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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
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.
Why PE-Backed Companies Need a Talent Operating System
PE-backed companies rarely underperform because they lack urgency. They underperform because they fail to translate strategy into talent with enough precision, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at Talentfoot Executive Search. “In our experience leading executive searches for PE-backed businesses, the real breakdown usually happens before a search begins,
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?
Acertitude Recruits Head of Cybersecurity/CISO for Adevinta Spain
Acertitude has assisted in the recruitment of Xavi Bertomeu as head of cybersecurity and chief information security officer for Adevinta Spain, an EQT portfolio company. The search was led by partners, Eliza Baker and Tim Cook with support from Finty Hunter and Hannah Elwiss. Mr. Bertomeu brings more than a decade of experience in cybersecurity,
Anthem Executive | Anthem Academics Seeking Director of Athletics Texas A&M International University
Athletic directors are playing an increasingly vital role at colleges and universities across the country. With the expansion of athletic departments and, for the larger schools, the infusion of big dollars for sports, more schools have turned to search firms when such positions become open. Too much is at stake, they feel, to go at
Reducing Risk Through Informed Executive Search
As organizations face increasing pressure to make the right leadership decisions, executive search is becoming less about simply filling senior roles and more about reducing risk of a bad hire through better information, stronger alignment, and a deeper understanding of the leadership market. Companies are increasingly seeking search partners that can provide strategic insight before
Rokos Group Seeking CHRO for Keck Medicine of USC
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Keck Medicine of USC to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. The CHRO will serve as a strategic executive leader responsible for recommending, developing, implementing, administering, interpreting, coordinating, and evaluating human resources strategies, policies, programs, laws, and procedures pertaining to
Academic Career & Executive Search Retained by Briar Cliff University to Find New CFO
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been selected by Briar Cliff University to lead in its search for a vice president of finance and chief financial officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Briar Cliff University seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial financial leader. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the
How Adaptive Governance Is Reshaping Leadership in Private Equity
Private equity firms have transformed how they create value, placing greater emphasis on operational execution, leadership effectiveness, and strategic oversight throughout the investment lifecycle. As a result, executive search firms are increasingly being called upon not only to recruit high-impact leaders and board directors, but also to identify executives capable of operating within governance models
Why the Chief AI Officer Is Becoming a C-Suite Essential
Artificial intelligence is reshaping executive leadership, prompting organizations to rethink who should guide enterprise-wide AI strategy and oversee its responsible adoption. As companies move beyond experimentation to large-scale implementation, executive search firms are seeing growing demand for leaders who can combine technical expertise with business acumen, regulatory awareness, and the ability to drive transformation across
Yale University Taps Lindauer to Lead Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Development
Lindauer has been retained by Yale University to lead in its search for a vice president for alumni affairs and development. The search is being led by Lindauer CEO Deb Taft, executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Andrew Machado. Yale University seeks an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader. Reporting directly to president Maurie McInnis and serving
What a Great Executive Onboarding Plan Actually Looks Like
Executive search firms devote significant time and expertise to identifying leaders capable of driving organizational success, yet the work of ensuring those executives thrive often begins only after the search concludes. As organizations face mounting pressure to maximize leadership investments and accelerate executive impact, onboarding is emerging as a critical extension of the search process
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Prolynx
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has recruited Amer Mirza as chief scientific officer at Prolynx, a biotechnology company developing a next-generation portfolio of ultra-long-acting medicines for obesity and related metabolic conditions. “Dr. Amer Mirza is an accomplished scientific leader whose deep expertise in drug discovery and development and passion for innovation make him exceptionally well suited to serve as
Wilson Appoints New CEO
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has announced a planned leadership transition as founder and CEO John Wilson moves into a role on the board after nearly 24 years leading the company. Jean-Francois Vezina has been appointed CEO and will lead the next phase of Wilson’s growth and innovation. “It was important to me that the company be
ATS vs. CRM: Why Both Matter in Executive Search
An ATS is designed to move candidates through a single search, not to maintain relationships over the years between searches. In executive search, however, those long-term relationships are where most of the revenue is actually generated. A new report from Recruiterflow breaks down the difference between an ATS and an executive search CRM, why relationship-driven
Potrero Group Leads Search for the Leader of Bay Area’s Largest Trail Network
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has assisted in the recruitment of Kirsten Saenz Tobey as the executive director of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. This follows a national search. “Kirsten brings exactly the combination of strategic vision, entrepreneurial leadership, and genuine passion for conservation that this moment calls for,” said Taylor
Caldwell Appoints COO; Announces New Regional Managing Partner Structure
Toronto-based Caldwell has named John Blank as chief operating officer. The firm has also established a new regional managing partner structure designed to support the firm’s continued growth, strengthen operational effectiveness, and enhance coordination across its global platform. In his new role, Mr. Blank will oversee Caldwell’s business and people operations, including regional leadership, talent and people
The Evolution of the CHRO: From Personnel to Enterprise Leadership
The responsibilities of today’s chief human resources officer extend far beyond talent management, reflecting a broader shift in how organizations view leadership and business performance. As workforce transformation, artificial intelligence, and organizational change reshape corporate priorities, the CHRO has become an increasingly influential voice in helping CEOs and boards navigate strategic decisions. Not long ago,
GHP Search Assists Christel House with the Recruitment of New Board Members
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has helped Christel House Intl. to recruit John Gomes, partner, global telecom and technology at Bain & Co, and former partner, software at Kearney, Mani Iyer, chief AI and technology officer at Vanguard and former SVP – global head of infrastructure, data and technology at Paypal. Mr. Gomes is a globally recognized transformation and strategy leader in
TOC Arts Partners Assists Union Arts Center with the Recruitment of First Artistic Director
Following an extensive national search, New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has assisted Union Arts Center in Seattle, WA, with the recruitment of Yuvika Tolani as the first permanent artistic director. The search was led by vice president of executive search, Cynthia Fuhrman. “As a former resident of Seattle myself, I have enjoyed many performances
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group Seeking Chief of Development for the American LGBTQ+ Museum
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group was recently retained by the American LGBTQ+ Museum to lead in its search for chief of development. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the executive director, the chief of development will provide the leadership, direction, and coordination of fundraising strategies and activities to advance the mission of the American
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Janelle Padgett as VP and CFO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association in Glen Allen, VA. Ms. Padgett has more than 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience across complex healthcare systems, including multiple CFO, controller, and senior finance leadership roles within both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Most recently,
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
AI Redefining Search — Without Replacing Human Judgment
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping executive recruiting, speeding up how firms identify, evaluate, and engage leadership talent. As AI tools automate research and administrative work, search teams can move faster and surface stronger insights— changing what “best candidate” discovery looks like in practice. At the same time, demand is shifting toward leaders who can translate
GHP Search Finds Board Members for Teach for America Detroit
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently selected by Teach for America Detroit. New Trustees recruited by GHP Search include Ana C. Wagner, VP of automotive aftermarket North America and head of global business development at HenKel, Paul Lindow, retired senior partner with Deloitte & Touche in the Banking & Capital Markets,
Egon Zehnder Appoints Leaders of Global Technology & AI Practice Group
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Lindsay Trout (Palo Alto) and Hana Habayeb (Middle East) as co-leaders of its global technology and AI practice group. They succeed Silvia Rapallo (Rome) and Eric Anderson (Atlanta), who have led the group through a period of remarkable transformation in the technology sector. “We are excited to see
Unlocking Growth in the PE-Backed Software Market
Enterprise software is one of Europe’s fastest-growing sectors. In 2024, enterprise software spending across the region expanded by 11 percent — more than 10 times the pace of EU economic growth — highlighting software’s role as a resilient and investable driver of opportunity. More than 13,000 companies now generate over $10 million in annual revenues (and almost
Isaacson, Miller Seeking President for the Center for Congregations
Ernest Brooks, Liz Braun, and Henry Nickerson of Boston-based Isaacson, Miller are currently leading the president search for the Center for Congregations. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary and collaborative leader with a passion for strengthening Christian congregations in Indiana. The Center serves as a conduit for congregations to think about their challenges in
Kirk Palmer Associates Fills CEO Post for Chico’s FAS
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has placed Trish Donnelly as division chief executive officer of Chico’s FAS, the women’s wear retailer owned by the KnitWell Group. The search was led by managing director, Jaimee Marshall. Ms. Donnelly will oversee all product and customer-facing functions for the Chico’s, Soma and White House Black Market brands,
DSG Global Appoints Chief People Officer
DSG Global has named Jenny Sade as chief people officer. In this role, she will lead the firm’s people and culture strategy—supporting talent acquisition, operations, and business strategy—as DSG Global continues to scale its impact across industries and geographies. “Jenny’s rare ability to see the potential in every leader and organization makes her an invaluable
Beecher Reagan Adds Partner
Houston, TX-headquartered executive search firm Beecher Reagan has expanded with the addition of Raj Kapoor as a partner. “Join us in welcoming Raj Kapoor as a partner at Beecher Reagan,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “With more than 25 years of recruitment experience—including 19 years in retained executive search—Raj specializes in placing partners, managing directors, and
The Rise of Authentic Leadership
For years, professionals have felt compelled to separate their “work selves” from their “personal selves” in order to conform to strict corporate norms. But that’s beginning to change. Today, authentic leadership is what drives organizations to thrive, inspire, and retain great talent. It’s about authenticity and showing up as your true self, not just focusing
Taurean Opens Doors to Serve PE Sector
In private equity, the investment function looks remarkably similar across firms. But the portfolio-facing value creation function? That varies wildly – from model to model, firm to firm – with equally variable levels of success, durability, and impact. There’s no one right answer, but there are many wrong ones. For years, this didn’t matter much.
RevelOne Places Chief Marketing Officer at Spark Networks
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging, recruiters say. Yet executive search firms are seeing no shortage of assignments for this important C-level position. Greenwood Village, CO-based executive search firm RevelOne recently helped
Wilton & Bain Appoints Leader of North American People & Culture Practice
Wilton & Bain has named Jacob Humbert as partner, leading the North American people & culture practice. He will be based in the U.S. and joins the firm’s North American leadership team. “We are thrilled to welcome Jacob to the North American leadership team to drive our office of the CHRO capability in the region,” said
The Hidden Driver of Great Teams Isn’t Strategy—It’s Responsiveness
When people think about what makes a strong team, they often focus on strategy, talent, or experience. But one of the most effective ways to create a reliable, connected team is by focusing on something much smaller: response time, according to a recent report from The Bridger Group, a 57-year-old executive search firm working exclusively in
Heidrick & Struggles to Go Private in Advent- and Corvex-Led All Cash Deal
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) has entered into a definitive agreement whereby a consortium of investors led by Advent International and Corvex Private Equity, and including several leading family offices, will acquire all of the firm’s outstanding public shares. This new investor consortium will include significant investment from
Optimizing Talent: How to Hire Right and Reduce Costly Turnover
Choosing the right candidate is essential to the company’s long-term success. Turnovers and high attrition can cost from 50 percent to 200 percent of employee salaries, depending on whether the hire is entry-level or a seasoned executive. By taking the talent optimization approach to hiring, you dramatically improve hiring odds, according to a recent report
Peña Search Seeking Executive Director for Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church
Peña Search has been retained by Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church (PHPC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Holly Sherman Peña and Carlos González Peña are leading the assignment. PHPC seeks an experienced and dynamic executive director to join its leadership team. This pivotal role serves as the Integrator within the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
Stevenson Search Partners Makes Strategic Leadership Transition
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, recently announced a strategic leadership transition designed to accelerate growth and strengthen its position as a comprehensive talent solutions partner for the life sciences industry. Kris Steen was promoted to president of executive search, while Adam Bloom transitioned to
Sheffield Haworth Partners with Winpe ProClub Mentorship Program
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has partnered with Winpe ProClub Mentorship Program, aiming to help expand the careers of high-potential women in private equity, venture capital, and their portfolio companies. “At Sheffield Haworth, we are deeply committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the investing industry,” said Avaneesh Raghuvanshi, head, financial services and private equity
BoardWalk Consulting Appoints CEO
Executive search firm BoardWalk Consulting has named Crystal Stephens as managing director and CEO. She succeeds Sam Pettway, who founded BoardWalk in 2002 and will continue to serve as founding director. Mr. Pettway will remain active in market development, select client engagements, and the continued growth of the firm’s reputation. “For 23 years, BoardWalk’s focus has been simple but
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits CFO for Wesley Housing
BroadView Talent Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Michael Pruell as the new CFO of Wesley Housing of Alexandria, VA. He will succeed longtime CFO Christopher Cherry, who will retire later this year after more than a decade of leadership that strengthened Wesley Housing’s financial foundation and guided the organization through key milestones. Wesley
DSG Global | Koya Partners Tapped by ASPCA for CFO Search
DSG Global | Koya Partners has been retained by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to lead in its search for a new CFO. Molly Brennan, global managing partner and non-profit and social impact practice leader, managing directors Erin Reedy and Tyler Ridgeway, are leading the assignment. The ASPCA seeks a mission-driven CFO
Greenwood Asher & Associates Seeking Provost for West Virginia University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates is currently conducting a search for a new provost and vice president for academic affairs for West Virginia University (WVU). Julie Holley and Julie Schrodt are leading the assignment for the search firm. Under the leadership of its new president Michael Benson, the university seeks an inspirational academic
The Talent Studios Introduces Determined People, an Agentic AI-Enabled Technology Platform
The Talent Studios has launched Determined People, an agentic, AI-powered cognitive engine. “As an executive search firm, over the last 36 months we’ve seen AI-enabled recruitment tools pitched to us by technology startups that are being led by engineers and entrepreneurs first and foremost,” said Jeremy Cohen, co-founder and CEO of The Talent Studios. “They have
7 Strategic Reasons to Consider Recruitment Outsourcing
In today’s business climate, HR and talent leaders face a clear mandate: achieve more with fewer resources while strategically planning for the future to deliver lasting value. Anticipating future workforce needs is more critical (and tricky) than ever with shifting business needs and ongoing uncertainty around what roles to hire or how to prioritize them
PierceGray Leading Head of Sales Search for Innovapptive
PierceGray was recently tapped by Innovapptive to lead in its search for a new head of sales. In support of Innovapptive’s growth plans, the organization seeks to hire a head of sales to take over its commercial organization. This shift from co-founder and CEO Sundeep Ravande will provide the focus and leadership to scale the
Cook Silverman Search Recruits Executive Director for Ploughshares
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has placed Samara Dun as the new executive director of Ploughshares. “Samara’s journey began as a young activist in the nuclear freeze movement, which inspired her lifelong commitment to peace and collaboration,” Ploughshares said in a LinkedIn post. “Longtime friends of Ploughshares may remember Samara from her tenure as director of
Furst Group Tapped by PracticeWise for CEO Search
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has been retained by PracticeWise to lead in its search for a new CEO to guide the company into its next phase of growth and impact. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who shares that passion and is eager to help strengthen
Solomon Page Expands Accounting & Finance Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has expanded with the addition of Mark Fellinger as a managing director within its accounting & finance full-time practice. Based in Chicago, Mr. Fellinger’s addition represents a strategic expansion of the firm’s presence into the Midwest, with a focus on the greater Chicago area and surrounding suburbs, as well as Wisconsin,
Building High-Impact Teams in the Cannabis Industry
The cannabis sector—particularly hemp—is experiencing explosive growth. As market projections climb and more states adopt legalization, companies face a critical challenge: assembling teams capable of thriving in a fast-growing, highly regulated environment. But cannabis industry talent acquisition isn’t like recruiting for traditional CPG or pharma, it’s a whole different game, according to a recent report
Nexus Search Partners Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Mobile Communications America
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has placed Jonathan Nikols as chief revenue officer at Mobile Communications America (MCA) in Spartanburg, SC. “We’re thrilled to welcome Jonathan to the MCA executive team,” said Vince Foody, CEO of MCA. “His deep experience leading integrated revenue functions and scaling high-performing commercial organizations makes him
Summit Search Group Places Executive Director for Resource Assistance for Youth
Ontario-headquartered executive recruiting firm Summit Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Kate Sjoberg as executive director of Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY). This executive search was conducted as part of Summit’s 2025 Pro Bono Search Initiative, an annual program dedicated to supporting leadership transitions in Manitoba’s non-profit sector. “We’re pleased to announce the
Prestige Scientific Names VP of Executive Search
Prestige Scientific, an executive search firm serving the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, recently added Jennifer Price as vice president of executive search. “We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Price to the Prestige Scientific team,” said Stephen Provost, managing director and co-founder at Prestige Scientific. “Jennifer’s leadership, deep functional expertise, and strong relationship-driven mindset make her an exceptional







