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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
The Tolan Group Fills Board Position for Frontier Psychiatry
The Tolan Group (TTG) has recruited Terry Boch to the board of directors of Frontier Psychiatry, a mission-driven behavioral health organization focused on expanding access to high-quality psychiatric care. “Terry’s extraordinary depth of experience in scaling tech-forward healthcare companies and her passion for innovation make her an invaluable addition to our board,” said Eric Arzubi, co-founder
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.
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
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?
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group Seeking Chief of Development for the American LGBTQ+ Museum
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group was recently retained by the American LGBTQ+ Museum to lead in its search for chief of development. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the executive director, the chief of development will provide the leadership, direction, and coordination of fundraising strategies and activities to advance the mission of the American
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Janelle Padgett as VP and CFO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association in Glen Allen, VA. Ms. Padgett has more than 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience across complex healthcare systems, including multiple CFO, controller, and senior finance leadership roles within both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Most recently,
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
Kaye/Bassman Names Leader of North Division, Construction and Real Estate Practice
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has named Lee Martin as managing director and practice leader of the north division within its construction and real estate practice. In this expanded leadership role, he will lead the continued growth of the firm’s commercial real estate, building construction, and construction technology practices across the northern United States, further advancing KBIC’s integrated
How Executive Search Is Evolving Alongside Private Equity
With private equity firms placing greater emphasis on operational execution and long-term value creation, expectations around leadership strategy are rapidly evolving. Search firms are increasingly being asked to move beyond traditional recruiting models and serve as broader talent advisors aligned with investment outcomes. In this environment, the distinction between transactional hiring and strategic partnership is
DSG | Koya Retained by Gilda’s Club Chicago for CEO Search
DSG | Koya has been tapped by Gilda’s Club Chicago to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Cheryl Stevens and Claire Hunt. The next CEO will have the chance to build on Gilda’s Club Chicago’s strong foundation while leaving a lasting mark—expanding its reach, deepening community and healthcare
June Hiring Cools While Unemployment Holds at 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 57,000 in June as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, changed little in June. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services, social assistance, and healthcare. Leisure and hospitality lost jobs. The
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
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
Five Talent Trends in Private Equity
Private equity firms are increasingly recognizing that human capital is a critical lever for value creation—on par with strategy, operations, and finance. As competition intensifies and hold periods lengthen, more firms are investing in sophisticated talent strategies across the deal life cycle. Research from Spencer Stuart highlights five emerging talent trends that are shaping how
CNA International Expands to Australia
U.K.-based executive recruiting franchise CNA International has opened a new office in Brisbane, Australia. Mahadevan Shankar, who joined CNA in March as managing partner of the Oceania region, has been appointed to lead the new location. His main charge is to develop extensive regional networks. “CNA International recognizes the tremendous economic growth and employment potential within the
Talent Challenges Facing Mid-Market Private Equity Backed Companies
Driving differentiated returns in a crowded private equity environment was never easy and has become significantly more difficult over time. Firms are paying top dollar to source and acquire companies in a market flooded with capital. Fewer deals are “locked up” in a proprietary manner. The areas where firms have true leverage to create value
Buffkin/ Baker Lands Diversity Head for Dalton School
Executive recruitment firm Buffkin/ Baker has helped place the new director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for the Dalton School in New York City. Domonic Rollins comes to the private, college preparatory school from Harvard University, where he worked in the president’s office as a strategist and advisor on diversity, inclusion and belonging, and
Quick Leonard Kieffer Tapped by CommunityHealth to Find New CEO
Healthcare is among the most rapidly growing employment fields, according to analysts at Hunt Scanlon Media, which tracks trends in the executive search and leadership solutions space. So it is that the need for recruiting firms to deliver top-drawer leaders throughout the sector has only grown. Executive recruitment firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has recently been enlisted by CommunityHealth in
Korn Ferry Appoints COO for Products Business
Korn Ferry has named Lisa McCann as chief operating officer for its products business. She is based in the search firm’s Boston office. In her role, Ms. McCann will provide delivery and operational leadership to expand Korn Ferry’s global capabilities across its integrated talent product suite and services. She will also lead the products organization’s strategic innovation
EMA Partners Names Practices Heads in India
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, strengthened its presence in India with the addition of Aravind Sridharan as client partner to lead the technology and digital practice for the firm in the region. EMA also brought in Udai Raina as associate director to lead the digital and IOT practice in India. “Aravind and
Turnkey Search Recruits Juwan Howard as Head Basketball Coach for University of Michigan
Universities have been turning to search firms in greater numbers to fill their top coaching vacancies. Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, recently placed Juwan Howard as the men’s head basketball coach for the University of Michigan, a plum assignment. He is a former Wolverine All-American and NBA All-Star. Mr. Howard replaces John Beilein,
Russell Reynolds Associates Seeks CEO for Malala Fund
Executive recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been chosen to find a chief executive officer for Malala Fund, a global non-profit that works to expand girls’ access to education. Consultants Joy Wiersum and Jamie Hechinger are leading the assignment. Malala Fund wants a relationship-oriented, highly-effective CEO to lead an exciting phase of accelerated growth and
Scion Executive Search Assists Born Free USA
Scion Executive Search, which specializes in the non-profit sector, has assisted Born Free USA in its selection of Angela Grimes as its new CEO. She had served in the top role on an interim basis since August. “Angela has the experience and compassion to take Born Free USA to the next level,” said Will Travers, president of Born
Lantern Partners Launches Healthcare and Life Sciences Practice, Names New Sector Leader
Healthcare is among the most rapidly growing employment fields, according to analysts at Hunt Scanlon Media, which tracks trends in the executive search and leadership solutions space. So it is that the need for recruiting firms to deliver top-drawer leaders throughout the sector has only grown. Recently, Chicago-headquartered executive search firm Lantern Partners launched a new healthcare
InterSearch China Opens New Office in Qingdao
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. Recently, InterSearch China announced the opening of ZW HR Consulting’s new office in Qingdao.
Robust Hiring Expected for Another Year
Economists foresee ongoing economic expansion for at least the next 12 months and companies expect to continue hiring, according to a business conditions survey released by the National Association for Business Economics (NABE). All survey respondents said that they expect the U.S. economy, as measured by the change in inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (real GDP), to
Myers McRae Chosen to Find Methodist University Provost
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting is seeking a new provost for Methodist University. Emily Parker Myers, CEO, and Jennifer Barfield, senior vice president, are spearheading the assignment. The Fayetteville, NC university wants a provost who will be a partner in moving its academic offerings into the future, said Myers McRae. The new
The Insight Group Recruits CEO for Millennium Services Group
After a comprehensive recruitment process, Sydney-headquartered executive search firm the Insight Group recently placed Darren Boyd as managing director and chief executive officer of Millennium Services Group Limited. He takes over from Millennium’s acting CEO, head of Millennium subsidiary Airlite Group Steve Willis, who was appointed following the departure of Millennium’s previous CEO, Craig Hanley. Millennium
Savannah Group Partners with Psychometric Assessment Expert to Create New Tool
Drawing on insights from providing executive talent to over 1,000 businesses on short and long-term transformation projects, U.K.-headquartered executive search and interim management specialist Savannah Group has partnered with Alan Bourne of Sova, one of the leading innovators in the design of psychometric tools, to create a new psychometric assessment tool called the Pillars of Transformation.
Royer Thomson Expands Organizational Performance and Leadership Transition Practice
Royer Thompson has expanded its organizational performance and leadership transition practice with the addition of veteran human resources leader Amanda Penney as senior director. Ms. Penney brings 15 years of human resources leadership to the firm, most recently as director of human resources with private sector company the Shaw Group during a time of business
Finding the Right Leaders for Private Equity Companies
Some people like to compare a private equity investment to a marriage. Many steps are necessary in order to build a strong foundation and to be aligned for the future. PE investors and leaders strongly depend on one another to achieve returns and value within an agreed period of time. If the arrangement proves unsuccessful,
TillmanPartners Recruits CIO for American Woodmark
Scottsdale, AZ-based search firm TillmanPartners has recruited Bill Waszak as chief information officer for NASDAQ-traded American Woodmark in Winchester, VA. “American Woodmark is a well-established industry leader with a strong company culture and a commitment to invest in technology and drive continued innovation in the business,” said Rob Tillman, CEO, who handled the search. “Bill
Gail Nessel Colglazier Places Two Leaders for Cape Cod Museum of Art
New Hampshire-based executive search firm Gail Nessel Colglazier has helped to place two top leaders for the Cape Cod Museum of Art (CCMoA) in Dennis, MA. The non-profit reportedly started seeking a lone executive director 16 months ago, but in the end opted for two leaders. Benton Jones becomes the non-profit’s director of arts and Susan
EFL Associates Recruits Executive Director for WorldDenver
Denver-based search firm EFL Associates has placed Tiffani Lennon as the new executive director for WorldDenver, a non-profit community organization dedicated to understanding world affairs and cultures. She succeeds WorldDenver’s founder Karen de Bartolomé, who is retiring after having created the organization seven years ago. Daniel J. Cummings, the firm’s senior vice president and managing director led
The Pi Group Rebrands to Perpetual
The Pi Group (Perpetual Insights, Pi Executive and Perpetual Ambition), a boutique recruitment and talent advisory firm for consumer brands, has rebranded. As Perpetual, the company reinforces its commitment to offering a full range of solutions clients require along the entire talent journey. “From talent acquisition to talent development to talent analytics, Perpetual is dedicated
Win the War of Talent with Job Security Over Pay
Amid fast-paced innovation and global competitiveness, employees are facing more professional choices than ever. Attracting talented people to grow businesses remains extremely difficult for employers. Holding on to people proves to be an increasing challenge for organizations worldwide as well. Compensation continues to be regarded as very important, but it is also clear that if
National Restaurant Association Turns to Spencer Stuart to Find CEO
After suffering a massive hit during the Great Recession, employment and hiring within the travel, restaurant, hotel and hospitality industry continue to rebound. Last year, according to one set of survey metrics, the industry added more than 527,000 jobs (2.6 million since 2004). Overall, the industry is estimated to generate an economic impact of $6.5
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Epic Sciences
Executive search firm Slone Partners has placed Richard Wenstrup as the chief medical officer of Epic Sciences. “Dr. Wenstrup’s decades-long experience in oncology leadership and clinical work will add substantial value to Epic Sciences in developing exciting new diagnostic tests that advance the mission of precision medicine,” said Tara Kochis-Stach, president of Slone Partners. In his new role,
Odgers Berndtson Adds to Boston Team
Building on a period of unprecedented expansion, global search firm Odgers Berndtson has brought in Richard Pooley as a partner in its U.S. professional services, technology and CFO practices. He will be based in the firm’s Boston office. “We’re delighted to welcome Richard to the team,” said Steve Potter, CEO of Odgers Berndtson U.S. “He has more than
IMD International Search Announces New Board
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group has elected a new board member and prolonged the mandate of two others at its annual general assembly in Paris. Simona Cremascoli, partner at Milan-based member firm Carter & Benson, joins the IMD board as director in charge of internal communication. “I am very satisfied with the long-lasting international
Succession Plans Lacking in the C-Suite
Companies everywhere are concerned that when a CEO leaves there be candidates who can step in to lead the company. The plans for all those other seats around the executive table, however, are a little murky. Many organizations simply don’t have internal candidates who can step in to be chief financial officers, chief marketing officers
Whitman College Picks Spelman Johnson to Find Athletics Leader
Executive recruitment firm Spelman Johnson has been enlisted by Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA to find a new director of athletics and chair of sports studies, recreation and athletics. Dell D. Robinson, search associate with the firm’s athletic practice, and Anne-Marie Kenney, senior coordinator of search services, are leading the assignment. The director of athletics
Kincannon & Reed Recruits CTO for Calyxt
Waynesboro, VA-based executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has recruited Travis Frey as the new chief technology officer of Calyxt, a healthy food ingredient company in Roseville, MN. Dr. Frey brings extensive knowledge in plant biology and biotechnology to a newly created position at the company. As CTO, he will be responsible for the research and development
La Fosse Associates Launches Pro Bono Practice
U.K.-headquartered executive search firm La Fosse Associates has launched a new pro bono practice to serve charities and not-for-profit organizations. The practice will place cybersecurity professionals into advisory positions at charities and non-profits that need advice and support, for free. “Care is a founding principle of La Fosse, which includes caring for others, not just our clients
Why It Can be Lonely at the Top in Executive Search
Layers of complexity are baked into the process of every search for a new executive. From competing agendas, to strong personalities, to internal dynamics – no search is simple. “Specializing in executive search within the human capital industry means being the ultimate in relationship and trust building,” said Lisa Maxwell, founder and managing partner of







