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Why Executive Hiring Is Shifting to Skills-First Leadership
For decades, executive hiring was guided by a familiar formula. Boards and CEOs focused largely on job titles, employer pedigrees, and years in senior roles when evaluating candidates. A polished résumé was commonly treated as a dependable signal of future performance. Today, that assumption is increasingly questioned, according to a new report from the International Executive Search
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by JVS for Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently selected by Jewish Vocational & Career Counseling Service (JVS) to lead in its search for a chief financial and operating officer (CFOO). This executive will be responsible for overseeing the operational strategy of the organization with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and financial leadership in support of JVS’s mission
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.
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
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?
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
GHP Search Partners with Ascend Learning on Board Member Appointments
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently tapped by Ascend Learning to assist in growing both the Ascend Learning board of directors and the Ascend Charter Schools board of trustees. New members of the Ascend Learning board identified by GHP include Robert Childs, retired EVP, strategic initiatives at American Express and Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, a founding leader of Amazon’s Streaming TV advertising business. Richard Young Jr, director,
FMG Leading Adds Healthcare Strategy and Transformation Expert
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of healthcare strategy and transformation expert Doug Van Wie as managing director. The firm explained that the addition further aligns FMG Leading’s capabilities with the needs of investor-backed organizations looking to add value and mitigate risk as they deploy purpose-driven capital into the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Caldwell Launches Global Financial Institutions Group Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launch its global financial institutions group (FIG) practice, bringing together the firm’s financial services capabilities under a single, globally coordinated practice. “This is more than a change in name,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “It reflects the scale, connectivity, and depth of the practice we have built globally, as well as
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
Myers McRae Helps Pensacola State College Select Finalist for President Role
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted Pensacola State College (PSC) with the selection of J. Alex Kelly as the finalist to become it’s next president. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Kenny Daugherty of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. The search attracted 107 qualified applicants from across the country. The committee selected
Potrero Group Recruits CEO for Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has placed Karen Strolia as the next CEO of Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) in San Rafael, CA. She succeeds longtime CVNL CEO Linda Jacobs, who led the organization for 25 years. “The board is thrilled to welcome Karen as CVNL’s next chief executive officer,” said Luana Vaetoe,
Marovi Appoints Head of Engineering
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has expanded with the addition of Ebubechukwu “Don” Enwerem as head of engineering. “Over the past few years, Don has had several engineering terms with Amazon Robotics – work estimated to save millions in operational costs. In between stints, he was building with Marovi. When the opportunity came to continue with Amazon, Don chose
As Executive Search Accelerates, Judgment Becomes the Differentiator
Executive search firms are under pressure to demonstrate value earlier than ever. Clients increasingly expect firms to understand the market, identify credible candidates, and begin calibrating on potential profiles before a search has even formally launched. AI and new data tools are helping firms meet those demands. Tasks that once took days can now be
Fractional vs. Full-Time Executives: The Real Math for Mid-Sized Growing Companies
As mid-sized companies grow, one of the more consequential leadership decisions is determining when fractional executive support is sufficient and when the business requires a full-time leader. A recent ExactSearch.AI report examined the economics behind that decision, finding that the answer often depends less on compensation than on the level of ownership, accountability, and organizational
Lindauer Recruits Chief Development Officer for C-SPAN
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Adele Hixon-Day as the first chief development officer of C-SPAN. The search is being led by Lindauer vice president Maureen Huminik, senior vice president Bob Giannino, and senior consultant Taylor Beard. “Adele joins C-SPAN at a pivotal moment,” said C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist. “For decades, the cable and satellite, and recently
Pyramind Recruits President and CEO for The SkillSource Group
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Clifford Yee as president and CEO of The SkillSource Group, Inc. (SSG), fiscal sponsor of Virginia Career Works – Northern. He succeeds interim executive officer Seema Jain, following a leadership transition supported by SkillSource’s staff, board, and community partners. “Cliff has a strong
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Fortra Search
In an effort to strengthen its venture capital and private equity search capabilities, Buffkin / Baker has acquired Fortra Search, a boutique retained executive search firm focused exclusively on executive sales and revenue leadership. The firm has also named its founder Andy Grosso as partner. “We’re thrilled to welcome Andy to Buffkin / Baker,” said Jackson Ross, partner
The Role of the CFO in PE-Backed Businesses
The role of the CFO in private equity-backed businesses has shifted materially in recent years. Historically a function for financial stewardship, the CFO role is now defined by operational accountability, value creation and the ability to translate investment strategy into outcomes. A recent report from U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP). The study examined how
JDG Associates Seeking Executive Director for the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently selected by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) to lead its search for a new executive director. The position is remote and may be based anywhere in the United States, with proximity to the Washington, D.C. area considered a plus. NCART stands at a pivotal moment, with active,
Calibre One Assists Cibus with CEO Search
Calibre One has helped to recruit board member Craig Wichner as the new CEO for NASDAQ-traded Cibus, Inc. in San Diego, CA. Peter Beetham, who has served as the company’s interim CEO, will continue his role as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Concurrently, both Mr. Wichner and Dr. Beetham resigned from the Cibus board of directors as part
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for OneOC
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Bonni Pomush as the new president and CEO of OneOC. She will succeed Tim Strauch, who will remain president and CEO through December 31, 2026, before retiring from OneOC after 19 years of service and leadership. “Bonni’s record of organizational transformation, collaborative leadership, and community engagement makes her exceptionally
NPAworldwide Forms Alliance with Dimensional Search Associates
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has formed a strategic partnership with the Sanford Rose Associates family of companies, including Dimensional Search. “This partnership brings together two strong organizations with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to helping independent recruiting firms succeed,” NPAworldwide said. “For NPAworldwide, the agreement represents a meaningful extension of its mission to connect independent recruiting
Scaling Growth Through Transformative Talent
High-growth environments can compress time, magnify decisions, and expose leadership gaps in an instant. As companies move through periods of rapid expansion, the ability to build and evolve the right leadership team becomes increasingly critical to sustaining momentum and creating long-term value. Across private equity, venture capital, and technology-driven businesses, organizations are rethinking how they
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Allstate
Crist|Kolder Associates has recruited Christian Lown as executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Allstate Corporation. “Chris’s leadership and capital markets expertise will enable us to continue increasing Property-Liability market share and expand protection provided to customers,” said Tom Wilson, president and CEO of The Allstate Corporation. With more than 25 years of senior
Protis Global Appoints Co-Presidents
Consumer packaged goods-focused executive search and advisory firm Protis Global has named Skye Miller and Isabel Cosby as co-presidents in a planned generational leadership transition as the company positions itself for its next phase of growth. Bert Miller, who co-founded the firm in 1995, moves from chairman and CEO of Protis Global to chairman. He will continue as founder
Leadership Strategies for Challenging Times
Non-profit leaders face unique challenges in today’s world. From financial and broader economic uncertainty to changing policy and evolving societal needs, the pressure to deliver meaningful change during a period of insecurity can feel immense, according to a recent report from DHR Global. Within these challenges lie decisions for leaders to make as they determine
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
Morgan Philips Group Opens Office in Montreal
Global human resources consulting group Morgan Philips Group has opened a new office in Montreal and named Frédéric Vignaud as leader of its executive search operations for Canada. “In response to the growing needs of his international clientele and the increasing demand for specific and professional resources from abroad, Mr. Vignaud has decided to join Morgan Philips
Savannah Group Names Head of Board & CEO Practice
U.K.-headquartered executive search firm Savannah Group has expanded with the addition of Damian Walsh as a partner in its industrial practice and head of its board and CEO practice. “I am delighted that Damian has decided to join Savannah Group at this critical next stage in the firm’s development,” said John Ellis, executive chairman. “Having
Building Talent Pipelines in the Age of Technology
Seventy-three percent of companies indicate that talent acquisition is critical to executing their business strategies, according to a report by Aberdeen Group. As any department manager knows, effective, engaged people drive good business. And for all the talk about encroachment by technology, business remains a human endeavor first and foremost. So what does this mean
Witt/Kieffer Seeks Athletic Director for Bucknell University
Athletic director searches are among the most prolific assignments for recruitment firms in the sports sector. Bucknell University, the latest college to turn to an executive recruiter, is seeking a dynamic, collaborative and energetic leader to become its next director of athletics. The school has enlisted Witt/Kieffer to lead its national search. Greg Santore, principal and practice
Association Strategies Places CEO at Dredging Contractors of America
A variety of non-profit trade associations have turned to executive search firms in recent months to find new leaders. Non-profit recruiting specialist Association Strategies recently recruited William P. Doyle to be the new executive director and CEO of the Dredging Contractors of America (DCA) in Washington, D.C. He replaces Barry Holliday, who recently announced his retirement. “Bill Doyle is
Buffkin / Baker Appoints Heidrick Veteran to Serve as Global Governance Practice Head
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has expanded with the addition of veteran recruiter Ted Jadick as a partner and head of its global governance practice. “Ted brings a career in executive search that spans several decades,” said Craig Buffkin, managing partner of Buffkin / Baker. “We are excited to have him on board to establish our board
NPAworldwide Adds New Members in Brazil, Chile and the U.S.
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. Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added five new member locations in Brazil, Chile and the
Artificial Intelligence Ushers in a New Day for Companies and Recruiters
Artificial intelligence is transforming the face of workforces around the world. For executive recruiters and human resources departments, it has meant a growing number of new, specialized roles to fill and untapped talent to discover. Gartner, the information technology research firm, says that on one hand, AI will cause millions of jobs to fall by
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Proclara Biosciences
Executive search firm Coulter Partners has placed David Michelson as the new chief medical officer of Proclara Biosciences in Cambridge, MA. Managing director Nicholas Green led the assignment. “David is a seasoned leader, with deep research, clinical and regulatory expertise, including significant experience in neurology and I thank the Coulter Partners team for their outstanding work in
Wheless Partners Selected to Find Chancellor for New Mexico State University
Executive recruitment firm Wheless Partners has been enlisted to find the next system chancellor and president for New Mexico State University (NMSU) in Las Cruces, NM. As the chief executive officer of the NMSU system, the system chancellor is responsible for providing transformative leadership, focus and strategic vision, said the search firm. The individual has
Lucas Group Opens Contract Legal Division in Baltimore
A number of search firms that specialize in the legal sector have grown their staffs over the past several months. The latest: Executive search firm Lucas Group has continued to expand its legal contract recruitment practice by opening a new Mid-Atlantic contract legal division based in Baltimore. It will be led by senior partner Karissa Hayko and serve the
IIC Partners Expands Into Turkey
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet the 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. IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide, for one example, is continuing its recent







