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Spencer Stuart Appoints New CFO
Spencer Stuart has appointed Clare Kennedy as its new chief financial officer. She succeeds Christine Laurens as part of a planned succession and in support of Laurens’ retirement from full-time executive work. Ms. Laurens will remain with the firm for several months to ensure a smooth transition. “We are grateful to Christine for her many significant contributions,
The Private Equity Executive Talent Trends That Will Define 2026
Private equity is still a capital business, but it’s increasingly a leadership business. Deal flow isn’t what it was a few years ago and capital is more selective, according to a new report from Beecher Reagan. “Many funds are sitting on dry powder longer than expected,” the report said. “And when that happens, the spotlight
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,
How PE Firms Are Evolving In 2025
Private equity is experiencing a shakeout, where scale and specialization are becoming defining factors for success. The industry is seeing capital consolidate among top firms, making it increasingly difficult for mid-sized and emerging managers to raise funds. Bain & Company’s Global Private Equity Report 2025 highlights that “capital will continue to consolidate in the hands
Kingsley Gate Partners Appoints Global HR Practice Leader
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners continues its recent expansion with the addition of Mike Bergen as a senior partner and global human resources practice leader. He will be based out of the firm’s New York office. Mr. Bergen brings nearly three decades of retained executive search and HR experience to Kingsley Gate Partners. His expertise spans
TalentRISE Adds Technology and Analytics Expert
Chicago-based executive search firm TalentRISE has expanded with the addition of John Meyers as senior director of technology operations. “John possesses a unique blend of technical, business process and analytical skills and know-how,” said Rick Gray, CEO of TalentRISE. “He will help us more effectively manage, measure and scale our operational infrastructure and client service delivery while identifying how
Recruiting HR Leaders in an Evolving Workplace
From people analytics to employer branding, HR departments are evolving at breakneck speed to meet recruitment and retention challenges. No longer is HR about record keeping and rote rule enforcement. Today’s human resource leaders play a critical role improving business performance through employer branding, strategic recruitment and retention, and talent optimization. A new white paper
Korn Ferry Finds New Leader for MOSERS
Executive search and leadership solutions provider Korn Ferry has placed Ronda Stegmann as the new executive director of the Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS). Senior client partner Michael Kennedy led the assignment. The pension fund’s previous executive director, John Watson, recently stepped down and Ms. Stegmann had been leading the $8.1 billion pension fund on an interim basis. Executive
Coleman Lew + Associates Seeks Leader for Gardner-Webb University
Charlotte, NC-based executive recruitment firm Coleman Lew + Associates has been selected to find the next president for Gardner-Webb University (GWU), a private, Christian institution in Boiling Springs, NC. A. Frank Bonner is retiring early next year after close to 14 years in the top job and nearly 32 years with the school. Gardner-Webb’s president
Optimum Talent Acquires Vézina Nadeau Labre
Toronto-headquartered Optimum Talent has acquired Vézina Nadeau Labre (VNL), an organizational development, coaching and career transition firm. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. VNL has been recognized by business leaders and organizations across Quebec and Canada for its outstanding service and human approach, said Optimum Talent. “Its team has worked with clients across all industries and
AltoPartners Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
AltoPartners, an international alliance of independent executive search firms and leadership consultants, has added Hofer Tan & Partners, a Singapore-based professional services firm specializing in board search, retained executive search and leadership consulting. Hofer Tan & Partners provides guidance and advice on decisions about leadership, succession, executive consulting and development. The firm is led by
Help Wanted! Companies Stepping Up Summer Hiring Plans
The summer job market is upon us and there’s good news: Companies are stepping up their seasonal hiring. Forty-one percent of employers plan to hire workers for the summer while a vast majority (88 percent) expect to transition some summer hires into permanent roles, according to a new report by CareerBuilder. Employers said they are
Management Consultants for the Arts Finds New Leader for American Conservatory Theater
Following an extensive nationwide search, Stamford, Conn-based executive search firm Management Consultants for the Arts has placed Jennifer Bielstein as the new executive director of American Conservatory Theater (ACT) in San Francisco. She succeeds Peter Pastreich who is leaving the organization at the end of the 2017-18 season. Partner David Mallette led the assignment. “On behalf of the board of
Saxton Bampfylde Lands New Leader for National Museums Liverpool
For non-profit organizations, these are challenging days. Declining support from government sources, increased demand for their services and competition for donor dollars are just a few of the issues that charitable organizations must overcome to stay afloat each year. So it is that roles like national directors and chief development officers become all the more
ENGAGE Talent Announces Partnership with HonorVet Technologies
ENGAGE Talent, an AI software company that helps companies identify and effectively engage with passive candidates, has announced a partnership with HonorVet Technologies, a technology-driven talent search staffing firm that is working to eliminate the high underemployment rate affecting military veterans. Forty-three percent of veterans leave their first civilian job within their first year, and 80
City Executive Search Opens Doors in the U.K.
City Executive Search has been launched in the U.K. by Mike Lee, Dale Williams and Duncan Powell. The firm provides executive search services to organizations in a range of sectors including financial services, information technology, fintech, human resources, sales and marketing. Based in London and Cardiff, the organization’s clients range from FTSE-listed firms to private
CEO Confidence Dips but Remains at Record High
Following a record high CEO outlook in the first quarter, the results of the newly released Business Roundtable ‘CEO Economic Outlook Survey’ reveal strong CEO plans for the coming months, but a modest decline in the overall economic outlook amid increased uncertainty surrounding government policies, particularly the direction of U.S. trade policy. The Outlook Index, a
Haley Associates Selected to Find Next President for Methodist University
Higher education consulting and executive search firm Haley Associates has been chosen to help find the next president of Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. The search is being led by principal Katherine Haley. The university’s previous president, Ben E. Hancock, retired last month after seven years in the role. Provost Delmas S. Crisp Jr. is
Spencer Stuart Leading CEO Search for Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Retailers are facing major shifts in their businesses that call for “unprecedented responses” by CEOs who can effectively lead through change, intuitively and analytically understand the evolving consumer and respond to ambiguity, according to search consultants. Developed markets, excess retail capacity, rising prices, the shift to omni-channel retail and the unpredictable pace of change in
Charles Aris Strengthens Search Staff
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Inc. has expanded with the addition of Peter Uber as its newest colleague. He will focus on recruiting senior-level sales and marketing leaders on behalf of clients in the food & beverage industry. Mr. Uber brings an extensive background in shaping sales and marketing programs for a variety of organizations.
JC Consulting Opens Office in Beijing
JC Consulting, an executive search and consultancy company headquartered in Singapore, has opened a new office in Beijing, marking its first office overseas. The new location is made up of a team of six experienced search consultants. “Our team specializes in the luxury retail industry and we help our clients to find top-notch talents nationwide,”
How to Keep Your Best Performers from Becoming a Flight Risk
CEOs should not presume that the turbulent economy dissuades top talent from pursuing their career goals. Smart leaders are proactively developing strategies to motivate and retain their top performers no matter what the economic signals are, says Nancie Whitehouse, founder of the talent acquisition consulting firm Whitehouse Advisors. “The risk of defection is significantly lower
Herbert Mines Associates Taps CFO for Macy’s
New York-based executive recruiter Herbert Mines Associates recently placed Paula A. Price as CFO for retail giant Macy’s. She will succeed Karen Hoguet who plans to retire at the end of the 2018 fiscal year. Ms. Hoguet will remain with the company in an advisory role during a transition period until February. “I’m excited to have Paula join Macy’s Inc. at such
DRi Places Chief Development Officer at Polaris
Executive search firm Development Resources inc. (DRi) has placed Emily Tracy as the new chief development officer of Polaris, an anti-human-trafficking organization. DRi was seeking a high-level chief development officer who could oversee innovation in all its public and private revenue streams, designing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to grow revenue and to sustainably reach a $15
Ventura Partners Adds New Partner in Beverly Hills
Executive search firm Ventura Partners has expanded with the addition of Justin Menkes as a partner in Beverly Hills. “When we started Ventura eight years ago, we knew we wanted to be very selective when we considered whether to expand our partnership,” said Julie Ford, founder and partner of the firm. “We set the bar high for
Tokyo-Based HCCR Adds Five Consultants to Search Staff
HCCR (Human Capital Consulting & Recruiting), a Tokyo-based specialist executive search firm, has expanded with the addition of five consultants. The new hires will complement the firm’s existing team and core areas of focus, namely the automotive and associated technology markets, such as AI, machine learning, embedded systems, wireless and cloud solutions. These strategic hires
Background Checking Candidates with Social Media
Increasing numbers of search firms and employers are using social media and Internet searches to screen candidates before hiring, according to a recent poll. While drug testing and credit checks used to be the biggest factors that could disqualify an otherwise great candidate, formal social media evaluations are now being added to the list, according
Noetic Search Places New Leader at Tree House Humane Society
Executive search firm Noetic Search has recruited Raissa Allaire as the new executive director of the Tree House Humane Society in Chicago. Rhyan Zweifler, Noetic’s founder and president, and vice president Jane Luiso led the search. Tree House was seeking a highly experienced leader with demonstrated vision and passion for the humane and ethical treatment of animals, said Noetic
Carrington & Carrington Seeks Top Medical Officer for Planned Parenthood
Chicago-based executive recruitment firm Carrington & Carrington has been selected by Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) to find its next chief medical officer. The CMO serves as the authority on quality and clinical care across the organization, said the search firm. The individual is charged with ensuring that Planned Parenthood’s medical standards are highly reliable
Bedford Consulting Group Expands in Ontario
The Bedford Consulting Group has expanded with the addition of David MacPherson as the firm’s newest partner. He will lead Bedford’s global power and industrial practice from the firm’s Ontario offices. Mr. MacPherson has over 20 years of senior executive search experience, focused on identifying and placing outstanding leaders for his clients in energy and technology.
Cornerstone International Group Adds New Member Firm in Costa Rica
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. Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, recently added
How to Make Succession Planning Work in Practice
For executive succession to work, it must be integrated seamlessly with a long-term commitment to leadership development, according to a new report from Furst Group/NuBrick Partners CEO Bob Clarke and managing partner Joe Mazzenga. The report presented this fictitious scenario: The hospital had waited too long. Barbara had been CEO for many years, but when
Greenwich Harbor Partners Fills Board Seat for the New York Pops
Greenwich Harbor Partners has placed Eric Johnson as a member of the board of directors at the New York Pops. He is the eighth director to be placed on the Pops board by the Greenwich, Conn-based search firm. The assignment was led by managing directors Carrie Pryor and Ted Pryor. Mr. Johnson is a proven enterprise
Academic Search Places President at St. Mary’s University
Many academic recruiting specialists say business has never been better. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels. With so much activity, it seems, talent demand is far outstripping the supply. In recent months, a number of top schools have announced that they are looking for new, high-profile leaders
RiseSmart Appoints Three Executives to Manage Expanding Global Operations
RiseSmart, a provider of contemporary career transition services – a space which more search firms are looking at entering – has announced the appointment of three executives to manage international operations and support the organization’s rapid global expansion. Kevin Gounden was named the company’s new vice president, international strategy. Jasmine Sim was brought on as strategic
