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CEOs and CHROs: Strategic Alignment or Differing Priorities?
Like the broader business landscape, the roles of the CEO and CHRO have evolved significantly in recent years. CEOs remain focused on driving competitiveness and performance, while CHROs are increasingly prioritizing employee well-being and mental health. But are these visions completely irreconcilable? To answer this question, a recent report from Radar HH, IMD International Search
January Hiring Tops Expectations, But Sharp Revisions Reveal Weakest Growth in Years
Employment rose by 130,000 in January as the U.S. unemployment rate was at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Job gains occurred in healthcare, social assistance, and construction, while federal government and financial activities lost jobs. The number of unemployed people, at 7.4 million, changed little in January. However, the bullish
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
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?
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
The Christopher Group Selected by Penn Highlands Healthcare for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by Penn Highlands Healthcare to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Molly Mangan, and partner, Carrie Longmire, are leading the assignment. “The chief human resources officer will play an important role in helping Penn Highlands
Where AI Belongs in Executive Search—and Where It Doesn’t
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the executive search profession, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency while raising important questions about where technology should—and should not—play a role in the hiring process. As firms continue to integrate AI into their workflows, the focus is increasingly shifting from whether to adopt these tools to how
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been selected by Virginia Tech to lead in its search for a new president. Current president Tim Sands announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti are leading this search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its
Parker Remick Appoints Partner of Firm Operations
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick recently named Jena Gibson as partner of firm operations. This is part of the executive search firm’s expansion of operational infrastructure and AI-enabled delivery capabilities. The firm noted that all in response to rising demand for senior technology and AI leadership. Ms. Gibson joins Parker Remick with more than 15 years
Building an Employer Brand That Attracts Top Executive Talent
In today’s competitive business environment, where organizations are vying for top talent, a strong employer brand has become an essential strategic advantage. It plays a critical role in attracting and retaining high-quality candidates while also contributing to an organization’s overall success. A recent report from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) delves into the importance of a
Krauthamer & Associates Assists the Dallas Area Rapid Transit with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has assisted in the recruitment of Nathaniel Ford as president and CEO of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). “Mr. Ford brings decades of executive leadership in public transportation, a proven record of organizational transformation, and a deep understanding that transit is about much more than buses and trains,” said DART board chair
Slone Partners Makes Senior Appointments
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has named Sona Stroud and Kim Wilson as senior partners. Ms. Stroud has been promoted to the position following nearly 15 years with the firm, while Ms. Wilson returns to the organization, further strengthening its leadership team with nearly 17 years of experience with the firm. “Few things are more rewarding than recognizing exceptional leaders
The Evolution of Tech Leadership in Europe: 40 Years of Transformation
As technology continues to reshape every sector of the economy, executive search firms are seeing a fundamental shift in the profile of leaders organizations need to remain competitive. Companies are no longer seeking executives with deep technical expertise alone—they are prioritizing transformational leaders who can navigate disruption, lead enterprise-wide change, and align emerging technologies with
Changing the DNA of Growth-Stage Recruiting
As growth-stage companies accelerate expansion under private equity ownership or new investment, leadership teams are placing greater emphasis on the organizational structures that support long-term value creation. While executive search has traditionally focused on identifying transformative leaders, many organizations are also rethinking where the talent acquisition function belongs within the enterprise to ensure hiring strategy
NU Advisory Partners Fills Board Position for Banesco USA
NU Advisory Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Teresa Stinson to the Banesco USA board. Nada Usina, CEO and co-founder, led the search along with Mar Hernandez, partner and co-founder. “Congratulations Teresa Stinson on joining Banesco USA as board director,” NU Advisory Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “We look forward to seeing your governance
Why Natural Language Search Is the Biggest Shift in Executive Search Since the Database
Executive search has always been a relationship business. Consultants describe talent in rich, layered terms, leaders who have scaled a commercial function through a turnaround, managed a $200 million P&L across two geographies, navigated a public board through a CEO transition. But the systems they rely on to find those leaders have never understood a
TM² Executive Search Assists Fort Valley State University with CHRO Search
TM² Executive Search (TM²) has assisted in the recruitment of Sean Lyn as the new chief human resources officer of Fort Valley State University (FVSU). President Amanda Washington Lockett and associate principals Jessica Horton and Ndeh Anyu led the assignment. Mr. Lyn brings more than a decade of progressive human resources leadership experience in higher education. Before joining Fort Valley State University,
Bespoke Partners Opens New Office in Boston
Bespoke Partners has opened a new office in Boston to accommodate the firm’s growing local team and strengthen its presence in a key market for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. The new office in Boston places Bespoke in proximity to leading software and SaaS clients in healthcare tech, cybersecurity, FinTech, MarTech and Adtech, GovTech and many more sectors. “Boston
The Questions to Ask an Executive Search Firm (That Most Don’t)
Browse a handful of executive search firm websites and they quickly begin to look alike. Every firm makes the same promises about senior expertise and deep networks, a new report from PierceGray. “They all claim to have a proven process and strong track record,” the study said. “There’s just one thing missing: the information you
The Christopher Group Retained by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to lead in its search for a chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Pam Noble, and Partner Jeff Wilbanks are leading the assignment. “The ACGME plays a vital role in shaping the future of
PitchBook Data Shows PE Outlook Is Shifting Fast
According to PitchBook’s Q1 2025 U.S. PE Breakdown Report, private equity entered the year with positive momentum. Deal activity totaled 2,263 transactions worth $259.7 billion, representing an 11.8 percent increase in volume and 36.1 percent increase in value year over year. Much of the quarter’s value was driven by large take-privates, notably Sycamore Partners’ $23.7 billion
Hunter Ambrose Seeks CEO for Eastern Plumas Health Care
Hunter Ambrose Recruitment and Executive Search has launched a search for the next chief executive officer for Eastern Plumas Health Care (EPHC), a non-profit critical access hospital district in Portola, CA. Tom Hayes, who served in the top role for nine years, announced his retirement last month. Jayne O’Flanagan, interim human resources director, is leading
TRANSEARCH Expands Into Switzerland
TRANSEARCH International has expanded into Switzerland with the addition of Nordwand Group AG. The team in Zürich is headed by Danny Hiscott and Martin Honegger. Nordwand Group is a managed specialist in professional search and interim management. The firm offers consultancy and coaching to senior candidates looking for a new career. They are an international team of
#MeToo Movement Leaves its Mark on Staffing
It has been one year since the #MeToo movement sparked a nationwide conversation. Since then, one-third of executives have altered their actions to avoid behaviors that could be perceived as sexual harassment, according to new data from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In addition, data analysis by FTI Consulting is showing the effects
Greenwood / Asher & Associates Tapped by the University of South Florida to Find President
Greenwood / Asher & Associates has been retained by the University of South Florida (USF) to spearhead the search for its seventh president. Judy Genshaft is stepping down after 19 years leading the school. Les Muma, chair of the search committee, said in a conference call last week that four search firms were presented and he
Borrer Executive Search Lands Corporate Secretary for International Air Transport Association
Lausanne, Switzerland-based Borrer Executive Search has placed the next corporate secretary for the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Karen Clayton, general counsel and company secretary for Air New Zealand, will join IATA in April. Ms. Clayton takes over for Paul Steele, who serves as IATA’s corporate secretary and senior vice president for member and external
The Bowdoin Group Expands to the West Coast
Boston-based executive recruitment firm The Bowdoin Group has expanded to the West Coast with addition of Lori Smudsky as a principal, talent acquisition services. Based in San Francisco, she will be the firm’s first team member based on the West Coast and will focus on overseeing talent acquisition support services for clients. “At The Bowdoin Group, we are
Robert Half Posts 11 Percent Revenue Increase
Robert Half International Inc./(NYSE:RHI) posted third quarter revenues of $1.47 billion, up 11 percent from revenues of $1.32 billion during the same quarter last year. The results beat Wall Street expectations. Analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research had forecasted revenue of $1.46 billion. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates four times over the last four quarters. The Menlo
Artificial Intelligence is Writing a New Script for the Recruiting Industry
Artificial intelligence and other forms of automation have already begun to transform businesses, and the recruitment firm partners who work with them to find their leaders. For recruiters, AI will mean the end to much of the hands-on, repetitive ‘busy work’ that goes with the job, allowing for faster searches as well as more time
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







