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Why First-Time Chief People Officers Are Becoming Mission-Critical Business Leaders
Amid ongoing economic, social, geopolitical, and technological disruption, placing the right leaders in the right roles—and ensuring they lead in the right way—has become critical. Yet the greatest obstacle to achieving organizational ambitions remains a lack of leadership talent equipped to navigate unprecedented complexity and change. Chief people officers are uniquely placed to overcome this
Why Executive Hiring Is Shifting to Skills-First Leadership
For decades, executive hiring was guided by a familiar formula. Boards and CEOs focused largely on job titles, employer pedigrees, and years in senior roles when evaluating candidates. A polished résumé was commonly treated as a dependable signal of future performance. Today, that assumption is increasingly questioned, according to a new report from the International Executive Search
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
The Culture Edge: Driving Enterprise Performance
As businesses navigate constant change, the influence of corporate culture on organizational success is unmistakable. Companies are increasingly aware that a vibrant, adaptable culture is more than a “nice-to-have”—it’s a critical driver of employee engagement, retention, and overall performance. Recent findings reveal that 89 percent of highly engaged employees recognize their organization’s culture as a positive
Frick Pittsburgh Taps Phillips Oppenheim for Executive Director Search
Executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has been picked to find a new executive director for The Frick Pittsburgh. Principal Mark J. Tarnacki and partner Becky Klein are leading the assignment. The Frick Pittsburgh is a complex of museums and historical buildings in the residential East End of Pittsburgh devoted to the interpretation of the life and times
Paschal•Murray Retained by Stony Brook University to Find Major Gifts Officer
Major gifts officers are among the most vital roles for educational institutions. The position involves identifying potential donors, cultivating relationships and, above all, garnering much-needed contributions from key supporters. Recruitment firms that can find the right person for this top-level fundraising position are much-valued partners of not-for-profits everywhere. And for recruiters, the business of finding
Bespoke Partners Strengthens Search Staff; Adds New Board Member
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has added Andy Caine to its board of directors and appointed Missy Weaver, Jenny Madden and Alexandra Bossetta as principals. Bespoke Partners is dedicated to partnering with leading private equity firms to recruit senior talent at every stage of the investment lifecycle, from growth equity to buyout.
Battalia Winston Expands Search Staff
Growing market pressures, rapidly evolving advances in all of the sciences and stringent regulatory standards are forcing many life sciences organizations to re-invent themselves. “Life sciences companies – including specialists in precision medicine, pharmaceuticals, wearables and mobile health – need creative leaders to set a new direction and develop innovative operating strategies,” according to New
Customer Success Recruiting Grows More Intense
Not long ago, customer service leadership meant finding ways to provide the same or similar service while cutting costs and reducing the time it took to service a customer. Customer care agents were timed to maximize the number of customers handled in a day. Service centers were moved off shore to reduce labor costs. Engineers
Saint Joseph’s College Taps Hyatt-Fennell for CFO Search
Catholic liberal arts school Saint Joseph’s College has chosen higher education-focused executive recruitment Hyatt-Fennell to lead its search for a new chief business and finance officer (CBFO). Search firm partner Cheryl Hyatt is leading the assignment. St. Joseph’s College, located in Standish, ME, wants a creative, strategic, collegial and entrepreneurial administrator who values transparency and
Tyler & Company Recruits CEO for Peterson Health
Atlanta-based executive recruitment firm Tyler & Company has placed Cory Edmondson as the new president and CEO of Peterson Health in Kerrville, TX. Vice president Marion Spears Karr is heading the assignment along with senior consultant Charlotte Tinsley. The Peterson Health CEO search committee recommended Mr. Edmondson after working with Tyler & Company on the recruitment process
Boyden Elects Chairman and CEO to New Terms, Appoints New Board Members
In a series of key leadership decisions, Boyden will largely be staying the course as it looks to continue its growth moving forward. Jörg Kasten has been re-elected to a third term as chairman and Trina Gordon won another term as president CEO, through 2021, the firm said. Three new members, meanwhile, are joining Boyden’s global
Gerard Daniels Appoints Leaders for London and Sydney Offices
Perth, Australia-based executive search firm Gerard Daniels has appointed Rajesh Raj as partner Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and head of its London office and Ryan Mason as practice leader and head of the firm’s Sydney office. Mr. Raj has worked with large global corporations and privately-held entrepreneurial start-ups in the U.K. He has also worked with
In Combatting Workplace Harassment, HR Must Strike the Right Balance
The #MeToo era may have laid bare how many organizations have a long way to go to create a harassment-free workforce, but recent weeks have shown where some of the toughest challenges lie: the human resources department. In just a short period, the public has learned about issues that started with complaints to HR that
Miami Dade College Picks Diversified Search to Find President
Miami Dade College has retained Diversified Search to find a new president to replace longtime leader Eduardo Padrón. The search is being led by John Mestepey, managing director of the firm’s Miami office, and senior managing director Kim Morrisson. “The decision came as we were planning the 60th anniversary of the college, which is next year,” Mr. Padrón said.
Heidrick & Struggles Places Five Directors at Bed Bath & Beyond
After an extensive search, Heidrick & Struggles has placed five new independent directors on the board of Bed Bath & Beyond. The Chicago-based firm had been asked to help accelerate a “refreshment” shake-up in the composition of the company’s board. Harriet Edelman, Harsha Ramalingam, Andrea Weiss, Mary Winston and Ann Yerger will serve as new board members.
Arrow Strategies Launches Executive Search Division
Over the past year, a number of other organizations have expanded their retained executive search services or added them to their offerings as the top-end talent sector heats up globally. Recently, Southfield, MI-headquartered staffing firm Arrow Strategies launched a new staff and executive search division called Arrow Select. The new division acts as a wholly owned
Hanold Associates Seeks Chief People Officer for Canidae
Private equity-backed Canidae, a pet food company, has retained Hanold Associates to find its first chief people officer. Jason Hanold, CEO and co-managing partner of the search firm, is leading the assignment, joined by partners Keri Gavin and Mayank Parikh. The chief people officer, a newly recreated role for Canidae, will report directly to the CEO and will be responsible
AGB Search Seeks Provost for St. John’s University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search has been chosen to find the next provost and vice president for academic affairs for St. John’s University in New York City. Melissa K. Trotta, associate managing principal, and Roderick J. McDavis, managing principal, are leading the assignment. As chief academic officer of the university, the provost and vice
Waverly Partners Recruits CEO for the Center for Health Affairs
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. Following a national search, executive recruiting firm Waverly Partners recently placed Brian
Beecher Reagan Names President and COO
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: Houston-based executive search firm Beecher Reagan has welcomed former North Highland Worldwide Consulting executive Angela Navarro as its president and chief operating officer, a new role with the company. “Angela’s appointment
PrincetonOne Strengthens Search Staff
Skillman, NJ-headquartered executive search firm PrincetonOne has expanded with the addition of Kent Mayes as practice director for its accounting and finance division. Mr. Mayes brings more than two decades of search experience to his role as national practice director. As a managing producer, he will be responsible for leading a national team of recruiters
Unemployment Rates Falls Again, This Time to 3.6 Percent
Employers added 263,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 3.6 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. Economists had estimated that 190,000 jobs were added last month, according to a Bloomberg survey. The April gain is the 103rd consecutive month of job growth. The number of
Positive Coaching Alliance Taps Odgers Berndtson for CEO Search
The Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) has partnered with Greg Santore and Jennifer Biehn of Odgers Berndtson to assist with the national search for the non-profit’s next leader. Jim Thompson, the group’s founder and CEO, is stepping down after 20 years. “Jim has given so much to the organization and the community,” said search chair and national
SearchWide Places CEO for Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau
Executive recruiting firm SearchWide Global has helped place Kristen Adamo as the new president and CEO of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB) in Rhode Island. Searchwide senior vice president Kellie Henderson spearheaded the assignment. Ms. Adamo replaces Martha Sheridan who accepted a similar position in Boston. “Kristen was selected after a thorough and
DHR International Acquires OBEN Search
Acquisitions continue to make big news in the executive search industry. Chicago-based search firm DHR International has continued its recent expansion with the acquisition of OBEN Search, a boutique recruiter for the oil and gas industries. The firm’s founder, Michael Wing, joins DHR as managing partner in the oil and gas industries sector practice. Mr. Wing brings
NPAworldwide Adds Seven 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 seven new member locations as it continues to
7 Reasons Why Companies Hire Search Firms
In times of change, a crucial executive-level appointment can mean the difference between success and catastrophe. Last time, your company may have kept this critical search in-house, leveraged its own network or hired a contingency recruiter. But, mistakes were made, and you now know that a bad hire to a crucial position can have detrimental
ZRG Partners Acquires Dowd Associates
ZRG Partners, a fast growing executive search firm, has continued its expansion with the acquisition of certain assets of Dowd Associates, an executive search firm focused on the financial officer’s space. The deal’s financial terms were undisclosed. As part of the asset purchase agreement, Dowd Associates’ president and CEO Rich Dowd will join ZRG as
The RSA Group Recruits CEO for Clasado BioSciences
Persistent talent shortages and the need to develop and retain employees with critical business and technology skill-sets will continue to challenge global life sciences companies for the foreseeable future, according to Deloitte’s global sector outlook on life sciences. Navigating this new world of work requires a dramatic change in strategies for leadership, talent and human
PFM Executive Search Tapped by Canucks Autism Network to Find CEO
Vancouver, British Columbia-based PFM Executive Search has been selected by Canucks Autism Network (CAN) to lead in its search for a new CEO. PFM partners George Madden and Shelina Esmail are leading the assignment. “As the new CEO of the Canucks Autism Network you literally will change people’s lives for the better through leadership focused on
GRMSearch Opens New Office in Johannesburg
Many companies with global strategies have been looking to Africa recently as the new frontier for business. Improved political environments, above average growth and the rich opportunities waiting in a continent are raising considerable interest. This has led to the growth of executive search firms in the region. Hong Kong-headquartered executive search firm GRMSearch recently strengthened
Transitioning a Search to a Recruiting Firm
It is fairly common for an organization to undertake a leadership recruitment on its own, and later in the process seek the services of an executive search firm. This can happen for many reasons. It may be that the search committee wants to take a fresh approach, to reach out to a broader segment of
Turnkey Search Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for the New York Giants
The NFL and its teams continue to look to specialist recruiters to fill top C-suite roles. Recently, Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, helped recruit former Charlotte Hornets executive Pete Guelli as chief commercial officer of the New York Giants. Len Perna, Turnkey’s president, founder and CEO, led the assignment. “The New York Giants
Russell Reynolds Associates Assists Kent State in Selecting New President
Russell Reynolds Associates has assisted Kent State University in its selection of the school’s provost, Todd Diacon, as its new president. He succeeds Beverly J. Warren, who is stepping down after five years in the job. The Kent State board of trustees appointed a 16-member search committee, chaired by trustee Shawn Riley, and launched a national







