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Kaye/Bassman Names Practice Leader for the South Division
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has named Ashley Richards as practice leader for the South division. “Ashley’s leadership, consistency, and track record of performance have made her one of the most respected partners within our organization. Her ability to build deep client relationships, while delivering exceptional talent solutions, has been instrumental to our
Human Capital Moves to the Center of Private Equity Value Creation
Private equity firms are placing increasing emphasis on leadership as a primary driver of value creation, reshaping how talent is evaluated and deployed across portfolio companies. The role of human capital has moved beyond support function status to become a central component of investment strategy and execution. As a result, firms are adopting more structured,
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.
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
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?
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
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. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
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
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
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
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
Heidrick & Struggles Selected by Newell Brands to Find New CEO
Competition among consumer companies has never been fiercer. Customers are shopping in new and sometimes non-traditional ways as mass market retailers offer designer goods, brick and mortar staples are available on-line and venerable brands spin off agile brand extensions. Consumer companies are also keen to capitalize on the potential of emerging and high growth markets. All this
RSR Partners Assists USA Rugby in CEO Search
USA Rugby has named an internal candidate, Ross Young, as its new chief executive officer. Executive recruitment firm RSR Partners led the search and assessment efforts. Mr. Young has been operating in the role since Dan Payne stepped down from the job in July to head operations with Rugby Americas. Based in Lafayette, CO, USA Rugby is the national governing
Envision Consulting Finds New Leader for Jay Nolan Community Services
Pasadena, CA-based search firm Envision Consulting has placed Edward Amey as the new executive director of Jay Nolan Community Services (JNCS), a Mission Hills, CA-based non-profit which provides support services to those with autism and other developmental disabilities. Jeff Strully retired in December after 25 years with the organization. “We are very fortunate to have
Horton International Opens New Office in Dubai
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire recruiters and open locations. Among them, Horton International has strengthened its presence in the Middle East with the opening of a new office in Dubai. Horton International began its presence in the region by
The Role Age Plays in the Talent Game
As e-commerce enters its second decade of maturity, a new generation of executives is entering the C-suite. Some of these professionals are self-made, having launched successful companies to become highly-visible 20- and-30-something CEOs. Others, prized for their digital fluency and new ways of thinking, are climbing the ranks in the fast track to the top.
Big Ten Conference Taps Korn Ferry to Find New Commissioner
Korn Ferry will conduct the search for a new commissioner for the collegiate sports Big Ten Conference. Earlier this week it was announced that Jim Delany, who has held the commissioner role for 30 years, will step down when his contract expires at the end of June 2020. The search will be led by Jed
Caldwell Finds Chief Credit Officer for OneMain Financial
Toronto-based executive search firm Caldwell has recruited Dinesh Goyal as chief credit officer at OneMain Financial in New York. Paul Heller, managing partner of the firm’s global financial services practice, led the assignment along with partner Rich Perkey. In his new role, Mr. Goyal is responsible for managing credit, pricing, direct mail and digital marketing, and operational analytics. Mr. Goyal
Raines International Appoints CEO
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments over the past year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: New York-headquartered Raines International named COO Daniel R. Smith as its new president and CEO. Founder and current CEO Bruce R. Raines will continue with the firm as senior
Ward Howell International Opens Office in Milan
Global recruiter Ward Howell International has continued its recent expansion with the opening of a new office in Milan. The office consists of 12 people and is led by Luigi Mancioppi, managing partner and chairman Italy, and Vito Gioia, managing partner and director Italy. The team is strengthened by Marcello Marcellini as partner, two associate partners, Massimo
Why Executives Need Career Transition Support, Even in a Hot Job Market
Even in a strong economy, executives face many challenges when searching for a new position equal to their talents. A new report by John Myers, founder and managing director of Kensington International, concludes that in a hot job market, business leaders might question whether they need to provide transition support for their outgoing executives and
RM Nephew and Associates Lands Top Roles for Parkland Health & Hospital System
Executive recruitment firm RM Nephew and Associates recently completed searches for two key roles within the Parkland Health & Hospital System in Dallas. John W. Wendling is the new executive director of Community Health Plan, Parkland’s managed care organization, and Steven Roth, who was serving as the interim general counsel for the health and hospital
Armstrong McGuire & Associates Recruits President for Blue Cross Blue Shield
The non-profit sector has gained economic strength in recent years, making it the third largest employer in the country. Nearly two million not-for-profits employ 10.7 million people and produce $1.9 trillion in revenue. In the past decade, employment in the sector grew by 17 percent. With demand for non-profit talent at an all-time high, search firms have
Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints Chief Human Capital Officer
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR executives looking for a career change. For chief human resources officers, chief talent officers and other C-suite HR executives, the cross-over skills required in the search business are nearly identical. Executive recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates recently named veteran HR executive Eren Rosenfeld as







