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Reinforcing Leadership at Historically Black Colleges
Presidential turnover has become an increasingly urgent issue across higher education, but the stakes are especially high at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). As HBCUs navigate rising enrollment demand, heightened fundraising expectations, and growing public visibility, leadership continuity is emerging as a critical factor in long-term institutional strength. Yet many campuses continue to face
Industra Talent Partners Launched by Bespoke Partners for Private Equity-Backed Industrial Companies
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has launched Industra Talent Partners to use AI and a best-in-class search methodology to recruit senior leaders for U.S. middle-market industrial companies backed by private equity. “Industrial companies are perfect candidates for private equity to produce outsized returns. But portfolio company leadership is the critical factor in executing on value creation plans,” said Eric
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Why Succession Planning Is Critical to Reducing Leadership Risk
Most organizations have something they refer to as a succession plan — a spreadsheet, a nine-box grid updated once a year and then put away, or an annual HR review. But very few can answer the question that truly matters: if a critical leader left tomorrow, would the organization be able to keep executing? That’s
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?
Rokos Group Seeking Chief Medical Officer for Center for Elders’ Independence
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been selected by Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) to lead in its search for a chief medical officer. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief medical officer will serve as CEI’s senior physician executive and a full member of the executive leadership team. This is a strategic
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Assists the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority with CEO Search
ADK Consulting & Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Cris Jensen as the new president and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). Rod Dinger led the assignment. “It is my honor to announce the board has chosen Cris Jensen to serve as the next president and CEO, and his contract negotiations are currently underway,” said Shaun Carey, chair of
How CEOs Can Overcome Setbacks and Emerge Stronger
Executive search firms are increasingly being called upon to assess more than a candidate’s track record of growth, transformation, and financial performance. As boards search for CEOs capable of leading through persistent uncertainty, resilience has become a critical component of the leadership profile. Search consultants are placing greater emphasis on how executives have responded to
Occam Global Recruits CFO for eGenesis
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has placed Glenn Vraniak as CFO of eGenesis, a biotechnology company developing human-compatible engineered organs for transplantation. “eGenesis is entering a pivotal stage in our evolution as we prepare to advance our programs through clinical development and lay the foundation for future commercialization,” said Mike Curtis, CEO of eGenesis.
Maven Partnership Names Partner and Consultants
Global talent advisory firm Maven Partnership has recently promoted Tom Chambers to partner, Seb Coughlin as consultant, and George Roberts to consultant. “We are delighted to announce the well-deserved promotions of several exceptional individuals here at Maven Partnership, Will Hannaford, chief executive officer. “We’re committed to the growth and development of our people, and it’s fantastic to
The Execution Era: How Transformation Is Reshaping Private Equity
Most PE value creation plans don’t fail on strategy. They fail between the plan and the doing. With longer holds and less forgiving exit windows, delivery discipline is carrying more of the return, according to a new report from Wilton & Bain’s Jack Syred and James Royall. The report reflects patterns Wilton & Bain has
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses to Lead VP of Corporate Operations Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been tapped by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for their vice president of corporate operations, based in Alexandria, VA. IDA seeks a seasoned operational and business transformation leader to modernize systems, processes, and service delivery across the organization. Serving as a corporate officer and
Modern Executive Solutions adds Partner to Lead Growth of M1 Talent Community
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has appointed Bria Bass as as partner, where she will lead the continued growth and expansion of the M1 Talent Community across North America and Europe. “Bria brings a rare combination of executive advisory, deep community-building experience, and an exceptional ability to connect leaders in meaningful ways,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO
AI Is Rewriting the Executive Hiring Playbook
Insight Partners’ latest research suggests the AI era is creating a new executive hiring playbook. Based on more than 400 executive searches and interviews with over 1,400 leadership candidates, the firm’s talent team argues that many of the characteristics defining today’s strongest product and engineering leaders would have been viewed as weaknesses only a few years
FMG Leading Acquires Market Intelligence And Strategic Advisory Firm BroadBranch Advisors
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has acquired market intelligence and strategic advisory firm BroadBranch Advisors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “In today’s high-pressure landscape, translating forward-looking intelligence into action faster and more effectively is critical for our clients, especially in the investor-backed healthcare space,” said Matt Brubaker, chairman and CEO of FMG Leading. “By
PARC Street Group Places Chief Operating Officer for Mission Valley Bank
PARC Street Group has assisted in the recruitment Amanda Connell as chief operating officer at Mission Valley Bank. This search was completed by PARC Street Group senior executive search consultant Michelle Davis, executive recruiter Tabassum Nagpurwala, and executive search associate Priscilla Chacon. Ms. Connell brings more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience across community
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Build a New Performance Model for Executive Recruiters
As the executive search industry faces growing pressure to deliver stronger and more consistent results, firms are reassessing how recruiters are trained, developed, and prepared to meet changing client demands. A few months ago, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ Talent Intelligence advisory unit introduced the Recruiter Performance Training Program, a practical, execution-focused system designed to
U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent
Employment fell by 23,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 6.9 million, changed little in July. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.1 percent) and people who are Hispanic (4.6 percent) declined
Parker Remick Expands with New Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has appointed Adam Szepkouski as partner of consulting excellence. The firm explained that this hire reflects a broader push to refine execution and scale delivery as demand for senior technology leaders accelerates. The appointment comes at a time of structural change in technology leadership. AI is reshaping how technology organizations are built and
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
How AlixPartners and Endava Are Redefining Transformation
AlixPartners and Endava have announced a global strategic partnership that will combine operational consulting expertise with next-generation technology delivery. The alliance positions the two firms to tackle complex transformation challenges across industries like private equity, financial services, energy, and telecom, where clients increasingly demand faster, integrated solutions. “Digital innovation, AI and automation are the biggest disruptive
Chelsea Partners Finds New Leader for United Cerebral Palsy in California
Chelsea Partners, a Los Angeles-based executive recruitment firm, has placed the new president and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties (UCPLA). Lori Anderson, chief operating officer and vice president of residential services for Bethesda Lutheran Communities, steps into her new role on Jan. 21. Andy Knox, the search
Korn Ferry Recruits New Head Coach for Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With the NFL regular season over and the Super Bowl approaching, a flurry of coaching and general manager activity has been underway. And Hunt Scanlon Media has been tracking it all. Korn Ferry recently assisted in placing Bruce Arians as the 12th head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He takes over from Dirk Koette, who
DHR International Strengthens Retail and Fashion Practice in Dubai
Chicago-based search firm DHR International has continued its recent expansion with the addition of Cassie Owen as a partner in its Dubai office. She has retail and fashion recruitment expertise across all disciplines from board and C-level appointments to core retail operations, buying & merchandising, PR & marketing, design, e-commerce and supply chain. With a devotion to international
Transforming an Organization Demands Deeper Questions, Commitment
Transformation is a revolution. It takes time. It requires a visionary leader, or better, a group of visionaries, to spearhead the change and sustain each other. It often requires breaking something down to rebuild it into something better. Madison Avenue figured it out decades ago: “new and improved” sells better than “improved” alone. Yet many
Russell Reynolds Associates Seeks CEO for U.K.-based Ordnance Survey
Russell Reynolds Associates has been selected by U.K. mapping authority Ordnance Survey (OS) to lead its search for a new CEO. Patrick Johnson, the search firm’s country manager for the U.K., is leading the assignment. “This is an exciting time to have the opportunity to lead a business of great significance within the U.K.,” said Kiernan
Ratliff & Taylor Finds New President for Leadership Akron
After a four-month search, Independence, OH-based executive search firm Ratliff & Taylor has placed Barry Dunaway as the new president of Leadership Akron. The search was led by senior consultant Patti Shumay and senior vice president and practice leader Linda J. Gray. The non-profit’s previous leader, Mark Scheffler, departed last year to become executive director of the Timken Foundation of Canton in
Ward Howell International Adds to New York Office
Global recruiter Ward Howell International has appointed John J. Keller as partner, innovation & transformation, based in the firm’s New York office. As an executive recruiter, Mr. Keller is charged with finding innovators, “game changers who can lead, transform, assess, integrate and grow businesses, teams and cultures,” said the search firm. “We are delighted to welcome John to Ward Howell,”
Hudson Global Rebrands and Relocates to Connecticut
Talent solutions provider Hudson Global Inc. has changed its operating brand name from Hudson to Hudson RPO. The company also launched a new brand identity, logo, website (http://www.hudsonrpo.com) and investor relations presentation as part of the change. In addition, Hudson RPO relocated its corporate headquarters from New York City to Old Greenwich, Conn, a move
More Volatility, Less Motivation Expected in 2019
The start of 2019 follows a year in which all major stock indexes recorded their worst performance since the financial crisis a decade ago. The market’s extended volatility is an obvious financial and strategic concern for corporate leaders, according to a new Korn Ferry report. Experts say it also represents a latent and potentially more damaging threat: talent
JDG Associates Seeking Architect of the Capitol
Rockville, MD-headquartered executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained to conduct a highly unusual search: seeking a new architect of the U.S. Capitol – just the 12th in its long history. President Darren DeGioia is leading the assignment. The architect of the Capitol, appointed for a 10-year term by the President, is responsible to the U.S. Congress
Tracy Wolstencroft Steps Down as Chairman of Heidrick & Struggles
Tracy R. Wolstencroft has stepped down from his role as chairman of the board of directors of Chicago-headquartered executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles. Increased commitments from his new position as president and CEO of the National Geographic Society prompted the decision. He will continue to serve as a member
Arts Consulting Group Seeks New Leader for the National Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Boston-headquartered executive search firm Arts Consulting Group has been enlisted to find the next executive director for the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. Vice president Jenna Deja is spearheading the assignment for the search firm. Sarah Bartlo-Chaplin, who has held the role since 2015, announced last year that she would be accepting a position as president
5 Job Market Trends Expected in 2019
After nine years of steady growth, the nation’s economy charged ahead in 2018. Dark economic clouds, however, appeared on the horizon. Tariffs stoked fears of slowing trade that may cripple U.S. exporters and raise prices for consumers. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates three times, causing a slowdown in the nation’s housing market in a
Spencer Stuart Finds New Leader for Babson College
Spencer Stuart recently recruited Stephen Spinelli Jr. as the 14th president of Babson College in Wellesley, MA. When he takes the helm of the private business school in July, Dr. Spinelli will be the first Babson president to have previously led another university, having served for 10 years as president of Philadelphia University. Kerry Healey, Babson’s first
Credit Union Resources Finds CEO for STAR Credit Union in Houston
These are critical days for credit unions. The U.S. has nearly 6,000 of them, with more than $1.2 trillion in assets, according to the National Credit Union Administration. But with the steady retirement of Baby Boomers, among other factors, the cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000 chief executive officers and senior managers
Bedford Consulting Group Expands in Calgary
Stephen Diotte has joined the Bedford Consulting Group as its newest partner. He will lead the design of talent management systems for clients, based out of Calgary, Alberta. Mr. Diotte is a national expert in compensation, organization effectiveness, human resources optimization, change leadership and labor relations. Most recently, he was with Odgers Berndtson where he was
Bailey Fisher Names Head of Technology Practice
U.K.-headquartered life sciences specialist Bailey Fisher Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Toby Young as head of its technology practice. Mr. Young previously spent 18 months in an operational role with growth technology company CUBE Global. In that role, he supported the business across its talent and partnership strategy. He led Bailey Fisher’s technology practice, from 2012
HR Challenges Expand in the New Year
Today’s workforce is changing at an incredibly rapid rate as transformations in society, government, culture, technology, communications and the legal landscape impact employers and the workplace. With 2019 now here, the workplace will continue to see disruption, and employers are in for more changes as new and different challenges emerge. Against this backdrop, workplace violence,
Egon Zehnder Finds New Commissioner for Australian Football League
Executive recruitment firm Egon Zehnder has placed the Australian Football League’s (AFL) first Indigenous Australian commissioner. Helen Milroy, a professor at the University of Western Australia and a commissioner with the National Health Commission, is a descendent of the Palkyu people of the Pilbara region in Western Australia. Ms. Milroy will become the professional rugby
Weill Cornell Medicine Taps Buffkin / Baker to Find Major Gifts Officer
Major gifts officers are among the most vital roles for medical research organizations. 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
ZRG Partners Adds Retail Sector Search Specialist
ZRG Partners, one of the fastest growing global boutique executive search firms, has continued its aggressive expansion with the addition of Frederick Lamster as a managing director and a retail sector specialist within the firm’s growing consumer practice. ZRG described the move as part of a strategy and commitment to accelerate its ability to serve
IMD International Adds New Member Firm in Spain
With recruiting assignments increasingly coming in from around the globe, executive recruiters are developing new practices, hiring recruiters and opening new locations. While the uptick in business has proven to be good for virtually every search firm, global recruiting consortiums seem well-placed and well-anchored to take advantage of some geographic areas that once seemed to
Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly to 3.9 Percent as 312,000 Jobs are Added
Employers added 312,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 3.9 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 220,000. The December gain is the 99th consecutive month of job growth. Overall, the economy created 2.6 million jobs last
Witt/Kieffer Recruits Chief Diversity Officer for ArtCenter College of Design
After a comprehensive international search, Witt/Kieffer placed Aaron I. Bruce into the new inaugural role of vice president and chief diversity officer for the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, CA. Consultant Charlene Aguilar is led the search along with associate Christine Pendleton. With more than 20 years of experience leading initiatives focused on campus diversity, inclusion and international engagement,
Families First Turns to BoardWalk Consulting for New Leader
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been selected to find the next chief executive officer for Families First, a non-profit family service agency based in Atlanta. Managing director Kathy Bremer and senior associate Laura Lovelace are leading the assignment for the search firm. Families First is seeking a CEO with proven leadership, communication and organizational
Kincannon & Reed Appoints New 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: Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has appointed Isvaldo Perez Jr. as president and CEO. He succeeds Greg Duerksen, who will continue to serve as chairman and remain active in
Boyden Opens Office in Miami
Boyden continues to expand and add talent across several global regions. The firm recently opened a new office in Miami, expanding its presence in the U.S., Central America and the Caribbean. Eduardo Rabassa, previously managing partner of Amrop Miami, has joined the firm to lead the office. Also signing on with firm are Carla Palazio, Annie Rothe
The Global Recruiting Sector is in Growth Mode, But Challenges Loom
Uneven stock markets aside, the strong economy has helped the executive search industry enjoy steady growth around the world in recent years. Technology in particular has created new roles as well as greater demand for leaders to fill them. And with top talent in short supply, recruiters have become increasingly valued partners to businesses just
Korn Ferry Taps NBA Executive for Vanderbilt Athletic Director Post
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Recently, Korn Ferry placed Malcolm Turner as the new vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletics director of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. The current AD, David Williams, is retiring in May. Jed Hughes, who heads Korn Ferry’s sports practice, led
DHR International Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Michaels Companies
DHR International recently placed Mike West as the new chief supply chain officer at the Michaels Companies. Managing partners Marcey Rubin Stamas and Frank Spencer led the assignment. Mr. West most recently served as senior vice president of supply chain field operations at Lowe’s. In that role, he led operations for the company’s regional and flatbed
Recently Launched Carpe Diem Partners Expands
Recognized as one of the “Most Powerful Women in California” by the National Diversity Council, Mona Ameli has joined newly formed executive search firm Carpe Diem Partners. She will lead the diversity & inclusion practice and serve as a managing partner. “With the addition of Mona to our team, Carpe Diem Partners becomes the only certified
