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Daily Newswire
Mercuri Urval Appoints New Leader
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has recently appointed Lene Juul Pedersen as group director. Ms. Pedersen is the firm’s global head of compliance and data protection, where she leads compliance strategy and ensures high standards in data protection and operational excellence across the firm’s global executive search and talent advisory services. “I’m very proud and
Rethinking Executive Due Diligence: Beyond the Traditional Background Check
As organizations place greater scrutiny on leadership appointments, the scope of due diligence is expanding well beyond traditional screening methods. Companies are recognizing that evaluating senior executives requires a more comprehensive understanding of risk, reputation, and long-term impact. In this environment, firms are adopting more rigorous and nuanced approaches to assess candidates before they take
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 Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
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?
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
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. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
Developing Your Future Talent through a Skills-Based Approach
Nearly 40 percent of the skills people rely on at work today will soon be outdated or replaced, recent statistics from the World Economic Forum revealed. For HR leaders, it’s a wake-up call. Talent strategies need to move faster, or the business may fall behind, according to a recent report from Korn Ferry. “While advances in AI and
Workable Nabs $50 Million in Funding
Recruitment software firm Workable has raised $50 million in a Series C funding round. This brings total funding to $84 million at the Boston-based firm, which uses AI software to automate the recruiting process by combining passive candidate sourcing, interview scheduling, candidate assessment and workflow automation. The round was led by London-based private equity firm
Signium Leveraging Hogan Assessments Throughout its Global Networks
Executive search consortium Signium has added Hogan Assessments, a global provider of personality assessment and leadership development, to its range of leadership consulting solutions. Chicago-based Signium will use Hogan’s distributor network to equip its global leadership consultants in nearly 30 countries with the necessary tools and certification requirements to provide its clients with Hogan’s highly
Why Innovative Leaders Remain Critical
In today’s rapid-cycle business environment driven by technology advances, increasing and dynamic customer expectations, and a shifting competitive landscape, continual innovation has become an existential imperative for most companies — and having the right leadership in place to drive change throughout the organization is critical. Few businesses are meeting their innovation goals, however, largely because
Phillips Oppenheim Seeks Director for the National Gallery of Art
Executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has been retained by the National Gallery of Art to lead its search for a new director. Principal Sarah James and partner Becky Klein are leading the assignment. The director of the National Gallery of Art is responsible for the artistic vision and leadership of the gallery. He or she will oversee
SearchWide Global Finds CEO for Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
After suffering a massive hit during the Great Recession, employment and hiring within the travel, hotel and hospitality industry continues to rebound. Last year, according to one set of survey metrics, the industry added more than 527,000 jobs (2.6 million since 2004). That number is likely to increase this year as global tourism and traveling in
Catalyst Advisors Opens Office in Cambridge, Names Partner
Persistent talent shortages and the need to develop and retain employees with critical business and technology skill-sets will continue to challenge global life sciences companies for the foreseeable future, according to Deloitte’s global sector outlook on life sciences. Navigating this new world of work requires a dramatic change in strategies for leadership, talent and human resources.
LinkedIn Closes On Acquisition of Glint
Social networking website LinkedIn has closed on its acquisition of Glint, the Redwood City, CA-based employment engagement platform. The acquisition, which reportedly might have cost as much as $500 million, was announced last month. Glint produces software that helps businesses better understand how their teams are functioning and responding to their employer. “Glint has an
Why 360 Degree Reference Audits are Gaining Traction
Reference audits are a vital part of the executive search process. They illuminate characteristics about a candidate that aren’t always obvious or visible through the interview process. They also directly speak to a prospect’s potential to be successful in a role and fit within your company’s culture, answering questions about how the candidate works with
Odgers Berndtson Strengthens Technology Practice, Adding Three Specialists
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has expanded the size of its technology practice with the additions of Kevin Anderson and Doug Gladstone as partners and Lauren Claypool as a principal. “We’re excited to be increasing our footprint in this critical area and to be expanding our presence in San Francisco, Dallas and D.C.,” said Steve Potter, CEO. “Doug,
Reffett Associates Recruits President for the Naval Postgraduate School
Following a nationwide search, executive recruiting firm Reffett Associates placed Ann Elisabeth Rondeau as the 50th president of the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). She replaces outgoing president vice admiral (retired) Ronald Route, who has led the organization since 2013. The search was led by Marshall Reffett, managing director of the firm’s Seattle office, with assistance from Thomas
Lincoln Executive Search Seeks New Leader for Pieta House
Lincoln Executive Search has been selected by Pieta House, a suicide prevention group in Dublin, Ireland to find a new CEO. Managing director Shay Dalton is leading the assignment for the search firm, which is also in Dublin. The incoming CEO will be charged with building upon the strong foundations already laid, and lead the
StevenDouglas Extends IT Division
Executive search firm StevenDouglas has moved to consolidate its IT division in South Florida under one leadership structure to streamline resources in an effort to better support its clients. Leading the effort internally is Jamie Javorsky, who has been appointed SVP of IT, overseeing the search, staffing and consulting practices. StevenDouglas’ IT division now has expanded capabilities to service niche
Poor Succession Planning Leading to High CEO Turnover
CEO transitions have always been challenging, but never more than in today’s high-stakes business environment. To gain a sharper sense of the demands posed by CEO successions and transitions, as well as the risk involved, Russell Reynolds Associates reviewed the member companies of the S&P 500 (as of August) and analyzed their CEO tenure and
Spencer Stuart Scores CEO for the Premier League
Jonathan Smith of Spencer Stuart has recruited the former leader of Discovery Communications, Susanna Dinnage, as the first female CEO of the Premier League. As head of the English soccer league, Ms. Dinnage becomes one of the most prominent women in professional sports. She starts her new role in early 2019, taking over from Richard
RH Perry & Associates Tapped to Find Sixth President for Harper College
Harper College, a Palatine, IL community college, has retained RH Perry & Associates to lead its search for a new president. Ken Ender, who has served as president since 2009, will be retiring next summer. Senior consultants Jesse M. Thompson and Joanne Bashford are heading the assignment. The college evaluated eight recruitment firms. Pat Stack,
The Hennessy Group Partners with Norland Associates
The Hennessy Group has partnered with Shanghai-based executive search firm Norland Associates to extend life sciences executive search services to East Asia markets. “Our clients in the life sciences industry have seen incredible growth over the past few years,” said Bob Hennessy, founder and CEO. “We felt the time was right to boost our efforts further
Harvey Nash Appoints President of Technology Solutions for North America and APAC
London-based recruitment firm Harvey Nash has named Anna Frazzetto as its president of technology solutions for North America and APAC. She will continue to serve in her role as chief digital technology officer. In her new role, Ms. Frazzetto will expand her focus on the overall profitability of the North America and APAC regions, particularly in Australia, where
11 Things You Need to Know About Generation Z
Generation Z. It is the first generation to know only a digital world. Its members grew up playing on their parents’ mobile devices, and many had their own smartphone as early as elementary school. Now that they’re on the brink of entering the job market, older workers are wondering how these ‘digital natives’ will impact the
Waverly Partners Leading CEO Search for Tri-ED
The Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Corp. (Tri-ED) has enlisted executive search firm Waverly Partners to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Eric Peterson, managing director and principal in Waverly Partners’ Cleveland office, and Harrison Turnbull, managing director and principal in the Charlottesville, VA office, are heading the search. Tri-ED,
B.E. Smith Selected by Bon Secours Mercy to Find Group CFO
Bon Secours Mercy in Cincinnati, OH, is seeking a group CFO to lead financial operations for the Great Lakes Group, which is composed of 14 hospitals in Ohio. The organization has tapped executive search firm B.E. Smith to lead its search. Recruiter Ann Terry is spearheading the assignment. The group CFO will be expected to provide
Korn Ferry’s Tech Practice to Offer Contract Services
Korn Ferry has expanded its services by adding a new area of expertise within its technology practice. In response to client needs beyond executive, vice president and director levels, the firm will now offer search services and contract placements for individual contributor roles. With areas of expertise spanning data/analytics, cloud, web, information/cyber security and software design,
NPAworldwide Adds 10 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 10 new member locations as it continues to
Economic Climate Creating Challenges for Recruiters
After years of shifting economies and a move towards candidate-centric strategies, many people believe we are at the dawn of a new era of recruiting. The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 3.7 percent in October, reaching a record low point not seen since 1969, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It may be a
Gonzaga University Picks Academic Search to Lead Provost Search
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been selected by Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, to lead its search for a provost. President and senior consultant L. Jay Lemons is heading the assignment along with senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo and consultant Christopher Butler. This is a new role for Gonzaga, which is revamping its administrative structure.
Caldwell Posts 16 Percent Revenue Jump
Toronto-based executive search firm Caldwell has posted third quarter revenues of $18.7 million (all dollar figures Canadian), an 18.9 percent increase from a year ago when the firm recorded revenues of $15.8 million. Full year revenues rose by 15.7 percent, from $57.8 million last year to $66.5 million. Fourth quarter professional fees in the U.S. were up 35.7 percent
John Keister & Associates Close to Finding New Leader for Arlington Heights Memorial Library
Search firms that service the library sector are busier than ever. Vernon Hills, IL-based search firm John Keister & Associates, for one, is nearing the final stages of finding a new executive director for the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Mike Driskell, the library’s director of administration, has been serving as interim executive director. The library’s board
Stanford Search Opens its Doors
An array of new recruiting firms have launched around the world this year. The latest: London-based boutique firm Stanford Search has been founded by Jake Tapsell in partnership with Recruitment Entrepreneur. The new firm will be working on front-office positions across private equity, investment banking and broader alternative investments. Stanford Search is designed to identify
U.S. Boards Seen as Slowly Evolving
Responding to rapidly changing business challenges, emerging risks and increasing attention to director relevance and quality by investors and other stakeholders, Standard & Poor’s 500 boards are adding directors with new skills, qualifications and perspectives. S&P 500 boards appointed 428 new independent directors in the 2018 proxy year, up eight percent from last year, and
University of Oregon Taps Parker Executive Search to Find New CHRO
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has been enlisted by the University of Oregon to help find a new chief human resources officer (CHRO). Laura Wilder, the firm’s president, is leading the assignment along with vice president of higher education Porsha Williams. Over the past month, the school’s vice president for finance and administration conducted several listening
Tyler & Company Retained by The Deaconess Associations to Find CFO
The Deaconess Associations Inc. in Cincinnati, OH, has tapped Atlanta-based executive recruitment firm Tyler & Company to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. Senior consultant Charlotte Tinsley is heading the assignment. The CFO for Deaconess Associations Inc. is responsible for the administrative, financial and risk management operations of the non-profit, to include the
Chason Group Adds Former Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce CEO
Executive search firm the Chason Group recently expanded with the addition of veteran chamber of commerce and economic development professional Mike Gaymon. He will focus on executive recruiting for non-profit organizations. “Mike’s knowledge of the industry sectors that we focus on is significant,” said Tim Chason, founder of the Chason Group. “He has the capacity to evaluate
