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Kincannon & Reed Recruits Executive Director for the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network
Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has placed Mariam Parker as executive director of the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network (CFBN). She succeeds founding leader Alan Reed, who is retiring after nearly a decade of service. “Mariam brings a rare combination of strategic vision, relationship-building, and mission-driven leadership,” said Lisa
Korn Ferry Appoints Chief People and Legal Officer
Korn Ferry has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Jonathan Kuai as chief people and legal officer. He also currently serves as general counsel, corporate secretary and managing director – corporate responsibility & business affairs at the firm. Mr. Kuai oversees multiple global functions including legal, business affairs, compliance, privacy, and corporate responsibility.
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
Navigating 2025: Key Trends Shaping the Future of Executive Recruiting
The executive search industry is evolving rapidly as organizations face new demands for agile, inclusive, and tech-savvy leadership. Firms are leveraging AI and data analytics to enhance candidate selection, while clients increasingly seek strategic advisors—not just recruiters. “As we move through 2025, several key trends are shaping the executive recruiting landscape,” said Matt Shore, CEO
Mentorship Programs are Important to Retaining Top Talent
Few executives would deny the powerful role that mentorship plays in providing opportunities for personal and professional development. Indeed, most have experienced these benefits firsthand. Yet when it comes to understanding how mentoring operates – let alone how it could be harnessed to support, develop, and retain talented people – most of those same executives
Kingsley Gate Partners Launches Proprietary Hiring Framework
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners has announced its new Synchronous Fit framework that leverages scientific cloud-based tools combined with insights from search consultants to provide the best fit between executives and companies. “Department of Labor statistics show that companies could waste more than 30 percent of an executive’s first year total compensation in making a bad
DRG Executive Search Finds New Leader for the Kennedy Center
DRG Executive Search has placed Richard E. Sebastian as the president and CEO of the Kennedy Center in Trumbull, CT. He succeeds Martin D. Schwartz, who announced his retirement in July after almost 40 years with the organization. DRG managing partner David Hinsley Cheng led the assignment. The national search was a joint effort between the recruiting
The Dingman Company Finds Senior Pastor for United Church of Chapel Hill
Executive recruiting firm the Dingman Company has helped place Rev. Cameron Barr as senior pastor of the United Church of Chapel Hill in North Carolina. He will assume his role in March, and is expected to preach his first sermon for the church on March 11. Rev. Dr. Rich Kidd of the Dingman Company led the search. The church was
Odgers Berndtson Adds Former Aon Hewitt, Canada CEO
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has continued its recent expansion with the addition of Tony Gaffney as managing partner, to lead the firm’s work with boards and CEOs in driving the strategic talent agenda. Mr. Gaffney is known for being among Canada’s most experienced business transformation executives. He was formerly CEO of Aon Hewitt, Canada and also
Unemployment Rate Remains at 17-Year Low
Employers added 148,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at a 17 year low of 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The December gain is the 87th consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed persons was essentially unchanged at 6.6 million. Most economists expect the Trump administration’s
Phillips Oppenheim Seeking Chief Philanthropy Officer for Table to Table
Boutique executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has been tapped by New Jersey-based non-profit Table to Table to lead its search for a new chief philanthropy officer. Consultants Susan Meade and Jim Spivey are spearheading the assignment. Table to Table is looking for a highly strategic, creative, entrepreneurial and growth-driven leader with the fundraising know-how to build
Slone Partners Recruits CFO for Clinical Genomics
Executive search firm Slone Partners has placed Roger Moody as chief financial officer of Clinical Genomics. Mr. Moody will direct all strategic and tactical financial operations for the biotechnology business. His extensive experience in managing rapid growth and delivering for investors will be instrumental in achieving Clinical Genomics’ expansion objectives, the company said. “We are thrilled to
The Medicus Firm Establishes Executive Search Division
The Medicus Firm, which specializes in permanent placement of physicians, including physician executives, clinical practice and clinical faculty physicians, has created a physician executive recruiting division. The firm has conducted physician executive level searches for several years on a smaller scale, which was largely driven by established clients within the firm’s private practice sector, hospital recruiting and
Kennedy Executive Search & Consulting Expands in Sydney
Kennedy Executive Search & Consulting, a network of independent executive search firms, has strengthened its presence in Sydney, Australia with the addition of JRS International Search Partners. Led by husband and wife team Joe and Paula Screnci, JRS International conducts assignments throughout the Asia Pacific region and across a broad range of industries. The firm has
Tolan Group Names President and Operations Strategist
To support its growth strategy in the expanding behavioral healthcare sector, executive search firm The Tolan Group has announced two key promotions heading into 2018. Diana Ramsay, who leads the firm’s behavioral health, human services and substance abuse practice, has been named president of the firm and will be responsible for its overall growth strategy.
Koya Leadership Partners Acquires Rework to Focus on Millennial Hiring
Non-profit search specialist Koya Leadership Partners has acquired New York-based recruitment firm ReWork and its sourcing platform technology. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. ReWork co-founder and CEO Abe Taleb joins Koya as a vice president, where he will help to expand the firm’s focus around the Millennial workforce. Koya will leverage ReWork’s technology to
Korn Ferry Leading GM Search for Houston Texans
Korn Ferry has been chosen by the Houston Texans to lead its search for a new general manager. The assignment comes in the wake of Rick Smith’s decision to take an extended leave of absence from the team to help care for his wife, who recently was diagnosed with breast cancer. Jed Hughes, a Korn Ferry vice
Herd Freed Hartz Finds New Leader for Pike Place Market
Herd Freed Hartz Executive Search Partners has recruited Mary Bacarella as executive director of the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA) in Seattle. Partners Scott Rabinowitz and Fred Pabst led the assignment. Ms. Bacarella will lead the public agency responsible for the operations, management, preservation and development of the nine-acre historic public market. “As
HVS Executive Search Opens in Miami
HVS Executive Search has continued its expansion with the opening of a new office in Miami, which will be led by associate Katie Rosen. Prior to joining HVS Executive Search, Ms. Rosen was a member of the human resources team at Crafted Hospitality, Tom Colicchio’s acclaimed restaurant group. During her tenure there, she focused on recruitment, talent acquisition
Cybersecurity Hiring Crisis Fueled by Lackluster Salaries
In order to protect their companies, and in the bigger picture the nation’s national security, organizations must rethink – and raise – salary caps to hire top flight cybersecurity talent, according to a new report just released by CyberSN, a leading search firm in the field. Heightening the issue is an ever-growing threat of security
BoardWalk Consulting Assists StriveTogether in CEO Search
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
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
