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McDermott + Bull Recruits COO for ClinNEXUS
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Jovan Hollins as chief operating officer of ClinNEXUS in Los Angeles. The search was completed by partner Jake Vander Zanden and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “We are thrilled to welcome Jovan, a seasoned executive, change agent and visionary, with nearly two decades of leadership experience in the healthcare industry,” said ClinNEXUS’ CEO,
Buffkin / Baker Appoints Partner
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has named Jim May as partner in its technology/digital practice area, and executive corporate functional practice areas. “Jim’s expertise in human resources, finance, technology, and operations will strengthen our service to clients and enhance results,” said Tom Wilson, partner and practice leader. “We are delighted to name Jim as a
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
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?
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
The Christopher Group Selected by Penn Highlands Healthcare for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by Penn Highlands Healthcare to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Molly Mangan, and partner, Carrie Longmire, are leading the assignment. “The chief human resources officer will play an important role in helping Penn Highlands
Where AI Belongs in Executive Search—and Where It Doesn’t
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the executive search profession, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency while raising important questions about where technology should—and should not—play a role in the hiring process. As firms continue to integrate AI into their workflows, the focus is increasingly shifting from whether to adopt these tools to how
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been selected by Virginia Tech to lead in its search for a new president. Current president Tim Sands announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti are leading this search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its
Parker Remick Appoints Partner of Firm Operations
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick recently named Jena Gibson as partner of firm operations. This is part of the executive search firm’s expansion of operational infrastructure and AI-enabled delivery capabilities. The firm noted that all in response to rising demand for senior technology and AI leadership. Ms. Gibson joins Parker Remick with more than 15 years
Building an Employer Brand That Attracts Top Executive Talent
In today’s competitive business environment, where organizations are vying for top talent, a strong employer brand has become an essential strategic advantage. It plays a critical role in attracting and retaining high-quality candidates while also contributing to an organization’s overall success. A recent report from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) delves into the importance of a
Krauthamer & Associates Assists the Dallas Area Rapid Transit with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has assisted in the recruitment of Nathaniel Ford as president and CEO of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). “Mr. Ford brings decades of executive leadership in public transportation, a proven record of organizational transformation, and a deep understanding that transit is about much more than buses and trains,” said DART board chair
Slone Partners Makes Senior Appointments
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has named Sona Stroud and Kim Wilson as senior partners. Ms. Stroud has been promoted to the position following nearly 15 years with the firm, while Ms. Wilson returns to the organization, further strengthening its leadership team with nearly 17 years of experience with the firm. “Few things are more rewarding than recognizing exceptional leaders
The Evolution of Tech Leadership in Europe: 40 Years of Transformation
As technology continues to reshape every sector of the economy, executive search firms are seeing a fundamental shift in the profile of leaders organizations need to remain competitive. Companies are no longer seeking executives with deep technical expertise alone—they are prioritizing transformational leaders who can navigate disruption, lead enterprise-wide change, and align emerging technologies with
Changing the DNA of Growth-Stage Recruiting
As growth-stage companies accelerate expansion under private equity ownership or new investment, leadership teams are placing greater emphasis on the organizational structures that support long-term value creation. While executive search has traditionally focused on identifying transformative leaders, many organizations are also rethinking where the talent acquisition function belongs within the enterprise to ensure hiring strategy
NU Advisory Partners Fills Board Position for Banesco USA
NU Advisory Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Teresa Stinson to the Banesco USA board. Nada Usina, CEO and co-founder, led the search along with Mar Hernandez, partner and co-founder. “Congratulations Teresa Stinson on joining Banesco USA as board director,” NU Advisory Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “We look forward to seeing your governance
Why Natural Language Search Is the Biggest Shift in Executive Search Since the Database
Executive search has always been a relationship business. Consultants describe talent in rich, layered terms, leaders who have scaled a commercial function through a turnaround, managed a $200 million P&L across two geographies, navigated a public board through a CEO transition. But the systems they rely on to find those leaders have never understood a
TM² Executive Search Assists Fort Valley State University with CHRO Search
TM² Executive Search (TM²) has assisted in the recruitment of Sean Lyn as the new chief human resources officer of Fort Valley State University (FVSU). President Amanda Washington Lockett and associate principals Jessica Horton and Ndeh Anyu led the assignment. Mr. Lyn brings more than a decade of progressive human resources leadership experience in higher education. Before joining Fort Valley State University,
Bespoke Partners Opens New Office in Boston
Bespoke Partners has opened a new office in Boston to accommodate the firm’s growing local team and strengthen its presence in a key market for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. The new office in Boston places Bespoke in proximity to leading software and SaaS clients in healthcare tech, cybersecurity, FinTech, MarTech and Adtech, GovTech and many more sectors. “Boston
The Questions to Ask an Executive Search Firm (That Most Don’t)
Browse a handful of executive search firm websites and they quickly begin to look alike. Every firm makes the same promises about senior expertise and deep networks, a new report from PierceGray. “They all claim to have a proven process and strong track record,” the study said. “There’s just one thing missing: the information you
The Christopher Group Retained by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to lead in its search for a chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Pam Noble, and Partner Jeff Wilbanks are leading the assignment. “The ACGME plays a vital role in shaping the future of
A Private Equity Blueprint To Secure High-Impact Leaders
As private equity firms navigate 2025, leadership and operational expertise will remain at the center of value creation. With deal volume rebounding and investors positioning themselves for growth, securing high-impact executives will be the key differentiator. As such, PE firms are evolving their talent strategies to focus on industry specialization, digital transformation, and AI-driven decision-making
Phillips, DiPisa & Associates Finds CFO for Spectrum Health
Phillips, DiPisa & Associates, an executive search firm serving the healthcare sector, has placed Matthew Cox as the new senior vice president and chief financial officer of Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, MI. He replaces Ron Knaus who recently retired. Partner Michael Corey led the assignment. Mr. Cox will lead the finance team and assume financial
Reffett Associates Finds New CEO for Bartell Drugs
Executive search firm Reffett Associates has helped to place the new chief executive officer of Bartell Drugs, a family-run drug store chain in Washington State. The search was led by founder and managing partner Bill Reffett. Kathi Lentzsch is just the fifth CEO in Bartell’s 128-year history. She had been serving as the interim CEO for Gump’s,
StevenDouglas Expands to Atlanta
Sunrise, FL-based executive search firm StevenDouglas has expanded with the launch of a new office in Atlanta and the addition of David Mauger as a director of technology search. Mr. Mauger will be responsible for developing the firm’s information technology search practice by leveraging his experience in recruiting executive and middle management professionals across cybersecurity,
AIMS International Adds New Member Firm in Russia
AIMS International has added Moscow-headquartered executive recruiters Midland Hunt as its newest member firm. Midland’s founder Marina Stepanova will assume the title of managing director AIMS Russia. Ms. Stepanova has over 20 years of experience in executive search. She is involved in executive search projects for the leading international and local companies in the industrial, financial and government sectors. In
HR Leaders Cite Retention and Turnover as Top Concerns in 2018
Close to half, 47 percent, of the human resources leaders surveyed for a new report say that employee retention and turnover is their top workforce management challenge. This is the third straight year that this issue has topped the concerns cited in the annual study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Globoforce,
GeneCoda, a New Life Sciences Recruiter, Opens in North Carolina
A new executive search firm, GeneCoda, has been launched in Wake Forest, NC. Headed by Don Alexander, the organization will focus on recruiting for the life sciences sector. Mr. Alexander has over 15 years of progressive executive search experience and has made hundreds of placements in the life sciences sector. Among other achievements, he is
Krauthamer & Associates Lands CEO for Capital Metro
Executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates has placed Randy Clarke as the general manager and president/CEO of Capital Metro in Austin. He replaces Linda Watson, who retired at the end of last year after seven years in the job. Mr. Clarke start his new role in March. Mr. Clarke, who has a five year contract, will
KLR Executive Search Leading CEO Assignment for United Way of Rhode Island
Providence, RI-headquartered KLR Executive Search Group has been retained by the United Way of Rhode Island to lead its hunt for a new president and CEO. Long-time leader Anthony Maione announced he is retiring at the end of the year. Partner Edward Blum is leading the assignment. The search committee is led by Dolph L. Johnson
Horton International Expands in South Africa
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 the Human Capital Group, strengthening Horton’s presence and expertise in South Africa. Established in 2003 and led by managing partner Brian Wasmuth, the
Three Quarters of Recruiting Firms Expect Revenues to Rise in 2018
Seventy five percent of recruiting firms anticipated an increase in 2018 revenue versus 2017 revenue, according to Bullhorn’s “2018 North American Staffing & Recruiting Trends Report: The Industry’s Outlook for 2018.” Overall, the report showed that recruiting professionals remain optimistic for a successful 2018, as they did for 2017, despite increasing concerns and emerging challenges
Culture Transformation Consultancy Walking the Talk Appoints New CEO
Walking the Talk, a global culture transformation firm, has appointed Chris Pierce-Cooke as its new CEO. He replaces co-founder Carolyn Taylor, who shifts to the role of executive chairman. Mr. Pierce-Cooke has over 20 years of multinational experience as a business leader, entrepreneur and advisor in publicly traded, private partnership and family-owned businesses with revenues between $1
Catherine French Group Finds Leader for New Spire Arts
Following an extensive national search, Daniel Phoenix Singh, a dancer and arts leader, has been selected to lead New Spire Arts in Frederick, MD. The search was led by Catherine French Group, a specialist in the performing arts sector located in Washington, D.C. Mr. Singh “is excited to be working with New Spire Arts and
Major, Lindsey & Africa Finds CIO for Ice Miller
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has placed Matt Tader as chief information officer at AmLaw 200 firm Ice Miller. The assignment was led by partner Amanda K. Brady along with managing director Dustin Laws. “Matt’s strong record of developing and executing turnarounds involving significant change with processes, people and technology, ideally position him to drive process efficiencies within
TRANSEARCH Opens Offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong
TRANSEARCH International has expanded with the opening of new offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong. The locations will be led by Addy Lee and Donald Hsu, respectively. With a corporate general management background and having placed over 500 senior executives into multinationals and Chinese companies, Mr. Lee is described as an astute judge of people and character. He also has
The Idea of Cultural Fit Might Be More Myth Than Reality
Human resources executives and recruiters have been using the term “cultural fit” – generally defined as the ability of an employee to fit with the core beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that make up an organization – for a decade or two. The popularity of the concept has ebbed and flowed, but as an HR professional
Toft Group Lands CEO for Neurotrope
Executive search firm Toft Group Executive Search has recruited Charles S. Ryan as a board member and CEO at NY-headquartered clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company Neurotrope. He assumes his new role in two weeks. Mark Soufleris, Toft Group’s pharmaceutical practice leader, led the search along with vice president Raul Lamas. “We are proud to have placed Dr. Ryan as Neurotrope’s next
B.E. Smith Leads CFO Search for Oklahoma Medical Center
As the healthcare industry continues its transformation, talent management remains a high priority. The shortage of physicians and other clinicians is one matter. But healthcare organizations must also fill new and expanding leadership roles to carry out strategic initiatives in response to reform efforts, and whatever changes Congress may deliver. This has produced a high
hrQ and Revolution Advisors Merge
Executive search and professional services firm hrQ and human capital consulting specialist Revolution Advisors have joined forces. The firms will move forward operating under the hrQ banner and platform, led by managing partners Kha Le, Molly McCoy, Kathy Rapp and Brian Wilkerson. “This positions hrQ to help our clients get ahead of the curve when it comes
SRi Opens New Office In Shanghai
Executive search firm SRi has expanded its Asia operations with the launch of a Shanghai office and the addition of key staff to its Greater China team. The Greater China team, which is led by partner Ting Zhang, has seen growth of 25 percent over the past year thanks to senior search and advisory work across major sports,
How to Stay Ahead of Recruiting Challenges This Year
Competition for finance talent is fierce. To stand out among competitors – and attract top talent – employers are constantly seeking ways to stay on top of recruiting trends and face new challenges head-on as they arise. New York-based search and advisory firm Atlantic Group recently released a new report, authored by senior director Sarah Brumbley, laying out the
Vlaad and Company Chosen by Canada Infrastructure Bank to Lead Search Efforts
Vlaad and Company, a Toronto-based financial services executive search firm, has been retained to help structure and take part in the hiring of up to 50 employees that are expected to be added to the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) by this summer. The newly created bank is designed to attract private investment in Canadian infrastructure
Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates Seeks President for University of Oklahoma
Executive search firms continue to reap the benefits of an active education sector, which many academic recruiters report has never been busier. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels. If any slowdown is coming, it most likely will be found at the talent identification stage. With so much
Quick Leonard Kieffer Appoints 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: Chicago-based Quick Leonard Kieffer has named Steven M. Derks as its president and CEO. He takes over from Roger Quick, who will now serve as vice chair. “We are delighted to welcome
StevenDouglas Expands Into Canada
Sunrise, FL-based executive search firm StevenDouglas has expanded into Canada with the opening of a new office in Toronto. Navinder Binning, who joined the firm as vice president, will lead the executive search business in the Canadian region, said the firm. Her focus will be to further develop the recruiters’ presence by delivering high-caliber talent for Canada’s leading
Bringing Today’s Candidates Into New Talent Pipelines
Companies continue to have trouble attracting and hiring top talent. As the scope of readily available high-level candidates shrinks, leading prospects have more offers than ever. For employers, the answer is to place greater emphasis on the candidate in building a talent pipeline, according to a recent study by Aberdeen Group. Eighty-seven percent of companies
TillmanCarlson Names CEO
Executive search firm TillmanCarlson has appointed Kelly Carlson as its president and CEO. Entering its 16th year, the firm says her promotion sets the stage for growth, innovation and the ability to provide a clear alternative to larger human capital firms. “When we founded the business in 2002, we set out to build a firm that was
Preng & Associates Lands CEO for Memphis Light, Gas and Water
After a national search, executive recruitment firm Preng & Associates has placed Jarl T. Young as the new president and CEO of Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW). Appointed by Mayor Jim Strickland and approved by Memphis City Council, Mr. Young begins his tenure March 19. He replaces Jerry Collins, who is retiring at the end of this
Russell Reynolds Associates Finds New CEO for Struggling Neiman Marcus Group
Russell Reynolds Associates has helped to place Geoffroy van Raemdonck as the new CEO of Neiman Marcus Group. The former Ralph Lauren group president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa replaces Karen Katz, who is retiring on Feb.12. The Dallas-based luxury department store company has been struggling under heavy debt since its $6 billion
Spencer Stuart Appoints Financial Officer Practice Leader
Chicago-headquartered search firm Spencer Stuart has named Christopher Gaunt as leader of its financial officer practice for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Mr. Gaunt works on a variety of main board CFO appointments across industries in the FTSE 100, FTSE 250 and for private equity-backed portfolio companies. He has a strong international focus, often for
A Road Map to the Evolving American Workplace
For American workers, “the ability to do what they do best” is the single most important factor in considering a new job, according to the recently released “State of the American Workplace” report from Gallup. In all, 60 percent of the employees surveyed said that the ability to do what they do best in a
ZRG Partners Names Country Head for China
ZRG Partners, the fastest growing search firm in the U.S., has expanded with the addition of Carren Shi as a managing director and country head of China, based in the firm’s Shanghai office. She brings to the role 20 years of local market business experience, with more than 12 years in executive search. Over the years, Ms. Shi has







