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Spencer Stuart Appoints New CFO
Spencer Stuart has appointed Clare Kennedy as its new chief financial officer. She succeeds Christine Laurens as part of a planned succession and in support of Laurens’ retirement from full-time executive work. Ms. Laurens will remain with the firm for several months to ensure a smooth transition. “We are grateful to Christine for her many significant contributions,
The Private Equity Executive Talent Trends That Will Define 2026
Private equity is still a capital business, but it’s increasingly a leadership business. Deal flow isn’t what it was a few years ago and capital is more selective, according to a new report from Beecher Reagan. “Many funds are sitting on dry powder longer than expected,” the report said. “And when that happens, the spotlight
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.
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,
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?
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,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
AGB Search Recruits 11th President for Lewis University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. The Lewis University board of trustees recently announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. “After
Kincannon & Reed Assists CCI Prime with CFO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Jamie Broad as CFO of CCI Prime, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Jamie’s ability to connect financial insights to operational realities makes her an exceptional
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Sarah Lawrence College to lead in its search for an associate vice president of enrollment. This executive will serve as a key member of the senior enrollment leadership team and a collaborative partner across the institution. This role is designed to strengthen coordination, elevate shared strategy, and support
Egon Zehnder Forms Alliance with IMD
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and IMD, a leading business school in global executive education, have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate board directors’ personal growth and elevate board performance. The partnership combines IMD’s academic rigor and deep connections to global boards with Egon Zehnder’s expertise in leadership and board effectiveness. Together, they will co-create tailored
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits Provost for the University of Cincinnati
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the recruitment of Rudolph Buchheit as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. His selection follows a national search led by a dedicated search committee that was informed by
HARTZ Search Assists Geisinger with Recruitment of CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Bill Bellando as executive vice president and chief information officer of Geisinger. He joins Geisinger after serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Georgia-based Wellstar Health System from 2022 to 2026. In this role, Mr. Bellando oversaw information technology and digital initiatives across the health system.
Women Gaining Ground: ON Partners Report Reveals Narrowing Executive Pay Gap and Growing Representation
While the World Economic Forum projects it will take 106 years for women in North America to reach economic parity with men, ON Partners’ annual women’s report offers a data-backed look at gender equity in the executive suite and explores whether progress is accelerating at the top levels of leadership. Drawing on insights from more
Here’s How AI is Changing How We Recruit Top Leaders
Executive search as an industry has long been driven by the need to reduce the risk in senior hires within organizations by introducing research-based search methodologies and due diligence mechanisms to identify and attract the best and the brightest. This has enabled executive decision makers to make more informed hiring decisions based on a reliable
AI and Automated Technologies Transforming the Search for People
Artificial intelligence is transforming the face of workforces around the world. For executive recruiters and human resources departments, it has meant a growing number of new, specialized roles to fill and untapped talent to discover. Gartner, the information technology research firm, says that on one hand, AI will cause millions of jobs to fall by
Blockchain Technology: What is It and Why One Search Firm is Investing in It
Blockchain technology is regularly grabbing headlines with its promised ability to transform business models . . . but what exactly is it? Leading executive search firm Caldwell recently launched a blockchain advisory council aimed at driving the understanding, integration and implementation of blockchain technologies. The new offering for clients is in partnership with blockchain consulting firm, BTblock. “Blockchain
How AI Can Predict Talent Retention Risk
Talent retention is critically important for all organizations for two primary reasons: Employee turnover is expensive, and top performers drive business performance. Even the best leaders have a hard time keeping top talent, especially in this current war for talent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about three million Americans quit their jobs each
Hiring for Cultural Fit? Here’s What You Should Know
Working with talent acquisition and HR leaders, you often hear this: “We hire for cultural fit, first and foremost.” But what does that mean, and how is that fit assessed? “Well, sometimes it’s whatever a hiring manager wants it to mean and that can be a big issue, leading to poor hiring decisions fraught with bias
Stanton Chase Finds CEO for Arabian Beverage Company
Stanton Chase (Dubai) has recruited former MEFSCO executive Fady Ghassoub Elassaad as the new CEO of Arabian Beverage Company (ABC) in Kuwait. “What we valued the most in our partnership with Stanton Chase was that they followed a very methodical approach,” said Alaa Mousawi, board member and head of the selection committee at ABC. “We
Blair Search Partners Tapped to Find CEO for the San Diego Foundation
San Diego-based Blair Search Partners has been chosen to find the next chief executive officer for the San Diego Foundation. Principal Trevor Blair is leading the assignment. The CEO, who will report to an 18-member board of governors, is expected to work collaboratively with board members to evolve the strategic direction of the foundation, said
Boyden Appoints New CFO
Global executive search firm Boyden has named Victor Escandón as its new chief financial officer. He replaces Lydia Reitana, who held the role since 2012. Mr. Escandón will be responsible for all of the firm’s strategic financial activities and initiatives. He will report directly to Trina Gordon, Boyden’s president and CEO. “Victor’s extensive international experience in financial management
Ridgeway Partners Expands Search Staff
London-headquartered executive search firm Ridgeway Partners has expanded with the addition of Krystyna Nowak as a partner. In her new role, Ms. Nowak will join Louise Angel in the board practice, focusing on chairmen and non-executive director appointments across all sectors. Ms. Nowak’s arrival comes at a key moment for U.K. boards. “When the revised U.K. Corporate Governance Code takes effect on
The 5 Essential Attributes of a 21st Century CHRO
The role of the chief human resources officer is changing again. Over the years, the best CHROs became much more focused on the business and its strategic needs. Today, however, the needs of the business have evolved — and with it so have the demands on the CHRO, according to a report by Heidrick &
Spencer Stuart Seeks Provost for American University
The hunt for university leadership has been heating up, especially with searches for provosts. Among the latest, American University in Washington, D.C. selected Spencer Stuart to find its next chief academic officer and provost. Scott Bass stepped down from the position in June. Michele Haertel, leader of the search firm’s education, non-profit & government, academia & research practice,
Coulter Partners Finds CTO for Pivot Bio
Chris Palatucci of life sciences-focused executive search firm Coulter Partners recently placed Richard Broglie as chief technology officer of Pivot Bio, an agriculture technology company based in Silicon Valley. Dr. Broglie leads Pivot Bio’s expert scientific team and manages research and technology development efforts. Most recently, he served as research director for microbiome discovery for
DHR International Adds Partner in Financial Services Practice
Chicago-based search firm DHR International has named Edward Merhige as a partner in its financial services practice group. He will specialize in global banking, markets and private equity. Mr. Merhige has more than 20 years of experience recruiting financial services professionals, completing hundreds of searches at all levels, industry coverage and product areas within investment
ManpowerGroup Posts Flat Q3 Growth
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted third quarter revenues of $5.4 billion, a decrease of one percent from the same period a year ago. The results fell short of Wall Street expectations. Four analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research expected $5.61 billion in revenues. Results were significantly impacted by stronger foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar compared to the
Why Saying Only Nice Things in a Reference Check Can Backfire
We’ve all been told if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything. But according to a new survey of professionals by Korn Ferry, that advice, at least when giving job references, can be problematic. While 25 percent of the professionals surveyed admitted they will only give positive references and not share unfavorable thoughts,
University of Vermont Picks Witt/Kieffer to Find New President
Executive recruitment firm Witt/Kieffer has been selected to find the next president for the University of Vermont (UVM). Leading the search are Robin Mamlet, managing partner of the firm’s education practice, Dennis M. Barden, senior partner, and Robert W. Luke, senior associate. “UVM seeks in its new president a leader with the intellectual and aspirational
Ropella Group Seeks President for Swan Chemical
The Ropella Group, an executive search firm specializing in the chemical, consumer products and technology industries, has launched a new search on behalf of Thomas Swan & Company to find a new president for its Swan Chemical Inc. (SCI) organization. The current leader, Chuck Van Fleet, is preparing to retire after 21 years with the company.
Lucas Group Appoints Chief People Officer
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. At most companies the chief human resource officer plays a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce. The chief people officer, on the other hand, typically goes beyond overseeing an organization’s people policies. The focus, instead, is on building talent
TRANSEARCH Opens New Office in Indonesia
TRANSEARCH International has strengthened its presence in Asia Pacific by opening a new office in Indonesia, adding Davehunt International, a boutique human capital consultancy firm, to its fold. Davehunt specializes in quality senior-level executive search, training, consulting, assessment, coaching and outsourcing. The team in Jakarta is headed by chief executive officer David Wongso and senior consultant
How to Groom a Global Executive
If a company wants to be a serious competitor in the global marketplace, it is likely that its qualified employees will be trained and developed for an international assignment. There are protocols for leading multinational teams, forming strategic relationships, managing customers and suppliers and delivering service outside the U.S. Many organizations, however, have admittedly failed
ChampionScott Partners Places CEO at Wireless Registry
ChampionScott Partners, which specializes in senior-level appointments for technology and technology-enabled companies, recently placed Cameron Meierhoefer as the new CEO of Wireless Registry, a provider of identity solutions and intelligence for the Internet of Things. Founding partner and CEO Geoff Champion led the assignment along with principal Stephanie McGurie. Mr. Cameron has over 20 years of technology
Parker Executive Search Seeks Air Force Academy Athletic Director
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has been selected by the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs to lead its search for a new athletic director. Jim Knowlton stepped down from his role this spring to take over as director of athletics at the University
JURISolutions Acquires Link Legal Search Group
Acquisitions continue to make big news in the executive search industry. JURISolutions Inc. (JSL), a legal services firm, has acquired Link Legal Search Group, a Dallas-based legal executive search firm, as a strategic piece of the new full-service executive search division of JSL. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Link Legal Search Group, which
Signium U.K. Adopts Not Actively Looking Recruitment Management Platform
Signium U.K., global search consortium Signium’s U.K. business unit, has adopted a new search system from Not Actively Looking, which will now act as the primary platform for managing all of the search firm’s business. Alastair Paton, managing partner of Signium U.K. and chair of the global board of Signium, said that the firm had carefully
Why Finding Diverse Talent Remains a Challenge
Companies recognize the advantages and benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce, but struggle to tap adequate sources of talent. Sixty-three percent of senior executives say diversity and inclusion is either very important or extremely important, yet this same majority report that their workforces have average or below average diversity representation, according to a survey
CohenTaylor Finds CEO for the Minnesota Multi Housing Association
Minneapolis-headquartered CohenTaylor Executive Search has placed Nichol Beckstrand as the new president and CEO of the Minnesota Multi Housing Association (MMHA). Mary Rippe, who led the organization for 25 years, has retired. Ms. Beckstrand beat out three other finalists for the position. “Nichol’s energy and track record of leadership, knowledge of the dynamically changing rental housing market provides Minnesota
Russell Reynolds Associates Seeks CFO for London-Based Healthcare System NHS
Russell Reynolds Associates has been selected to find a new chief financial officer for the NHS, the national healthcare system in the U.K. Suzanne Bose-Mallick is the consultant charged with leading the search. A newly-created role, NHS’ CFO will be accountable for developing financial strategies and related resource allocations which ensure that NHS providers, commissioners and local
N2Growth Adds New Global Practice Chair for Board and CEO Services
N2Growth, a King of Prussia, PA-based management consulting and executive search firm, has expanded with the addition of Thomas Brattle Gannett as global practice chairman of board and CEO services. Mr. Gannett is a results-oriented executive and board candidate with more than 20 years experience in strategic, operational and fiscal leadership, said the firm. He has
Direct Recruiters Adds Two Team Members
Solon, OH-based Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI) has announced two additions to its team. Logan Payton is the new director of the firm’s HR solutions group and Shawna Rosner is director of the legal solutions group. Ms. Payton brings over 10 years of HR experience to her new role, and deep understanding of the function. Previously,
Help Wanted: Well-Rounded C-Suite Business Leaders
Leaders who bring both specific technical expertise and general strategic business acumen to the table are in short supply in our current economic environment, according to David Clapp, managing partner of search firm CarterBaldwin. In a recent report that he authored, Mr. Clapp found that smart organizations are looking for and hiring well-rounded business leaders
Slone Partners Find New CMO for Sera Prognostics
Executive search firm Slone Partners has recruited Garrett K. Lam as the new chief medical officer for Sera Prognostics in Salt Lake City, UT. “Slone Partners worked closely with Sera as we conducted this important search,” said Greg Critchfield, chairman and chief executive officer of Sera. “They paved the way for great conversations between candidates and the entire Sera leadership team. Slone
