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Vardis Finds PE CEOs Under Pressure, But Optimistic
The Private Equity CEO Report from Vardis, based on a survey of 1,200 chief executives of PE-backed companies, paints a picture of resilience paired with constraint. Seventy percent of CEOs say company performance is “as expected” or better, yet exit activity remains muted, with 2025 tracking as the slowest year for PE exits since 2017, despite a
Why Executive Hiring in 2026 Must Be More Strategic Than Ever
As the calendar turned to 2026, one question looms large: how will you ensure your next leadership team and your next leadership hire drives strategy, culture, and growth rather than simply filling a gap? With complexity, transformation, and succession pressures mounting, relying on who happens to be looking to join your team is no longer
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.
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
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?
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.
Beecher Reagan Names Managing Director
Houston, TX-headquartered executive search firm Beecher Reagan has appointed David Rio as managing director. He will deepen the firm’s work with consulting and technology-enabled services clients across publicly traded, private partnerships, and sponsor-backed companies. “David is a great addition, who will do nothing but strengthen our capabilities and the client experience we deliver,” said Clark Beecher, co-founder and
When to Use an Executive Search Firm
Executive hiring is one of the few business decisions where the consequences compound for years. The right leader can accelerate growth, strengthen culture, improve execution, and create enterprise value far beyond their compensation package. The wrong leader can stall momentum, disrupt teams, and force organizations to spend valuable time and resources correcting course. As companies
Klein Hersh Recruits CEO for Corrixr Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Hilary M. Malone as the new CEO of Corrixr Therapeutics in Newark, DE. She succeeds Eric B. Kmiec, founder of Corrixr, who will continue to serve in his capacity as chief scientific officer and will remain actively engaged in the
RH Perry & Associates Assists Holyoke Community College with Provost Search
RH Perry & Associates recently helped to place Jessica Nicklin as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Holyoke Community College (HCC). Senior consultants Jessie Thompson and Levy Brown led the assignment. “Dr. Nicklin is a respected leader in higher education and an organizational psychologist, recognized for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and dedication to student, faculty, and institutional
TSI Group Fills Senior Position for Dixon Hard Chrome
Mississauga, ON-headquartered executive search firm TSI Group Inc. recently assisted in the recruitment of Corey A. Williams as general manager of aerospace and aircraft plating specialist Dixon Hard Chrome in Sun Valley, CA. TSI Group partnered with Dixon Hard Chrome to identify a highly accomplished general manager capable of leading the organization’s operations and supporting its continued
Spencer Stuart Acquires Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates
Spencer Stuart has acquired Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates, a Zurich-based, founder-led leadership advisory firm, through which Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates will be integrated into Spencer Stuart. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. “Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates is a highly respected market leader with deep relationships with many of the most iconic and important businesses and organizations in Switzerland
Kingsley Gate Unveils a New Approach to AI-Powered Executive Search
Under pressure to deliver faster results, deeper market intelligence, and stronger candidate outcomes, executive search firms and talent leaders are reevaluating the tools and processes that have long defined the profession. Advances in artificial intelligence are accelerating that shift, creating new possibilities for how searches are scoped, executed, and managed from start to finish. Yet
Growth Happens When Human Capital is the Priority
Every growth story eventually reaches an inflection point where the business becomes more complex than the systems that built it. Revenue can grow quickly, markets can expand, and opportunities can multiply—but sustainable performance depends on an organization’s ability to evolve its leadership, decision-making, and talent infrastructure at the same pace. The companies that navigate these
Shelli Herman and Associates Tapped by Mystic Aquarium to Lead CEO Search
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates was recently selected by Mystic Aquarium to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. The organization seeks an experienced, mission-driven CEO to lead the organization into its next chapter, defined by expanded conservation impact, philanthropic growth, and deeper community relevance. Reporting to the board of trustees, this
Furst Group Recruits President and CEO of Blessing Health System
Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, recently helped to recruit Mike Trachta as the president and CEO of Blessing Health System. “The board sought a leader who could shape long-term strategy, strengthen key partnerships, and preserve Blessing Health’s independence while advancing operational excellence and financial stewardship,” Furst Group said in a LinkedIn
Stevenson Search Partners and HAVEN Unite to Launch New Human Capital Platform: Tidemark Talent Solutions
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, and HAVEN, a leadership development advisory firm, have created a strategic partnership under Tidemark Talent Solutions, a newly formed holding company focused on building an integrated human capital platform. Tidemark will seek to acquire and scale high-performing specialist
CHRO Succession Grows More Deliberate as Organizations Prioritize Experience and Transformation
The role of the chief human resources officer continues to evolve as organizations navigate workforce transformation, leadership succession, technological disruption, and shifting employee expectations. Once viewed primarily as a steward of talent and culture, today’s CHRO is increasingly expected to serve as a strategic business partner, helping shape enterprise priorities while ensuring organizations have the
DHR Global Tapped by Texas Southern to Lead Men’s Basketball Head Coach Search
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has been retained by Texas Southern to lead in its search for a new men’s head basketball coach. DHR emerged from what the university described as a competitive review process. The firm will help the school build and vet a broad pool of candidates capable of sustaining a program that ranks among the conference’s
Cook Silverman Search Retained by the California Academy of Sciences
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by the California Academy of Sciences to lead in its search for a director of leadership philanthropy. is a pivotal leadership role within the Advancement Department at the California Academy of Sciences. Reporting directly to the chief advancement officer and working closely with the executive director and board of
The Moran Company Names CEO
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has announced that Mike English joins Bill Moran as a partner of the firm and has been named the company’s CEO. Mr. Moran will continue his role as president of the company he established more than 30 years ago. Since then, The
DSG Global Appoints Managing Director
DSG Global has expanded with the addition of Arpan Narayan as managing director. “We are pleased to welcome Arpan to DSG Global at a time when leveraging technology and AI depends on leadership that can execute the agenda,” said Aileen Alexander, CEO of DSG Global. “People sit at the center of the most consequential decisions, and
Why Organizational Performance Is Becoming the New Competitive Edge
McKinsey & Company’s The State of Organizations 2026 report highlights a business environment undergoing structural transformation. Drawing on responses from more than 10,000 leaders across 15 countries and 17 industries, the research identifies three interconnected forces reshaping organizations: technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, and workforce shifts. The pressure on organizations is intensifying from multiple directions at once. Companies
Preng & Associates Recruits CHRO for Caturus Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has recruited Mary Kenner as chief human resources officer at Caturus Energy LLC. The completion of the executive search comes at a pivotal moment for Caturus, as the company advances its ambition to build the nation’s leading independent integrated natural gas and LNG business through its differentiated wellhead-to-water strategy. Preng & Associates partnered with Caturus to
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Leading Executive Director Search for Seismic Foundation
DRiWaterstone Human Capital is currently leading in the search for an executive director for Seismic Foundation. This executive will fully own Seismic’s North American strategy and execution. The mission for this executive is to build out the Seismic Foundation operations as part of the AI governance ecosystem by delivering high-impact campaigns that shift the needle
Flatiron Search Partners Places CTO at Massage Envy
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has assisted in the recruitment of Abe Hong as chief technology officer of Massage Envy in Scottsdale, AZ. “Abe is a proven technology leader with deep experience supporting complex, multi-site businesses,” said Todd Schrader, CEO of Massage Envy Franchising. “His ability to align technology strategy with business goals, combined with his collaborative
Chief Human Resource Officers in Private Equity Funded Companies
In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business environment—where markets and customer needs are constantly evolving—the CHRO plays a critical role in driving the growth and profitability of private equity-backed companies. The top HR officer is at the vortex, with the CEO, in defining and cultivating the culture and driving the talent agenda so critical to
Korn Ferry Seeks New President for Pepperdine University
As the new academic year gets underway, a number of universities across the country are looking to install new leaders. Pepperdine University has enlisted Korn Ferry to find its next president and chief executive officer. Andrew K. Benton, who has held the role since 2000, recently announced his plans to step down at the end of
Ropella Group Launches CEO Search for Nanotech Industrial Solutions
Milton, FL-headquartered executive search firm Ropella Group has been selected by Nanotech Industrial Solutions (NIS) to lead its hunt for a new CEO. NIS is seeking a visionary CEO to lead the company through exponential growth and establish a strong strategic direction for the future, said the recruiter. NIS was the first company to succeed
ZRG Names Leader Healthcare Services Practice Leader
Healthcare is among the most rapidly growing employment fields, according to analysts at Hunt Scanlon Media, which tracks trends in the executive search and leadership solutions space. Recently, ZRG Partners added Greg Gerson as a managing director and leader within the firm’s healthcare services practice. Mr. Gerson brings over 17 years’ experience in executive search, as well
Search Veteran Leslie W. Stern Dies
Leslie W. Stern, a retired managing director of Diversified Search, died on Aug. 29. “Les Stern represented the best of the best in our executive search industry and as a human being who had the whole package – great husband and father, man of integrity and the highest character, a gentleman, trusted friend and man
Employers Using Social Media More and More to Screen Candidates
Your social media posts might win over or cost you friends, but according to a recent CareerBuilder survey, they could also have a big impact on prospective employers. Seventy percent of employers use social networking sites to research job candidates (on par with last year), while seven percent plan to start. And that matters, because
Russell Reynolds Associates Seeks New CFO for XPO Logistics
Russell Reynolds Associates has been selected to find a new chief financial officer for Greenwich, CT-based XPO Logistics. CFO John Hardig recently stepped down to spend more time with his family, the company said. Sarah Glickman, senior vice president, corporate finance, assumes the role of acting chief financial officer. Mr. Hardig will remain available to
NPAworldwide Adds Eight New Member Firms
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
The Rise of Counteroffers in Executive Search
The last thing any company official wants to hear is that one of their key executive leaders is resigning in favor of a better career opportunity. If the company is unprepared, making a counteroffer might seem like the only way to keep that executive and the best way to address the woes of a highly
The Katris Group Fills Board Seat for Interface
The Katris Group, an executive recruitment firm with offices in Sarasota, FL and Chicago, has placed Catherine M. Kilbane as a member of the board of directors at Nasdaq-traded Interface Inc., a global commercial flooring company and worldwide leader in sustainability. “Cathy brings a sophisticated view on acquisitions and integration. We will also benefit from
InveniasPartners Adds New Partner
InveniasPartners, a Chicago-based healthcare executive search and talent advisory services firm, has announced that Joseph E. Fournier is joining the firm as a partner. “We are delighted to welcome Joe to our team of consultants,” said Curt Lucas, managing partner and chairman of InveniasPartners. “Our firm is focused strictly on healthcare – it is a
To Expand the Pool of Diverse Candidates, Companies Must Rethink Risk
We are long past the point in which companies must be reminded about the importance of diversity within their senior ranks. The pendulum, in fact, has now swung the other way: Search firms are continually asked by clients to bring them diversity candidates — and, often, only diversity candidates. For recruiters, it is gratifying that
Diversified Search Lands Provost for John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Executive search firm Diversified Search has placed former California State University executive Yi Li as the new provost and vice president of academic affairs at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. The nationwide search was led by Andrew Wheeler, managing director and practice leader of the firm’s education and non-profit practice, and senior
McCormick Group Finds CEO for the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce
Following a national search, the McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has placed Julie Coons as the new president and CEO of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Jim Corcoran, who led the organization since 2010, recently stepped down from the role. The McCormick Group’s senior vice president Lyles Carr, managing principal Elizabeth
Texting Seen as Trendy Way to Keep In Touch with Candidates
Executive search consultants will tell you that developing and maintaining a positive and professional relationship with candidates is one of the main factors that contribute to their mutual success. Clear, concise and timely communication is key to developing that relationship. But what about texting? A new report by WinterWyman Executive Search’s Meghan McFee concludes that texting
R. William Funk & Associates Selected to Find President for Weber State University
As the new academic year gets underway, a number of universities across the country are looking to install new leaders. R.William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, was recently tapped by the Utah System of Higher Education to find a new president for Weber State University. Charles K. Wight stepped
Charles Aris Promotes Four Team Members
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the ladder within their respective firms. Just recently, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Inc. announced promotions for Jill Jitima, Ashlee Wagner, T.J. Deal and Joe Caporaso. Jill Jitima Ms. Jitima moves from the firm’s strategy & corporate development practice leader to vice president. In her new role, Ms.
How to Develop Candidate-Centric Recruiting Strategies
The recruiting world is changing. Candidates expect to engage where they live – on their mobile devices and through whatever channel they’re currently engaged with, from video to chat platforms to social media networks. But it’s not just about the channel; it’s about the approach. Candidates expect fast, personalized, one-on-one communication that mirrors authentic conversation.
Aspen Leadership Group Seeks Major Gifts Officer for Ithaca College
For non-profit organizations, major gift officers are among the most vital of roles. 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-profit everywhere. And for recruiters, the business of
Kittleman & Associates Seeks Leaders for Two Key Denver Non-Profits
Chicago-based executive search firm Kittleman & Associates has been selected to find new leaders for two consequential Denver non-profits, Conservation Colorado and Food Bank of the Rockies. Raylene Decatur, a principal with the recruitment firm, is spearheading both searches. Conservation Colorado, an environmental group, is seeking an executive director. The organization wants a leader who is passionate about
Demand Soars for Interim Executives to Help Side Step Talent Gaps
Strong demand for “solutions-savvy” interim executives and managers being hired within as little as 48 hours – and deployed to manage change and disruption – is the key trend in the interim sector according to the latest annual Watermark Interim Executive Survey. In the past 12 months, demand has spiked for interim leaders who can
Global Healthcare Services Lands CEO for Weatherford Rehab Hospital
Following a national search, Rocky River, OH-headquartered executive search firm Global Healthcare Services (GHS) has recruited Robert Ward as the new CEO of Weatherford Rehabilitation Hospital. Senior recruiter Tom Cavalli led the assignment. Weatherford Rehabilitation Hospital, based in Weatherford, TX, specializes in the care of complex medical and rehabilitative patients who have suffered a stroke, spinal cord injury,
Storbeck/Pimentel Seeks Provost for Colorado School of Mines
Executive search firms continue to reap the benefits of an active education sector, which many academic recruiters report has never been busier. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels. If any slowdown is coming, it most likely will be found at the talent identification stage. With so much
Three Keys to Successfully Integrating Senior Hires
Finding and successfully integrating the right talent is critical to success – but it’s no easy task. And losing a recent hire can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in time lost, damaged client relationships, misdirected personnel resources, recruiting costs and potential revenue. Inadequate preparation, pressure on a hire to gain traction quickly, slowed collaboration
Hardman Batchelor International Lands Executives for National Instruments Corp.
Austin, TX-based executive search firm Hardman Batchelor International has recently made two key placements for National Instruments Corp., a $1.29 billion developer and manufacturer of software and hardware products for scientists and engineers. Jim Ramsey is the company’s new vice president of Americas sales. And Paul Horton becomes vice president of global sales operations. The
Kingsley Gate Continues Global Expansion
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners continues its recent expansion with the addition of Magui Castro as senior partner. She will be based in the firm’s London office. Ms. Castro has a deep background in retained executive search, specializing in recruiting C-level executives across the consumer, retail and life sciences sectors. Prior to her career in search,
How to Meet the Talent Challenges of a Changing Digital Landscape
Every day we see examples of how the media, technology and digital industries are changing the way we live and work. Whether it is cloud storage for our photos, playlists for our music, friends who are “cutting the cord,” or retail chains going out of business, the world is changing rapidly. The implications for recruiting
Witt/Kieffer Promotes 14 Search Consultants
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the executive ladder within their respective firms. Witt/Kieffer recently announced 14 promotions across its expanding search practices. “This year has brought continued expansion for the firm, so that we may serve clients better in our markets in the U.S. and abroad,” said Andrew Chastain, president and CEO of Witt/Kieffer. “We are
Osprey Capital Acquires BoardProspects.com
Venture capital and private equity firm Osprey Capital has acquired Quincy, MA-based BoardProspects.com, an online boardroom community that provides individual and corporate-based members with corporate governance news, education and board recruitment solutions. “We are excited to have BoardProspects join the Osprey family,” said David Hoffmann, founder and chairman of Osprey Capital. Mr. Hoffmann is the founder
10 Reasons to Consider External Candidates
More companies have been looking outside for new leaders, an indication that hiring an outsider has become more of an intentional leadership choice than a necessity. Outsiders accounted for 22 percent of all CEOs brought in via a planned succession between 2012 and 2017, up from 14 percent in the 2005 to 2007 period, according
Phillips Oppenheim Seeking CEO for the Museum of the American Revolution
Boutique executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has been chosen to find the next president and chief executive officer for Philadelphia’s newest museum, the Museum of the American Revolution. Mark J. Tarnacki and Adelaide K. Jones are leading the search. The museum’s previous leader, Michael C. Quinn, stepped down last March after six years of steering the
RSR Partners Names Head of Sports and Entertainment Leadership Practice
Greenwich, Conn-based RSR Partners has promoted Dany B. Berghoff to managing director. Mr. Berghoff, who took over as head of the firm’s global sport and entertainment leadership practice from Joe Bailey in May, will focus on working with clients across the sports, media and entertainment industries. He is also a member of the firm’s hospitality and leisure practice. Mr. Berghoff has
