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CAA Executive Search Recruits CEO for USA Gymnastics
CAA Executive Search has recruited Kyle Albrecht as the new CEO of USA Gymnastics. In collaboration with CAA Executive Search, the group vetted candidates for three months. “Congratulations Kyle Albrecht, being named as the next CEO of USA Gymnastics,” Jason Hanold, president of CAA Executive Search, said in a LinkedIn post. “Thank you for the partnership Kathryn
Arts Consulting Group Recruits COO for the Bruce
Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has placed Nathan Smallwood as the new chief operating officer of the Bruce Museum (the Bruce) in Greenwich, Conn. Todd Ahrens and Josyanne Roche, vice presidents at the firm, led the assignment. “Nathan Smallwood’s background and expertise made him an obvious choice for the Bruce,” said Mary-Kate O’Hare, Susan E. Lynch executive
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.
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
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?
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
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
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
AI-Powered Exits: A New Lever for PE to Maximize Value
A recent AlixPartners report highlights that AI can be instrumental in preparing portfolio companies for sale, especially in a soft deal market where well-prepared exits are harder to achieve. “AI can make preparation for sale faster and more comprehensive,” notes the report. “AI can be helpful in exit preparation, particularly when the deal market is soft
Heidrick & Struggles Lands New CEO for Diebold Nixdorf
Heidrick & Struggles has placed former D+H Corp. executive Gerrard Schmid as the new president and CEO of Diebold Nixdorf. He replaces Andreas W. Mattes, who recently stepped down. Mr. Schmid is a seasoned corporate executive with previous public-company CEO experience and a track record of delivering value in a transforming environment. He has more
DSP Executive Search Opens in Cambridge, MA
Leaders at the best companies know that diversity matters. Not only are the companies that pay attention to such matters rewarded with better financial returns, but they gain perspectives and insights that would otherwise be lost to them. It is also an area that search firms have been highly focused on. To that end, diversity-focused
Nolan Partners Names Global Head of Media and Entertainment
Executive search firm Nolan Partners has expanded with the addition of Andrew Moss as its global head of media and entertainment. He will work out of the firm’s London office, where he will focus on expanding Nolan Partners’ media and entertainment properties around the globe, with specific focus on Europe and the U.S. “Andrew has been a rainmaker
Here’s How Businesses Are Fighting to Hold onto Their Best Talent
Soft skills are the top priority for talent development leaders, according to a new study by LinkedIn Learning, the “2018 Workplace Learning Report,” which offers a holistic overview of learning in today’s workplace. “In the age of automation, adaptability rules,” said the report. “While maintaining technical fluency will be important, demand for soft skills will
RiseSmart Launches New Career Transition Service
RiseSmart, a provider of contemporary career transition services – a space which more search firms are looking at entering – has announced a new service called RiseSmart Express, a suite of career transition solutions and workshops tailored for small and medium businesses. The service helps companies provide soft landings for impacted employees by quickly connecting them to
Phillips Oppenheim Seeks New Leader for the National Arts Club
With the economy strong, hiring in the non-profit sector continues to gain momentum. Recently, the 120-year old National Arts Club (NAC) in New York City enlisted non-profit search specialist Phillips Oppenheim to lead its search for a new executive director. Becky Klein and Mark Tarnacki are spearheading the search. NAC is looking for a leader to
ADK Finds New Leader for Louisville Regional Airport Authority
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has placed Dan Mann as the new executive director for the Louisville Regional Airport Authority (LRAA) in Kentucky. He succeeds C.T. Miller who retired this month. “We are extremely pleased that an airport executive with Dan’s experience, vision and accomplishment will take on this important leadership role,” said Jim Welch, chairman
Horton Adds New Partner in Hungary
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire recruiters and open locations. Among them, Horton International has added executive search firm Performan Group in Hungary. Performan Group was founded in 2003 by managing partners Sandor Szekely and Erika Gombos and provides executive search
Michigan State University Close to Picking Search Firm for Top Role
In the wake of the sex abuse scandal involving sports doctor Larry Nassar, which forced the president of Michigan State University (MSU) to step aside, the school now faces the challenge of finding a new leader. President Lou Anna Simon resigned in January over the school’s handling of accusations against the former U.S. gymnastics and
Spencer Stuart Places Former Taco Bell CEO at Chipotle
Struggling to win back customers after multiple foodborne illness outbreaks, Chipotle Mexican Grill has hired former Taco Bell CEO Brian Niccol as its new leader. Spencer Stuart led the search, which called for finding a CEO with proven turnaround expertise. Steve Ells, the restaurant chain’s founder, is stepping down and will become executive chairman. “Bringing in
ZRG Partners Acquires Epsen Fuller Group
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry and recent activity appears to be carrying over into 2018. ZRG Partners, the fastest growing search firm in the U.S., has acquired certain assets of the Epsen Fuller Group. Financial terms of the transaction were undisclosed. As part of the asset acquisition agreement, Thomas Fuller, formerly the managing partner
IRC Global Expands in Hong Kong
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. Just recently, IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) expanded with the addition of
Hudson Global Records Eight Percent Revenue Gain
Talent Solutions company Hudson Global Inc. / (NASDAQ:HSON) posted 2017 full-year revenues of $456.7 million, an eight percent increase from revenues of $422.7 million a year ago. The New York-based recruiting company recorded a net loss of $2.9 million, or nine cents per basic and diluted share, compared with net loss of $8.8 million, or 26 cents per basic and diluted share,
Here’s How Artificial Intelligence Will Change the Way You Recruit
How often have you said to yourself, “There just aren’t enough hours in the day?” In an industry that moves as fast as talent recruitment, lack of time is a serious problem. Recruiters are spread so thin that 75 percent of applicants never receive a response after submitting a resume. The bigger problem for recruiters
SearchWide Assists USA Archery in CEO Hunt
SearchWide recently recruited Rod Menzer as the CEO of USA Archery in Colorado Springs, CO. He had held the position since Denise Parker left to join the U.S. Olympic Committee in September. Mark Gnatovic, senior vice president at SearchWide, led the assignment. “After an exhaustive search, which uncovered an exceptional set of candidates, the board of USA
Reflektive Receives $60 Million in Funding
Investment dollars continue to pour into new technology designed to change the talent management industry. The latest: Reflektive, an HR analytics and employee engagement platform, has raised $60 million in Series C funding. The round was led by TPG Growth, the global middle market and growth equity platform of alternative asset firm TPG. Existing investors Andreessen Horowitz and Lightspeed Venture
Kirby Bates Associates Adds Former Chief Nursing Officer
Executive search firm Kirby Bates Associates has expanded with the arrival of veteran chief nursing officer Judy Hayes as vice president of executive search and interim leadership. Ms. Hayes described her experience as a nurse leader as perfect preparation for her role at the Bala Cynwyd, PA-headquartered recruiter. “Matching culturally complementary candidates to our client organizations is a natural
N2Growth Expands Into South Africa
N2Growth, a King of Prussia, PA-based management consulting and executive search firm, has acquired an interest in the Landelahni Group, an executive search and leadership development firm based in South Africa. Financial terms of the transaction were undisclosed. Sandra Burmeister, CEO and co-founder of Landelahni, will now serve as N2Growth’s regional president covering Africa. Founded in 1996,
Here’s Why Succession Planning Matters
For companies, failure to prepare for the future can be costly at best, disastrous at worst. Yet succession planning remains one of the top challenges facing businesses today. One recent study, in fact, found that more than half of companies surveyed do not have a strong candidate prepared in the event of a CEO transition.
Koya Leadership Partners Heads CEO Search for New Bedford Whaling Museum
The New Bedford Whaling Museum, the familiar name for the 115-year-old Old Dartmouth Historical Society, has enlisted non-profit specialists Anne McCarthy and Erin Reedy of Koya Leadership Partners to find its next president and CEO. Koya described the assignment as an opportunity to help steer a vibrant and healthy organization into the future. The new CEO
DHR International Recruits CFO for Southwestern Energy
DHR International has placed Julian Bott as the new executive vice president and chief financial officer of Southwestern Energy in Houston. DHR managing partners Rick Walker and Jeff Smith headed the assignment. “We welcome Julian to Southwestern Energy,” said Bill Way, the organization’s president and chief executive officer. “We are fortunate to have the addition of
Sagency Acquires Coaching Firm Success Energetics
Fargo, ND-headquartered executive search firm Sagency has acquired coaching firm Success Energetics and appointed its founder and CEO Brian Rinke as director. Mr. Rinke has over 26 years of corporate business experience and has served as an executive and leadership coach for over 10 years. He works with corporate executives, business owners, entrepreneurs and private individuals
Kennedy Executive Search Expands Into South Africa
Kennedy Executive Search & Consulting, a network of independent executive search firms, has expanded into South Africa with the addition of Evolve Executive Search in Johannesburg. This becomes Kennedy’s first African partner for the network. Evolve was founded in 2011 and is headed by Adam Ginster. The firm executes high-end search assignments throughout South Africa and more
How to Retain High Performing Employees
A strong focus on employee retention strategies is vital for any company that wants to keep high-performers engaged, motivated and loyal. This means taking time to understand people and their behaviors as well as identifying the engagement and reward strategies that will promote their happiness and loyalty, says Tara Finlay, co-founder of executive search firm
Turnkey Search Fills CFO Position for the Milwaukee Brewers
Sports and entertainment recruitment firm Turnkey Search has placed Daniel Fumai as the new chief financial officer of the Milwaukee Brewers. He replaced Bob Quinn who left the organization at the end of last year. Mr. Fumai joins the organization from ANC Sports Enterprises, where he served as executive vice president of finance and chief operating officer
Lancer Group Finds Leader for Boston Consulting Group’s Southeast Asia Tech Practice
The Lancer Group, a La Jolla, CA-based executive search firm, has placed Luc Grimond as partner and managing director at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a strategic management consulting firm. He joins the firm’s Southeast Asia technology advantage practice in Singapore. In his role for BCG, Mr. Grimond is responsible for helping clients across a
Taylor Strategy Partners Names President
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments this past year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Columbus, OH-headquartered firm Taylor Strategy Partners has appointed Mike Gamble as its new president. Mr. Gamble has been instrumental to Taylor Strategy Partners’ growth since joining the firm as vice president of business development
Korn Ferry Names APAC Head for Transformation and Transaction Practice
Korn Ferry has expanded with the addition of Sharad Vishvanath as APAC regional head for its transformation and transaction (M&A) practice. Mr. Vishvanath brings to Korn Ferry over 20 years of experience across banking and consulting and has worked in multiple countries. He was previously with AU Small Finance Bank, a start-up bank in India
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 2017 Revenues amid Departures and New Hires
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) posted global revenues of $621.4 million in 2017, a 6.7 percent increase from revenues of $582.4 million the year before. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter – the third largest in the Americas as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media – reported a loss of $48.6 million, or $2.60 per share, on the year.
Kittleman & Associates Seeks Philanthropy Chief for Lions Club Foundation
Chicago-based recruitment firm Kittleman & Associates is conducting the search for a new chief of philanthropy for the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF). The non-profit group, headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, is the official charitable organization for Lions Club International. The chief of philanthropy role is a critical one for the organization, which provides millions
Greenwood / Asher & Associates Seeks Provost for Wright State University
The hunt for university leadership has been heating up, especially with searches for provosts. Among the latest, Wright State University in Fairborn, OH, has turned to Greenwood / Asher & Associates to lead its search for a new provost. Thomas Sudkamp is stepping down from his role at the end of June, and the school hopes to
