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Vardis Finds PE CEOs Under Pressure, But Optimistic
The Private Equity CEO Report from Vardis, based on a survey of 1,200 chief executives of PE-backed companies, paints a picture of resilience paired with constraint. Seventy percent of CEOs say company performance is “as expected” or better, yet exit activity remains muted, with 2025 tracking as the slowest year for PE exits since 2017, despite a
Why Executive Hiring in 2026 Must Be More Strategic Than Ever
As the calendar turned to 2026, one question looms large: how will you ensure your next leadership team and your next leadership hire drives strategy, culture, and growth rather than simply filling a gap? With complexity, transformation, and succession pressures mounting, relying on who happens to be looking to join your team is no longer
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.
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel 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?
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
M&A Outlook Points to Accelerating Deal Flow
The global mergers and acquisitions landscape is poised for a gradual recovery following three years of subdued deal activity, according to Bain & Company’s newly released Global M&A Report 2025. While persistent macroeconomic headwinds, including high interest rates and regulatory scrutiny, dampened dealmaking last year, the outlook for 2025 suggests renewed optimism. Bain’s analysis highlights shifting dynamics in
AETHOS Consulting Group Places President and CEO at WATG
Hospitality advisory and executive search firm AETHOS Consulting Group has recruited Anthony Mallows as president and CEO of WATG, one of the world’s leading integrated design firms. He replaces Mike Seyle, who left the global architectural design firm earlier this year. Ken Greger, an AETHOS Consulting Group partner based in Portland, OR, led the global assignment. “AETHOS conducted
Machine Learning Company Infinia ML Turns to Goodwin Executive Search for CEO
Raleigh, NC-headquartered Goodwin Executive Search has placed Robbie Allen as CEO at Infinia ML, an advanced machine learning company that delivers transformative automation solutions and predictive analytics to Fortune 500 businesses. Managing partner Bill Goodwin led the assignment. Mr. Allen, who will be based out of the company’s Durham, NC office, rounds out a founding team of AI experts with experience
Zingaro, Fidler, Wolfe and Co. Joins Forces with Deans Executive Search & Consulting
Recruiting firms Zingaro, Fidler, Wolfe and Co., and Deans Executive Search & Consulting have formed a strategic alliance. Larry Deans, president of Deans, has extensive healthcare industry experience in senior-level leadership roles in human resource and general management with Baxter Healthcare, BASF Pharma, Beverly Enterprises, US Oncology, Golden Living and Avalon Healthcare. “The alliance with
AIMS Expands in Singapore
AIMS International has recently expanded with the addition of Jonathan Khoo as managing partner for AIMS Singapore. Mr. Khoo brings a wealth of experience in executive search as well as executive management across the industrial sectors, notably transport and engineering and IT & telecommunications and life sciences, among others. “Jonathan has a comprehensive understanding of clients’ challenges across the region,” said Adarsh Matta,
Korn Ferry Posts 10 Percent Revenue Gain
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2018 fiscal second quarter revenues of $443 million, a 10 percent increase compared to $401.9 million a year ago. The results exceeded Wall Street expectations. Three analysts surveyed by Zacks had expected $421.1 million. Growth was achieved in all thee major lines of business: Futurestep (16.7 percent) executive search (13.2 percent) and Hay
Options Group Names Former Heidrick CEO as Vice Chairman
New York-based global financial recruiting specialist Options Group has named former Heidrick & Struggles CEO L. Kevin Kelly as vice chairman. Mr. Kelly is currently chief executive of Halo Privacy, a cyber security and consulting firm focusing on advanced secure communications. He has been instrumental in growing Halo’s footprint and projecting its reputation in the cybersecurity space. In
TalentRISE Names Director of Executive Search
Chicago-based executive search firm TalentRISE has promoted search associate Beth Gordon to director of executive search. “Time and again across multiple industries, even with our toughest searches, Beth always finds a way to identify the top talent to fill critical organizational roles for our clients,” said J. James O’Malley, TalentRISE partner and executive search practice leader. “Her
Polachi Finds New CFO for TimeTrade
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. One recent example is Polachi Inc.’s recent placement of Sean Bridgeo as senior vice president of operations and CFO of TimeTrade in Tewksbury, MA. “Sean is a highly motivated executive and we are thrilled
IIC Partners Reappoints Vice Chairs
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has reappointed three vice chairs to its board during its global conference held in London. Bhavishya Sharma was reappointed as board director and vice chair for Asia Pacific. Mr. Sharma is managing director of Athena Executive Search & Consulting in New Delhi and has served on the IIC Partners board of
Hiring for Potential or Experience?
It’s one of the biggest questions asked by first-time hiring managers: Is it better to hire people based on their experience or their potential? A cursory Google search reveals that the most popular answer to this question is “potential.” Most hiring experts seem to think that hiring someone for what they could do in the
Noetic Search Seeks New Leadership for Santa Barbara and Treehouse Humane Societies
Executive search firm Noetic Search has been tapped by the Santa Barbara Humane Society in California and Tree House Humane Society in Chicago to lead their respective searches for new executive directors. Rhyan Zweifler, Noetic’s founder and president, and Jane Luiso, vice president, are leading both searches. The Santa Barbara Humane Society (SBHS) is looking for
Myers McRae Chosen by the University of Charleston to Find Next President
The University of Charleston (UC) in West Virginia has launched a national search for a new president. Edwin Welch, the school’s current president, announced that he will retire effective next June. The school has enlisted the services of executive search firm Myers McRae. David Gring, senior vice president of the Macon, GA-based recruiters, is heading the
Russell Reynolds Associates Adds AOL Executive to HR Search Practice
Russell Reynolds Associates has added former AOL HR executive Stephanie Angelini as a member of its human resources officers practice. She is based in New York. In her new role, Ms. Angelini will leverage her extensive human resources strategy experience to advise clients across a range of industries, with particular expertise recruiting HR leadership for the financial
CNA International Adds New Member Firm in Dubai
U.K.-based executive recruiting franchise CNA International has added UAE-based boutique consulting firm Compliance Consulting as its newest member firm. Aigul Telkarayeva, CEO of Compliance Consulting, and her team bring extensive knowledge of the Dubai market, deep industry insight and expertise in management consultancy on compliance, risk management, corporate governance, strategy and controls. Effective immediately, the firm
Hiring In Full Throttle Heading Into 2018
It’s common knowledge that the U.S. unemployment rate is at its lowest level in over a decade. That’s good news, of course. But companies also know that this is the kind of good news that can make the jobs of human resource leaders that extra bit tougher. It’s not just that competition for talent is
Spencer Stuart Leading CEO Search for Chipotle
Denver-based restaurant chain Chipotle has turned to Spencer Stuart to lead its search for a new CEO. Founder Steve Ells is stepping down and will become executive chairman. The board’s search committee is made up of directors Robin Hickenlooper and Ali Namvar, as well as Mr. Ells. It is charged with identifying a new leader
Rise Asset Development Taps Waterhouse Executive Search to Find New Leader
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
Heidrick & Struggles Names Supply Chain & Operations Practice Leader
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International has named Carlos Garcia to lead its supply chain and operations practice globally, adding to his role as partner in charge of the firm’s Los Angeles office. “Carlos’ proven leadership skills and expertise recruiting and advising senior supply chain and operations executives across all industry sectors will further
McDermott & Bull Bolsters Sports Practice, Adding Former Field Hockey Player
McDermott & Bull Europe has added former star field hockey player Teun de Nooijer to its sports, active lifestyle and consumer products practices. Mr. de Nooijer is one of the most celebrated and decorated field hockey players in the world. He participated in five Olympic games and won several Olympic, world, European and national titles. He made
Koya Leadership Partners Lands New CEO for Easterseals
Following a national search, Easterseals has selected Angela F. Williams as its new president and CEO. The former YMCA executive is expected to lead the organization into its centennial year in 2019. Non-profit recruiting specialists Koya Leadership Partners conducted the search. Anne McCarthy, principal – executive search, and Alison Ranney, managing director who heads Koya’s Chicago
Coleman Lew + Associates Places New Leader at McColl Center for Art + Innovation
Executive search firm Coleman Lew + Associates has recruited Alli Celebron-Brown as the president and CEO of the McColl Center for Art + Innovation in Charlotte, NC, after a national search. She will assume her new role today. Ms. Celebron-Brown brings an extensive background of development, strategic planning and organizational design. A 14-year veteran of non-profit leadership, she
Buffkin/Baker Expands With Veteran Recruiter
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has expanded with the addition of veteran recruiter Nathaniel J. Sutton as partner and head of its non-profit recruiting practice. “Nat has more than 17 years of executive search experience, and has been immensely successful in the non-profit, higher education and philanthropic arenas,” said Craig Buffkin, managing partner of Buffkin/Baker. “Nat
Reffett Associates Hires Director of Operations
Executive search firm Reffett Associates has appointed Thomas Young as director of operations based in its Seattle office. Previously, Mr. Young was district director and counsel for U.S. Representative Dave Reichert of Washington State. He oversaw constituent services, casework and was the district office policy lead for business, energy, environment and transportation issues. He assisted the
SpenglerFox Names Global Head of Life Sciences Search Practice
Executive search firm SpenglerFox has named Lone Roervig as global head of its life sciences practice group. In her new role, Ms. Roervig is responsible for leading the global life sciences practice where she coordinates the firm’s specialist consultants across the globe. Her work focuses on partnering with senior leaders in the life sciences industry and providing her
Why Flexing to Client Needs Matters More Now Than Ever
While large search firms have offered a myriad of talent offerings for years, they’ve more or less kept their traditional fee structures intact. That’s provided an opportunity for boutique firms to move in and fill a widening gap, especially in the area of pricing reinvention. Robin Levitt, president of Encino, CA-based 4D Executive Search, is
John Keister & Associates Seeks New Leader for Illinois Library
Waukegan Public Library in Lake County, IL has announced that Richard Lee will be retiring in January after nearly 15 years as executive director. Vernon Hills, IL-based search firm John Keister & Associates has been retained to find the organization’s next leader. Mr. Lee is only the fifth director of Waukegan’s library since its founding in
ThinkingAhead Lands New Leader for Appalachian Trail Conservancy
ThinkingAhead Executive Search has placed Suzanne Dixon as president and CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). Recruiters Chris Spagnola and Jessica Martinez led the assignment. The organization was looking for a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader to work in collaboration with Appalachian Trail stakeholders, conservancy board members and staff, volunteers, partner organizations and agencies, to preserve
OverNorth Names Partner
Executive search firm OverNorth has promoted Renato T. Amador to partner. He is based jointly out of the firm’s Chicago headquarters and Washington, D.C. satellite location. Mr. Amador’s expertise revolves around recruiting transformational analytics, technology and human resources executives. He has recruited senior executives in the fields of analytics, big data, cloud technologies/SaaS, data science, digital
Bailey Fisher Appoints Leader of Private Markets
U.K.-headquartered life sciences specialist Bailey Fisher Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Josef Woodward as director and leader of private markets. Mr. Woodward brings extensive experience in executive search, business strategy and management. Previously, he held director roles with two executive search firms. He was on the management team for a boutique executive search firm in
Five Ways to Identify Transformational Talent
Keeping up with the rapid pace of change is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today. With technology advancing rapidly and the expectations of customers shifting, achieving success depends on finding talent that can move and transform as rapidly as the business itself. But that’s easier said than done. According to a newly released
AGB Search Seeks New President for Slippery Rock University
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into the coffers of executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business, in fact, has never been better. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming it is to be found at the talent
