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PitchBook’s 2026 PE Outlook Puts Talent at the Center of Value Creation
PitchBook’s 2026 U.S. Private Equity Outlook describes a market that is reopening – but under pressure. Exit activity improved meaningfully in 2024 and 2025, yet the inventory of PE-backed companies continues to grow older. As of Q3 2025, U.S. PE inventory had expanded to nearly 12,900 companies, with roughly 30 percent held for seven years or longer and
Lindauer Assists Destination Imagination with CEO Search
Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Mark Giordono as the new CEO of Destination Imagination, Inc. in Blackwood, NJ. She succeeds Michele Tuck-Ponder, who served as CEO for eight years. The assignment was led by Megan Abbett, assistant vice president, and vice president and managing director Maureen Huminik. “Mark understands the power of creativity in learning, leadership, and problem-solving,” said
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
Why People, Not Just Technology, Will Determine the Success of AI in Healthcare
Introducing new technologies—especially those driven by AI—can disrupt established workflows, challenge existing roles, and strain organizational relationships in unforeseen ways. As a result, the most successful healthcare organizations will be those that look beyond the promise of the tools themselves and focus on how people interact with them, according to a recent report from human
IRC Global Adds 20/20 Foresight Executive Search
Global search consortiums continue to add new members across the global. The latest: IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) just added Chicago-based 20/20 Foresight Executive Search as its fifth member firm in the U.S. 20/20 Foresight primarily serves companies involved in the real estate, financial services and service industries. It was established by Bob Cavoto in
Heidrick & Struggles Announces Promotions
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the executive ladder within their respective firms. Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has promoted 14 partners and 25 principals in its search and consulting businesses globally. “Our consultants are working with our clients to build the best leadership teams around the world,” said Krishnan
Greenwood / Asher & Associates Finds President for University of South Florida
A number of top colleges around the country are looking for high-profile leaders to take them into the future. In most cases, executive recruiting firms have had a hand in some aspect of the search and selection process. Greenwood / Asher & Associates has recruited Steven Currall as the president of the University of South Florida (USF). If approved by
B.E. Smith Leads Chief Nursing Officer Searches for Baylor University Medical Center and University of New Mexico Hospitals
As the life sciences sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, in fact, it is the chief nursing
Riviera Partners Adds Four New Partners in New York
Riviera Partners, a search firm specializing in C-level engineering, product and design leader placements, has announced an expansion in New York with the promotion of four recruiters as partners. In order to meet increasing market demands, the San Francisco-based recruiter promoted directors Isa Guardalabene, Jason Hann, Sandy Ma and Sophie Thomas. The move will support
WilsonHCG Opens Office in Romania
Global talent solutions provider Wilson Human Capital Group (WilsonHCG) has expanded with the addition of a new office in Bucharest, Romania. “Although we continue to expand our offices in Krakow, Poland, and London and Manchester in the U.K., since our inception in 2002 we have strived to have the best talent on our team,” said John Wilson,
A New Breed of Future-Ready Leaders
The best leaders have a strong portfolio of future-oriented and change-ready skills that enable them to keep responding to fluctuating market demands, according to a new Korn Ferry study. The search firm’s new analysis of 15,000 profiles of leaders and managers from around the world found that most leaders today are unable to harness the collective energy
Domino’s Pizza Taps Hanold Associates to Find CHRO
Executive recruiters continue to be in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Recently, Domino’s Pizza retained Hanold Associates to find its next CHRO. Jason Hanold, CEO and co-managing partner of the search firm, is leading the assignment. He is joined by partners Keri Gavin, Ashley Schiele and
The Onstott Group Recruits CEO for BioDirection
The Onstott Group, a Wellesley, MA-based search firm, has placed Sharad H. Joshi as the new president and CEO of BioDirection Inc., a privately held medical device company developing cutting-edge and rapid point-of-care products for the diagnosis and management of concussions and other acquired traumatic brain injuries. “On behalf of our board, I would like to
Cielo Launches Executive Search Practice
Cielo, a strategic recruitment process outsourcing firm, is bringing its executive search experts into a global practice under the Cielo brand. Craig Pointon, who has led executive recruiting for the Middle East and Africa region since 2007, will now become Cielo’s executive vice president and global head of executive search. “It has become increasingly apparent in
Talentor International Adds Two Managing Directors for Austrian Partner
Executive search consortium Talentor International has added two new managing directors, Barbara Ulman and Thomas Zembacher, to expand Talentor Austria. “In Barbara Ulman, we found someone with excellent know-how in executive search,” said Michael Sarsteiner, CEO of Talentor International. “Thomas Zembacher’s healthcare and business expertise complement that perfectly.” Ms. Ulman was most recently managing director
Why Big Brand Job Candidates Aren’t Always the Best Fit
Professionals who have a big personal cache in an industry, or who have been working at a big branded company, do not always make the best candidates. Instead, professionals who have had relevant accomplishments, even at brands that are lesser known, can oftentimes be the better fit. “Early in a search, organizations will often target
Ventura Partners Selected by Penn State to Find Next Women’s Head Basketball Coach
Universities continue to turn to search firms to fill their top coaching vacancies. Executive recruitment firm Ventura Partners has been chosen to lead the search for the next women’s head basketball coach at Penn State University. After 12 seasons, the program elected to move on from coach Coquese Washington. Partner Chad Chatlos will spearhead the nationwide search for Ventura
D. Hilton Associates Seeks Chief People Officer for Apple Federal Credit
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, to help fill a
Rob Tillman Launches TillmanPartners; Kelly Carlson Joins PE Firm as Talent Head
Rob Tillman, a veteran executive recruiter and coach, has launched a new firm, TillmanPartners. The Scottsdale, AZ-based firm will provide executive search, integrated coaching and one-on-one coaching specializing in CFOs and CIOs. “I’ve been blessed to serve hundreds of leaders over the last three decades, and my focus on recruiting and coaching CFOs and CIOs
IMSA Search Global Adds New Member in Denmark
Global recruiting consortiums continue to take advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Among them, executive search network IMSA Search Global Partners has added Danish search firm Brinch & Partners as its newest member. Brinch & Partners has maintained steady growth since its founding a decade ago. Its team includes founding partners Martin Bo Sørensen and Jens
What Can HR Leaders Do Today to Prepare for Tomorrow?
Although it’s tempting – and exciting – to dig into predictions for the global workforce of 2030, it often isn’t practical to look that far into the future to determine our actions today. A recent publication from PwC, for example, reports five “megatrends” they believe will shape this future: technological breakthroughs, demographic shifts, rapid urbanization, shifts in
Odgers Berndtson Selected by the AAPA to Find New CEO
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has turned to global search firm Odgers Berndtson to find its next chief executive officer, following the retirement of long-time leader Kurt Nagle. Vice chairman and partner Tim McNamara is leading the assignment along with partner and practice leader Conrad Woody. William Friedman, chairman of the AAPA and CEO of Port
Howe-Lewis International Seeks Chief Advancement Officers for Non-Profits
Executive recruitment firm Howe-Lewis International has been selected to find chief advancement officers for non-profit organizations in California and New York. Despite the differences in their missions, both the Palm Springs Art Museum and the New York Restoration Project (NYRP) will rely on this key role to drive their fundraising. The Palm Springs Art Museum seeks
ASCENT Select Strengthens Search Staff
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm ASCENT Select has expanded with the addition of John Bennett as a partner. His addition will bolster the firm’s expertise at placing mid- to senior-level executives in supply chain and logistics, finance, operations and sales. Mr. Bennett has more than 25 years of senior management experience in media, biotechnology, manufacturing,
The Expanding Role of Culture in Search and Succession
Culture fit is hardly a new concept. Well before the rise of various models and frameworks to evaluate organizational culture, companies recognized the risk of hiring a cultural mismatch — such as the lone wolf in a company that values collaboration. New employees, especially leaders, who clash with the culture are often ineffective, and are
The Koblentz Group Seeking CHRO for PRGX
Anyone with the 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 (CHRO). The biggest shift has been in how the CHRO has progressed from fighting for a seat at the table to playing a key role
Paschal•Murray Tapped by Lowell Observatory 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
Kingsley Gate Creates New Global Knowledge Center
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners has established a new global knowledge center which will serve as a foundational platform to its growing global client base. It will function as a strategic resource, initially focused on expanding the organization’s knowledge management function and strengthening research to facilitate business development and search execution. “We are excited to
Inzito Partnership Creates CFO Practice
The Inzito Partnership, a London-based executive search firm, has expanded with the addition of a financial officer practice to serve what the organization says is a growing number of requirements in the field. Simon Bailey joins the company to lead the new practice, working on the appointment of CFOs and their leadership teams in the U.K.
Demand for Interim Executives on the Rise
Across the board, in every industry, today’s candidate-driven market is fueled by growing demand for top talent against a landscape of short supply. This has led to nearly three million people being employed in temporary jobs, a number that is expected to grow at a healthy pace over the next few years as companies strive to
Quick Leonard Kieffer Lands CEO for National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
Executive recruitment firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has recruited Jacqueline Burgess-Bishop as CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, chartered as one of the founding affiliates of the National Kidney Foundation in 1964. The assignment was conducted by Steven M. Derks, president and chief executive officer, along with principal Jennifer Deniz. “Because of the dedication and strength
Preng & Associates Recruits CEO for Rosehill Resources
After a national search, executive recruitment firm Preng & Associates has placed David L. French as president and CEO of Rosehill Resources Inc. in Houston, TX. He will succeed Gary C. Hanna, who has served as interim president and CEO since September. Mr. Hanna will remain chairman of the company’s board of directors. “We are very pleased to have
Sterling Martin Seeking CEO for Camp Fire
National youth development organization Camp Fire has enlisted Sterling Martin Associates to help find its next president and CEO. David S. Martin, managing partner; Tricia Bork Canavan, senior consultant; and Katherine Carter, senior executive recruiter, are conducting the assignment for the Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm. Camp Fire wants a CEO who will be an innovator to
Publicis Media Creates Executive Search Practice
In what continues to be a trend among organizations, London-based Publicis Media has launched an executive search practice which will be led by veteran executive recruiter Julie Jeantet. Ms. Jeantet will work closely with existing senior recruiters Mary Hurlock-Murphy and Marcus Wainer and will oversee Publicis Media’s internal talent mobility program for leaders. “It has never
CEO Confidence Falls as Workers Remain Optimistic
Although chief executives continue to be upbeat about the economy, their confidence levels have dropped in recent months, according to the latest report by the Conference Board. Meanwhile, the Worker Confidence Index (WCI) compiled by HRO Today Magazine and Yoh found that American workers’ confidence remained relatively stable last quarter and enjoyed a 2.6-point year-over-year rise compared to last year. “Despite
