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A New Role For HR: Powering Growth, Not Just Managing Talent
According to McLean & Company’s HR Trends Report 2026: Leading Through Change: Human-Centric and Future Ready, HR organizations are being pulled into the center of enterprise transformation as companies grapple with relentless change driven by AI adoption, economic pressure, and shifting employee expectations. Leadership development remains the top priority for HR, but innovation has surged to
WittKieffer Retained by the American Hospital Association to Find New Leader
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been tapped by the American Hospital Association (AHA) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris are leading the assignment. The organization seeks a dynamic, transformative leader to serve as its next president and CEO. This is a career-defining opportunity to advance
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.
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
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?
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
The New Era of Executive Search: Blending Intuition with Innovation
Executive search is at an inflection point. According to Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of DSG Global (Diversified Search Group), “The industry has long been built on trust, relationships, and intuition – and that’s not going away, but today, it must also be agile, inclusive, and increasingly driven by automation and data,” she said. “Parts of the search
Preston & Partners Finds New CEO for Kirkland’s
Executive search firm Preston & Partners has placed Steve Woodward as CEO of home décor retailer Kirkland’s Inc. W. Michael Madden resigned from the company’s top role in April. Managing partner Elaine Erickson led the assignment. Mr. Woodward assumes his new job on Oct. 22nd. “I was honored to assist the Kirkland’s board to place an executive such as Steve Woodward
Social Planning Toronto Taps crawfordconnect to Find New Leader
Executive search firm crawfordconnect has been retained by Social Planning Toronto (SPT) to lead its search for a new executive director. Senior consultant Cynthia Armour is spearheading the assignment. The successful candidate will be expected to provide strategic, creative and dynamic leadership to the agency, said the search firm. The individual will be responsible for organizational stewardship and capacity-building
JBK Associates Names Transformational Growth Leader as Managing Director
New Jersey-based JBK Associates International has expanded with the addition of Paul Stefunek as managing director. During his 25 years in executive search, Mr. Stefunek has helped drive transformational growth for global industry leaders, venture-backed start-ups and other companies by placing candidates across the C-suite, board of directors and VP levels. He has expertise in the manufacturing,
India-Based Financial Services Firms Merge
India-based executive search firm Vito India Advisors has merged with Altor Executive Search, a search firm based in India, to form VitoAltor Advisors LLP. In a combined statement, Vito and Altor said the new entity will be India’s largest financial services executive search specialist (by market share). It will serve over 200 clients in India
Recruiting Overseas Leaders to U.S. Sports Teams Heats Up
Nolan Partners recently placed former Liverpool CEO Ian Ayre as the first CEO of Nashville MLS. “There’s a lot of other leagues and clubs that would find him incredibly attractive,” Nashville MLS owner John Ingram told the Tennessean. “This is a rather unique opportunity. And I feel very fortunate that this was of interest to him.” Mr.
International Cricket Council Taps Egon Zehnder to Find CEO
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has selected Egon Zehnder to conduct its search for a new CEO, following news that current leader David Richardson will step down next summer. Partner Neil Waters, who is based in Hong Kong, is leading the search. The Dubai-based governing body wants an executive who can oversee the delivery of a
Sterling Martin Associates Finds New Leader for COLA
Following a national search conducted by Sterling Martin Associates, Nancy Stratton has been named the new CEO of COLA, the leading accreditation provider for clinical laboratories. She succeeds Doug Beigel, who recently retired after more than 29 years with the organization. “In Nancy, our organization gains a leader with an unmatched breadth of experience in the clinical
Renovata Strengthens Search Team in New York
Renovata, a global executive search firm with offices in London, New York, Berlin and Stockholm, has expanded with the addition of former Marlin Hawk consultant George Mazzella. He joins the firm’s New York office and will help its expansion efforts across North America. Mr. Mazzella delivers both retained executive search and leadership advisory services to both
Curran Daly & Associates Opens New Office in Vietnam
Curran Daly & Associates, an executive search firm serving the Philippines, has opened a new office in Vietnam. With nearly 10 years in the search industry, Curran Daly will look to meet the talent needs of multinationals currently operating and those looking to enter the Vietnam market. “We are excited about our launch into Vietnam as
Talent Shortages and How to Address Them
Today’s employers must contend with a perfect storm of talent supply and demand challenges. Unemployment rates hover near historic lows. New technologies raise the demand for new skills. Many older workers are retiring, and companies face new competitors in the race to acquire talent while retaining the workers they have. For employers, embracing practices to
Association Strategies Tapped to Find CEO for American Academy of Nursing
Non-profit recruiting specialist Association Strategies has been selected by the American Academy of Nursing in Washington, D.C., to find its next chief executive officer. The search is being led by Pamela Kaul, president of the search firm. In a twist, the assignment is being conducted with the support of Chicago-based Tuft & Associates. The nursing academy’s
Cook Silverman Seeking Major Gifts Officer for Golden Gate University
For universities, major gift officers are among the most vital 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 everywhere. And for recruiters, the business of finding major gift officers
Chasm Partners Forms Recruiting Alliance with Clarify Health Solutions
Executive search firm Chasm Partners has been retained to help build out the management team of Clarify Health Solutions, a pioneer in real-time care optimization technology. The firm is leading multiple executive-level searches for Clarify Health’s San Francisco office. “We are pleased that Clarify Health has chosen our team to spearhead its executive search process for several key hires at
Optimum Talent Expands Montreal Office
Toronto-headquartered Optimum Talent has continued its recent expansion with the additions of Robert Racine, Nathalie Dallaire, Claudia Pascu and Bruno Ouellette to its Montreal office. “It is with great pride that we have been growing our team on a continual basis, integrating players whose talent, creativity and high standards of excellence enable us to meet the exciting and
Search Firms Focus on Innovative Ways to Manage Growth and Expansion
Executive search firms continue to look for more ways to drive growth — and manage it. To that end, DRG Search and ZRG Partners recently added Amichaim Abramson as chief strategy officer and Alex Bennett as chief growth officer, respectively. Mr. Abramson will collaborate with the DRG team to continue providing top-notch executive search services across the non-profit
New York City Ballet Taps Phillips Oppenheim to Find Artistic Director
A number of executive search firms have been on the hunt for artistic directors for their non-profit clients. New York City Ballet (NYCB) and the School of American Ballet (SAB) is the latest — selecting boutique recruiters Phillips Oppenheim to help find its next artistic leader. Principal Sarah James and partner Becky Klein are leading the assignment. Peter
Acertitude Lands New CFO for Binary Tree
Executive search firm Acertitude has placed Stacie Wolf as the new CFO of Binary Tree, a worldwide leader in enterprise digital IT transformations. Senior partner Scott Carberry headed the search, recruiting Mr. Wolf in 60 days. “Stacie’s capacity to build financially strong businesses combined with her diverse software background made her an excellent addition for this award-winning software
Diversified Search Appoints General Counsel
Executive search firm Diversified Search, one of the top 10 executive recruitment firms in the U.S., has continued its recent expansion with the addition of seasoned Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) executive Denielle Pemberton-Heard as its new general counsel and managing director. She will be based in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office. “Talented, driven, and with a deep professional network
PRAXI Alliance Adds New Member Firm in Finland
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. Global executive search consortium PRAXI Alliance Worldwide Executive Search recently added HRS Advisors in
Russell Reynolds Associates Moves Former Heidrick CEO to No. 2 Post at National Geographic
Executive recruiting at times can make strange bedfellows. Russell Reynolds Associates recently placed Heidrick & Struggles’ chairman Tracy R. Wolstencroft as president and CEO of the National Geographic Society. The search for a new leader started in March when Gary Knell stepped down to become CEO of National Geographic Partners, the society’s joint venture with 21st Century
Spencer Stuart Tapped by AutoNation to Find Next CEO
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has been retained by AutoNation to lead its search for a new CEO. Mike Jackson is stepping down in 2019 after serving some 20 years in the role. He will remain as executive chairman through 2021. The search will include both internal and external candidates. “The company is ready for its next
Higher Education Leadership Search Seeks Deans for Auburn University at Montgomery
Higher Education Leadership Search is spearheading searches for two deans for Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) in Alabama. Consultant Larry Benefield is leading the search for the next dean for the College of Sciences while consultant Alan Medders is in charge of finding the new dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
Vaco Enters Three New U.S. Markets
Brentwood, TN-headquartered recruiting firm Vaco has recently expanded into Denver, Pittsburgh, and Winston-Salem/Greensboro, NC. As executive partners, Vaco’s Renee Fisher and Kevin Witt help chart the strategic course in the firm’s many local markets. “Vaco is thrilled to extend our national footprint and bring our consultative approach to talent and solutions to Denver, Pittsburgh and Winston-Salem/Greensboro,” said Ms. Fisher. “Vaco was built to be a
IRC Global Adds New Member Firm in Denmark
IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) has added People & Performance A/S in Denmark as its newest member firm. “Denmark is an important market with many international knowledge-intensive companies with cross-border recruitment needs, and with IRC Denmark our worldwide executive search firm alliance has secured a strong foothold to support our international clients,” said IRC. People
Egon Zehnder Partners with Leadership Development Firm Mobius
Now more than ever, the world needs great leaders. But for leaders to best transform their organizations, they must first embrace their own transformation and continually work on self-improvement. In response, global search firm Egon Zehnder has formed a partnership with leadership development firm Mobius Executive Leadership. The alliance combines the firms’ proprietary methods for
Russell Reynolds Associates Finds New CEO for State Employees Credit Union
These are critical days for credit unions. The U.S. has nearly 6,000 of them, with more than $1.2 trillion in assets, according to the National Credit Union Administration. But with the steady retirement of Baby Boomers, among other factors, the cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000 chief executive officers and senior managers
Michelle Whiting & Associates Tapped to Find CEO for Pacific Chorale
Michelle Whiting & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for non-profit organizations, has been selected to find the next chief executive officer for Costa Mesa, CA-based Pacific Chorale, a professional choir. “The successful CEO will have an unprecedented opportunity to have a significant impact on the financial stability of a flourishing and increasingly high profile arts
Gray Scalable Names Head of Executive Search
New York-headquartered executive search firm Gray Scalable has named Eric Tenety as head of executive search. For over 17 years, Mr. Tenety has served venture capital and private equity portfolio companies as well as publicly-listed businesses undergoing transformation through the acquisition of innovative talent. He has worked with a number of founders, operators and investors
Gerard Daniels Names Alison Gaines as CEO
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments since the start of the year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Perth, Australia-based executive search firm Gerard Daniels has appointed Alison Gaines as the company’s global CEO. Following a 12-year tenure as the head of its board consulting
Leathwaite Appoints Head of Americas to Focus on Growth and Branding
Veteran executive search consultant Paul Groce has joined Leathwaite as head of the firm’s Americas region in an effort to increase its reach and further expand its brand outside the U.K. “The continued expansion of our U.S. business is central to Leathwaite’s future international growth strategy, and we are absolutely delighted to have hired Paul Groce to
SearchWide Global Seeks New Leader 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
