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Stevenson Search Partners and HAVEN Unite to Launch New Human Capital Platform: Tidemark Talent Solutions
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, and HAVEN, a leadership development advisory firm, have created a strategic partnership under Tidemark Talent Solutions, a newly formed holding company focused on building an integrated human capital platform. Tidemark will seek to acquire and scale high-performing specialist
CHRO Succession Grows More Deliberate as Organizations Prioritize Experience and Transformation
The role of the chief human resources officer continues to evolve as organizations navigate workforce transformation, leadership succession, technological disruption, and shifting employee expectations. Once viewed primarily as a steward of talent and culture, today’s CHRO is increasingly expected to serve as a strategic business partner, helping shape enterprise priorities while ensuring organizations have 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.
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
True Launches Digital Infrastructure Practice
Global talent provider True has launched a dedicated digital infrastructure practice. The new practice will be led by managing director Steve Dargan, a U.K.-based industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience recruiting senior leaders across data centers, broadband, cloud, and next-generation connectivity. The practice will focus on partnering with investors, developers, and operators driving
Post-Merger Integration Leadership: Hiring the Right Executives to Capture Deal Value
Private equity firms spend billions on acquisitions each year, yet Harvard Business Review research shows that 70-90 percent of mergers fail to achieve their projected value, with the breakdown occurring primarily during post-merger integration. For lower middle market PE firms executing buy-and-build strategies, this failure rate represents millions in unrealized returns, according to a recent report
The Moran Company Seeking CEO for the American Counseling Association
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been selected by the American Counseling Association (ACA) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Jon Rosell is leading the assignment. The organization seeks an energetic, experienced, and highly skilled chief executive officer to work collaboratively with the governing
Allen Austin Recruits CHRO for Stress Engineering Services
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin has helped to recruit Michelle Howison as the new chief human resources officer at Stress Engineering Services, Inc. The search was led by Edie Bartlett and Liz Townsend. Ms. Howison brings over 20 years of HR leadership experience, with a proven track record in M&A integration, organizational development, and building high-performing
CarterBaldwin Recruits President for Augusta Tech College
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Kendricks D. Hooker as the new president of Augusta Tech College. Partner Bill Peterson and associate partner Scott Tanksley led the assignment. “Dr. Hooker is an accomplished leader with a proven record of advancing student outcomes and building strong academic programs,” said Greg Dozier, commissioner of The Technical College System
Kingsley Gate Launches IGNYTE AI
Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate has launched IGNYTE AI, a solution that combines proprietary AI technology with decades of executive search expertise. “IGNYTE AI disrupts the old trade-off between quality and speed,” said JL Baker, who leads IGNYTE AI. “We’ve developed IGNYTE AI to challenge traditional recruiting by combining our proprietary native AI platform with decades of executive
How Boards Can Identify and Develop the Right CEO Successors
Few decisions carry as much weight—or long-term consequence—as choosing the next chief executive. The process demands both strategic foresight and deep insight into the evolving demands of leadership. As organizations navigate disruption, shifting stakeholder expectations, and accelerating transformation, boards must balance continuity with the vision and agility required for the future. Boards face a significant
The Most Important Career Advice You Haven’t Acted on Yet
In an environment defined by constant change and heightened expectations, leadership has become as much about clarity of purpose as it is about capability. Organizations are reassessing what effective leadership looks like—seeking individuals who not only bring expertise but can communicate their impact with precision and authenticity. As business models evolve and competition for skilled
Flatiron Search Partners Recruits CEO for Mathnasium- Fortis Franchise Group
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has placed Kenneth Hall as the new CEO of Mathnasium- Fortis Franchise Group in Winter Park, FL. “Congratulations to Kenneth Hall on his new role as CEO at Snapdragon Capital Partners-backed Mathnasium- Fortis Franchise Group,” Flatiron Search Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “We were grateful to partner with Snapdragon on yet another
Crist|Kolder Associates Fills Top Investor Relations Post for Agilent Technologies
Crist|Kolder Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Tejas Savant as vice president of investor relations of Agilent Technologies. The search was led by Crist|Kolder’s IR practice leader, Sanya Badr. “The art of clear storytelling has never been more impactful than in today’s climate of uncertainty,” she said. “The rise in demand we have experienced from
TalentRise Expands Global Operations with Launch of TalentRise India Private Limited
TalentRise, an Aleron Group company, has expanded into India with the establishment of TalentRise India Private Limited. “India represents one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing economies, with an increasing demand for exceptional leadership talent,” said Peter Petrella, president of TalentRise. “Our expansion into India through TalentRise India Private Limited, combined with our partnership with Acara Solutions
How AI Is Rewriting the Candidate Experience — and Why Recruiters Must Catch Up
Candidate satisfaction is declining across all aspects of the recruitment process, dropping as much as 20 percent in key areas like speed and responsiveness; however, AI is emerging as the key solution. This is according to the latest Global Recruitment Insights and Data (GRID) 2025 Talent Trends report published by Bullhorn. The report, which collected data from nearly
McCormack+Kristel Seeking CEO for the Independent Film & Television Alliance
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has been retained by the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. At a pivotal moment for the industry, the new CEO will shape policy, elevate the voice of independents worldwide, and drive the success of the American Film Market, one of the industry’s
Anthem Executive Tapped by Northwest Missouri State University for Provost Search
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive has been selected by Northwest Missouri State University to lead in its search for a new provost and vice president for academic affairs. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy are leading the search. The school is seeking a provost and vice president of academic affairs to serve as its next chief academic officer,
Greenhouse Launches New Tools to Streamline Chaotic Hiring Funnels
Hiring platform Greenhouse has released its fall 2025 packaged product releases, designed to restore order to today’s chaotic recruitment landscape as hiring teams face a messy and overwhelming top of funnel. The release will provide hirers with a new analytics system, fraud detection, and smarter scheduling. “Teams face surging applications, AI-driven resumes, rising fraud, and constant
SpenglerFox Expands in DACH Region
Global executive search provider SpenglerFox has expanded with the addition of Prianka Chaturvedula. Based in Frankfurt, she will play a key role as senior client partner in scaling SpenglerFox’ presence in the DACH region by supporting our cross-border leadership mandates globally. “We are delighted to welcome Prianka to the SpenglerFox family,” said Jens Friedrich, CEO of
Executive Hiring Tightens Now, Sets Stage for Selective Rebound in 2026
After a period of aggressive talent expansion fueled by post-pandemic recovery and capital liquidity, executive hiring is entering a new phase — one defined less by growth at any cost and more by targeted investment. Boards and CEOs are recalibrating leadership priorities, emphasizing profitability, transformation, and resilience over pure headcount expansion. The mindset has shifted
Leading Your Team Through Change with Confidence
Rising leaders often find it difficult to adapt to change. Just as they begin to feel comfortable in their roles and gain a sense of authority, an organizational shift or unexpected challenge emerges that disrupts their stability. But you don’t have to fumble through changes as a leader without a framework, according to a recent
Shelli Herman and Associates Seeking CEO for Children’s Discovery Museum San Jose
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been selected by Children’s Discovery Museum San Jose to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Responsible for developing and implementing plans that increase mission delivery, the CEO will play a key role in shaping and realizing the Museum’s future. Post-pandemic efforts have enabled a resilient, lean, and
The Tolan Group Recruits CFO for Nexus
The Tolan Group (TTG) recently assisted in the recruitment of Terra Holmes as the new CFO of Nexus. “Terra’s expertise in leading high-performing teams, implementing best practices, and driving innovative solutions will streamline operations and improve efficiency at Nexus,” The Tolan Group said. “Her strong background in financial planning, audits, and tax strategy will further strengthen the
TRANSEARCH International Expands in Germany
TRANSEARCH International recently expanded with the addition of four experienced leaders to its growing German team: Dennis Hartmann, Lucia Puttrich, Uwe Lemcke, and Patrick Eichstädt. “These new additions reflect TRANSEARCH’s ongoing commitment to its clients across Germany and reinforce our ability to shape leadership that transforms,” the search consortium said. In Frankfurt, Mr. Hartmann joins as client partner, bringing over
CHRO Perspectives: Looking Ahead to 2026
There is a real bullishness from senior HR leaders about the impact and value they can add to organizations going forward, according to a recently released report from Leathwaite. This is starkly juxtaposed with the prevailing sentiment in 2023 and 2024 when HR leaders felt over-stretched and burnt out. Senior HR leaders now feel personally
TurnkeyZRG Recruits CEO for the Heisman Trophy Trust
TurnkeyZRG has assisted in the recruitment of Jeff Price as the inaugural CEO of the Heisman Trophy Trust. Len Perna and Rick Alessandri led the assignment. A seasoned sports industry leader with more than 35 years of experience, Mr. Price will steward the legacy of the Heisman Trophy while spearheading a new chapter of commercial growth and philanthropic impact.
Herbert Mines Places Chief Store Operations Officer for Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has partnered with Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. in the placement of Frank Kerr as executive vice president, chief store operations officer. “Frank’s proven leadership experience in grocery retail and the exceptional results he has achieved throughout his career, in both licensee and traditional grocery models, make him
Tower Consultants Search Group Fills Position for XL Construction
Hobe Sound, FL-headquartered executive recruiting firm Tower Consultants Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Heather Towers as senior manager, people operations with XL Construction in Milpitas, CA. The search was led by Jason Rose. XL Construction is undergoing a post-merger transformation and elevated the senior manager, people operations role to strengthen its HR infrastructure and support its
Long Ridge Partners Names Head of Fundamental Equities
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Eric Freiberg as head of fundamental equities. “Since joining us in 2020, Eric has been integral to the growth of our equities business,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “His deep industry knowledge, strong network, and steady leadership have made a meaningful impact across Long Ridge. We are grateful
Global Employers Take Cautious Approach to Q4 Hiring
Global employers are continuing a careful approach to hiring in the fourth quarter, with 45 percent planning to maintain current workforce levels—the highest since early 2022—as organizations balance capturing growth opportunities with mitigating economic uncertainty. This measured shift sees 38 percent of employers planning to add staff while 15 percent expect reductions, resulting in a
The Critical State of Healthcare Staffing Shortages
Healthcare organizations face an unprecedented staffing crisis that directly impacts patient care and operational sustainability, according to a recent report from Denver, CO-based TriSearch. Shortages are projected to reach 124,000 physicians by 2033, and the industry must hire 200,000 nurses annually just to meet baseline needs. The nursing deficit alone could hit 450,000 registered nurses by
Essential Strategies for Effective Diversity Recruiting
In the modern business world, diversity isn’t a trend—it’s a key driver of performance and growth. A diverse workforce brings myriad benefits to an organization, a recent report from SGA Talent explored the importance of diversity recruiting and provided essential diversity recruiting strategies to help you create an effective diversity recruitment plan. A diverse workforce not
Stevenson Search Partners Recruits Chief Research and Development Officer for Apellis Pharmaceuticals
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Leslie Meltzer as chief research and development officer at Apellis Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Meltzer joins Apellis as a seasoned biopharma executive with demonstrated success in advancing innovative therapies from early discovery stages through
Riviera Partners Appoints Chief Operating Officer
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has named Sandy Ma as chief operating officer. “Sandy has been at the heart of our growth—always bringing sharp strategy, a steady hand, and genuine care for the people she works with,” Riviera Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “In
