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Occam Global Fills Senior Post for Variant Bio
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has recruited Craig T. Basson as chief medical officer and president of R&D of Variant Bio, a genomics-driven AI drug discovery company in Seattle, WA. “Craig’s career uniquely spans deep human genetics, rigorous clinical science, and successful drug development at scale,” said Andrew Farnum, chief executive officer of Variant Bio. “His
ECA Partners Expands Healthcare and Life Sciences Practices
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has named Ryan March and Allison Chappelle as senior directors within the its healthcare & life sciences practice. “Both appointments reflect ECA’s strategic expansion in the healthcare sector and reinforce its commitment to delivering specialized expertise to private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies,” the firm said. “Together, they strengthen ECA’s
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.
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
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?
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
The Christopher Group Selected by Penn Highlands Healthcare for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by Penn Highlands Healthcare to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Molly Mangan, and partner, Carrie Longmire, are leading the assignment. “The chief human resources officer will play an important role in helping Penn Highlands
Where AI Belongs in Executive Search—and Where It Doesn’t
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the executive search profession, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency while raising important questions about where technology should—and should not—play a role in the hiring process. As firms continue to integrate AI into their workflows, the focus is increasingly shifting from whether to adopt these tools to how
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been selected by Virginia Tech to lead in its search for a new president. Current president Tim Sands announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti are leading this search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its
Parker Remick Appoints Partner of Firm Operations
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick recently named Jena Gibson as partner of firm operations. This is part of the executive search firm’s expansion of operational infrastructure and AI-enabled delivery capabilities. The firm noted that all in response to rising demand for senior technology and AI leadership. Ms. Gibson joins Parker Remick with more than 15 years
Building an Employer Brand That Attracts Top Executive Talent
In today’s competitive business environment, where organizations are vying for top talent, a strong employer brand has become an essential strategic advantage. It plays a critical role in attracting and retaining high-quality candidates while also contributing to an organization’s overall success. A recent report from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) delves into the importance of a
Krauthamer & Associates Assists the Dallas Area Rapid Transit with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has assisted in the recruitment of Nathaniel Ford as president and CEO of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). “Mr. Ford brings decades of executive leadership in public transportation, a proven record of organizational transformation, and a deep understanding that transit is about much more than buses and trains,” said DART board chair
Slone Partners Makes Senior Appointments
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has named Sona Stroud and Kim Wilson as senior partners. Ms. Stroud has been promoted to the position following nearly 15 years with the firm, while Ms. Wilson returns to the organization, further strengthening its leadership team with nearly 17 years of experience with the firm. “Few things are more rewarding than recognizing exceptional leaders
The Evolution of Tech Leadership in Europe: 40 Years of Transformation
As technology continues to reshape every sector of the economy, executive search firms are seeing a fundamental shift in the profile of leaders organizations need to remain competitive. Companies are no longer seeking executives with deep technical expertise alone—they are prioritizing transformational leaders who can navigate disruption, lead enterprise-wide change, and align emerging technologies with
Changing the DNA of Growth-Stage Recruiting
As growth-stage companies accelerate expansion under private equity ownership or new investment, leadership teams are placing greater emphasis on the organizational structures that support long-term value creation. While executive search has traditionally focused on identifying transformative leaders, many organizations are also rethinking where the talent acquisition function belongs within the enterprise to ensure hiring strategy
NU Advisory Partners Fills Board Position for Banesco USA
NU Advisory Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Teresa Stinson to the Banesco USA board. Nada Usina, CEO and co-founder, led the search along with Mar Hernandez, partner and co-founder. “Congratulations Teresa Stinson on joining Banesco USA as board director,” NU Advisory Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “We look forward to seeing your governance
Why Natural Language Search Is the Biggest Shift in Executive Search Since the Database
Executive search has always been a relationship business. Consultants describe talent in rich, layered terms, leaders who have scaled a commercial function through a turnaround, managed a $200 million P&L across two geographies, navigated a public board through a CEO transition. But the systems they rely on to find those leaders have never understood a
TM² Executive Search Assists Fort Valley State University with CHRO Search
TM² Executive Search (TM²) has assisted in the recruitment of Sean Lyn as the new chief human resources officer of Fort Valley State University (FVSU). President Amanda Washington Lockett and associate principals Jessica Horton and Ndeh Anyu led the assignment. Mr. Lyn brings more than a decade of progressive human resources leadership experience in higher education. Before joining Fort Valley State University,
Bespoke Partners Opens New Office in Boston
Bespoke Partners has opened a new office in Boston to accommodate the firm’s growing local team and strengthen its presence in a key market for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. The new office in Boston places Bespoke in proximity to leading software and SaaS clients in healthcare tech, cybersecurity, FinTech, MarTech and Adtech, GovTech and many more sectors. “Boston
The Questions to Ask an Executive Search Firm (That Most Don’t)
Browse a handful of executive search firm websites and they quickly begin to look alike. Every firm makes the same promises about senior expertise and deep networks, a new report from PierceGray. “They all claim to have a proven process and strong track record,” the study said. “There’s just one thing missing: the information you
The Christopher Group Retained by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to lead in its search for a chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Pam Noble, and Partner Jeff Wilbanks are leading the assignment. “The ACGME plays a vital role in shaping the future of
The AI Operating Partner: The Latest PE Portfolio Value Creation Role?
Technology operating partners have driven digital transformation and ensured technology investments deliver value. However, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has created a need for specialized expertise, according to a new report from Korn Ferry’s Maneesh Dube and Yasmine Nejdawi. “Concerns that traditional tech-focused leaders may lack the depth to maximize AI’s potential have led
Korn Ferry Lands GM for the Cleveland Browns
Korn Ferry has recruited John Dorsey as the new general manager of the Cleveland Browns. Jed Hughes, a Korn Ferry vice chairman and global sports sector leader, led the assignment. “We are thrilled to have John Dorsey lead our football operations,” said owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam. “John has been immersed in the NFL for 26 years, won
Human Capital Consultants Places CHRO at Henry Jackson Foundation
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resources officers (CHRO) and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. The best HR chiefs are seen as integral strategic advisors to the C-suite, and the ones in demand are those who are sounding boards for CEOs. Why is there such pent up demand for top
Ward Howell International Launches Private Equity Recruiting Practice
Global recruiter Ward Howell International has launched a private equity search practice which includes partners Asad Haider, Hank Flores, John Pothin, Mark Bradley and Sonia Prais. Collectively, the team has experience in consumer, industrial, technology, energy, luxury and Omni channel retail businesses. Mr. Flores is a partner at Ward Howell, where he co-leads the CPG practice for the
Stanton Chase Names Three Practice Leaders
With an increasing global presence, Stanton Chase International continues to fortify its supply chain, logistics & transportation practice group. It recently named three new global sector leaders: Alvaro Gazda (Toronto, supply chain), Gregory Nazarian (Dubai, warehousing), and Robert Frei (Zurich, freight forwarding). “We have assembled industry leaders who understand the ever-increasing importance of getting products
Unemployment Rate Remains at 17-Year Low
Employers added 228,000 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 number of unemployed persons was essentially unchanged at 6.6 million. Wall Street economists were forecasting nonfarm payroll gains of 195,000 in November. Employment continued to trend up
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







