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Shelli Herman and Associates Tapped by Mystic Aquarium to Lead CEO Search
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates was recently selected by Mystic Aquarium to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. The organization seeks an experienced, mission-driven CEO to lead the organization into its next chapter, defined by expanded conservation impact, philanthropic growth, and deeper community relevance. Reporting to the board of trustees, this
Furst Group Recruits President and CEO of Blessing Health System
Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, recently helped to recruit Mike Trachta as the president and CEO of Blessing Health System. “The board sought a leader who could shape long-term strategy, strengthen key partnerships, and preserve Blessing Health’s independence while advancing operational excellence and financial stewardship,” Furst Group said in a LinkedIn
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,
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Kincannon & Reed Places CEO at Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy
Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has placed Eric Fobes as the new CEO of Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy (SIRE). Jon Leafstedt and Patrick Fitzgerald, principals with Kincannon & Reed, conducted a nationwide search for SIRE. Current CEO Mike Jerke will retire at the end of 2025 after seven
Daversa Partners Appoints Partner
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has named Brian Warager as partner. “Brian’s work is redefining what it means to recruit for the frontier,” said Paul Daversa, CEO of Daversa. “He has an exceptional ability to identify leaders who thrive where technology meets mission – whether that’s securing our national defense, advancing the
How Companies Can Retain, Engage, and Empower Talent in a Changing World
One of the greatest challenges faced by many organizations today is retaining and engaging talent, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, which sparked the Great Resignation and heightened competition for top talent. Now, companies have an opportunity to create environments where employees feel valued and motivated to stay long-term, according to a recent report from global
Harris Search Associates Retained by Ferris University to Lead Provost Search
Harris Search Associates was recently tapped by Ferris University to lead in its search for a provost and vice president for academic affairs. Ed Christ is leading the assignment. The provost will build on current strengths by continuing to develop the quality and depth of faculty and staff. They will cultivate an environment of belonging that
AGB Search Tapped by Lewis University to Find Next President
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Lewis University to lead in its search its 11th president. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech are leading the assignment. The Lewis University board of trustees has announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits CFO for the Port of Seattle
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has helped to recruit Chris Wimsatt as the new CFO of the Port of Seattle. Rod Dinger led the assignment. “The Port of Seattle’s success as an economic engine and job creator is tied directly to our financial management,” said Port of Seattle executive director Steve Metruck. “Chris’s experience in aviation, general purpose
HTP Group Expands in Spain
HTP Group has expanded with the addition of Meritxell Galbas as partner in Spain. “Meritxell’s extensive experience in executive leadership, technology-driven transformation, and business growth makes her a strong addition to HTP Group,” said Ineke Arts and Raffaele Jacovelli, managing directors of HTP Group. “Her expertise will support our clients in Spain and across the EMEA region in navigating complex
EY Says Big Deals Driving Record M&A Growth In U.S.
The latest EY Merger Monthly report shows that the total value of large transactions rose 25 percent in Q3, propelling year-to-date U.S. deal value to $1.78 trillion – up 36 percent from the same period in 2024. September alone delivered 151 large deals totaling $257.6 billion in value. Technology, oil and gas, and life sciences led the surge, signaling
Realigning Leadership Values in a Changing Workplace
According to The Conference Board’s The Reimagined Workplace, hybrid work remains stable, recruiting and retention have become easier, and employee well-being indicators continue to improve. In this environment, corporate culture continues to be a priority for visionary leadership. As companies define and reaffirm their corporate values, employees may find their personal values do not always
Klein Hersh Recruits CEO for Newleos Therapeutics
Horsham, PA-based Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Timothy Noyes as president and chief executive officer of biotechnology company Newleos Therapeutics in Boston, MA. Mr. Noyes succeeds David Donabedian, founding president and CEO of Newleos and executive partner at Longwood Fund, who will continue
Peña Search Seeking Major Gifts Officer for Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep
Peña Search was recently selected by Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep (Cristo Rey Dallas) to lead in its search for a major gifts officer. Cristo Rey Dallas seeks a major gifts officer to join its advancement team at a pivotal moment in the school’s history. As Cristo Rey Dallas enters its second decade of impact,
International Executive Search Federation Adds Four New Partners to Network
International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has added four new exclusive partners to its international executive search network. “This expansion strengthens IESF’s presence in Latin America, the Nordics, and Central Eastern Europe, and brings fresh expertise and local insight to our global community. We are proud to welcome Alec Allan & Associés, Human Garden, Key Executives, and
Beyond the Hire: How Private Equity Firms Are Rethinking the Executive Search Mandate
In private equity, leadership isn’t just about filling seats—it’s about fueling transformation. Every executive decision carries the weight of accelerated timelines, evolving strategies, and investor expectations. The difference between success and stagnation often comes down to whether a firm can identify leaders who don’t just fit the current moment, but can also architect the next
Funk Associates Recruits Provost for Clemson University
Funk Associates has recruited J. Cole Smith as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of Clemson University. This follows approval from the board of trustees compensation committee. He will replace Robert H. Jones, who announced he was stepping down following 11 years serving as the university’s provost. “I am thrilled to announce that Dr. Cole Smith has
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Polaris Electro-Optics
ON Partners’ Bryan Buck and Alex Pelak recently placed Morten Nissov as the new CEO of Polaris Electro-Optics, a developer of next-generation optical modulators for bandwidth- and power-constrained interconnects. The company recently closed its Series A funding round, led by Koch Disruptive Technologies (KDT). KDT is the investment arm of Koch and is renowned for supporting high-growth companies that
Summit Search Group Expands in Winnipeg
Ontario-headquartered executive recruiting firm Summit Search Group has expanded with the addition of Erin Steeves to Prairies team as a recruitment coordinator. Based in Winnipeg, she will focus on recruitment across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Over the past year, Summit Search Group has experienced strong momentum in the Prairies, driven by great client partnerships and increasing demand for
Kestria Appoints Leader of AI Ambassadors Group
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has named Thomas Suter as the new leader of the AI Ambassadors Group. Under his leadership, the group will continue to innovate, ensuring technology enhances efficiency without compromising personalized, strategic advisory. “At Kestria, we see the thoughtful integration of AI not as a replacement, but as a
With Liquidity And Legacy Looming, A New Paradox Emerges For Founder-Led Firms
Jay Alix, the founder of AlixPartners, has teamed up with veteran PE investor David Tayeh to launch Tayeh Capital Group, a $400 million fund aimed at family-owned professional & business services firms facing generational transition. The bet, said James O’Dowd, founder and CEO of Patrick Morgan, is that “aging founders, lower valuations, and stuck portfolio companies will create
Innovation Fatigue: Creativity & Clarity for Effective Leadership
In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, innovation is no longer optional—it’s the lifeblood of competitiveness. Yet as organizations race to reinvent themselves, many leaders are discovering that the constant demand for transformation comes at a cost. The expectation to continuously ideate, adapt, and outperform has created a new kind of pressure—one that tests not only creative
San Diego Pride Retains Cooper Coleman to Lead Executive Director Search
Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has been called in by San Diego Pride to lead in its search for a new executive director. J. Michael Durnil is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as the senior staff member of San Diego Pride, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and external representation. This role requires a dynamic leader who can
SPMB Recruits Chief Data Officer for Finastra
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Ali Khan as chief data officer for London-based financial services company Finastra. Managing partner Mike Doonan led the assignment. “Congratulations to Finastra on welcoming Ali Khan as its new chief data officer,” SPMB said in a LinkedIn post. “A multi-industry data & AI veteran, Ali has held senior leadership roles at
Jobplex Strengthens Midwest Healthcare Practice with Acquisition
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Healthcare Management Group and appointed Brooke Wedding as managing partner. This strategic partnership strengthens Jobplex’s healthcare services and solutions practice and expands its reach in the Midwest. Based in Columbus, OH, Ms. Wedding has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare recruitment, leadership development, and talent
Powering Growth Through Precision Dealmaking
In an era defined by rapid consolidation and strategic reinvention, precision dealmaking has emerged as the driving force behind growth in the executive search industry. As firms navigate shifting market dynamics, many are turning to mergers, acquisitions, and private equity partnerships to expand capabilities, unlock liquidity, and gain competitive advantage. The most forward-thinking leaders are
The C-Suite in the Age of Machines
As technology continues to redefine industries, the very concept of leadership is being rewritten. The rise of automation, AI, and data-driven decision-making has shifted the focus from managing processes to leading through complexity and change. Organizations are no longer just seeking executives who can deliver results—they need leaders who can balance digital transformation with human
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Seeking Chief Development Officer for the U.S. Naval Institute
DRiWaterstone Human Capital is currently seeking a chief development officer for the U.S. Naval Institute. The U.S. Naval Institute seeks a development leader of presence and confidence with an authentic passion for the Naval Institute’s mission. The chief development officer will oversee a comprehensive development program, building strong relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation supporters to secure unrestricted,
Muskingum University Taps Academic Search to Help Find New President
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by Muskingum University in New Concord, OH, to lead in its search for its 22nd president. Current president Susan Hasseler will retire in June 2026, after a decade of leadership. The search is being led by senior consultants Sharon D. Herzberger and Dan DiBiasio, along with Carly Place, associate consultant.
Massey Henry Expands Leadership Practice
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has created a strategic partnership with industry veterans Sébastien Bélair and Dana Zorbas to expand its leadership practice. “Building on the recent recognition by The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business as one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies, this collaboration reflects the firm’s continued investment in delivering tailored leadership advisory solutions for financial services
How Leadership Success Hinges on Style and Cultural Fit
Leadership today requires more than experience and expertise—it demands self-awareness and alignment with the environment in which a leader operates. The most effective leaders understand that success depends not only on what they know but on how their approach fits the organization’s culture, pace, and expectations. This connection between leadership style and organizational context often
BroadView Talent Partners Assists Gateway Film Center with CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners has placed Charly Bauer as the new president and CEO of Gateway Film Foundation. He will lead nationally recognized art house Gateway Film Center. Mr. Bauer, who begins on November 3, was selected following a comprehensive nationwide search led by Broadview Talent Partners. He succeeds longtime Gateway Film Foundation leader Chris Hamel, who will step down
RH Perry & Associates Leading President Search for Illinois Central College
RH Perry & Associates has been retained by Illinois Central College (ICC) to lead in its search for a new president. Senior consultants Jessie Thompson and Charlene Newkirk are leading the assignment. The Illinois Central College board of trustees seeks an accomplished, collaborative, engaging, transparent, visionary leader with a proven record of fostering student success, driving strategic initiatives, and advancing institutional
BarkerGilmore Appoints Strategic Advisor and Executive Coach
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has appointed Mary Ann Hynes as a strategic advisor and executive coach. “Mary Ann is one of the most accomplished and respected legal leaders of her generation,” said Bob Barker, managing partner of BarkerGilmore. “Her pioneering career, breadth of industry experience, and proven ability to
