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Hunt Scanlon Reports Executive Recruiting Sector Grew 11 Percent
Executive recruiters entered 2026 from a position of strength, according to Hunt Scanlon, as the media, intelligence, and M&A advisory firm released its annual rankings of executive search firms. “Growth is once again the predominant narrative for the recruiting sector,” said CEO Scott A. Scanlon. “But the real story is the ‘Big Shift’ – the
Building an Effective, Diverse Board Across Growth Stages
Board composition is no longer a static exercise but a dynamic process that must keep pace with the company’s trajectory. As organizations progress through different stages of growth, the expectations placed on directors expand, requiring a deliberate and forward-looking approach to how boards are structured and refreshed. In the realm of corporate governance, having an
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.
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
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?
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
The Secret Ingredient for Transformational Leadership in a PE backed Environment
Private equity firms are under more pressure than ever to deliver returns in an increasingly crowded and high-stakes market. Amid this intensity, leadership quality has emerged as a critical lever for driving growth, mitigating risk, and maximizing value creation. In today’s competitive private equity landscape, where achieving a return on investment is challenging and the
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
Panorama Adds ALSpective to Roster
Panorama, a global network of independent executive search firms, has added international consulting and search firm ALSpective Group as its newest member firm. ALSpective is an international executive search firm offering leadership consulting, governance and strategy. The firm has offices in Paris, Geneva and Tunis. Albert Hiribarrondo serves as the group’s managing partner and CEO. Mr. Hiribarrondo
H2 Talent Launches to Serve Marijuana Industry
Talent deficits exist in every field. But the marijuana industry is exceptionally short on senior-level leaders who can come in and cross-pollinate their functional and sector skill-sets. H2 Talent in Boulder, CO, is the latest recruiting entrant to serve cannabis companies looking for senior talent. The search firm was launched specifically to provide C-suite and
Caldwell Places CFO at Lifesize
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In recent months, search firms of all varieties have placed CFOs at various companies. Recently, Toronto-based executive search firm Caldwell recruited Matt Hibbard as the new CFO of Lifesize, a global provider of video collaboration
