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N2Growth Opens Office in Milan
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has expanded with the addition of a new office in Milan, Italy. The office will be jointly led by three global partners: Daniele Grandini, senior partner; Roberto Giacometti, managing partner; and Paolo del Conte, senior partner. “N2Growth’s strength has always been our ability to pair local reach
The CFO Talent Shortage Is Reaching a Breaking Point
According to global talent advisor ZRG, the shortage of chief financial officers and their finance teams is reaching epic proportions as we head into another busy year of executive recruiting. With market complexity increasing, CFOs are in high demand, yet the supply of qualified candidates is dwindling. This shortage is being driven by a convergence of
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.
How Search Firms Are Positioning for a 2025 Rebound
As the executive search industry weathered another difficult year, the most successful firms stayed focused on gaining market share and protecting margin as they waited for job requisitions and market confidence to rebound. In spite of these global challenges and, perhaps more importantly, pervasive market uncertainty, some firms saw success, and many are building a foundation for
Momenta Partners and Enertech Launch Quantal Search
Zurich-based executive search firm Momenta Partners has joined forces with Enertech Search Partners to launch Quantal Search, a professional search practice focused on “deep talent.” Quantal will focus on placing talent that are designing and operationalizing disruptive technologies including data science, blockchain and augmented reality, as well as associated operational and commercial teams. Enertech Search Partners has served cleantech
Russell Reynolds Associates Realigns Technology Practice
The booming technology sector, vibrant even when the economy was softer, shows little sign of retreat, according to a host of recruiters who serve companies across the field. It continues, in fact, to produce capabilities and services that few imagined just a decade ago. In response, Russell Reynolds Associates has realigned its technology practice in an effort to “better serve organizations across
Mastering Employee Onboarding
Companies invest a lot of time, effort and money into finding talent. Yet 31 percent of new hires actually leave in the first six months of their new employment, according to a study by human resources software company BambooHR. What’s more, a steady stream of employees left from the first week through the third month,
Myers McRae Leads Provost Search for Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has launched a national search for provost and SVP for academic affairs. The school has retained Kenny Daugherty, president of Myers McRae, to lead the assignment. “The search for a SVP for academic affairs is one of the most important hiring processes our campus community ever undertakes,” said Michael Benson, president
Howard Fischer Finds New Marketing Officer for Apstra
Philadelphia-headquartered executive search firm Howard Fischer Associates recently recruited Michael Wood as the new chief marketing officer of Apstra Inc. in Menlo Park, CA. Mr. Wood is a seasoned strategic leader who brings nearly 30 years of experience to Apstra at a time when the company is expected to change the competitive landscape as a pioneer
AI Job-Matching Platform Pymetrics Secures $40 Million in Funding
Investment dollars continue to pour into new technology designed to change the talent management industry. The latest: pymetrics, an enterprise SaaS company that uses neuroscience and AI to make the recruitment process more effective, accurate and unbiased, has closed a $40 million Series B funding round led by global growth equity firm General Atlantic. This funding also
Edward Reed Recruitment Merges with Laurus Executive Search
Search firms continue to join forces. The latest: U.K.-headquartered recruiting firms Edward Reed Recruitment and Laurus Executive Search have joined forces. Based in Newcastle and established in 2011, Edward Reed specializes in mid- to senior-level management placements across a variety of industry sectors. The firm is looking to grow after receiving private investment earlier this year.
With Top-Level Vacancies Looming, Companies Turn More Proactive
Companies in a number of industries are facing a potential C-suite challenge – an alarming lack of qualified candidates to fill roles that are likely to become vacant, due to retirement and other factors, in the next 10 to 15 years. To prevent a potentially drastic operations interruption, companies should be making several proactive moves
Arts Consulting Group Finds New Leader for the National Czech & Slovak Library and Museum
Boston-headquartered executive search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has placed Cecilia Rokusek as the new president and CEO of the National Czech & Slovak Library and Museum (NCSML) in Cedar Rapids, IA. She succeeds Gail Naughton, who has served in the role since 2002. “The search committee was immediately impressed with Cecilia’s application, and this impression was magnified
Morris & Berger Seeking Development Officer for LA Family Housing
Morris & Berger, a recruitment firm that specializes in searches for non-profit organizations, has been enlisted by LA Family Housing (LAFH) to help find a new chief development officer. LAFH helps people transition out of homelessness and poverty through a continuum of housing enriched with supportive services. Since 1983, the non-profit has become one of the
Charles Aris Appoints Technology Practice Leader
The booming technology sector, vibrant even when the economy was softer, shows little sign of retreat, according to a host of recruiters who service companies across the field. It continues, in fact, to produce capabilities and services that few imagined just a decade ago. In response, a number of search firms have expanded their technology search practices. Greensboro, NC-based executive
NPAworldwide Continues to Bolster Roster
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added eight new member locations across Australia, Malaysia, Thailand
24 Ways to Work with an Executive Recruiter
Have you ever made a comment to someone and immediately wished you could take it back? Or given someone a reason that was an easy or logical explanation, only to realize it was a fabrication that you were too embarrassed to admit? We’ve all done it. But if you’re trying to pass over the real reasons
Brent D. Glass Tapped by the Berkshire Museum to Find New Leader
The board of trustees of the Berkshire Museum has retained Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Brent D. Glass LLC to identify candidates for the executive director role at the museum. Van Shields announced his retirement from the position in June. The search firm, led by Brent Glass, provides management consulting to museums, historic sites and other cultural organizations,
Vanderbloemen Search Group Tapped by Providence Church to Find Senior Pastor
Houston-based Vanderbloemen Search Group, which finds leaders for churches and ministries, has been retained by Providence Church in Nederland, TX, to lead its search for a new senior pastor. The senior pastor of Providence Church will be expected to provide overall direction and vision for the congregation, perform pastoral duties, supervise and lead staff, and be
StevenDouglas Opens New Office in Jacksonville
Executive search firm StevenDouglas is continuing its recent expansion with the addition of a new office in Jacksonville, FL. This marks the firm’s sixth office in the Sunshine State. Leading the new office is HR veteran Ken Heinrich. Recent gains in construction, manufacturing, professional services and tourism helped annual job growth rise to 4.3 percent last year,
Harvey Nash Names President of Technology Recruitment Division for North America
London-based recruitment firm Harvey Nash named Sean Gilligan as president of its technology recruitment division for North America. For the past 18 months, Mr. Gilligan has taken on a more strategic role within the operations of the technology recruitment segment, leading the growth in Harvey Nash’s technology recruitment business across North America. “In a tight labor market,
10 Years On, Post-Recession Workers More Confident and Respected
A new Korn Ferry analysis of U.S. employee engagement data shows distinct shifts in employees’ attitudes toward their workplaces in the 10 years since the start of the Great Recession. The analysis of more than one million workers in about 180 companies shows both positive and negative trends from 2008 to 2018. On the positive side, the analysis
Eastman & Beaudine Lands Athletic Director for University of South Florida
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Eastman & Beaudine recently placed Michael Kelly as the new athletic director of the University of South Florida (USF). Mark Harlan stepped down from the post this spring. “Michael Kelly is a proven leader with a wealth of experience across the national
Cejka Leading CEO Search for Valley-Wide Health Systems
Cejka Executive Search has been retained to find a new president and chief executive officer for Valley-Wide Health Systems, a community-based healthcare provider in Alamosa, CO. The search is being led by Mark Madden, executive vice president and managing principal. Valley-Wide wants a visionary leader who will provide overall oversight and management of the private
Ward Howell Adds Partner to Establish Hospitality Practice
Global recruiter Ward Howell International has appointed Stuart K. Smith as partner in its hospitality & travel practice. He will provide services to leaders of the hotel, restaurant and gaming industries. Based in the firm’s New York office, Mr. Smith joins Ward Howell with more than 20 years of business and leadership experience, having worked extensively throughout
AIMS Expands in Poland
AIMS International has grown in Eastern Europe with the addition of a leading consultancy previously known as FIT Specialist Recruitment. The firm, which will now operate as AIMS Poland, was established in 2009 and is led by founders Malgorzata Tylec-Gusakov and Natalia Woszczerowcz. “From the outset, we have played a vital role in bringing together significant players
Michigan State University Selects Storbeck/Pimentel to Find President
In the wake of the sex abuse scandal involving sports doctor Larry Nassar, which forced the president of Michigan State University (MSU) to step down, the school now faces the challenge of finding a new leader. President Lou Anna Simon resigned in January over the school’s handling of accusations against the former U.S. gymnastics and
Global Demand Booms for Insurance Executives
Major global companies in technology, digital and financial sectors are seeking a record number of insurance leaders with the combination of both digital and industry or “domain” experience, report executive recruiters familiar with the space. Companies looking for these C-suite executives require both insurance expertise and high levels of “digital proficiency,” they say – a
Howe-Lewis International Seeks CEO for National Trust for Historic Preservation
New York City-based search firm Howe-Lewis International has been selected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C., to lead its search for a new CEO. Stephanie Meeks, who led the non-profit organization for more than eight years, announced this summer that she would be stepping down from the role at the end of the year. Howe-Lewis,
Hanold Associates Seeks VP of Talent Acquisition
Talent acquisition has always been an important part of the hiring strategies and recruitment practices for any organization. But in the last few years, it’s become more critical than ever. Chicago-based Hanold Associates has recently been selected by US Foods to lead its search for a new vice president of talent acquisition. Partners Katie Wolf and Ashley Schiele
Amrop Adds New Interim Services to U.K. Office
Amrop, a partnership of recruiting firms operating from 75 offices in 48 countries throughout Asia, EMEA and the Americas, remains in growth mode with the addition Matrix Interim to Amrop UK. This “is move is in line with the group’s growth and diversification strategy, revitalizing the offer with dynamic new firms in key markets and reinforcing its
Finding a Better Path to a Diverse Workplace
A vast industry revolving around corporate diversity has developed in recent years. A new wave of research, in fact, shows that diversity is a proven driver for improving profit margins. Although there’s a financial incentive to boost diversity, and a willingness to invest in it, there’s still room for everyone to do much better, in
Preston & Partners Finds New CEO for Kirkland’s
Executive search firm Preston & Partners has placed Steve Woodward as CEO of home décor retailer Kirkland’s Inc. W. Michael Madden resigned from the company’s top role in April. Managing partner Elaine Erickson led the assignment. Mr. Woodward assumes his new job on Oct. 22nd. “I was honored to assist the Kirkland’s board to place an executive such as Steve Woodward
Social Planning Toronto Taps crawfordconnect to Find New Leader
Executive search firm crawfordconnect has been retained by Social Planning Toronto (SPT) to lead its search for a new executive director. Senior consultant Cynthia Armour is spearheading the assignment. The successful candidate will be expected to provide strategic, creative and dynamic leadership to the agency, said the search firm. The individual will be responsible for organizational stewardship and capacity-building
JBK Associates Names Transformational Growth Leader as Managing Director
New Jersey-based JBK Associates International has expanded with the addition of Paul Stefunek as managing director. During his 25 years in executive search, Mr. Stefunek has helped drive transformational growth for global industry leaders, venture-backed start-ups and other companies by placing candidates across the C-suite, board of directors and VP levels. He has expertise in the manufacturing,
