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Why Most Boards Underperform and Why 2026 is the Year to Fix It
Even the most capable boards can struggle to translate individual expertise into collective performance. If you spend enough time in boardrooms of any flavor, whether public, private, PE-backed, family-owned, or non-profit, you eventually notice a strange phenomenon, explained a recent report from Rob Andrews, founder and CEO of Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin. “Everyone is
VC and PE Talent Partners Should Be Pursuing the Same Marketing Leader — Here’s Why
For much of the last decade, talent partners could draw a clean line between marketing leadership profiles in venture-backed and private-equity-backed companies. Venture portfolios hired for invention, narrative, and early demand discovery while private equity portfolios hired for discipline, efficiency, and EBITDA stewardship, according to a recent report from RevelOne’s John Levisay. “That distinction has eroded,”
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 Evolution of the CHRO: From Personnel to Enterprise Leadership
The responsibilities of today’s chief human resources officer extend far beyond talent management, reflecting a broader shift in how organizations view leadership and business performance. As workforce transformation, artificial intelligence, and organizational change reshape corporate priorities, the CHRO has become an increasingly influential voice in helping CEOs and boards navigate strategic decisions. Not long ago,
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?
GHP Search Assists Christel House with the Recruitment of New Board Members
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has helped Christel House Intl. to recruit John Gomes, partner, global telecom and technology at Bain & Co, and former partner, software at Kearney, Mani Iyer, chief AI and technology officer at Vanguard and former SVP – global head of infrastructure, data and technology at Paypal. Mr. Gomes is a globally recognized transformation and strategy leader in
TOC Arts Partners Assists Union Arts Center with the Recruitment of First Artistic Director
Following an extensive national search, New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has assisted Union Arts Center in Seattle, WA, with the recruitment of Yuvika Tolani as the first permanent artistic director. The search was led by vice president of executive search, Cynthia Fuhrman. “As a former resident of Seattle myself, I have enjoyed many performances
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
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
The Future of Healthcare Leadership: AI, Innovation & Talent
The healthcare and life sciences industries are undergoing a major transformation, driven by advancements in AI, machine learning, and digital innovation. These technologies are reshaping drug discovery, patient care, and operational efficiency, requiring leaders who can harness innovation while optimizing complex systems. As competition for top talent intensifies, organizations are prioritizing executives with strong business
Koya Leadership Partners Adds Mission-Driven Recruiting Specialist
Non-profit search specialist Koya Leadership Partners has expanded with the addition of Kara Teising as a vice president. Based in Nashville, TN, Ms. Teising’s role will be to match mission-driven clients with transformational leaders who are driving positive change. “Teising’s extensive experience in the mission-driven executive search space – combined with her passion and commitment to providing exceptional service – makes
IIC Partners Names Five New Leaders to Practice Groups
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has announced the appointment of five new leaders to its practice groups. “Each of these leaders and deputy leaders strengthens our global offerings by contributing their industry expertise to our practice groups,” said Renee Arrington, board director for IIC Partners, who serves as the board liaison for practice groups. “Their thought
Pressure Mounts for Recruiters to Source Inclusive Leaders
For shareholders, the cost of bad leadership behavior is mounting. A growing number of CEOs and other high-profile leaders have been ousted for allegations of sexual harassment, discriminatory language and other offenses that might have once been swept under the rug. The costs to their organizations are often staggering. “Recent CEO indiscretions at public companies
DHR International Recruits CHRO for PGi
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Recently, Chicago-based search firm DHR International placed talent management veteran Francoise Caraguel as chief human resources officer of PGi, the world’s largest dedicated provider of collaboration solutions. The search was led by managing partners Christopher Knipp and Ed Flowers. Ms.
Howard Fischer Associates Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Gigamon
Philadelphia-headquartered executive search firm Howard Fischer Associates recently recruited Karl Van den Bergh as the chief marketing officer of Gigamon Inc. in Santa Clara, CA. “Karl has a strong track record of leading companies in dynamic markets, so we are excited to have him on board at this critical juncture in our industry,” said Shane Buckley, president
Dingman Company Seeks President for Dallas Theological Seminary
The Dingman Company, a Westlake Village, CA-based search firm, has been enlisted to find a new president for the Dallas Theological Seminary in Texas. Bruce Dingman, president of the firm, and David Gyertson, consultant for education and media, are leading the assignment. The seminary wants a “godly, talented, energetic and visionary president” to join its
Ridgeway Partners Expands Leadership Team
Boston-headquartered executive search firm Ridgeway Partners has expanded with the addition of Julie Zadow to its leadership team. She joins the firm with over 20 years of leadership experience in marketing, talent strategy, culture mapping and organizational design. Ms. Zadow will be based in Boston. “Julie brings a true customer-first lens to the growth of Ridgeway
The Expanding CEO Role in Talent Acquisition
Talent management has reached new heights. Its value across the enterprise has risen to unprecedented levels of importance, a direct correlation to the state of the employment market but also, arguably, the natural evolution and elevation of human resources. “The innovation and widespread adoption of HR technology across the human capital ecosystem has sophisticated the
Witt Kieffer Seeks Provosts for Elon and Central Michigan Universities
Executive recruitment firm Witt/Kieffer has been selected to find provosts for both Elon University and Central Michigan University. Elon University, located in North Carolina, is seeking a provost and vice president for academic affairs. Senior partner Lucy Apthorp Leske and associate Veena Abraham are leading the search for Witt/Kieffer. As the chief academic officer, the
Association Strategies Lands CEO for the American Society of Appraisers
As the economy continues to strengthen, hiring in the non-profit sector has been gaining momentum. In the past decade, employment in the sector grew by 17 percent. The non-profit sector has also become a hot area for corporate executives looking to switch careers. According to executive recruiters, business managers and executives are turning to the non-profit
New Street Group Acquires Wickland Westcott
Consulting and people solutions business, New Street Group, has announced its acquisition of London-based executive search and leadership consultancy Wickland Westcott. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Wickland Westcott provides executive search, leadership and management consultancy services. With over 40 years of experience, Wickland Westcott blends commercial judgement with psychological expertise to enhance organizational and individual
How to Prepare for Next Generation Board Talent
Roughly 50 percent of S&P 500 companies will be replaced in the next 10 years — a reality that reflects a complex landscape of emerging risks, as well as the immense pressure on today’s companies to innovate or be left behind. As investors and market pressures drive organizations to become more digital, more global and
Korn Ferry Seeks Head Basketball Coach for Vanderbilt
Just a few months after recruiting Vanderbilt University’s athletic director, Korn Ferry has been asked to find the school’s next head basketball coach. Bryce Drew, whose teams had a record of 40-59 over his three years at the helm, was let go last month. “Vanderbilt is committed to competing at the highest levels on and
Herbert Mines Tapped by Lumber Liquidators to Find CFO
New York-based executive recruiter Herbert Mines Associates has been selected by Lumber Liquidators Holdings, a specialty retailer of hardwood flooring, to spearhead its search for a new CFO. Martin D. Agard will step down from the company effective Friday to accept a new role with a company in Florida. Timothy J. Mulvaney, the company’s chief accounting officer, has been named interim CFO.
Human Capital Group Adds Former Chief People Officer to Staff
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR executives looking for a career change. Recently, the Human Capital Group, based in Nashville, TN, expanded with the addition of former HR executive David Alexander as managing director. Based in the firm’s Dallas office, he is charged with supporting the firm’s ongoing growth of
Kingsley Gate Partners Acquires Latin American Search Firm
Acquisitions continue to make big news in the executive search industry. In an effort to expand its global presence, Kingsley Gate Partners recently acquired Latin American executive search firm CPGroup Latam. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. “We’re excited to welcome our Latin American colleagues,” said Nancy Albertini, senior partner, Office of the CEO, Kingsley Gate Partners.
Defining Leadership by Gender, Generations and Geographies
Traditional gender stereotypes about men’s and women’s roles in the workplace and at home have helped to create overarching assumptions about what truly matters to each gender when it comes to careers, how to define great leadership, and expectations about diversity in the workplace. Many of us have also been quick to define entire generations
Parker Executive Search Lands President for Colorado State University
Atlanta-based recruitment firm Parker Executive Search has helped move the current provost of West Virginia University (WVU) Joyce E. McConnell to a new role as the 15th president of Colorado State University (CSU). She will succeed Tony Frank, who begins serving as chancellor of the CSU System July 1. Rico Munn, chair of the CSU system board of governors, described Ms. McConnell
Protis Global Finds President for INDUS Holding Co.
Executive search firm Protis Global has placed Joe Bayern as president of INDUS Holding Co. Mr. Bayern will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Salinas, CA-based cannabis company, reporting to Robert Weakley, founder and chief executive officer, and the board of directors. Mr. Bayern joins INDUS from global beverage company VOSS of Norway. In his eight years
InveniasPartners Appoints President
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: InveniasPartners, a Chicago-based healthcare executive search and talent advisory services firm, named Joseph E. Fournier as vice chairman and president. He joined the firm as a partner and chief people
Eric Salmon & Partners Expands in Singapore
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet the demand, they continue to develop new practices and hire new recruiters. Recently, Paris-headquartered executive search firm Eric Salmon & Partners strengthened its office in Singapore with the addition of Brindha Bal as a partner. The office now has six partners on
Growing Influence of Private Equity Pushing Recruiters to Deliver Value, Not Just People
To thrive in today’s executive search market, recruiting firms must take “extreme ownership” of client needs, said Rick DeRose and Kevin O’Neill, managing partners of the executive search firm Acertitude, in a new report by Invenias, a global provider of cloud-based software for executive search firms. As internal talent teams have grown more sophisticated and capable,
Diversified Search Recruits CEO for Martha’s Table
Following a national talent hunt, Diversified Search placed former Obama administration official Kim Ford as the new president and CEO of Martha’s Table, a food access and education not-for-profit. The Washington, D.C.-based charity’s current leader, Patty Stonesifer, recently announced that she plans to retire this summer after six years in the role. Leading the national search were Dale E.
McCormack+Kristel Seeks Executive Director for East Bay Community Law Center
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has been selected by the East Bay Community Law Center in Berkeley, CA to find its next executive director. “This is an opportunity for an accomplished, entrepreneurial leader to join a growing mission-driven non-profit organization dedicated to education and social justice,” said McCormack+Kristel. “The successful candidate will become a part of a distinguished
Ward Howell Opens Office in Houston
Global recruiter Ward Howell International has opened a new office in Houston and the addition of Thomas W. Dowdy, as partner, to lead it. He becomes a member of the firm’s energy practice. Mr. Dowdy worked for the predecessor firm of the current Ward Howell, in Russia, in the 1990s. “We are excited to welcome Tom back to
Wilton & Bain Joins Inclusive Culture Pledge
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is becoming increasingly important for both employers and employees. Research has shown that diverse businesses are 35 percent more likely to financially outperform their industry’s national average. For potential job hunters, 67 percent now consider a diverse workforce to be an important factor when considering job offers. Recently, London-based
A Bright and Busy Future for Executive Recruiters
A tight labor market with low unemployment means companies are struggling to find qualified talent, costs associated with talent acquisition are rising and a lengthy hiring process is now the rule, not the exception. Recent surveys of hiring managers and individuals just completed from CareerBuilder, Inavero and the American Staffing Association (ASA) identified these major
Boyden Places CEO for CHEO Research Institute
Global executive search firm Boyden has placed Jason Berman as the new chief executive officer and scientific director of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute and vice president for research of CHEO in Ottawa, Ontario. Dr. Berman, who starts his new role August 1, currently works for the Izaak Walton Killam Hospital
Blair Search Partners Recruits CEO for the San Diego Foundation
San Diego-based Blair Search Partners has recruited Mark Stuart as the new president and chief executive officer for the San Diego Foundation. Principal Trevor Blair led the assignment. The national search, which drew more than 1,000 candidates, began last year when Blair Search was appointed to assist the foundation board search committee. “The foundation board and I
Jobplex Appoints Partner
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR International, has expanded with the addition of Claire Sylvestre as partner. Prior to joining Jobplex, Ms. Sylvestre served as director and executive international recruiter for YER USA in Chicago. In this role, she spearheaded business development functions and ran all aspects of recruitment functions to source new clients and candidates.
Ccentric Group Forms Alliance with Wavelength
Sydney-headquartered executive search firm Ccentric Group has established a partnership with Wavelength, one of Australia’s largest medical recruitment agencies. “The companies share the same values of being dedicated to client needs, a strong focus on quality and service, and attracting and retaining the best employees,” said Wayne Bruce, founder and director of Ccentric Group. “It
