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Mercuri Urval Appoints Leader of Construction Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has named Ulf Hillstedt as global practice lead for the construction practice. “Ulf has been working with clients from the construction industry for so many years, that he is the obvious choice to coordinate our activities in this industry globally,” said Andreas Frische, CRO at MU. “We know his passion
Executive Search as Strategic Risk Management: Five Insights Reshaping C-Suite Hiring
Leadership decisions are becoming more consequential and more exposed. Across markets, industries and ownership structures, organizations are facing structural transformation, leadership succession pressures, geopolitical uncertainty and accelerated capability shifts, according to Kestria’s Global Internal Survey. “In this environment, executive hiring is no longer a transactional process,” the study found. “It is a strategic inflection point.”
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.
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology 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?
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
Women Leaders Poised to Redefine the Future of Banking and Financial Services
Women continue to gain ground in banking and financial services, making measurable impact across teams with innovative solutions and notable wins for their institutions. Yet despite filling most entry and mid-level positions at banks and financial firms, women remain significantly underrepresented in upper management, a recent report from Slayton Search Partners’ Stuart Smith. According to McKinsey,
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
Pedersen & Partners Appoints Country Manager for U.K.
Executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has named Mark Paviour as its country manager for the United Kingdom. Mr. Paviour joins Pedersen & Partners from Egon Zehnder, where he worked for 24 years in the U.K. and the Middle East. During his tenure there, he served on the global financial services practice group leadership team, ran the asset/wealth
Job Market Trends to Watch In 2018
2017 was a landmark year for hiring. Despite two major hurricanes and political turmoil in Washington, D.C., the U.S. economy forged ahead, adding more than 1.9 million new jobs and pushing stock markets to an all-time record high. After eight years of steady jobs growth, the nation’s unemployment rate hit a 17-year low this year.
Parker Executive Search Seeks President for University of Central Florida
Parker Executive Search is looking to place the new president of the University of Central Florida (UCF) by mid-year. The Atlanta-based recruitment firm was enlisted last year to find the replacement for the school’s longtime president John Hitt, who announced his retirement in October. Perhaps Parker’s biggest challenge is finding someone who can fill the
Coulter Partners Lands New CEO for Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst
Executive search firm Coulter Partners has placed Sally Ann Forsyth as the new CEO of Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC). She assumes her new role in March. Dr. Forsyth, who is known for her scientific and financial expertise and as an open innovation practitioner, will lead SBC through its next phase of expansion. “Everyone talks about board and sector
Witt/Kieffer Launches Emerging Physician Leaders Recruiting Practice
Witt/Kieffer has launched an emerging physician leaders search practice, which expands the reach and capabilities of the firm’s physician integration & leadership business. Consultant Carl Fitch is leading the practice, which will help clients in healthcare and academic medicine identify potential physician administrators and executives at all levels of their organizations. “Today’s healthcare landscape requires
CNA International Opens in Germany
U.K.-based executive recruiting franchise CNA International has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. Marko Könönen will lead the new location serving as senior partner at CNA International Hamburg Germany. With its presence in Hamburg, CNA further enhances its professional executive search capability, resources and services to meet the growing business interests of companies and financial institutions in Germany,
Five Ways HR Can Maximize Data and Analytics
Big data is rewriting the script for how companies around the world do business. The market for big data and business analytics is expected to grow to $203 billion in the next three years. For human resources, the implications include better and more efficient talent management processes, greater insight into whether a candidate will be
RH Perry & Associates Tapped by West Virginia University at Parkersburg
West Virginia University at Parkersburg has retained RH Perry & Associates to lead its search for a new president, following the resignation of Fletcher Lamkin. Senior consultants Jesse Thompson and John Hutchinson are conducting the search. “I would like to thank the board for putting their trust in us … to find a president that
Nonprofit HR Associates Finds New Leader for OneWest
Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Nonprofit HR Associates has placed Evon Smith as president and CEO of Louisville, KY-based OneWest, a community development group. This concluded a six-month national search. “We were impressed with Evon’s proven success in developing collaborative partnerships and leveraging resources with non-profit organizations, government entities, businesses, investors, and community stakeholders –
Caldwell Partners Posts 9.8 Percent Q1 Revenue Increase
Caldwell Partners International has posted first quarter revenues of $14.9 million (Canadian), up 9.8 percent from $13.6 million last year. “The Caldwell Partners team delivered a strong performance in the first quarter,” said John Wallace, chief executive officer. “The overall economic outlook remains healthy, as we continue to experience solid search demand, notwithstanding our unbalanced performance
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Regional Leader for Asia Pacific
Heidrick & Struggles has named Stephen McAlinden regional leader for Asia Pacific. He succeeds Steve Mullinjer, who will continue to pursue client work for the CEO & board practice globally. In his new role, Mr. McAlinden will lead 14 offices across Asia Pacific while continuing his client work as a partner focusing on corporate and investment banking. “Under Steve’s stewardship over the past
Companies Have Aggressive Hiring Plans for 2018
The hiring outlook for 2018 is the best the U.S. has seen in over a decade with 44 percent of employers planning to hire full-time, permanent employees in the new year and half (51 percent) expecting to hire temporary employees, according to CareerBuilder’s annual job forecast. The most pressing question, however, remains: How quickly can they fill
Harris Search Associates Tapped By University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Universities have long depended on executive search firms to help with their leadership needs, but these days the higher education sector is broadening its efforts to find more specialized leaders. As a result, search firms have expanded their niche offerings in the sector, identifying athletic directors, coaches and any number of other top posts. The
MJM Global Search Seeks CEO for the National Livestock Producers Association
The National Livestock Producers Association (NLPA), the national association of livestock marketing cooperatives and their captive livestock credit corporations, is looking for its next chief executive officer. The organization has enlisted Denver area-based MJM Global Search to find its new leader. Scott Stuart, longtime head of the NLPA, recently left the organization to take on the







