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Executive Search Continues Its Confident Climb As Transformation Takes Center Stage
The executive search industry entered 2026 from a position of strength. According to Hunt Scanlon, fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. / Americas – the global talent sector’s largest and most dominant region – jumped 11 percent last year, topping out at $6.69 billion. Seventy-five percent of search firms
Why Top Candidates Choose One Offer Over Another
Recruitment in the financial services industry, especially across wealth management, RIAs, and fintech roles, has become increasingly competitive, with strong candidates having multiple opportunities and greater choice in where they go, according to a recent report from Right Executive Search’s Elisa Sheftic. “It is especially disappointing when a top candidate withdraws from an opportunity during the
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.
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
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?
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
The Chief Commercial Officer: Driving Private Equity Value Creation
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on organic growth, commercial leadership is taking on a more central role in value creation. The chief commercial officer (CCO) has become one of the most important post-acquisition hires for private equity sponsors, according to a recent report from Spencer Stuart’s Dave Vidor. As extended hold periods and
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for U.S. Mobile Health Exams
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Eric Hepburn as CEO at U.S. Mobile Health Exams (USMHE) in Jacksonville, FL. He brings more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, business operations, strategic growth, and organizational transformation. Mr. Hepburn’s appointment brings USMHE an experienced executive with a track record of strengthening business operations, developing scalable
Cooper Coleman Leading CFO Search for Jacksonville Zoological Society
Cooper Coleman LLC has been retained by Jacksonville Zoological Society, Inc. to conduct a national search for its next CFO. “Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has an ambitious vision for its future, and its next CFO will help shape how those plans move forward,” said Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “We’re looking for someone
The Christopher Group Tapped by MITRE for Head of Total Rewards Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by MITRE to lead in its search for a head of total rewards. The search is being led by managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director Kat Kilkenney. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a total rewards leader who wants to make
True Establishes Dedicated Private Credit Practice
Global executive talent platform True has launched a dedicated private credit practice, led by Rick Bank, managing director and head of the private credit and private equity practices. The launch comes as private credit enters a significant credit cycle, with 67 percent of portfolio managers citing greater competition and 64 percent citing defaults and credit losses as
Inside the Decisions That Shape Hiring and Careers
Hiring and leadership decisions continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping both individual careers and organizational performance. As companies navigate tighter talent markets, rapid technological change, and evolving expectations around leadership, greater attention is being placed on how executives identify high performers, assess potential, and make decisions about who is ready for greater
ON Partners Recruits Board Members for Artisan Industries
Partners Seth Harris and Shawn Oglesbee of ON Partners have assisted in the recruitment of Stephen S. Schwartz and Gary A. Doyon as new members of the board of directors of Artisan Industries. The addition of two independent directors strengthens the company’s governance and strategic leadership, as Artisan expands its core technologies into high-growth markets, including specialty chemicals, PFAS removal, drug
Reffett Associates Seeking Vice President of Development for the Army Historical Foundation
WA-based Reffett Associates was recently retained by the Army Historical Foundation to recruit its next vice president of development. The Army Historical Foundation is the non-profit organization that supports the National Museum of the United States Army, which honors the service and sacrifice of American soldiers throughout the Army’s history. The vice president of development will play
DHR Global Expands Middle East and Africa Presence
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Michael Patrick Okumu-Ringa as managing partner, Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai, he will lead the expansion of DHR’s regional business, building its team and strengthening its executive search and leadership advisory capabilities while connecting regional clients with international talent in partnership with DHR’s London office. “The
Building a Safer AI Future Through Guardrails and Human Oversight
The swift advancement of AI is opening doors to fresh opportunities for innovation and growth. At the same time, these breakthroughs are giving rise to serious digital safety challenges. From AI-powered scams and realistic deepfakes to generative AI (GenAI) hallucinations, new risks are emerging that traditional quality assurance approaches can no longer effectively address. For
Caldwell Posts Revenue Increase
Toronto-based executive search firm Caldwell has posted second quarter revenues of $15.3 million (all dollar figures in Canadian), a two percent increase from a year ago when the firm recorded revenues of $14.9 million. “The developing headwinds we experienced at the end of our first quarter continued into the beginning of our second quarter, as economic uncertainty and equity
NGS Global Opens Office in London
Executive search firm NGS Global continues to grow, recently opening an office in London. Steve Lavelle has been named as managing partner to head the office. Mr. Lavelle is an experienced European executive search professional with more than 25 years recruiting executive leaders predominantly in the technology sector. “We are absolutely delighted to be able to recruit Steve
Unemployment Rate Remains Unchanged as Employers Add 196,000 Jobs
Employers added 196,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.8 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. Wall Street analysts had expected an increase of between 150,000 and 200,000. The March gain is the 102nd consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed people
Turnkey Search Lands Head Basketball Coach for University of Nebraska
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has placed Fred Hoiberg as the new head coach for the men’s basketball program at the University of Nebraska. He replaces Tim Miles, who was let go after leading the Cornhuskers to a 19-17 record this past season. The appointment of Mr. Hoiberg follows a comprehensive national
Shelli Herman and Associates Tapped by San Diego Zoo Foundation to Find President
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been retained by the Foundation of San Diego Zoo Global to find its next president. Shelli Herman, president of the recruitment firm, is leading the assignment along with her associate, Krista Haley. The foundation wants a strategic, collaborative and experienced fundraising professional to serve in the role of president, Foundation
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







