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Caldwell Grows Life Sciences and Healthcare Practice
Toronto-headquartered Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Christoph Themel as a partner in the firm’s life sciences and healthcare practice. He is based in London. “Christoph’s appointment reflects our continued investment in building a strong, globally integrated life sciences and healthcare practice,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer. “His international experience and sector depth expand our
PitchBook’s 2026 PE Outlook Puts Talent at the Center of Value Creation
PitchBook’s 2026 U.S. Private Equity Outlook describes a market that is reopening – but under pressure. Exit activity improved meaningfully in 2024 and 2025, yet the inventory of PE-backed companies continues to grow older. As of Q3 2025, U.S. PE inventory had expanded to nearly 12,900 companies, with roughly 30 percent held for seven years or longer and
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
GHP Search Partners with Ascend Learning on Board Member Appointments
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently tapped by Ascend Learning to assist in growing both the Ascend Learning board of directors and the Ascend Charter Schools board of trustees. New members of the Ascend Learning board identified by GHP include Robert Childs, retired EVP, strategic initiatives at American Express and Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, a founding leader of Amazon’s Streaming TV advertising business. Richard Young Jr, director,
FMG Leading Adds Healthcare Strategy and Transformation Expert
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of healthcare strategy and transformation expert Doug Van Wie as managing director. The firm explained that the addition further aligns FMG Leading’s capabilities with the needs of investor-backed organizations looking to add value and mitigate risk as they deploy purpose-driven capital into the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Caldwell Launches Global Financial Institutions Group Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launch its global financial institutions group (FIG) practice, bringing together the firm’s financial services capabilities under a single, globally coordinated practice. “This is more than a change in name,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “It reflects the scale, connectivity, and depth of the practice we have built globally, as well as
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
Myers McRae Helps Pensacola State College Select Finalist for President Role
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted Pensacola State College (PSC) with the selection of J. Alex Kelly as the finalist to become it’s next president. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Kenny Daugherty of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. The search attracted 107 qualified applicants from across the country. The committee selected
Potrero Group Recruits CEO for Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has placed Karen Strolia as the next CEO of Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) in San Rafael, CA. She succeeds longtime CVNL CEO Linda Jacobs, who led the organization for 25 years. “The board is thrilled to welcome Karen as CVNL’s next chief executive officer,” said Luana Vaetoe,
Marovi Appoints Head of Engineering
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has expanded with the addition of Ebubechukwu “Don” Enwerem as head of engineering. “Over the past few years, Don has had several engineering terms with Amazon Robotics – work estimated to save millions in operational costs. In between stints, he was building with Marovi. When the opportunity came to continue with Amazon, Don chose
As Executive Search Accelerates, Judgment Becomes the Differentiator
Executive search firms are under pressure to demonstrate value earlier than ever. Clients increasingly expect firms to understand the market, identify credible candidates, and begin calibrating on potential profiles before a search has even formally launched. AI and new data tools are helping firms meet those demands. Tasks that once took days can now be
Fractional vs. Full-Time Executives: The Real Math for Mid-Sized Growing Companies
As mid-sized companies grow, one of the more consequential leadership decisions is determining when fractional executive support is sufficient and when the business requires a full-time leader. A recent ExactSearch.AI report examined the economics behind that decision, finding that the answer often depends less on compensation than on the level of ownership, accountability, and organizational
Lindauer Recruits Chief Development Officer for C-SPAN
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Adele Hixon-Day as the first chief development officer of C-SPAN. The search is being led by Lindauer vice president Maureen Huminik, senior vice president Bob Giannino, and senior consultant Taylor Beard. “Adele joins C-SPAN at a pivotal moment,” said C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist. “For decades, the cable and satellite, and recently
Pyramind Recruits President and CEO for The SkillSource Group
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Clifford Yee as president and CEO of The SkillSource Group, Inc. (SSG), fiscal sponsor of Virginia Career Works – Northern. He succeeds interim executive officer Seema Jain, following a leadership transition supported by SkillSource’s staff, board, and community partners. “Cliff has a strong
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Fortra Search
In an effort to strengthen its venture capital and private equity search capabilities, Buffkin / Baker has acquired Fortra Search, a boutique retained executive search firm focused exclusively on executive sales and revenue leadership. The firm has also named its founder Andy Grosso as partner. “We’re thrilled to welcome Andy to Buffkin / Baker,” said Jackson Ross, partner
The Role of the CFO in PE-Backed Businesses
The role of the CFO in private equity-backed businesses has shifted materially in recent years. Historically a function for financial stewardship, the CFO role is now defined by operational accountability, value creation and the ability to translate investment strategy into outcomes. A recent report from U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP). The study examined how
JDG Associates Seeking Executive Director for the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently selected by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) to lead its search for a new executive director. The position is remote and may be based anywhere in the United States, with proximity to the Washington, D.C. area considered a plus. NCART stands at a pivotal moment, with active,
Calibre One Assists Cibus with CEO Search
Calibre One has helped to recruit board member Craig Wichner as the new CEO for NASDAQ-traded Cibus, Inc. in San Diego, CA. Peter Beetham, who has served as the company’s interim CEO, will continue his role as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Concurrently, both Mr. Wichner and Dr. Beetham resigned from the Cibus board of directors as part
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for OneOC
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Bonni Pomush as the new president and CEO of OneOC. She will succeed Tim Strauch, who will remain president and CEO through December 31, 2026, before retiring from OneOC after 19 years of service and leadership. “Bonni’s record of organizational transformation, collaborative leadership, and community engagement makes her exceptionally
NPAworldwide Forms Alliance with Dimensional Search Associates
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has formed a strategic partnership with the Sanford Rose Associates family of companies, including Dimensional Search. “This partnership brings together two strong organizations with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to helping independent recruiting firms succeed,” NPAworldwide said. “For NPAworldwide, the agreement represents a meaningful extension of its mission to connect independent recruiting
Scaling Growth Through Transformative Talent
High-growth environments can compress time, magnify decisions, and expose leadership gaps in an instant. As companies move through periods of rapid expansion, the ability to build and evolve the right leadership team becomes increasingly critical to sustaining momentum and creating long-term value. Across private equity, venture capital, and technology-driven businesses, organizations are rethinking how they
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Allstate
Crist|Kolder Associates has recruited Christian Lown as executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Allstate Corporation. “Chris’s leadership and capital markets expertise will enable us to continue increasing Property-Liability market share and expand protection provided to customers,” said Tom Wilson, president and CEO of The Allstate Corporation. With more than 25 years of senior
Protis Global Appoints Co-Presidents
Consumer packaged goods-focused executive search and advisory firm Protis Global has named Skye Miller and Isabel Cosby as co-presidents in a planned generational leadership transition as the company positions itself for its next phase of growth. Bert Miller, who co-founded the firm in 1995, moves from chairman and CEO of Protis Global to chairman. He will continue as founder
Effective Communication and Feedback in Executive Search: Essential for Building Strong Candidate Relationships
Executive recruitment is a complex process, with higher stakes as positions reach more senior levels. Executive recruiters play a crucial role in managing this complexity, ensuring companies attract and retain top talent while minimizing risks, according to a recent report from London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International. To identify key areas for improvement, Pacific International conducted
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
Korn Ferry Lands New GM for Houston Texans
With the NFL season all but over and the Super Bowl approaching, a flurry of coaching and general manager activity has been underway. Korn Ferry recently assisted in placing Brian Gaine as the new general manager of the Houston Texans. His predecessor, Rick Smith, took an extended leave of absence to help care for his wife, who
Accelent Fills CTO Post for Beam Solutions
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum. Chief technology officer hiring, in fact, is expected to grow 18 percent by 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. It’s a trend that is keeping executive search firms well occupied. Executive search firm Accelent recently placed Andreas Bayer as the chief technology officer of
Jackson Healthcare Acquires Search Firm Avant Healthcare Professionals
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry and the latest wave appears to be carrying into 2018. The most recent: Jackson Healthcare, a provider of healthcare recruiting, search and technology services, has acquired Orlando, FL-based search firm Avant Healthcare Professionals. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Avant, a veteran player in international
Human Strengths Touted as the Solution to Challenges of the Skills Revolution
As technology transforms organizations, skills needs are changing rapidly and companies are struggling to find the talent they need. The key to coming out on top for individuals and employers alike is to develop the best blend of technical skills and soft skills, according to a recent report issued by ManpowerGroup. The “Robots Need Not
Witt/Kieffer Tapped to Find New AD for University of California, Berkeley
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has been retained by the University of California, Berkeley, to lead the search for a new director of intercollegiate athletics. The new hire will replace Mike Williams, who is retiring in May. Greg Santore, principal and practice leader of Witt/Kieffer’s sports leadership practice, is leading the assignment, along with senior partner Zachary Smith, deputy
Bridge Partners Places Four Senior Leaders for Non-Profit Groups
New York-based executive recruitment firm Bridge Partners has placed four top-level leaders – three chief executive officers and an executive director – with innovative non-profit organizations. The groups are: Global Health Corps, Global Fund for Children, Headstrong Project and Resource Area for Teaching. At Global Health Corps (GHC), which has its headquarters in New York,
NPAworldwide Adds Six New U.S. Member Firms
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added six member firms in the U.S. as it continues to expand its global roster. NPA now has 500 member offices across six continents. Membership in the network allows independent recruiters to serve their clients and candidates by partnering with other member firms on a split-fee basis. “Congratulations to each of our new members,”
Agilium Worldwide’s Irish Arm Expands
Principal Connections, the Irish arm of Agilium Worldwide, officially opened the doors of its new offices in Galway, its first outside of Dublin. “I am delighted to welcome the expansion of the firm to Galway and to congratulate Pat O’Donnell and indeed all the Principal Connections consulting team on this tremendous milestone,” said Mary Hoade, an
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







