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Pyramind Expands Search Team
Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has expanded with the appointment of Victoria Geis as principal, complemented by assessment veteran Adam Smith, and research specialist Lane Crawford. “Pyramind connects visionary companies with executives who drive sustainable future growth, using a distinctive three-pronged assessment approach that examines candidates’ complete career trajectories, decision-making patterns, and leadership behaviors—looking beyond
Bain & Co. Says Building A Value Creation Plan Starts With Building An A-Team
In a recent report, Bain & Company highlights a number that immediately changes the temperature in the room: private equity owners replace 50 percent to 70 percent of portfolio company CEOs during the hold period. It is a stark reminder of how demanding the PE ownership model can be for leaders unfamiliar with the speed and discipline
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.
Private Equity’s New Leadership Playbook: Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever
Private equity firms and their portfolio companies are increasingly valuing soft skills such as emotional intelligence, relationship building, and crisis management to navigate shifting market conditions. Traditionally, leadership hiring in this space has prioritized a strong growth-focused mindset, but adaptability and strategic resilience are now just as essential. The results, not leadership style or continuity,
SRi Helping to Transform Sports Down Under
With two recent assignments in Australia, London-based recruitment firm SRi is playing a central role in changing the face of sports in that country. In the first, the recruiters found a new CEO of AFL Women’s (AFLW), the Australian rules football league for women, which may lead to the female league eventually becoming completely professional.
Russell Reynolds Associates Names Leader of Luxury, Fashion and Beauty Search Practice
The consumer industry is experiencing change at an unprecedented rate, especially with the impact of digital transformation, according to recruiters. Never before has the global consumer carried such power – requiring consumer-facing companies to pivot to meet this changing landscape. To help meet this demand, Russell Reynolds Associates has expanded with the addition of Lauren Shin
Stanton Chase Opens Office in Philadelphia
Stanton Chase International is continuing with its growth plans, recently opening a new office in Philadelphia. Dan Hobbs has been named managing director of the new location. Mr. Hobbs brings over two decades of experience in executive search and leadership assessment projects for a broad range of privately and publicly held companies. He has led
2018 Predictions for Talent Acquisition Professionals
The future of talent acquisition will be more personal, more segmented, more strategic and more driven by an up-and-coming generation, according to Korn Ferry Futurestep experts from across the globe. Driving change in 2018 and beyond, said Byrne Mulrooney, Futurestep’s CEO, will be the rapid pace of technological advancement, which will allow recruiters to focus
Waverly Partners Seeking CEO for Adirondack Chamber of Commerce
The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce has retained executive search firm Waverly Partners to lead its search for a new president and CEO. Past president and CEO Tori Riley stepped down from her role in September. Marti Burnley is currently serving as the chamber’s interim president. Before retaining Waverly Partners, the board spent several months re-examining the
Alder Koten Places CEO at Farmacias Benavides
Executive search firm Alder Koten has recruited Macedonio Garza as the new CEO of Farmacias Benavides in Mexico. The assignment was co-led by managing partners Felipe Llaguno and Jorge Davalos along with CEO Jose Ruiz. Originally from Mexico, Mr. Garza won a reputation for building high-performance teams, with a focus on creating a culture centered
Academic Career & Executive Search Adds Former President of U of Maine
West Hartford, CT-based Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has expanded with the addition of Dr. Robert A. Kennedy as an executive search consultant. Dr. Kennedy has over 40 years of experience in academia, including six years as president of the University of Maine. He also served as executive vice president and provost at the
Search Solution Group Opens in Atlanta
Charlotte, NC-based executive recruiting firm Search Solution Group (SSG) has opened a new office Atlanta. The firm has hired Mini Brown to head the new location and develop relationships in the region. “Established in 2002, Search Solution Group has continuously expanded due to the committed individuals that hold themselves accountable to our clients, candidates and to themselves,” said
Hunt Scanlon’s 10 Most Important Recruiting Stories of 2017
Looking back through more than a thousand recruiting stories published over the course of 2017, picking the 10 most important wasn’t easy. Hunt Scanlon Media tracked every little change, every small movement and, above all, lots of big progress. Truth be told, our choices for this year are a beacon for what lies ahead in 2018
Heidrick & Struggles Lands COO for Uber
Heidrick & Struggles has placed Barney Harford, the former head of Orbitz Worldwide, as the new chief operating officer of Uber. In this role, he will oversee the ridesharing and delivery company’s global operations, marketing and customer support teams. The high-profile hire was part of Uber’s effort to rehabilitate its bruised image after a string
RiseSmart Appoints Chief Commercial Officer
RiseSmart, a provider of contemporary career transition services – a space which more search firms are looking at entering – has named Karen O’Boyle as its chief commercial officer. Ms. O’Boyle, an experienced leader of human capital organizations with over two decades of outplacement experience, joins the company to further accelerate its global expansion and business momentum.
Onstott Group Finds CEO for Cémoi North America
The Onstott Group has placed Matthew Cooper as chief executive officer of chocolatier Cémoi North America. Patricia A. Campbell, the Wellesley, MA-based recruitment firm’s co-founder and managing director, led the search. “Matt is a lifelong learner, bright, inquisitive and entrepreneurial,” said Ms. Campbell. “He impressed me from the first call we had. Matt has strong
Bridgemark Strategies Launches to Serve Financial Services Sector
An array of new recruiting firms have been started around the world this year. The latest: Bridgemark Strategies has opened its doors in Charlotte, NC, as a consultancy for independent financial advisors and financial advisory firms seeking strategic planning, execution and advice in business and human capital transitions. Led by three veteran industry leaders with decades
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 15 Search Assignments of 2017
As the year now draws to a close, it turns out that when we looked back through our archives 2017 was, simply put, a remarkable year for first-rate search assignments. Hunt Scanlon Media tracked hundreds of them. From CEO placements to those covering the bandwidth of the C-suite, our editorial team gleaned the best from every industry sector
Isaacson, Miller Enlisted to Find Presidents for Union College and UNH
Colleges and universities across the country are facing pressures far greater than those of years gone by. Financial stresses are mounting. Academic quality is being called in question. Public scrutiny is more intense than ever. And institutions of higher learning have become a focal point of any number of social issues, from sexual misconduct to
Krauthamer & Associates Leading CEO Search for Capital Metro
With Capital Metro president and CEO Linda Watson planning to retire at the end of the year after seven years in the job, the Austin, TX transit agency has tapped executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates to fill its top role. Several board members, including Ann Kitchen and Delia Garza, who also sit on Austin’s city council,
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Co-Leaders of Global Biopharmaceutical Practice
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International has named Tim Dietlin and Niren Thanky to co-lead the global biopharmaceutical segment of its healthcare and life sciences practice. Mr. Dietlin is based in Chicago and Mr. Thanky is in London. Together, they are charged with building on the firm’s biopharmaceutical capabilities in key industry markets and further enhancing
HVS Executive Search Opens New Office in Vancouver, B.C.
HVS Executive Search has opened a new office in Vancouver, British Columbia, which will be led by vice president Paul Savage. In his new role, he will also lead the business development strategy for North America and Europe. “Paul comes to HVS with meaningful global hospitality relationships,” said Court Williams, CEO of HVS Executive Search. “In addition
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 15 Acquisition Stories of 2017
“If you’re not growing, you’re dying.” The truth of that adage is open to debate. Rather than argue the fine points, one business leader altered that statement to this: “If you’re not growing,” he said simply, “you’re not growing.” In other words, no matter how one slices it, growth and expansion matters. At Hunt Scanlon
Russell Reynolds Associates Finds New CEO for The DoSeum
Russell Reynolds Associates has placed Daniel Menelly as president and CEO of The DoSeum, a San Antonio museum for children. Mr. Menelly is an experienced science educator and non-profit management expert with a solid background in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in both formal and informal learning environments. He comes to The DoSeum from
Sterling Martin Finds CEO for National Speakers Association
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 grew by 17 percent. With demand for non-profit talent at an all-time high, search firms have
Futurestep Names Managing Director for India
Futurestep, a Korn Ferry company that provides talent acquisition solutions, has expanded with the addition of Kunal Sen as managing director for India. In his new role, Mr. Sen will be responsible for the growth, profitability and overall management of the Futurestep business in India. He will work out of the firm’s Bangalore office. Mr. Sen has
Dillistone Launches Service to Assist With E.U. Data Protection Rules
Dillistone Group, a provider of technology solutions for the recruitment industry, recently launched GatedTalent, a service designed to help executive recruiters comply with European Union data protection rules that go into effect next year. The service will also provide users with the opportunity to clean and update legacy data without having to share any data with
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Artificial Intelligence Stories of 2017
One of our most important missions at Hunt Scanlon Media is to report on the trends that are altering the executive recruitment industry, and in many cases, the world of business. Among the most consequential transitions we’ve reported on this past year has been the rise of artificial intelligence – and what it means for
Heidrick & Struggles Leading CEO Search for Diebold Nixdorf
ATM maker Diebold Nixdorf has announced that Andreas W. Mattes is stepping down as president and chief executive officer effective immediately. The company has enlisted Heidrick & Struggles to help find his replacement. Until a permanent successor is named, Christopher A. Chapman, senior vice president and chief financial officer, and Juergen Wunram, senior vice president and chief
BCA, Executive Recruiters Finds Head of Talent Acquisition for Amgen
Talent acquisition has always been an important part of the hiring strategies and recruitment practices for any organization. But in the last few years, it’s become more critical than ever. BCA, Executive Recruiters recently placed Anis Baig as head of talent acquisition at Amgen, the Thousand Oaks, CA-based biotechnology company. Joe Gonzalez, BCA’s CEO, led the
Hudson Global, Focused On RPO Business, Sells Three Recruiting Units
In three transactions, talent solutions company Hudson Global Inc. has entered into definitive purchase agreements with strategic buyers to sell its recruitment and talent management operations in Europe and Asia Pacific. Hudson intends to focus on its growing global recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) business going forward. Under the terms of the agreements, the company will receive estimated
Lucas Group Announces Promotions
Executive search firm Lucas Group has announced the promotions of 19 associates to varying roles. The associates’ new titles include executive senior partner, senior partner and senior executive search consultant. “At Lucas Group, we believe success is achieved when associates enjoy a balance of autonomy and support that empowers them to take professional risks and develop into industry leaders,” said
Working with Millennials: Easier Said Than Done
Employers have learned a lot about Millennials in the workplace in a very short period of time. And the best companies are making adjustments for them. “Employers need to lean in a bit closer to this generation,” said Smooch R. Reynolds, a global investor relations and communications executive search expert who has focused on ‘working
Diversified Search Recruits President East Asia for Special Olympics
Executive search firm Diversified Search has recruited Freda Fung as East Asia president of Special Olympics, the largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities. She takes over from Mary Gu Shuhang. Jason León, managing director in the recruiter’s Washington, D.C. office, led the assignment. “The overall enthusiasm for the Special Olympics movement was simply remarkable,”
Buffkin / Baker Lands PR Executive for the New York Knicks
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has placed Dan Sabreen as vice president of public relations of the New York Knicks. Partner Warren Wasp led the search. In his new role, Mr. Sabreen will serve as the Knicks’ chief communications strategist with oversight of all public relations activities for the team. He will be responsible for developing and executing







