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Spencer Stuart Recruits 16th President for the University of Michigan
Spencer Stuart has recruited Kent Syverud, chancellor and president of Syracuse University, as the 16th president of the University of Michigan. He becomes the first U-M alumnus in nearly a century to be appointed president. Mary Gorman, a partner in the firm’s education and social impact practice, and Alexis Stiles, a University of Michigan alumna and a
The Key Gaps in Hiring for AI
Artificial intelligence is progressing more quickly than most organizations can keep pace with. From predictive analytics to generative models, companies everywhere are racing to establish their AI strategies. But while many are investing heavily in data, technology, and infrastructure, one critical piece of the equation is being overlooked: the human one, according to a recent
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
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
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,
Private Equity’s Leadership Imperative: Driving Impact with Agility and Vision
As the private equity landscape becomes increasingly dynamic and complex, the demand for transformative leadership has never been greater. PE firms are no longer just seeking financial expertise—they want seasoned executives who can deliver alpha through strategic insight, operational excellence, and cultural leadership. Recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media that these leaders must demonstrate a clear
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped to Find President for Kent State
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. Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by Kent State University to lead in the search for its 13th president.
Carpe Diem Partners Launched
An array of new recruiting firms have launched around the world this year. The latest: Newly formed Carpe Diem Partners describes itself as “a truly disruptive firm, end to end, in an industry long overdue for disruption.” The San Francisco-based firm said it offers “faster service, balanced candidate assessments and is the only retained executive
Ridgeway Partners Adds Asset Management Recruiting Specialist
Boston-headquartered executive search firm Ridgeway Partners has expanded with the addition of Deborah Markus as a managing director in its New York office. Specializing in asset management, she has a strong track record of recruiting for senior leadership positions, distribution teams and building new business lines. “Deborah is an exceptional, seasoned recruiter with a deep knowledge of the asset
7 Savvy Recruiting Tips for Uncertain Times
Optimism . . . or pessimism? Volatility . . . or predictability? Growth . . . or downturn? No matter where on this spectrum your organization falls in anticipation of 2019, the best strategy is to prepare for both the expected and unexpected, according to a recent report authored by Rick Gray, CEO of Chicago-based
Hanold Associates Seeks VP of Talent Acquisition for Fossil Group
Talent acquisition has always been an important part of the hiring strategies and recruitment practices for any organization. But in the last few years, it’s become more critical than ever. Chicago-based Hanold Associates has been selected by Fossil Group Inc. to lead its search for a new vice president of talent acquisition. Jason Hanold, CEO and co-managing
Turnkey Search Scores an Assist for Philadelphia Flyers and Wells Fargo Center
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has recruited Valerie Camillo as president of business operations for the Philadelphia Flyers and Wells Fargo Center. Ms. Camillo will oversee all day-to-day business operations of the NHL Flyers, NLL Wings, and more than 250 events annually at the Wells Fargo Center, including the relationship with the
Luxury Recruit Strengthens Search Staff
Luxury Recruit, an executive search firm focused on the retail, fashion and luxury industry, has expanded with the addition of Olivier Parent as managing partner. In his new role, Mr. Parent leads the day-to-day activities of the firm, working closely with CEO Mohammed Mirza. Mr. Parent brings a wealth of experience to the role. He
AIMS Expands Into Belgium
AIMS International has strengthened its presence in Europe with the creation of AIMS International Belgium. The firm has appointed Olivier Legrand as managing partner to lead the new location. The office in Belgium offers the full range of executive search, leadership development and HR process consulting services provided by AIMS International. After more than 20 years in senior and general management positions in
The Impact of the Gig Economy on Recruiting
Working nine to five for a single employer bears little resemblance to the way a substantial share of the workforce makes a living today. Millions of people pull together various income streams and work independently, rather than in structured payroll jobs. This is hardly a new phenomenon, yet it has never been well measured in
Quick Leonard Kieffer Seeking Chief Medical Officer for Norwegian American Hospital
Executive recruitment firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has been selected by Norwegian American Hospital in Chicago to lead its search for a new chief medical officer. Founder and vice chairman Roger Quick is leading the assignment along with principal Lindsey Hochman. Reporting to the president and chief executive officer of the hospital, the chief medical officer is
Morris & Berger Seeking New Leader for World of Children
Morris & Berger, a recruitment firm that specializes in searches for non-profit organizations, has been enlisted by World of Children in Irvine, CA, to spearhead its search for a new executive director. World of Children seeks an entrepreneurial, visionary leader and fundraiser to oversee and propel its next phase of growth in service of the world’s
Witt/Kieffer Names Managing Director for Europe and the Middle East
Executive recruitment firm Witt/Kieffer has continued its recent expansion with the addition of Inga Walter as managing director to develop its life sciences, healthcare and higher education practices across Europe and the Middle East. “With sweeping changes taking place in the business and regulatory environment internationally, the industry will need dynamic, nimble leaders who understand global challenges and pressure points,” said Morten Nielsen,
Gilbert Tweed Joins Friisberg & Partners International
Friisberg & Partners International has added Gilbert Tweed International in New York City as its newest member firm. “This is a big step forward,” said founder Janet Tweed. “We are delighted with this arrangement. It is a clear statement of intent, that we are determined to offer our clients the same level of commitment and results in Europe
The Omerta Group Strengthens U.S. Operations with Acquisition
London-headquartered executive search firm The Omerta Group (TOG) has expanded its operations in the U.S. with the recent acquisition of New York-based recruiting firm Gollin Associates, which is led by Deborah Gollin. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Ms. Gollin will serve as co-head of the search outfit’s U.S. practice alongside Michael Stover,
Odgers Berndtson Adds CFO Practice Co-Leader and Life Sciences Partner
Rounding out a year of explosive U.S. growth, global search firm Odgers Berndtson has added two more new partners. Longtime search professional Russell Boyle joins the firm as a partner and co-leader of the firm’s CFO practice in the U.S., while Evan McClure signs on as a partner in the life sciences and healthcare practices. “Russell
The Lancer Group Finds New CFO for Beneplace
The Lancer Group, a La Jolla, CA-headquartered executive search firm, recently placed John Pence as chief financial officer of Beneplace, a leading provider of voluntary benefits to Fortune 1000 companies and government institutions. The assignment was led by Scott Dunklee, partner; Dashan Subramaniam, consultant; and Liliana Corona, who is in charge of marketing and business
Renovata Finds Chief Product Officer for IDnow
Renovata, a global executive search firm with offices in London, New York, Berlin and Stockholm, has placed Vikas Seth as chief product officer of IDnow in Munich. Partner Thomas Jepsen led the assignment. “We are delighted to continue building out the senior team at IDnow as it gains momentum as the leader in identity automation,” said Mr.
Talentor International Adds Scottish Search Firm to Network
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. One such group, Talentor International, has added Scottish search specialist Denholm Associates as
Uncertainty Aside, Employers Look to Ramp up Hiring In 2019
U.S. employers are expecting hiring to pick up in the first quarter of 2019, with 23 percent of employers planning to add staff, according to the latest “Employment Outlook Survey,” released today by ManpowerGroup. Employers in all U.S. regions and industry sectors said they are looking for headcount to grow. The upbeat forecast indicates that the uncertain
DHR International Leads Head Football Coach Search for Utah State
As the college football season comes to a close for teams not competing in the postseason, expect to see a lot of firing and hiring activity involving coaches. Schools are expected to continue to turn to search firms to fill the resulting vacancies. Glenn Sugiyama, managing partner and global sports practice leader at DHR International,
Envision Consulting Seeks Executive Director for Jay Nolan Community Services
Envision Consulting has been selected to find the next executive director for Jay Nolan Community Services (JNCS), a Mission Hills, CA-based non-profit which provides support services to those with autism and other developmental disabilities. JNCS’ current leader, Jeff Strully, is retiring effective Dec. 31, after 25 years with the organization. The Pasadena, CA-based search firm
Boyden Continues Recent Expansion in Chicago
Boyden continues to expand and add talent across several global regions. The firm recently named Chuck Pembroke as a partner in Chicago. Mr. Pembroke joins Boyden with a track record in consulting and executive leadership spanning general management, strategic planning, commercial, innovation and M&A roles. His work in executive search includes the placement of senior executives
Signium Opens Office in Rio de Janeiro
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Rio de Janeiro. It becomes the organization’s second office in the region, joining its location in São Paulo “It was a great experience to be in Brazil at an exciting time as their national election concluded,” said Alastair Paton, chairman. “We are incredibly proud of the speed with
Gannett Co. Turns to Egon Zehnder to Find CEO
Gannett Co. has initiated a succession process to find a successor to president and CEO Robert Dickey, who recently informed its board of directors that he intends to retire. The company has engaged Egon Zehnder to assist in evaluating both internal and external candidates for the role. “Succession planning is one of a board’s greatest
Charles Aris Expands Private Equity Recruiting Practice
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Inc. recently expanded its professional services offering with the addition of Lucas Durr to its finance and accounting recruiting practice. Teaming with Jim Etling, who leads the firm’s recruitment services in finance and accounting and serves as its primary practice leader in private equity, Mr. Durr will identify and recruit leaders
Healthcare Recruiters Now Seek Leaders with Blending Skillsets
This is the time of year that most people start thinking about what to give and do for others during the holidays. For business leaders, it is the season of year-end financials, annual evaluations and budget approvals, holiday parties and winter break. It is also a time to reflect on the year that is coming to a
Kingsley Gate Partners Finds CHRO for Greif
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resources officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. The best HR chiefs are seen as integral strategic advisors to the C-suite, and the ones in demand are those who are sounding boards for CEOs, report recruiters focused on the space. Why is there such
Stanton Chase Opens Office in Perth
Stanton Chase International has continued its recent expansion with the opening of a new office in Perth, Australia, led by directors Tony Taylor and Greg Preston. They bring a combined 55 years of executive search and business experience in the industries most relevant to the region. The expansion into the Western Australian market represents an important
Jobs Report Points to Potential Uncertainty Ahead
Employers added 155,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.7 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. Wall Street analysts had expected an increase of about 190,000. The November gain is the 97th consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed people stands at
Ventura Partners Seeks Football Coach for Kansas State University
Executive recruitment firm Ventura Partners has been chosen to lead the search for Kansas State University’s next football coach. This week, Bill Snyder, the winningest coach in the school’s history, announced his retirement after 27 seasons, and one previous retirement. Partner Chad Chatlos will spearhead the nationwide search for Ventura Partners. Mr. Snyder, 79, leaves
Harvey Hohauser & Associates Finds CFO for Tweddle Group
Executive search firm Harvey Hohauser & Associates (HH&A) has placed Mariam Iskandarani as the new CFO of Tweddle Group in Clinton Township, MI. “We’re entering an exciting phase of growth at Tweddle Group, so we were determined to find the ideal person for the role of CFO,” said Brian Suszek, CEO of the firm. “Once we met with Mariam, the
