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Executive Search as Strategic Risk Management: Five Insights Reshaping C-Suite Hiring
Leadership decisions are becoming more consequential and more exposed. Across markets, industries and ownership structures, organizations are facing structural transformation, leadership succession pressures, geopolitical uncertainty and accelerated capability shifts, according to Kestria’s Global Internal Survey. “In this environment, executive hiring is no longer a transactional process,” the study found. “It is a strategic inflection point.”
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has recruited Linda Tsai as the new president and CEO of the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. She was selected following a rigorous national search led by the museum’s board search committee and conducted by Shelli Herman and Associates, Inc., distinguishing herself among a strong field of candidates. Ms.
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.
Coulter Partners Places Chief Marketing Officer for NRG Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Claus Sundgreen as chief medical officer of NRG Therapeutics Ltd. Managing partner Kay Wardle led the assignment. “NRG was seeking a rare combination of clinical development expertise, neuroscience leadership, and deep knowledge of ALS. Our search focused on identifying leaders with a proven track record of advancing innovative therapies through critical
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?
Flatiron Search Partners Appoints Partner
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has expanded with the addition of Dan Rubin as partner. “Dan works with clients across the consumer landscape to place the right leaders in the right roles at the right time,” Flatiron Search Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “He brings deep experience in retail and consumer goods, with particular expertise placing general
The Counteroffer Problem: What C-Suite Leaders Need to Know
Executive search assignments can unravel at the finish line for reasons that have little to do with candidate quality or cultural fit. Counteroffers have become an increasingly important consideration for search consultants and their clients as companies compete to retain proven senior leaders in a tight talent market. For organizations pursuing C-suite talent, understanding a
Furst Group Assists the American Society for Clinical Pathology with CEO Search
Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Alexandra Brown as CEO of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) following her successful tenure as interim CEO over the past year. The selection was made after a national search and based on the recommendation from a search committee
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits President and CEO for Baltimore Community Lending
Following a comprehensive national search led by BroadView Talent Partners, Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) has hired Calvin Gladney as president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young led the assignment. He succeeds longtime Watchen Harris-Bruce, whose leadership has strengthened BCL’s position as a leading community development financial institution (CDFI) dedicated to expanding access to capital and creating
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
GHP Search Partners with Ascend Learning on Board Member Appointments
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently tapped by Ascend Learning to assist in growing both the Ascend Learning board of directors and the Ascend Charter Schools board of trustees. New members of the Ascend Learning board identified by GHP include Robert Childs, retired EVP, strategic initiatives at American Express and Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, a founding leader of Amazon’s Streaming TV advertising business. Richard Young Jr, director,
FMG Leading Adds Healthcare Strategy and Transformation Expert
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of healthcare strategy and transformation expert Doug Van Wie as managing director. The firm explained that the addition further aligns FMG Leading’s capabilities with the needs of investor-backed organizations looking to add value and mitigate risk as they deploy purpose-driven capital into the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Caldwell Launches Global Financial Institutions Group Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launch its global financial institutions group (FIG) practice, bringing together the firm’s financial services capabilities under a single, globally coordinated practice. “This is more than a change in name,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “It reflects the scale, connectivity, and depth of the practice we have built globally, as well as
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
Myers McRae Helps Pensacola State College Select Finalist for President Role
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted Pensacola State College (PSC) with the selection of J. Alex Kelly as the finalist to become it’s next president. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Kenny Daugherty of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. The search attracted 107 qualified applicants from across the country. The committee selected
Potrero Group Recruits CEO for Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has placed Karen Strolia as the next CEO of Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) in San Rafael, CA. She succeeds longtime CVNL CEO Linda Jacobs, who led the organization for 25 years. “The board is thrilled to welcome Karen as CVNL’s next chief executive officer,” said Luana Vaetoe,
Marovi Appoints Head of Engineering
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has expanded with the addition of Ebubechukwu “Don” Enwerem as head of engineering. “Over the past few years, Don has had several engineering terms with Amazon Robotics – work estimated to save millions in operational costs. In between stints, he was building with Marovi. When the opportunity came to continue with Amazon, Don chose
As Executive Search Accelerates, Judgment Becomes the Differentiator
Executive search firms are under pressure to demonstrate value earlier than ever. Clients increasingly expect firms to understand the market, identify credible candidates, and begin calibrating on potential profiles before a search has even formally launched. AI and new data tools are helping firms meet those demands. Tasks that once took days can now be
Fractional vs. Full-Time Executives: The Real Math for Mid-Sized Growing Companies
As mid-sized companies grow, one of the more consequential leadership decisions is determining when fractional executive support is sufficient and when the business requires a full-time leader. A recent ExactSearch.AI report examined the economics behind that decision, finding that the answer often depends less on compensation than on the level of ownership, accountability, and organizational
Lindauer Recruits Chief Development Officer for C-SPAN
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Adele Hixon-Day as the first chief development officer of C-SPAN. The search is being led by Lindauer vice president Maureen Huminik, senior vice president Bob Giannino, and senior consultant Taylor Beard. “Adele joins C-SPAN at a pivotal moment,” said C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist. “For decades, the cable and satellite, and recently
Pyramind Recruits President and CEO for The SkillSource Group
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Clifford Yee as president and CEO of The SkillSource Group, Inc. (SSG), fiscal sponsor of Virginia Career Works – Northern. He succeeds interim executive officer Seema Jain, following a leadership transition supported by SkillSource’s staff, board, and community partners. “Cliff has a strong
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Fortra Search
In an effort to strengthen its venture capital and private equity search capabilities, Buffkin / Baker has acquired Fortra Search, a boutique retained executive search firm focused exclusively on executive sales and revenue leadership. The firm has also named its founder Andy Grosso as partner. “We’re thrilled to welcome Andy to Buffkin / Baker,” said Jackson Ross, partner
The Role of the CFO in PE-Backed Businesses
The role of the CFO in private equity-backed businesses has shifted materially in recent years. Historically a function for financial stewardship, the CFO role is now defined by operational accountability, value creation and the ability to translate investment strategy into outcomes. A recent report from U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP). The study examined how
JDG Associates Seeking Executive Director for the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently selected by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) to lead its search for a new executive director. The position is remote and may be based anywhere in the United States, with proximity to the Washington, D.C. area considered a plus. NCART stands at a pivotal moment, with active,
Calibre One Assists Cibus with CEO Search
Calibre One has helped to recruit board member Craig Wichner as the new CEO for NASDAQ-traded Cibus, Inc. in San Diego, CA. Peter Beetham, who has served as the company’s interim CEO, will continue his role as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Concurrently, both Mr. Wichner and Dr. Beetham resigned from the Cibus board of directors as part
A Closer Look at Private Equity’s Evolving Playbook for Executive Talent
Private equity firms are raising the bar for executive talent, driven by a post-pandemic return to in-office expectations and an intensified focus on leadership performance. As firms prioritize in-person leadership to rebuild culture and drive alignment, a disconnect is emerging between employer demands and candidate preferences for flexibility. At the same time, a slowdown in
Amid Recent Growth Caldwell Posts 5.6 Percent Revenue Gain
Toronto-based executive search firm Caldwell has posted first quarter revenues of $15.9 million (all dollar figures Canadian), up 5.6 percent from a year ago when the firm recorded revenues of $15.05 million. Net earnings before tax were $388,000 ($0.10 per share, compared to net income was $410,000 ($0.20 per share) in the comparable period a year earlier. “Though
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
