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Buffkin / Baker Recruits Chief Information Security Officer for Oklahoma State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has helped to recruit Marjorie McLagan as chief information security officer (CISO) of Oklahoma State University. Martin M. Baker and Chelsie Whitelock led the assignment. “Cybersecurity is foundational to everything we do at Oklahoma State University,” said Jason Ramsey, chief operating officer. “As we advance research, serve students and support Extension programs in all 77 counties,
Allen Austin Appoints Partner
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin has expanded with the addition of Nick McQuarry as a partner. “We are so excited to welcome Nick McQuarry back to the Allen Austin team as a partner,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Nick’s career journey has come full circle—returning to the firm where it began, now with broader
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.
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
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?
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
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. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
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
How Boards Can Identify and Develop the Right CEO Successors
Few decisions carry as much weight—or long-term consequence—as choosing the next chief executive. The process demands both strategic foresight and deep insight into the evolving demands of leadership. As organizations navigate disruption, shifting stakeholder expectations, and accelerating transformation, boards must balance continuity with the vision and agility required for the future. Boards face a significant
Why Executive Search is an Ideal First Career Choice for a New Generation
Too often, executive recruitment is a field that individuals fall into after starting their career in another sector. Their expertise, insights into leadership and knowledge of how systems in business or a particular industry work can be extremely valuable in working with search clients and in identifying and attracting top drawer candidates. Unlike many other
Herbert Mines Associates Finds New Board Members for Party City
Retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has placed John Frascotti and Jim Conroy as new members of the board of directors at Party City Holdco. “We are pleased to welcome John and Jim to our board and believe their backgrounds are a great addition to the broad experience of our existing board of
KEES Retained by Active Transportation Alliance to Find New Leader
The non-profit sector has gained economic strength in recent years, making it the third largest employer in the country. Nearly two million not-for-profits employ 10.7 million people and produce $1.9 trillion in revenue. In the past decade, employment in the sector grew by 17 percent. With demand for non-profit talent at an all-time high, search firms have
StevenDouglas Opens New Office in Bethesda
Executive search firm StevenDouglas is continuing its recent expansion with the addition of a new office in Bethesda, MD. This brings the firm’s total number of U.S. locations to 18. Elana Burr will be running the office with a focus on expanding the firm’s capabilities in providing IT staffing and search services locally. Shawn Redwine will be
IMSA Search Adds New Member Firm in Brazil
Executive search network IMSA Search Global Partners has added Boutique Executive Search as its newest member in Brazil. The firm, which serves a wide array of industries, was founded in 2014 by Felippe Lara. “I feel the partners at Boutique share the same values and points of view on executive search issues as IMSA,” said Mr. Lara. “We
7 Sourcing Stage Recruiting Inefficiencies to Rethink
The sourcing stage is the most important part of the executive search lifecycle. This is where you gather the initial pool of candidates, which you will whittle down to find superstars and rare gems for your client. “Starting with a strong pool is critical to a positive result,” said J. Reed Flesher, founder and president
Collegiate Sports Associates Finds AD for Ole Miss
Todd Turner of Collegiate Sports Associates has helped the University of Mississippi in the appointment of internal candidate Keith Carter as the school’s new athletic director. Ole Miss Chancellor Glenn Boyce said the search firm, which provided a deep and diverse pool of candidates, “developed a criterion for us based on the input that we received
Heidrick & Struggles Recruits Chief Investment Officer for Washington State Investment Board
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles recently assisted in the recruitment of Allyson Tucker as the new chief investment officer of the $135 billion Washington State Investment Board (WSIB). Gary Bruebaker is retiring at the end of the year after 40 years in the investment business. Lyndon Taylor, partner in charge
Protis Global Adds Focus on Women to Board Practice
Executive recruitment and talent advisory firm Protis Global is expanding its board practice to include a vertical focused on the placement of women board members, for new and existing clients. Samantha Ford, senior vice president of cannabis business development, will lead the initiative, while continuing to centralize her efforts around the cannabis industry. The firm said that Ms. Ford, who
The Miles Group/TMG Expands with Former McKinsey CEO Coach
Seasoned CEO and executive coach Endre Holen has joined executive recruitment firm The Miles Group/TMG as managing director. He has served as a top advisor to influential, industry-changing CEOs for more than 25 years. “We couldn’t be more excited to have Endre coming on – he brings tremendous experience working with top talent and a passion for
Wages Increase Seen in Most Recent Quarter
Wages for U.S. workers grew 3.2 percent over the last year, increasing the average wage level by 90 cents to $28.71 an hour, according to the latest ADP “Workforce Vitality Report. The report tracks the same set of workers over time, which provides a more insightful picture of wage growth than overall wage growth. The wage growth of 3.2 percent corresponds
Comhar Partners Seeks President for Embrace Living Communities
Chicago-based executive recruitment firm Comhar Partners has been selected to find a president for Embrace Living Communities, a non-profit which owns and operates housing communities for seniors and people with special housing needs in Illinois, Missouri and Florida. Managing director James O’Malley along with Bernard and Nick Layton are leading the assignment for the search
Foster & Associates Completes Search for Wind Point Partners
No client sector demands such top-end service from its search partners as private equity. Portfolio companies represent some of the most innovative, well-funded and high-growth concerns in all of business. As a result, much of the talent that private equity firms seek are highly-charged change agents — a professional breed that is growing more difficult to
Coulter Partners Opens New Office in Brussels, Expands Search Staff
Life sciences-focused executive search firm Coulter Partners has expanded with the opening of a new office in Brussels and six recent appointments. Penny Sadler joins the firm’s medtech expertise as client partner in Brussels, while Nanna Soni is appointed director in London to the R&D center of expertise. The Paris office expands with the additions of Nicolas
WinterWyman Acquired by the Planet Group
The Planet Group, a portfolio company of MidOcean Partners and provider of outsourced human capital and consulting solutions, has entered into an agreement to acquire Waltham, MA-based executive search firm WinterWyman. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Michael Stomberg, CEO of Planet, said the acquisition aligns with Planet’s strategic initiative to provide a full
Two Recruitment Leaders Discuss the Anatomy of a Merger
Consolidation continues to make news in the executive recruitment sector. One firm that has been making big waves this year has been Rochelle, NJ-based ZRG Partners. In the wake of the completion of its recapitalization with RFE Investment Partners, a lower middle-market private equity firm with a long history of investing in growth companies, ZRG this
Wilbanks Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for PGIM Investments
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging — and much more influential. Recently, Stamford, Conn-based executive search firm Wilbanks Partners, LLC, placed Ray Ahn as CMO of PGIM Investments, a global manufacturer
Higher Education Leadership Seeks President for Southeastern Oklahoma State University
The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents has selected Anniston, AL-based Higher Education Leadership Search to find a new president for Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Sean Burrage recently stepped down. Consultants Bill Meehan and Alan Medders are leading the assignment. “We are seeking someone who understands the diverse and dynamic academic environment and connects
Gallagher MSA Search Finds New CEO for Currus Inc.
Following a national search, Gallagher MSA Search has recruited Robert F. Tinsley as the new CEO of Currus Inc. succeeding Pete Stern, who is retiring after 29 years. The assignment was led by managing director and senior advisor Kathy Hall as well as senior recruiter Patricia McCollum. The search attracted candidates from across the country. A
Caldwell Posts 11 Percent Q4 Revenue Gain, Up 7.9 Percent Full Year
It’s been a good year for Caldwell. The Toronto-based executive search firm has just posted fourth quarter revenues of $21 million (all dollar figures Canadian), an 11 percent increase from a year ago when the firm recorded revenues of $18.7 million. Full year revenues rose by 7.9 percent, from $66.5 last year to $72.1 million. Fourth quarter net
7 Predictions on How Recruiting Will be Different by 2025
If you’re in the recruiting industry today, your job might be unrecognizable in five years — even if you retain the same job title. That’s because the role of recruiters and how your job is done is swiftly evolving. “Recruiter” is one of the most in-demand jobs as businesses brace for a future where talent is
Waverly Partners Seeks CEO for Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance
Executive search firm Waverly Partners has been selected to find the next president and chief executive officer for the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, an economic development corporation in Illinois. Managing directors and principals Eric N. Peterson and Deborah M. Galbraith are spearheading the assignment for the search firm. “The president and CEO position of the
Diversified Search Recruits CFO for Morilee by Madeline Gardner
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, Philadelphia-based Diversified Search placed Richard Watts as the new CFO of Morilee by Madeline Gardner. The assignment was led by
Epic Business Strategies Opens Office in Milwaukee
Executive search firms large and small continue to expand to new areas in an effort to better serve their clients. Recently, executive recruiters Epic Business Strategies expanded with the opening of its second office in Milwaukee, WI. Headquartered in Naples, FL, Epic Business Strategies said that it decided to add the second location to better
EMA Partners Expands to Lisbon and Kiev
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has expanded its presence in the EMEA region with the additions of new offices in Lisbon and Kiev. The office in Lisbon is led by managing partner Rui Guedes de Quinhones, while the Kiev office is led by managing partner Uliana Morokhovska. Mr. Guedes de Quinhones
Hanold Associates Completes Chief People Officer Search for the NFL
Following a record-breaking year of recruiting top HR leadership into some of the best well-known brands across industry, Chicago-based Hanold Associates has recruited Dasha Smith as chief people officer of the National Football League in one of the most high profile human resource C-suite assignments of 2019. Jason Hanold, CEO and co-managing partner of the search firm, led
Buffkin / Baker Seeks Chief Revenue Officers for C-4 Analytics and SkuVault
Executive recruitment firm Buffkin / Baker has been enlisted to find chief revenue officers for C-4 Analytics, an automotive digital marketing services firm based in Boston, and SkuVault, a warehouse management technology platform headquartered in Louisville, KY. The C-4 Analytics search is being led by partner Raj Das, global head of the search firm’s digital practice. Mark
COORS Leadership Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Mercy Catholic Medical Center
Over the past year, numerous healthcare organizations have turned to executive search firms to find chief medical officers. Recently, COORS Leadership placed Trina D. Abla as the new chief medical officer of Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Pennsylvania. Dr. Abla most recently was chief quality officer and associate CMO at Penn State Health St. Joseph in
Headstart Hiring Platform Secures $7 Million in Funding
Investors are pouring money into recruiting solutions businesses, especially those with an AI component. Just recently, Headstart, a platform that leverages data science to help companies reduce unconscious bias in the hiring process, raised $7 million in funding led by AI-focused Silicon Valley venture capital firm FoundersX, with participation from Founders Factory. Launched in 2017, Headstart
NPAworldwide Adds Eight New Member Firms
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. Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added eight new member locations as it continues to
Heidrick & Struggles to Lead Tupperware CEO Search
Competition among consumer companies has never been fiercer. Customers are shopping in new and sometimes non-traditional ways as mass market retailers offer designer goods, brick and mortar staples are available on-line and venerable brands spin off agile brand extensions. Consumer companies are also keen to capitalize on the potential of emerging and high growth markets. All this







