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Mercuri Urval Appoints Leader of Construction Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has named Ulf Hillstedt as global practice lead for the construction practice. “Ulf has been working with clients from the construction industry for so many years, that he is the obvious choice to coordinate our activities in this industry globally,” said Andreas Frische, CRO at MU. “We know his passion
Executive Search as Strategic Risk Management: Five Insights Reshaping C-Suite Hiring
Leadership decisions are becoming more consequential and more exposed. Across markets, industries and ownership structures, organizations are facing structural transformation, leadership succession pressures, geopolitical uncertainty and accelerated capability shifts, according to Kestria’s Global Internal Survey. “In this environment, executive hiring is no longer a transactional process,” the study found. “It is a strategic inflection point.”
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.
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
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?
Noto Group Expands Global Consumer Practice
Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Noto Group has expanded with the additions of Kirsty Schofield and Cody Johns as senior partners in its global consumer practice. “Cody and Kirsty bring highly complementary experience, deep consumer sector expertise, and a genuine connection to how we work,” said Sara Spirko, managing partner of Noto Group. “Both understand that finding
millionways Brings a New Behavioral Intelligence Lever to Executive Recruiters
Hunt Scanlon Ventures this week completed its investment in millionways, a New York-headquartered company that builds a behavioral intelligence layer of AI for human agent workforces, utilizing a proprietary Large Psychology Model called Thorsten-4. The platform focuses on understanding human signals, motives, and behavior patterns, with applications used across AI governance, executive hiring, talent management,
AI Governance Jobs Platform Builds Early Momentum Through Privacy-First Model
AI-Governance-Jobs.com, operated by GRC Careers LLC and led by founder and CEO F. Jay Hall, has built its model combining specialized career content, organic search visibility, and privacy-focused architecture. The company’s latest executive summary reports 134,499 organic impressions over a recent 28-day period, achieved roughly three months after launch — without advertising. As demand grows
Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Linfield University with the Recruitment of Dean of the School of Business
Blue Rock Human Capital has helped to recruit Isaac Wanasika as the new dean of the School of Business at Linfield University. “Blue Rock Human Capital was pleased to work with Linfield University to identify their new dean of the School of Business,” said Jacquelyn Elliot, president and COO of Blue Rock Human Capital. “Today’s higher
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
Pacific International Launches Leadership Coaching and Onboarding Service
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has launched its new leadership coaching & onboarding service. This will support senior leaders through the highest-stakes moments of their careers. “The first months in a new leadership role, a step-change in scope, the pressures of C-suite leadership – these are just a few examples where an experienced coach can turn potential into value faster
Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources
Boyden Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
Signium Expands in Belgium
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of Valérie Schmitt to its Belgium team as leadership consulting partner. “She will support executive leaders and teams at pivotal moments, helping them navigate change and succeed in complex environments,” Signium said. “Drawing on more than 25 years in senior corporate roles, Valérie brings first-hand experience of the challenges
How AI Is Reshaping Executive Assessment and Leadership Development
As organizations look for better ways to evaluate leadership potential, attention is shifting beyond experience and credentials toward how executives actually think, communicate, make decisions, and respond under pressure. AI is creating new ways to analyze those behaviors at scale, giving executive search firms and their clients additional evidence when assessing qualities such as judgment,
Caldwell Assists the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the Recruitment of President for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the recruitment of Cheryl Nelms as president of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Her appointment follows a competitive international executive recruitment process. The search was led by Drew Railton, Lucy Antrobus, and Vicky O’Connor. “With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada, Cheryl brings
TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has helped to recruit Trent Anderson as vice president of development of Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). This follows an extensive national search led by senior strategist, Brenna Thomas. “Throughout the search process, Trent distinguished himself with his strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and thoughtful leadership,” said Daniel Battsek, president of Film
True Launches Forensic Referencing Offering
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Forensic Referencing, a new executive intelligence capability designed to help investors, boards, and executive teams make more informed leadership decisions before high-stakes investments, new business relationships, and governance milestones. The firm named Christopher Jaros as partner to build and lead the offering. This expands True’s executive intelligence platform, complementing the firm’s executive
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Director
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Chrissie Shin as director. “Please join us in congratulating Chrissie Shin on her promotion to director,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Chrissie’s expertise, dedication, and leadership have made her an invaluable member of the Long Ridge team. This well-earned promotion reflects the impact she’s made across
Navigating the Search for Tomorrow’s HBCU Leaders
Leadership searches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are becoming increasingly complex as boards weigh institutional legacy against rapidly changing demands on presidents. Executive search firms are being asked to identify candidates who can balance mission, financial stewardship, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy while navigating a more uncertain higher education environment. For HBCUs,
Egon Zehnder Called in by CAAT Pension Plan for CEO Search
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by the board of trustees of CAAT Pension Plan to lead in its search for its next chief executive officer. This follows the departure of longtime CEO and plan manager Derek Dobson, who recently resigned. The search will focus on leaders who can combine strategic vision with operational discipline,
The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. To support the
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
RH Perry & Associates Retained by Skagit Valley College for President Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Skagit Valley College (SVC) to lead in its search for a new president. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Sue DeWine and and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The president will strengthen the College’s ‘One College’ approach by enhancing coordination across the Mount Vernon and Whidbey
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
Private Equity’s Resurgent Interest in Education: Key Trends for 2025
Following a phase of cautious investment, private equity firms have rekindled their interest in the education sector in 2025, adopting focused strategies and prioritizing long-term value generation. Education, it turns out, is a fantastic investment, and not just for the bright-eyed, ambitious youth but also for savvy investors, according to a recent report from ECA
Kevin Chase Executive Search Seeks Leader for Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund
Los Angeles-based Kevin Chase Executive Search Group has been retained to find a new executive director for the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF) in New York City. Managing partner Kevin Chase is heading the assignment along with senior associate Catie DiFelice. TLDEF’s executive director is responsible for day-to-day leadership and operation of the non-profit’s
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







