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Pacific International Grows Advisory Board
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International has added Tony Milando to its advisory board, following its formation earlier last year. He joins existing advisory board members Bjarne Sandager, Nielsen, Sameer Pagnis, and Eric Alström. “Tony’s experience in global operations, water technology, and large-scale mergers & acquisitions strengthens the strategic insight we provide to clients navigating their
The AI-Ready Chief People Officer
As artificial intelligence accelerates across the enterprise, the people function is emerging as one of its most critical proving grounds. Nowhere is the balance between innovation and responsibility more visible than in the evolving role of the chief people officer. AI is reshaping how organizations operate, how leaders make decisions, and how people experience work.
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
Rising to the Challenge: How HR Is Evolving to Meet a Complex World
This is arguably the most dynamic and transformative era in the history of human resources. Recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media that human resources is experiencing an unprecedented period of innovation and opportunity. There has never been a more exciting time in history to work in HR than now, according to Egon Zehnder’s Rafael Altavini. “The
Kennedy Executive Search Adds Unterberger & Partner as Member Firm
Kennedy Executive Search, a network of independent executive search firms, has added Unterberger & Partner, which has offices in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, as its newest member firm. This provides the organization with further access to the German-speaking markets in Europe. Established in 2007, Unterberger & Partner is led by industry veteran Markus Unterberger and operates
Recruiters Find New Ways to Add Value for Clients
Technology has changed the game in executive search, making it imperative for recruiters to find new ways of creating value for clients. “With platforms such as LinkedIn providing readily available information on candidates, we’ve seen a disintermediation in the industry,” said John Ellis, CEO of U.K.-headquartered executive search firm Savannah Group, in a new report by Invenias,
Odgers Berndtson Strengthens Sports Recruiting Practice
Building on a period of unprecedented expansion, global search firm Odgers Berndtson has brought in Jamie Crittenberger as a partner in its U.S. sports practice. He will be based in Washington, D.C. “We’re very excited to welcome Jamie to the Odgers team,” said Steve Potter, CEO of Odgers Berndtson U.S. “He’s a gold standard recruiter and has more than 20
Slone Partners Finds CEO for Epic Sciences
Executive search firm Slone Partners has placed Lloyd Sanders as the new CEO of Epic Sciences in San Diego, CA. He replaces Murali Prahalad, who stepped down after six years at the helm to pursue new opportunities. Dr. Prahalad has been appointed to Epic’s board of directors. Leslie Loveless, partner and CEO, led the search along with Kim
Hanold Associates Seeking CHRO for Myers Industries
Executive recruiters continue to be in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Recently, Myers Industries retained Hanold Associates to find its next CHRO. Partners Keri Gavin, Kile Hanold and Sonia Nagra are leading the assignment. “Reporting to Myers Industries’ CEO, David Banyard, the CHRO is a close strategic partner
Search Solution Group Promotes Three to Key Roles
Staffing and recruitment firm Search Solution Group has promoted three members of its team to key roles within the organization. Eric Fehr becomes vice president of operations. Josh Mangum was named senior director of corporate strategy. And Ashley Goldberg was chosen to lead the contract staffing group and was appointed president of the staffing division.
Turnkey Search Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for the San Francisco 49ers
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, placed Alex Chang as chief marketing officer of the San Francisco 49ers. Managing director Diana Busino led the search along with recruiter Allie Crone. The 49ers wanted a proven marketing leader with a
Korn Ferry Lands CEO for Recording Academy
Following an extensive search, Korn Ferry has recruited Deborah Dugan, CEO of the non-profit AIDS organization RED, to succeed Neil Portnow as the Recording Academy’s president and CEO. The board now must approve her compensation package before the appointment becomes official. Reportedly, Ms. Dugan is expected to commence her new role in July. Ms. Dugan has been New York City-based RED’s CEO
Spencer Stuart Finds Board Members for MEDNAX Inc.
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has recruited Carlos A. Migoya and Michael A. Rucker to stand for election to the board of directors at MEDNAX Inc., a publicly traded health solutions partner specializing in neonatology, anesthesiology, radiology, maternal-fetal medicine, other pediatric services and management services. While conducting the searches, Spencer Stuart evaluated the board’s composition and identified additional director
Russell Reynolds Associates Adds Former BP HR Leader to Staff
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR executives and other top corporate executives looking for a career change. Executive recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates recently named veteran HR executive Helena Fyda as a consultant in the firm’s corporate officers’ practice. Based in Houston, Ms. Fyda will work closely with C-suite-level executives to help drive
EMA Partners Opens New Office in Colombia
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, EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, strengthened its presence
Why Your Board Needs a CHRO
Few would argue against the vital importance of a strong business strategy in establishing direction and planning growth for a company. Strategy, however, represents only half the formula for corporate success. Without a forward-looking human resources plan – a subset of the business strategy designed to maintain and engage the people required to execute the
Academic Search Seeks President for Athens State University
In a search spearheaded by education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search, Athens State University in Alabama has narrowed the choices for its next president to four finalists. Senior consultants John W. Garland and Eric Richtmyer are leading the assignment for the Washington, D.C.-based search firm. The school’s previous president, Robert Glenn, resigned last year to accept the
Morris & Berger Recruits CEO for World of Children
The non-profit sector is one of the fastest growing areas within executive search today. Recently, Morris & Berger, a recruitment firm that specializes in searches for non-profit organizations, placed Stefaan Poortman as executive director of World of Children in Irvine, CA. “After conducting a nationwide executive search, it is an honor and a privilege to welcome Stefaan
20/20 Foresight Names Leader of New York Offices
Chicago-based 20/20 Foresight Executive Search and 20/20 Foresight Executive Marketing have announced the appointment of Rebecca Wilson as managing director, leading the sister companies’ New York offices. Ms. Wilson has more than 25 years experience working for top financial services companies specializing in both business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing. She previously held senior roles with Citibank, First USA Bank (acquired
Recruiting Consortium TalentLaunch Appoints President
TalentLaunch, a network of independently-operated recruitment firms, has named Doug Dandurand as its president. In this role, he will be responsible for the overall strategy and growth of its network of recruiting firms. “We are excited to have Doug as president of the TalentLaunch network,” said Aaron Grossman, founder and CEO of TalentLaunch and co-founder
Reskilling: A Game-Changing Opportunity for Search Firms
Skills shortages are a well-documented hurdle for executive search firms. Those firms surveyed by Bullhorn cited the challenge as their top challenge in 2015, 2016 and 2017, but the problem appears to be getting worse. Unemployment is at historic lows — for the first time in the history of labor statistics, there are 6.7 million openings for
Boston Symphony Orchestra Taps Lindauer to Find Development Chief
Boston-based recruitment firm Lindauer has been selected by the Boston Symphony Orchestra to find a new chief development officer. Vice president Libby Roberts is leading the assignment. Now in its 138th season, the organization wants someone with a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience and demonstrated success setting and exceeding ambitious philanthropic goals, said the search
Scion Executive Search Seeks CEO for the Historic Trust in Washington State
Scion Executive Search, which specializes in the non-profit sector, has been selected to find a new president and chief executive officer for the Historic Trust, a Vancouver, WA preservation group. Gregory Goode, who served in the role less than four months, abruptly stepped down last month. Board member Mike Williams is currently serving as interim
Boyden Names Leader of Cross-Sector Global CEO and Board Services Practice
Boyden has named Roger T. Duguay, managing partner of the Montréal office, as leader of its cross-sector global CEO and board services practice. He succeeds Tom Flannery, who will continue as managing partner of the firm’s Pittsburgh office and as the North American leader of the CEO and board services practice. Mr. Duguay will continue as a managing
PRAXI Alliance Adds New Office in Oslo
Global executive search consortium PRAXI Alliance Worldwide Executive Search recently added a new office in Oslo, Norway. The PRAXI Alliance global network now spans four continents, with more than 30 countries and 70 offices worldwide. Lasse Berner and Rune Repstad, partners of PRAXI member firm Academic Search International, will manage the location. The consortium said that it will be
What Are the Traits of an Ideal Executive?
From biotech and machine learning to cryptocurrencies and ride-sharing, our economy is in a state of flux. As such, it’s critical to recruit executives that possess the right qualities to steer businesses through uncharted waters. The best leaders have a strong portfolio of future-oriented and change-ready skills that enable them to keep responding to fluctuating market demands. Perhaps
Phillips Oppenheim Tapped to Find New Leader for Museum for California Art
Museums are increasingly turning to specialist recruiters to help fill critical senior-level leadership roles. As these positions grow more sophisticated and complex, the hunt for top-flight talent to fill these roles becomes all the more important. With that, search fees across the space are rising substantially, according to recruiters. Executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim was recently selected
Summit Search Solutions in Hunt for Diversity & Inclusion Chief for Southern Oregon University
Executive recruitment firm Summit Search Solutions has been enlisted to find a chief diversity and inclusivity officer for Southern Oregon University in Ashland, OR. Senior consultants Stephanie Fowler and Sona Andrews are leading the assignment for the firm. The CDIO is charged with leading the development and implementation of diversity, equity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives
StevenDouglas Opens Office in San Diego
Executive search firm StevenDouglas is continuing its recent expansion with opening an office in San Diego, CA. It will be the eighth office opened in less than two years. The firm has named Bradley Swisher to join the new office as managing director of technology search. A big part of the firm’s recent growth is attributed
Noto Group Expands Senior Search Staff
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 makes it
Here’s How Data is Really Impacting Talent Acquisition
The recent influx of technological advances has buried businesses across nearly every industry. The use of data and technology is pressingly relevant to the success of modern business with terms like machine learning, automation and robots being used on a more regular basis. Commercial giants like Blockbuster, Borders, and Toys “R” Us have all fallen
Coulter Partners Opens in Paris, Expands Staff
Life sciences-focused executive search firm Coulter Partners has continued its recent growth with the opening of new office in Paris and 14 new appointments worldwide. All of this follows an extremely successful year which saw the firm’s revenues increase by 31 percent, making Coulter one of the fastest growing search firms this past year. “Another remarkable
DHR International Places Top Leaders for Three Arts and Cultural Groups
Executive recruitment firm DHR International has recently placed top leaders at three major arts and cultural institutions: Onassis Foundation USA, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and the Sag Harbor Cinema Arts Center. James Abruzzo, managing partner of the firm’s global non-profit practice, led the assignments. Vallejo Gantner was appointed executive and artistic director of Onassis Foundation
D. Hilton Associates Recruits Chief People Officer for Achieva Credit Union
The chief people officer position is still a relatively new title within the HR function. It first appeared about a decade ago. But now, as companies look to build internal brand awareness and set their sights more on establishing and driving their own unique cultures, CPOs are coming more into vogue. Recently, Fairfax, VA, retained executive
Hibob Receives $20 Million in Funding
Tel Aviv-based HR tech platform Hibob has secured $20 million in funding from existing investors Bessemer Venture Partners, Battery Ventures, Eight Roads, Arbor Ventures and Presidio Ventures. Supporting the company’s mission to transform HR to reflect the changing nature of the workplace and workforce, the expanded investments will drive the next phase of Hibob’s growth,
