teams to do more of what
Lindauer Seeking Advancement Officer for the Hotchkiss School
Boston-based recruitment firm Lois L. Lindauer Searches has been enlisted to find a chief advancement officer (CAO) by the Hotchkiss School, a college preparatory boarding school in Connecticut. Senior consultant Gretchen Dwyer is leading the assignment. The next chief advancement officer will be expected to provide strategic vision, innovative leadership, and clear direction for all
Hanold Associates Strengthens Human Resources Recruiting Team
Hanold Associates has expanded with the addition of Lisa Butkus as a partner based in Chicago. She specializes in recruiting executive level HR leaders across industries, and with a core focus on fashion, luxury brands, retail merchandise and the broader consumer industry. “Lisa Butkus is an outstanding addition to our firm,” said Jason Hanold, CEO and
Koya Leadership Partners Seeks Chief Impact Officer for Amnesty International
Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) has enlisted Molly Brennan and Turner Delano of Koya Leadership Partners to find a chief impact officer to lead several external-facing teams of staff focused on achieving significant human rights impact. The teams will include AIUSA’s campaigns, public affairs (media, social media, arts and entertainment engagement, and events), advocacy/government relations and
IIC Partners Adds Farber’s Interim Management and Executive Search Practice
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has expanded with the addition of Farber’s Interim Management and Executive Search practice. Farber’s search practice, with professionals based in Toronto and Vancouver, specializes in carrying out interim management and executive search assignments across a broad variety of industry sectors for all senior leadership and C-suite functions. “Joining a leading global
Landing a Board Role Promises Rewards, Challenges
Board service can be one of the most rewarding career experiences: It’s the opportunity to see first-hand how another company operates at the highest levels and to work with – and learn from – accomplished, articulate, and intelligent people. It’s why many leaders decide to start down the path to the boardroom. It’s also why
Spencer Stuart Tapped to Find President for Macalester College
Spencer Stuart has been selected to find a new president for Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. Brian Rosenberg, who has led the 145-year-old liberal arts school since 2003, will be stepping down next May. Spencer Stuart has the search narrowed down to between 12 to 24 candidates, according to the Macalester student newspaper, the







