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HR Leaders Take Center Stage as Companies Push to Scale AI Across the Enterprise
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how organizations operate, forcing leadership teams to rethink not only technology strategy, but how work itself is structured, delivered, and scaled. As adoption accelerates, companies are moving beyond early experimentation and pilot programs, with growing pressure to translate AI investment into measurable business outcomes. What was once a forward-looking initiative
U.S. Adds 178,000 Jobs in March as Unemployment Holds Steady at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 178,000 in March as the U.S. unemployment rate changed little to 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.2 million, changed little in March. Job gains occurred in healthcare, in construction, and in transportation and warehousing. Federal government employment continued to decline. “March’s report
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.
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
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?
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
Reshaping the Talent Playbook in the Age of AI
In the age of AI, rapid technological advancements are revolutionizing the way organizations are approaching talent management. Heightened levels of automation are already reshaping recruitment, assessment, and team building while improving workforce optimization – all while balancing the critical need for ethical, human-centric decision-making. Hunt Scanlon Media is convening over 250 chief talent officers, CHROs,
CHROs and Their Teams Lag in Recession Preparedness
At a time in which many believe recession to be inevitable, chief human resources officers and their teams are ill-prepared for an economic downturn, according to a new report by Russell Reynolds Associates. The executive recruitment firm’s survey of 534 senior leaders at companies across the globe — including 148 CHROs — found that just
Caldwell Places Head of Investor Relations at White Rock Oil & Gas
Investor relations is a strategic management responsibility that is capable of integrating finance, communication, marketing and securities law compliance to enable the most effective two-way communication between a company, the financial community and other constituencies, which ultimately contributes to a company’s securities achieving fair valuation. With the growing importance of the IR role especially in private
ManpowerGroup Names Chief People and Culture Officer
As companies look to build internal brand awareness and set their sights on establishing and driving their own unique cultures, chief people officers are coming more into vogue. Recently, ManpowerGroup appointed former Molson Coors Brewing Co. veteran Michelle Nettles as chief people and culture officer. “Michelle is an impressive people leader with extensive experience in global HR
Gig Economy Continues to Grow at Blistering Speed
Working nine to five for a single employer bears little resemblance to the way a substantial share of the workforce makes a living today. Millions of people pull together various income streams and work independently, rather than in structured payroll jobs. This is hardly a new phenomenon, yet it has never been well measured in
Spencer Stuart Launches Kincentric From Newly Acquired Aon Businesses
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has launched a new business unit formed from the culture and engagement, leadership assessment and development, and HR and talent advisory businesses it acquired from global professional services firm Aon in a transaction that closed July 1. Collectively, these businesses form a distinct entity now known as Kincentric: A Spencer
Greenwich Harbor Partners Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for SQAD
The role of chief revenue officer has changed dramatically over the last several years. CROs are quickly becoming mission-critical innovators for companies that look to dominate a market first and fastest, according to recruiters. The demand for these financial leaders is growing and executive search firms have been busy filling these roles. Recently, Greenwich Harbor
How to Avoid Hiring the Wrong Leader
With pressure on search firms to fill senior posts in a timely manner, it can be easier than you think to fill a critical position with the wrong candidate. Maybe you’re bleeding revenue or your turnover is through the roof. Maybe you’re the one filling in until a role is filled. Whatever the reason, it’s
CohenTaylor Finds New Leader for Minneapolis Social Services Group
CohenTaylor Executive Search has placed Chastity Lord as the next president and CEO of Jeremiah Program, a Minneapolis, MN-based non-profit that helps single mothers and their children break the cycle of poverty. Ms. Lord will start in her new role in mid-September. “Ms. Lord is a dynamic leader who has dedicated her career to disrupting systems of
Pedersen & Partners Appoints New CEO
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments in the past year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Dubai-headquartered executive search firm Pedersen & Partners named Gary Williams as its new CEO replacing founder Poul Pedersen who will assume the role of executive chairman. As CEO, Mr. Williams will have
Humane Society Taps accelHRate to Find Chief People Officer
Executive search firms have been stepping up their efforts to assist companies across the nation to find new chief people officers. The latest: accelHRate was selected by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to lead its search for a new chief people officer. Kimberly Shanahan, founding president and chief executive officer, led the
Cross Country Healthcare Creates New Brand for Search Divisions
Cross Country Healthcare, a provider of healthcare workforce solutions and staffing services, has merged its signature permanent search brands – Cejka Physician Search, AP Healthcare, StarMed and Cross Country Staffing’s RPO division – under a new Cross Country Search brand. The consolidation leverages the strength of each brand to offer the widest range of permanent search
Signium Expands in the U.S. With New Member Firm
Executive search consortium Signium has increased its presence in the U.S. with the addition of Discovery Search Partners in Atlanta as its newest member firm. Located in Atlanta, Boston, the Philadelphia area and Virginia, Discovery Search Partners boosts Signium’s executive search and leadership presence in the life sciences sector. Discovery Search Partners was formed in 2009 by a
CEO Confidence Remains Moderately Optimistic
Although chief executives continue to be upbeat about the economy, their confidence levels have waned in recent months. In its most recent report, the Conference Board’s “Measure of CEO Confidence” was unchanged at 43 in the second quarter (a reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses). “CEO confidence was unchanged
Spencer Stuart Acquires Ireland-Based MERC Partners
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has acquired MERC Partners, a leading executive search and leadership consulting firm based in Ireland. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The addition of MERC Partners marks Spencer Stuart’s first client-facing team in Ireland and represents an important addition for its EMEA and global business. Spencer Stuart has had
Caldwell Posts Revenue Gain; Elects Private Equity Veteran as Chairman
Toronto-based executive search firm Caldwell has posted third quarter revenues of $19.9 million (Canadian), a 4.6 percent increase from a year ago. The search firm also announced that its chairman, G. Edmund King, is retiring and that new board member and private equity veteran Elias Vamvakas has been elected as chairman. Caldwell noted that third quarter revenues
How Today’s CHRO is Managing Disruption
Successive waves of global disruption — political, social, demographic, technological — are compelling today’s CHROs to consider how they may safely bring their organizations, and specifically their people, through the turbulence. But that disruption also presents an opportunity for them to examine how, and how swiftly, their own roles must change. A new report from
Development Guild DDI Seeks New Leader for Senior Community
Executive recruitment firm Development Guild DDI, which focuses on the non-profit sector, has been retained to find the next president and CEO for Sophia Snow Place, a senior living community in West Roxbury, MA. President William Weber is leading the assignment. The next leader of Sophia Snow Place will be expected to partner with the board
IRC Global Adds New Member Firm in Denmark
Global search consortiums continue to add new members across the globe. The latest: IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) just added People Executive in Denmark as its newest member firm. “We are very excited to welcome People Executive into the IRC family. Based on our past experience we know that the partners will contribute much to our
7 Reasons to Partner with a Recruitment Firm
Hiring talent is something that affects every business and every level of management. The ability to recruit great talent is key to the ultimate success, or failure, of a business. Certain roles, however, can be particularly difficult to fill. In those situations, it can be extremely valuable for an organization to partner with an outside
Krauthamer & Associates Recruits CEO for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
Over the past year, a growing number of transportation companies have enlisted executive search firms to help them find senior talent. After a nationwide search, executive recruiting firm Krauthamer & Associates recently placed India Birdsong as general manager and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. She will succeed Joseph A. Calabrese, who stepped down from
Kennedy Executive Search Names Financial Services Practice Leader
Kennedy Executive Search, a network of independent executive search firms, has named Markus Unterberger as practice leader of financial services. In this role, he will structure and guide Kennedy’s services in recruitment for leadership roles in the financial services industry across North America, South America and Europe. Mr. Unterberger is a veteran in the financial
Driving Greater Diversity in Recruitment
Diversity and inclusion is firmly on the boardroom agenda and companies are actively looking to improve equality in their recruiting practices. This is a trend that is not going away and which many companies are tackling head on, both internally and through their suppliers. As a result, executive search firms are addressing their role in
Search Solution Executive Recruits CHRO for itelligence North America
Anyone with ties to the human resources function knows how much it has evolved in recent years – and with it the role of the chief human resources officer. The biggest shift has been in the CHRO’s progression from fighting for a seat at the table to playing a key role on the executive team. According
Cowen Partners Launches New Office in Vancouver, WA
With demand for executive recruitment growing across the Pacific Northwest, executive search firm Cowen Partners recently opened an office in Vancouver, WA. Leading the new location is Ash Wendt, founding partner. “I’ve been a long-time resident of Vancouver and watching the tremendous growth in recent years has been exciting,” said Mr. Wendt. “We can’t wait
The Best Ways to Foster a CEO / CHRO Relationship
The relationship between a CEO and CHRO is possibly the most unique in the corporate world. When fostered strategically, the dynamic between the person at the helm of the company and the head of HR can drive a business to greater heights. But a new report by John Doyle of Slayton Search Partners finds that
ZRG Partners Acquires London-Based Holker Watkin
ZRG Partners, a fast growing executive search firm, has continued its expansion with the acquisition of London-headquartered search firm Holker Watkin. The deal’s financial terms were undisclosed. The firm will operate as a ZRG company, focused on supporting client needs for senior-level strategy professionals on a retained and interim project basis. The transaction is expected
AEGEUS Executive Search Tapped by Queensland Theatre to Find Next Executive Director
Sydney-headquartered AEGEUS Executive Search has been selected by Queensland Theatre to find its next artistic director. 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 is leading the assignment. “Queensland Theatre has been and will continue to be a
4 Emerging Trends to Watch as 2019 Heads Into High Gear
If the second half of 2019 is anything like the first, business leaders are in for a wild ride. The geopolitical landscape remains as volatile as the stock market. Signs of an economic slowdown are emerging, making consumers and investors equally skittish. Organizations are still looking for ways to cut costs while ramping up investment
Carrington & Carrington Seeks CFO for UPMC Community HealthChoices
Chicago-based executive recruitment firm Carrington & Carrington is seeking the next chief financial officer for UPMC Community HealthChoices (CHC). Principal Marian H. Carrington is leading the assignment. In 2017, the search firm started a multi-year partnership with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) to help boost the healthcare giant’s diversity hiring at its most senior levels.
Job Growth Rebounds in June; Unemployment Rate Sits at 3.7 Percent
Employers added 224,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate stands at 3.7 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The increase, the largest since January, topped the 162,000 forecast by economists. The June gain is the 105th consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed currently stands at 6.0
10 Benefits of Retaining an Executive Search Firm
Organizations typically use an executive search firm when a top job opening is important enough, senior enough and when discretion is at a premium. These three factors warrant the investment of bringing in a search firm. Executive search firms are in the business of finding high impact thought leaders who share the same principles, goals,
