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Maven Partnership Announces Promotions and Role Changes
Global talent advisory firm Maven Partnership has announced several promotions and role changes. “At Maven Partnership, we’re committed to the growth and development of our people, so I’m proud to see so many of our team members step into new roles this year,” said Will Hannaford, CEO of Maven Partnership. “Congratulations all – here’s to another exceptional year.”
Hunt Scanlon Names Kiko Restrepo Chief Revenue Officer to Drive Next-Stage Growth Across Media, M&A, and Talent Intelligence
Hunt Scanlon Media has tapped Kiko Restrepo to serve as chief revenue officer. In this newly created role, he will be responsible for leading all revenue-generating departments at the company, including sales, marketing, customer success, and partnerships to drive, align, and scale revenue growth. Mr. Restrepo joins Hunt Scanlon from Warner Bros. Discovery where he
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.
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
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?
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
PitchBook Data Shows PE Outlook Is Shifting Fast
According to PitchBook’s Q1 2025 U.S. PE Breakdown Report, private equity entered the year with positive momentum. Deal activity totaled 2,263 transactions worth $259.7 billion, representing an 11.8 percent increase in volume and 36.1 percent increase in value year over year. Much of the quarter’s value was driven by large take-privates, notably Sycamore Partners’ $23.7 billion
Livingston James Leads CEO Search for Scottish Football Association
The sports and entertainment field is one of the most active and fast-growing sectors for executive search businesses, with many C-suite-focused recruiting firms having been drawn to it. Recently, the Scottish Football Association retained the services of Livingston James to lead its search for a new CEO. Douglas Adam, director in the firm’s public sector and
Diversified Search Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm Diversified Search, one of the top 10 executive recruitment firms in the U.S., has added Kyung H. Yoon as a senior advisor. She is expected to bring added strength to the firm’s innovation and transformation, consumer and retail, CEO and board practices. “Kyung marries two critical skill-sets,” said Dale E. Jones, CEO of Diversified Search. “She
Riviera Partners 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: Riviera Partners has named Will Hunsinger as its CEO. Mr. Hunsinger has been part of the Riviera team for the past two years, serving as chief operating officer before his promotion. During
Korn Ferry Posts 17 Percent Revenue Increase
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2018 fiscal third quarter revenues of $448 million, a 17 percent increase compared to revenues of $381.9 million a year ago. Wall Street expected revenues of $416.5 million. Organic growth occurred in all three lines of business as compared to last year, with Futurestep growing 29.4 percent, executive search expanding 18.1 percent, and
BoardWalk Consulting Seeks CEO for Charlottesville Area Community Foundation
BoardWalk Consulting, an Atlanta-based executive recruitment firm, has been selected to find the new CEO for the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation (CACF) in Virginia. Anne Scott, who led the foundation for four years, stepped down in October. Sam Pettway, BoardWalk’s founding director, is leading the search. Ayanna Grady-Hunt, a senior associate, is spearheading the research. The
Heidrick & Struggles Lands New CEO for Diebold Nixdorf
Heidrick & Struggles has placed former D+H Corp. executive Gerrard Schmid as the new president and CEO of Diebold Nixdorf. He replaces Andreas W. Mattes, who recently stepped down. Mr. Schmid is a seasoned corporate executive with previous public-company CEO experience and a track record of delivering value in a transforming environment. He has more
DSP Executive Search Opens in Cambridge, MA
Leaders at the best companies know that diversity matters. Not only are the companies that pay attention to such matters rewarded with better financial returns, but they gain perspectives and insights that would otherwise be lost to them. It is also an area that search firms have been highly focused on. To that end, diversity-focused
Nolan Partners Names Global Head of Media and Entertainment
Executive search firm Nolan Partners has expanded with the addition of Andrew Moss as its global head of media and entertainment. He will work out of the firm’s London office, where he will focus on expanding Nolan Partners’ media and entertainment properties around the globe, with specific focus on Europe and the U.S. “Andrew has been a rainmaker
Here’s How Businesses Are Fighting to Hold onto Their Best Talent
Soft skills are the top priority for talent development leaders, according to a new study by LinkedIn Learning, the “2018 Workplace Learning Report,” which offers a holistic overview of learning in today’s workplace. “In the age of automation, adaptability rules,” said the report. “While maintaining technical fluency will be important, demand for soft skills will
RiseSmart Launches New Career Transition Service
RiseSmart, a provider of contemporary career transition services – a space which more search firms are looking at entering – has announced a new service called RiseSmart Express, a suite of career transition solutions and workshops tailored for small and medium businesses. The service helps companies provide soft landings for impacted employees by quickly connecting them to
Phillips Oppenheim Seeks New Leader for the National Arts Club
With the economy strong, hiring in the non-profit sector continues to gain momentum. Recently, the 120-year old National Arts Club (NAC) in New York City enlisted non-profit search specialist Phillips Oppenheim to lead its search for a new executive director. Becky Klein and Mark Tarnacki are spearheading the search. NAC is looking for a leader to
ADK Finds New Leader for Louisville Regional Airport Authority
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has placed Dan Mann as the new executive director for the Louisville Regional Airport Authority (LRAA) in Kentucky. He succeeds C.T. Miller who retired this month. “We are extremely pleased that an airport executive with Dan’s experience, vision and accomplishment will take on this important leadership role,” said Jim Welch, chairman
Horton Adds New Partner in Hungary
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire recruiters and open locations. Among them, Horton International has added executive search firm Performan Group in Hungary. Performan Group was founded in 2003 by managing partners Sandor Szekely and Erika Gombos and provides executive search
Michigan State University Close to Picking Search Firm for Top Role
In the wake of the sex abuse scandal involving sports doctor Larry Nassar, which forced the president of Michigan State University (MSU) to step aside, the school now faces the challenge of finding a new leader. President Lou Anna Simon resigned in January over the school’s handling of accusations against the former U.S. gymnastics and
Spencer Stuart Places Former Taco Bell CEO at Chipotle
Struggling to win back customers after multiple foodborne illness outbreaks, Chipotle Mexican Grill has hired former Taco Bell CEO Brian Niccol as its new leader. Spencer Stuart led the search, which called for finding a CEO with proven turnaround expertise. Steve Ells, the restaurant chain’s founder, is stepping down and will become executive chairman. “Bringing in
ZRG Partners Acquires Epsen Fuller Group
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry and recent activity appears to be carrying over into 2018. ZRG Partners, the fastest growing search firm in the U.S., has acquired certain assets of the Epsen Fuller Group. Financial terms of the transaction were undisclosed. As part of the asset acquisition agreement, Thomas Fuller, formerly the managing partner
IRC Global Expands in Hong Kong
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Just recently, IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) expanded with the addition of
Hudson Global Records Eight Percent Revenue Gain
Talent Solutions company Hudson Global Inc. / (NASDAQ:HSON) posted 2017 full-year revenues of $456.7 million, an eight percent increase from revenues of $422.7 million a year ago. The New York-based recruiting company recorded a net loss of $2.9 million, or nine cents per basic and diluted share, compared with net loss of $8.8 million, or 26 cents per basic and diluted share,
Here’s How Artificial Intelligence Will Change the Way You Recruit
How often have you said to yourself, “There just aren’t enough hours in the day?” In an industry that moves as fast as talent recruitment, lack of time is a serious problem. Recruiters are spread so thin that 75 percent of applicants never receive a response after submitting a resume. The bigger problem for recruiters
SearchWide Assists USA Archery in CEO Hunt
SearchWide recently recruited Rod Menzer as the CEO of USA Archery in Colorado Springs, CO. He had held the position since Denise Parker left to join the U.S. Olympic Committee in September. Mark Gnatovic, senior vice president at SearchWide, led the assignment. “After an exhaustive search, which uncovered an exceptional set of candidates, the board of USA
Reflektive Receives $60 Million in Funding
Investment dollars continue to pour into new technology designed to change the talent management industry. The latest: Reflektive, an HR analytics and employee engagement platform, has raised $60 million in Series C funding. The round was led by TPG Growth, the global middle market and growth equity platform of alternative asset firm TPG. Existing investors Andreessen Horowitz and Lightspeed Venture
Kirby Bates Associates Adds Former Chief Nursing Officer
Executive search firm Kirby Bates Associates has expanded with the arrival of veteran chief nursing officer Judy Hayes as vice president of executive search and interim leadership. Ms. Hayes described her experience as a nurse leader as perfect preparation for her role at the Bala Cynwyd, PA-headquartered recruiter. “Matching culturally complementary candidates to our client organizations is a natural
N2Growth Expands Into South Africa
N2Growth, a King of Prussia, PA-based management consulting and executive search firm, has acquired an interest in the Landelahni Group, an executive search and leadership development firm based in South Africa. Financial terms of the transaction were undisclosed. Sandra Burmeister, CEO and co-founder of Landelahni, will now serve as N2Growth’s regional president covering Africa. Founded in 1996,
Here’s Why Succession Planning Matters
For companies, failure to prepare for the future can be costly at best, disastrous at worst. Yet succession planning remains one of the top challenges facing businesses today. One recent study, in fact, found that more than half of companies surveyed do not have a strong candidate prepared in the event of a CEO transition.
Koya Leadership Partners Heads CEO Search for New Bedford Whaling Museum
The New Bedford Whaling Museum, the familiar name for the 115-year-old Old Dartmouth Historical Society, has enlisted non-profit specialists Anne McCarthy and Erin Reedy of Koya Leadership Partners to find its next president and CEO. Koya described the assignment as an opportunity to help steer a vibrant and healthy organization into the future. The new CEO
DHR International Recruits CFO for Southwestern Energy
DHR International has placed Julian Bott as the new executive vice president and chief financial officer of Southwestern Energy in Houston. DHR managing partners Rick Walker and Jeff Smith headed the assignment. “We welcome Julian to Southwestern Energy,” said Bill Way, the organization’s president and chief executive officer. “We are fortunate to have the addition of
Sagency Acquires Coaching Firm Success Energetics
Fargo, ND-headquartered executive search firm Sagency has acquired coaching firm Success Energetics and appointed its founder and CEO Brian Rinke as director. Mr. Rinke has over 26 years of corporate business experience and has served as an executive and leadership coach for over 10 years. He works with corporate executives, business owners, entrepreneurs and private individuals
Kennedy Executive Search Expands Into South Africa
Kennedy Executive Search & Consulting, a network of independent executive search firms, has expanded into South Africa with the addition of Evolve Executive Search in Johannesburg. This becomes Kennedy’s first African partner for the network. Evolve was founded in 2011 and is headed by Adam Ginster. The firm executes high-end search assignments throughout South Africa and more
How to Retain High Performing Employees
A strong focus on employee retention strategies is vital for any company that wants to keep high-performers engaged, motivated and loyal. This means taking time to understand people and their behaviors as well as identifying the engagement and reward strategies that will promote their happiness and loyalty, says Tara Finlay, co-founder of executive search firm
Turnkey Search Fills CFO Position for the Milwaukee Brewers
Sports and entertainment recruitment firm Turnkey Search has placed Daniel Fumai as the new chief financial officer of the Milwaukee Brewers. He replaced Bob Quinn who left the organization at the end of last year. Mr. Fumai joins the organization from ANC Sports Enterprises, where he served as executive vice president of finance and chief operating officer
Lancer Group Finds Leader for Boston Consulting Group’s Southeast Asia Tech Practice
The Lancer Group, a La Jolla, CA-based executive search firm, has placed Luc Grimond as partner and managing director at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a strategic management consulting firm. He joins the firm’s Southeast Asia technology advantage practice in Singapore. In his role for BCG, Mr. Grimond is responsible for helping clients across a







