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Five Questions with MJ Scott, Incoming CEO of Kirk Palmer Associates
Kirk Palmer Associates (KPA) an independent executive search firm dedicated exclusively to retail and consumer brands, this past July appointed search industry veteran MaryJeanne (MJ) Scott as its new CEO. A seasoned leader with more than 25 years in retail and executive search, Ms. Scott brings expanded capabilities to KPA’s global operations with a focus
Unemployment Rises to Four-Year High
Employment rose by 64,000 in November as the U.S. unemployment rate stands at 4.6 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment rose in healthcare and construction in November, while federal government continued to lose jobs. The delayed employment report for November and a partial update for October published by the Labor Department’s Bureau
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.
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
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?
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
AGB Search Recruits 11th President for Lewis University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. The Lewis University board of trustees recently announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. “After
Kincannon & Reed Assists CCI Prime with CFO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Jamie Broad as CFO of CCI Prime, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Jamie’s ability to connect financial insights to operational realities makes her an exceptional
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Sarah Lawrence College to lead in its search for an associate vice president of enrollment. This executive will serve as a key member of the senior enrollment leadership team and a collaborative partner across the institution. This role is designed to strengthen coordination, elevate shared strategy, and support
Egon Zehnder Forms Alliance with IMD
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and IMD, a leading business school in global executive education, have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate board directors’ personal growth and elevate board performance. The partnership combines IMD’s academic rigor and deep connections to global boards with Egon Zehnder’s expertise in leadership and board effectiveness. Together, they will co-create tailored
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits Provost for the University of Cincinnati
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the recruitment of Rudolph Buchheit as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. His selection follows a national search led by a dedicated search committee that was informed by
HARTZ Search Assists Geisinger with Recruitment of CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Bill Bellando as executive vice president and chief information officer of Geisinger. He joins Geisinger after serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Georgia-based Wellstar Health System from 2022 to 2026. In this role, Mr. Bellando oversaw information technology and digital initiatives across the health system.
Advancing Women in Leadership: How Far Have We Come?
If research highlights the benefits of diverse leadership perspectives in fostering innovation, growth, and financial success, why do women remain underrepresented in senior business leadership roles globally? What barriers do women face in getting to the top, and what propels the careers of women who do? When Spencer Stuart explored these questions five years ago
Four Major Global Recruiting Trends from LinkedIn
Hiring talent has become highly transactional. Tedious candidate searches, endless scheduling and repetitive screening can be inefficient and mind numbing. A new report suggests that it’s time for recruiting to focus on the more gratifying aspects of the job – the human part, the strategic part. LinkedIn just released its 2018 Global Recruiting Trends report, revealing
DHR Recruits Head Football Coach for University of Arizona
With the college football season at its end, expect to see a lot of firing and hiring activity involving coaches. With that, schools are expected to continue relying on search firms to fill the resulting vacancies. The latest, after a search that lasted all of about two weeks, DHR International has placed Kevin Sumlin as head
McDermott & Bull Finds CEO for UCP of Orange County
The non-profit sector has gained economic strength in recent years, making it the third largest employer in the country. Nearly two million not-for-profits employ 10.7 million people and produce $1.9 trillion in revenue. In the past decade, employment in the sector has grown by 17 percent. With demand for non-profit talent at an all-time high, search firms
Stanton Chase Opens Office in Washington, D.C.
Stanton Chase International is continuing with its growth strategy, recently opening a new office in Washington, D.C. Jeff Perkins, a veteran executive search professional, has been appointed managing director of the location. He will work closely with managing director Lyn Cason of the firm’s Baltimore office. In addition to his managing director responsibilities, Mr. Perkins will focus
Human Cloud Firm Hyr Raises $1.3 Million in Funding
Investment dollars continue to pour into new technology designed to change the talent management game. The latest: New York-based human cloud firm Hyr raised $1.3 million in a seed funding round led by venture capital firm Flybridge Capital Partners, according to media reports. Hyr, which matches gig workers with hospitality companies, has boarded more than 10,000 workers
Shifting Needs in Life Sciences Attract Non-Traditional Talent
To keep up with the mind-bending changes that are coursing through the life sciences sector, recruiters who specialize in this area are keeping an open mind to new possibilities in their own work. As Leslie Loveless, CEO of Slone Partners explains, the life sciences industry has become increasingly consumer-centric, opening the door for recruiting more
Isaacson, Miller Seeks New Leaders for Philadelphia, Minnesota Orchestras
These are challenging days for orchestras in America. Rising costs, declining attendance and fundraising pressures make it critical that orchestras choose the right leaders to keep them financially sound, relevant and providing the highest level of music for their audiences. Among the search firms that are playing a vital role in this mission is Isaacson,
Goldsmith & Co. Finds Chief Investment Officer for New York Public Library
Executive search firm Goldsmith & Co. has placed Geetanjali Gupta as the new chief investment officer of the New York Public Library. She replaces outgoing chief investment officer Todd Corbin. The search committee was led by the chair of the library’s board of trustees investment committee, Dinakar Singh, with board of trustees chairman Evan Chesler, trustees Ray McGuire
OverNorth Expands Search Staff
Executive search firm OverNorth has appointed David L. Hansen as principal for its manufacturing, private equity and business services search practices. “Dave represents a strategic hire for our firm and we’re all very excited to have him join the OverNorth team,” said partner Renato T. Amador. “His extensive manufacturing sector experience extends our capabilities in the industrial technology
Partners in Human Resources International Launches Search Division
Partners in Human Resources International (Partners International), a New York City-based provider of career transition services, executive coaching and talent consulting, has formed an executive search practice. Peter Movesian has joined the firm as senior vice president of executive search and will lead the new division. Mr. Movesian has over two decades of service as
Seeking Talent, One Employee at a Time
These are better days for jobs in America. Hiring is up. And the unemployment rate remains at a stellar 4.1 percent. That’s good news all the way around. For employers, however, many challenges remain: Competition for talent is high. Finding individuals with the right skills remains tough. Transitioning to a Millennial workforce can be a
Kittleman & Associates Tapped by Frey Foundation to Find CEO
Chicago-based executive search firm Kittleman & Associates has been retained by the Frey Foundation in Grand Rapids, MI to lead its search for a new CEO. Vice president Megan Monaco is spearheading the assignment. The next president of the Frey Foundation will join an organization that is committed to maximizing its impact in west and northern Michigan, said
Kirk Palmer Associates Leading CEO Search for Destination Maternity
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates is leading the search for a new CEO for Destination Maternity in Moorestown, NJ. While the search is being completed, the company named Melissa Payner-Gregor, an independent director for the company, as interim CEO, effective immediately. Ms. Payner-Gregor succeeds Allen Weinstein, who held the interim role for four months. Mr. Weinstein took
DRG Search Names CEO
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: DRG Search has appointed Dara Klarfeld as its new CEO. She will be responsible for leading all aspects of DRG’s work with organizations in the non-profit sector. “Dara has built an impressive
Pedersen & Partners Appoints Country Manager for U.K.
Executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has named Mark Paviour as its country manager for the United Kingdom. Mr. Paviour joins Pedersen & Partners from Egon Zehnder, where he worked for 24 years in the U.K. and the Middle East. During his tenure there, he served on the global financial services practice group leadership team, ran the asset/wealth
Job Market Trends to Watch In 2018
2017 was a landmark year for hiring. Despite two major hurricanes and political turmoil in Washington, D.C., the U.S. economy forged ahead, adding more than 1.9 million new jobs and pushing stock markets to an all-time record high. After eight years of steady jobs growth, the nation’s unemployment rate hit a 17-year low this year.
Parker Executive Search Seeks President for University of Central Florida
Parker Executive Search is looking to place the new president of the University of Central Florida (UCF) by mid-year. The Atlanta-based recruitment firm was enlisted last year to find the replacement for the school’s longtime president John Hitt, who announced his retirement in October. Perhaps Parker’s biggest challenge is finding someone who can fill the
Coulter Partners Lands New CEO for Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst
Executive search firm Coulter Partners has placed Sally Ann Forsyth as the new CEO of Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC). She assumes her new role in March. Dr. Forsyth, who is known for her scientific and financial expertise and as an open innovation practitioner, will lead SBC through its next phase of expansion. “Everyone talks about board and sector
Witt/Kieffer Launches Emerging Physician Leaders Recruiting Practice
Witt/Kieffer has launched an emerging physician leaders search practice, which expands the reach and capabilities of the firm’s physician integration & leadership business. Consultant Carl Fitch is leading the practice, which will help clients in healthcare and academic medicine identify potential physician administrators and executives at all levels of their organizations. “Today’s healthcare landscape requires
CNA International Opens in Germany
U.K.-based executive recruiting franchise CNA International has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. Marko Könönen will lead the new location serving as senior partner at CNA International Hamburg Germany. With its presence in Hamburg, CNA further enhances its professional executive search capability, resources and services to meet the growing business interests of companies and financial institutions in Germany,
Five Ways HR Can Maximize Data and Analytics
Big data is rewriting the script for how companies around the world do business. The market for big data and business analytics is expected to grow to $203 billion in the next three years. For human resources, the implications include better and more efficient talent management processes, greater insight into whether a candidate will be
RH Perry & Associates Tapped by West Virginia University at Parkersburg
West Virginia University at Parkersburg has retained RH Perry & Associates to lead its search for a new president, following the resignation of Fletcher Lamkin. Senior consultants Jesse Thompson and John Hutchinson are conducting the search. “I would like to thank the board for putting their trust in us … to find a president that
Nonprofit HR Associates Finds New Leader for OneWest
Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Nonprofit HR Associates has placed Evon Smith as president and CEO of Louisville, KY-based OneWest, a community development group. This concluded a six-month national search. “We were impressed with Evon’s proven success in developing collaborative partnerships and leveraging resources with non-profit organizations, government entities, businesses, investors, and community stakeholders –
Caldwell Partners Posts 9.8 Percent Q1 Revenue Increase
Caldwell Partners International has posted first quarter revenues of $14.9 million (Canadian), up 9.8 percent from $13.6 million last year. “The Caldwell Partners team delivered a strong performance in the first quarter,” said John Wallace, chief executive officer. “The overall economic outlook remains healthy, as we continue to experience solid search demand, notwithstanding our unbalanced performance
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Regional Leader for Asia Pacific
Heidrick & Struggles has named Stephen McAlinden regional leader for Asia Pacific. He succeeds Steve Mullinjer, who will continue to pursue client work for the CEO & board practice globally. In his new role, Mr. McAlinden will lead 14 offices across Asia Pacific while continuing his client work as a partner focusing on corporate and investment banking. “Under Steve’s stewardship over the past
Companies Have Aggressive Hiring Plans for 2018
The hiring outlook for 2018 is the best the U.S. has seen in over a decade with 44 percent of employers planning to hire full-time, permanent employees in the new year and half (51 percent) expecting to hire temporary employees, according to CareerBuilder’s annual job forecast. The most pressing question, however, remains: How quickly can they fill
Harris Search Associates Tapped By University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Universities have long depended on executive search firms to help with their leadership needs, but these days the higher education sector is broadening its efforts to find more specialized leaders. As a result, search firms have expanded their niche offerings in the sector, identifying athletic directors, coaches and any number of other top posts. The
MJM Global Search Seeks CEO for the National Livestock Producers Association
The National Livestock Producers Association (NLPA), the national association of livestock marketing cooperatives and their captive livestock credit corporations, is looking for its next chief executive officer. The organization has enlisted Denver area-based MJM Global Search to find its new leader. Scott Stuart, longtime head of the NLPA, recently left the organization to take on the
The Lancer Group Opens Office in Dallas
The Lancer Group, a La Jolla, CA-headquartered executive search firm, has opened a new office in Dallas and named Kevin Anderson as partner. The firm now has six offices in the U.S. and internationally. Mr. Anderson brings to Lancer Group over 20 years of experience in executive search across the IT services, software, industrial technology,
Waterbury Partners, Argenta Talent Acquisition and Global Performance Search Join Forces
The wave of mergers and partnerships in the executive search industry is continuing in the New Year. Recently, Waterbury Partners, Argenta Talent Acquisition and Global Performance Search (GPS) officially merged. The newly formed entity, which is called GPS, will have vertical expertise in professional services, data analytics, life sciences, supply chain technologies, logistics and medical
Another Look at the Impact and Implications of Pay History Legislation
As more cities and states enact legislation to restrict employers, and their search agents, from asking candidates about their pay history, questions remain about the effectiveness of such laws, according to a new study by the recruitment firm NGS Global. The report, “Challenges of Gathering Compensation Data on Candidates,” spearheaded by managing partners David Nosal
