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Mercuri Urval Partners with Bell Oaks Executive Search
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has formed an alliance with Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search. “Cooperating with a highly reputable, and well established executive search firm such as Bell Oaks, represents a significant milestone for our organization, both internationally and within the U.S.,” said Darcie Murray, head of Americas, MU. “This will not only
Drowning in AI-Generated Resumes? How to Spot Real Talent
The job market has witnessed dramatic changes over the past few years and while many organizations are facing critical talent shortages in niches like machine learning and AI, they are also drowning in a glut of optimized applications, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. “Candidates are fully aware that hiring teams use applicant tracking systems
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
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,
Redefining Executive Talent in Life Sciences
The life sciences industry is experiencing a major shift, reshaping the very definition of effective leadership. “There’s a rapidly growing demand for research and development (R&D) leaders with specialized expertise in cutting-edge areas such as cell and gene therapy, and precision medicine,” said John Ebeid, executive vice president, Randstad Life Sciences. “These leaders are particularly
Things to Know About Hiring a Search Firm
Hiring top executives who can both effectively manage and lead an organization is a major challenge. When a company makes vital senior-level appointments, the risks are high. For top roles, the base salary is typically more than $150,000. When searching, organizations will be looking for the most suitable candidate who checks off all the boxes, including
AMN Healthcare Appoints Leadership and Search Solutions President
AMN Healthcare Services, the largest U.S. healthcare staffing provider, has named Kelly Rakowski as president for leadership and search solutions. The recent addition follows a wave of growth at AMN. Ms. Rakowski will be responsible for leading the company’s interim leadership, physician permanent placement, recruitment process outsourcing and executive search solutions services. She will report
UPMC Taps Carrington & Carrington to Find President
Chicago-based executive recruitment firm Carrington & Carrington has been selected by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) to find its next president for the UPMC Cole hospital in Coudersport, PA. “Aside from having the skill level and experience, the candidate who stands out will be one who can epitomize UPMC’s mission, vision and core values in their
The Impact of Failing to Focus on Recruiting Upcoming Generations of Leaders
Business leaders are concerned about their ability to attract and retain Millennials and Gen Z workers, and the impact of failing to do so, according to a new report from talent solutions provider Allegis Group. Compounding the problem, said the study, few businesses are doing much to improve their results. Forty-nine percent of the more
Wheless Partners Finds CEO for Rainy Lake Medical Center
Following a national search, executive recruitment firm Wheless Partners has placed Robert Pastor as the new CEO of Rainy Lake Medical Center, a level 4 trauma center and community health organization in International Falls, MN. Bonnie Erickson, who served two stints as CEO, will be retiring at the end of August. “After an exhaustive search to meet the
RM Nephew and Associates Forms Alliance with Dublin-Based Search Firm
Executive recruitment firm RM Nephew and Associates has formed a partnership with Cronin Partners International Search, a retained executive search firm headquartered in Dublin. “Having a trusted partner based in Ireland will enable us to significantly improve our offerings to clients with needs in the European and international markets,” said Bob Nephew, the firm’s managing partner. “We
Women Remain Lacking in the C-Suite
Despite the advances women have made in today’s workplace, they still account for just a small share of top leadership posts. That’s true in politics and government, academia, the non-profit sector and particularly business. Women held only about 10 percent of the top executive positions (defined as chief executive officers, chief financial officers and the next three highest
Kensington International Finds CFOs for LGM Pharma and United Medical Systems
CFOs continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In recent months, search firms of all varieties have placed CFOs at various companies. Recently, Oak Brook, IL-based-executive search firm Kensington International placed Keith Lavery and Paul Hajjar as the new CFOs for LGM Pharma and
ZRG Partners Names Financial Officer and Blockchain Practice Heads
ZRG Partners has named Rahul Kapur as managing director and leader of the firm’s newly launched blockchain unit and Bruce J. Robertson as managing director and head of ZRG’s financial officer practice. The new blockchain practice will help the firm’s financial services, fintech and healthcare clients as well as those in emerging blockchain-centric industries meet
Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for U.S. Olympic Committee
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has recruited Sarah Hirshland as the 12th CEO of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) in Colorado Springs, CO. She brings a unique and proven set of skills and experiences to the USOC at a time of transformation and change for the organization. “The USOC is at a critical time in
Standish Executive Search Opens Office in New Hampshire
Providence, RI-headquartered Standish Executive Search has opened a new office in Bedford, NH in an effort to better serve clients throughout northern New England. Principal Kelley Small, a long-time New Hampshire resident, will lead the firm’s Granite State office. “Mid-size and smaller businesses located in New Hampshire that are addressing growth, change or succession challenges
Vanderbloemen Search Group Adds Vice President of Candidate Relations
Houston, TX-based Vanderbloemen Search Group, which finds leaders for churches and ministries, has added Sutton Turner as its new vice president of candidate relations. Previously, Mr. Turner led five different businesses across three different countries as CEO (U.S., Qatar and Abu Dhabi). In 2008, he served as founding CEO of Khidmah (“service” in Arabic), currently
Chief AI Officer Recruiting Seen as Top Priority for Most Companies
Organizations looking to attract artificial intelligence talent are finding such professionals scarce and the competition to land them fierce. Beyond the big tech companies, AI leadership is quickly becoming a necessary investment regardless of industry. A recent study, in fact, identified 400 discrete use cases for AI and analytics. Sixty-one percent of executives said their
Caldwell Posts 24.2 Percent Q3 Revenue Gain
Toronto-based executive search firm Caldwell has posted third quarter revenues of $18 million (Canadian), a 24.2 percent increase from a year ago when the firm recorded revenues of $14.4 million. During the quarter, U.S. professional fees rose 22.8 percent to $13.5 million (Canadian); however, they increased 28.9 percent excluding the effect of exchange rates. Canadian professional fees rose 10
Higher Education Leadership Search Finds New Provost for Northeastern State University
Higher Education Leadership Search has helped place Debbie Landry as the new provost and vice president for academic affairs at Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah, OK. Dr. Landry served as the interim provost for nearly a year. Consultants Bill Meehan and Alan Medders led the assignment. “For over 13 years, Dr. Landry has served
CEO Confidence Dips Slightly But Remains Positive
The Conference Board’s latest measure of CEO confidence, which had increased in the first quarter of 2018, declined slightly in the second quarter. The measure now reads 63, down from 65 in the first quarter of 2018. A reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses. “CEO Confidence declined slightly in the
Coulter Partners Lands CEO for Ovizio Imaging Systems
Global executive search firm Coulter Partners has placed Emilie Viey as the new CEO of Ovizio Imaging Systems, a life science imaging technology company. Philip Mathuis, who co-founded Ovizio, recently stepped down. Philipp Buis, Coulter’s executive director, led the assignment. Dr. Viey will lead Ovizio’s further development as solution provider for imaging applications in life sciences.
RSR Partners Expands Asset Management Practice
Greenwich, Conn.-based RSR Partners, a retained executive search and leadership consulting firm, has expanded its asset management practice with the addition of industry veteran Michael D. Fitzgerald. In his role as a managing director, Mr. Fitzgerald is charged with launching the firm’s presence in Boston, a strategically important expansion of RSR Partners’ geographical reach. “Mike
An Up-Close Look at the Transformational Role of the CHRO
The HR role has transitioned tremendously over the past 20 years, as the function has gained in stature and prominence. But evolution in such a role does not necessarily come about by major changes and careful planning for the future. Even minor shifts can trigger a chain of events that have significant long-term impact on
Jorgenson Consulting Seeking CEO for Brunswick and Glynn County Economic Development Authority
Greensboro, NC-based Jorgenson Consulting is leading the search for a new president and CEO for the Brunswick and Glynn County Economic Development Authority in Brunswick, GA. Mel Baxter, the organization’s current leader, announced in March that he would be stepping down. He said he will stay on until his replacement is in place. Todd Jorgenson, the
SpenglerFox Appoints Country Manager for Poland
London-headquartered executive search firm SpenglerFox has named Maciej Kotowicz as country manager for Poland. “It is with great pleasure that I announce our latest addition to the SpenglerFox Group, Maciej Kotowicz,” said Jens Friedrich, CEO of SpenglerFox. “Maciej will be based in Warsaw, one of our firm’s strategic hub locations and drive further growth in Central Europe as part of
A Look Into Who is Driving the Gig Economy
Today’s business environment is vastly different from just five years ago. Success is no longer measured by a company’s longevity or headcount. Today, the business currency is agility and innovation. Technology has forever transformed how work gets done, and the flexible workforce has changed who does it. Flexibility has evolved from being singularly defined as
Workers Prefer Age-Diverse Organizations
Eighty-six percent of global workers surveyed prefer working in a multi-generational team environment, according to the newly-released Q2 Randstad Workmonitor study. Age-diverse organizations allow them to come up with more innovative ideas and creative solutions, they said. Collaboration between generations is considered mutually beneficial at their company, said 85 percent of the participants. With regard
Allegis Partners Finds New CHRO for PAR Technology Corp.
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resources officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. The best HR chiefs are seen as integral strategic advisors to the C-suite, and the ones in demand are those who are sounding boards for CEOs. Why is there such pent-up demand for top flight HR experts?
U.S. Hiring Remains Strong, Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly
Employers added 213,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly to four percent from an 18-year low of 3.8 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The June gain is the 92nd consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed people rose to 6.6 million. The results surpassed the forecasts of
Spelman Johnson Seeks New Police Chief for Tulane University
Higher education recruitment firm Spelman Johnson has been selected to find the next police chief for Tulane University in New Orleans. The search is being led by search associate Heather Larabee. The school’s previous chief, Joey Bishop, resigned this spring in the wake of a local television station’s revelations that the police department had tried
ON Partners Appoints Leader of Supply Chain Recruiting Practice
Executive search firm ON Partners has named longtime supply chain veteran Heidi Hoffman as partner and leader of its supply chain practice. She will be based in the firm’s Atlanta office. Considered a pioneer in the recruitment of senior supply chain executives, Ms. Hoffman specializes in the recruitment and development of senior executives in strategic sourcing, procurement, manufacturing,
18 Lean Recruiting Tips and Tricks Heading into Summer
Hiring is on the rise, competition is fierce and time is of the essence. Today’s recruiters must be able to meet their goals quickly and effectively, despite limited resources. “A lean recruiting approach can help you achieve that essential efficiency – whether by leveraging available assets, capitalizing on new (or existing) technology, or eliminating bottlenecks
Reffett Associates Forms Recruiting Alliance with First Responders Network Authority
Executive search firm Reffett Associates has been chosen by the First Responders Network Authority (FirstNet) to help recruit and select the senior leadership group and board of directors for its public-private partnership with AT&T. This broadband network will be dedicated to America’s police, firefighters and emergency medical services. The FirstNet network will cover all 50
Major, Lindsey & Africa Finds General Counsels for Elanco Animal Health and American Tire Distributors
Legal recruiting has largely been booming this year and, to that end, search firm Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) recently filled general counsel positions for Elanco Animal Health and American Tire Distributors (ADT). Michael B. Sachs and Heather Fine of MLA’s Midwest in-house practice group placed Michael-Bryant Hicks as general counsel and secretary at Elanco Animal Health, a division of Eli
Pivot Management Partners Names Leader of Collegiate Sports Recruiting Practice
Executive search specialist for the sports and entertainment market Pivot Management Partners (PMP) has expanded with the addition of Peter Roby as senior client partner to lead its recently launched collegiate sports practice. The practice will focus on searches for athletic directors, coaches and senior professional positions on behalf of universities and NCAA conferences. “In
