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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.
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
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?
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
Building Your IR Function: The Questions Every VC Should be Asking
As venture firms mature and fundraising becomes more institutionalized, building the right investor relations function is increasingly becoming a critical part of long-term growth. The best time to hire an investor relations leader is before you urgently need one, according to a recent report from SPMB’s Suzanne Heske and Emily Leder. “LP relationships take years to
U.S. Hiring Slows as Unemployment Rate Edges Up to 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 29,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate edged up to at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, also increased in September. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Black (7.0 percent) increased in September.
Cook Silverman Search Recruits Chief Development Officer for Common Sense Media
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has assisted in the recruitment of Alicia Chang as chief development officer of Common Sense Media to lead in its search for a chief development officer. Ms. Chang joins Common Sense Media after spending a decade with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where she most recently served as deputy chief development officer
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
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
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
DHR Global Assists Miami City Ballet with Artistic Director Search
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has assisted in the recruitment of Gonzalo Garcia as the new artistic director of the Miami City Ballet. The search was led by Philip DeBoer, partner. “As to be expected for a company with the illustrious artistic reputation of Miami City Ballet, we received tremendous interest in the opportunity from around the
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
Goldbeck Recruiting Launches Executive Search Division
Vancouver-based recruitment company Goldbeck Recruiting has launched a retained executive search division. For almost 20 years, Goldbeck has been helping companies fill mid- to senior-level positions on a contingency recruitment basis, and has accepted clients on a retained executive search upon request. “We have seen a rise in higher-level management placements over the past few
Unemployment Rate Drops to 3.8 Percent
Employers added 223,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate dropped to an 18-year low of 3.8 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The May gain is the 92nd consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed people dipped to 6.1 million. Analysts had expected the unemployment rate to drop to
Gilman Partners Taps New Leader for Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission
Following a nationwide search, Gilman Partners has placed Catrena Bowman-Thomas as the new executive director of the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission (NKCAC). She will take over the Covington-based non-profit on July 1. Current director Florence Tandy is retiring. The community group was seeking an executive who had past overall management responsibility of a non-profit agency, company
