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Spencer Stuart Recruits 16th President for the University of Michigan
Spencer Stuart has recruited Kent Syverud, chancellor and president of Syracuse University, as the 16th president of the University of Michigan. He becomes the first U-M alumnus in nearly a century to be appointed president. Mary Gorman, a partner in the firm’s education and social impact practice, and Alexis Stiles, a University of Michigan alumna and a
The Key Gaps in Hiring for AI
Artificial intelligence is progressing more quickly than most organizations can keep pace with. From predictive analytics to generative models, companies everywhere are racing to establish their AI strategies. But while many are investing heavily in data, technology, and infrastructure, one critical piece of the equation is being overlooked: the human one, according to a recent
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
How PE Firms Are Evolving In 2025
Private equity is experiencing a shakeout, where scale and specialization are becoming defining factors for success. The industry is seeing capital consolidate among top firms, making it increasingly difficult for mid-sized and emerging managers to raise funds. Bain & Company’s Global Private Equity Report 2025 highlights that “capital will continue to consolidate in the hands
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
Krauthamer & Associates Places CEO for Port Authority of Allegheny County
The Port Authority of Allegheny County has named Katharine Eagan Kelleman as its new CEO. The organization had enlisted executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates to fill its top post. The Hillman Family Foundation provided $100,000 to cover most of the cost for the Pittsburgh-based port authority to hire the search firm, said Adam Brandolph, authority spokesman. Former
Kincannon & Reed Expands Global Animal Health Search Practice
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed continues its global expansion with the addition of Attila von Hankó as managing director, further enlarging its team of animal health industry veterans. He will be based in Bremen, Germany, where he will focus on senior executive recruitment for animal health clients across Europe and Asia. Mr. von Hankó’s 30-year career
Asianet Appoints Head of Sourcing Consultancy
International executive search firm Asianet Consultants has named Neil Robertson as director to head its sourcing consultancy. Mr. Robertson is a highly experienced senior executive in international buying, trading and compliance for international retailers and has lived in Hong Kong for 25 years. Prior to joining Asianet, he held managing director roles for Dixons Group and Woolworths UK
Egon Zehnder Tapped to Find CEO for Unilever
Consumer goods giant Unilever has enlisted Egon Zehnder to lead its global search for a new CEO. Paul Polman, who has served as the company’s chief executive since 2009, will reportedly resign in about 18 months. A formal search for Mr. Polman’s successor will ultimately be led by Marijn Dekkers, Unilever’s chairman since last year, and will
Koya Leadership Partners Lands Development Head for Campaign for Black Male Achievement
Executive Recruitment firm Koya Leadership Partners has recently placed Felecia Webb as the new vice president of development for the New York City-based Campaign for Black Male Achievement (CBMA). The search was led by vice president of executive search Liz Lombard and consultant Turner Delano. “Honestly, I knew from my first call with Felecia that
Addison Group Acquires Bridgepoint Consulting
Chicago-based recruiting firm Addison Group has acquired Bridgepoint Consulting, an Austin, TX-based management consulting firm that delivers financial operations, risk/compliance, and technology services to support companies throughout their business lifecycle. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. “We saw a clear opportunity to leverage Addison Group’s high-caliber team, proven performance, and industry-leading growth with a well-established firm
Recruitment Firm hrQ Expands in Dallas
Executive search and professional services firm hrQ has expanded with the addition of Salvador Vergara as vice president and managing director of its Dallas office. Mr. Vergara has over 23 years of consultative business development and relationship management experience. He comes to hrQ from Jobvite, where he served in a sales director role working heavily within
NPAworldwide Adds 12 Member Firms
Executive recruiters are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet the demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide, for example, has added 12 member firms as it continues to
Here’s Why Artificial Intelligence Raises Hopes, and Fears, Among HR Leaders
As artificial intelligence continues to make inroads into the working world, hiring managers are showing a combination of excitement for its potential and angst about its effects, according to a new study by the Allegis Group. Twenty-one percent of the HR professionals surveyed by the Hanover, MD staffing and recruitment services firm said they were
CarterBaldwin Recruits CEO for Elite Sportswear
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Girisha Chandraraj as president and chief executive officer of Elite Sportswear, a sport specialty apparel brand. He succeeds Dan Casciano who stepped down but remains on the company’s board of directors. Dave Sobocinski, a founding partner of CarterBaldwin, headed the assignment. “Girisha is a perfect fit for Elite Sportswear,” said Mr.
Southerland Partners Finds New CEO for Baptist Healthcare
As the healthcare industry continues its transformation, talent management remains a high priority. The shortage of physicians and other clinicians is one matter. But healthcare organizations must also fill new and expanding leadership roles to carry out strategic initiatives in response to reform efforts, and whatever changes Congress may deliver. This has produced a high
Optimum Talent Launches New Career Portal
Toronto-headquartered Optimum Talent has launched a new, bilingual career management portal designed to reduce the average length of an employee transition, minimize the emotional impact of the role departure, and equip users with the skills to manage their careers. “We have a solid reputation for delivering exceptional high-touch career transition programs,” said Mike Bacchus, CEO of
PRAXI Adds New Member Firms In the U.K. and Africa
Global executive search consortium PRAXI Alliance Worldwide Executive Search has added U.K.-based Cornerstone Talent and Summit Recruitment & Search in Africa as its latest member firms. The PRAXI Alliance global network now spans four continents, with more than 30 countries and 70 offices worldwide. Cornerstone Talent founders Tara Finlay and Ian Halfpenny leverage their experience as former corporate
Why Candidate Screening Is the Most Important Stage of Your Next Executive Search
A new report by healthcare and life sciences executive search firm Phillips DiPisa paints this scenario: A candidate with a stellar resume finally sits before the search committee and wows the table. The search team listens closely as this highly articulate candidate tells an especially heartwarming story from the individual’s last job. The candidate is perfectly dressed,
Yale Taps Witt/Kieffer to Find New Athletic Director
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has been retained by Yale University to lead its search for a new director of athletics. Thomas Beckett, who has served in the role for 24 years, is retiring next June. Greg Santore, principal and practice leader of Witt/Kieffer’s sports leadership practice, is leading the search along with senior associate Katy Young.
The Lancer Group Places CTO at Daxko
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum. Chief technology officer hiring, in fact, is expected to grow 18 percent by 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. It’s a trend that is keeping executive search firms well occupied. The Lancer Group, a La Jolla, CA-headquartered executive search firm, recently placed Bjorn
Harvard Group Appoints New Managing Director
Executive search firm Harvard Group International has expanded with the addition of Kerry J. Francis to its leadership team as a managing director. Ms. Francis specializes in working with the C-suite and boards of global companies where she has advised and coached executives and leaders though post-merger transitions, business transformations and reorganizations. She has more than 25
Odgers Berndtson Appoints Head of Ottawa Office
Ottawa is home to many world-class institutions that are experiencing profound organizational transformation driven by technology and demographic change. With nearly a third of Ottawa’s workforce at retirement age and an accelerating rate of executive retirements, succession planning to identify and develop the next generation of leaders is critical to the strategic plan for many,
The Advantages of Holiday Job Hunting In the C-Suite
If you are an executive who is looking to land a new senior-level job, you might want to start your search now rather than wait for the New Year festivities to end. That’s the advice of Dean Trimble, CEO and managing director of Jackson Stevens Resumes in St. Paul, who says that the traditional “wisdom”
EFL Associates Finds New Leader for Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund
Executive search firm EFL Associates has placed Brian Collins as the seventh executive director of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). He succeeds Louis Kosiba who is retiring at the end of the year. Mr. Collins currently serves as the chief financial officer and director of finance and administration for the city of Memphis. He is responsible
Direct Recruiters Finds CEO for Idaho Milk Products
Cleveland-based executive search firm Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI) has placed Daragh Maccabee as chief executive officer of Idaho Milk Products. Kent Giddings is retiring after a seven-year tenure. Cherie Shepard led the assignment. “In our CEO search, we were looking to fill the role with someone to set the tone for the entire company, with industry
ZRG Continues With Expansion Plans
ZRG Partners, the fastest growing search firm in the U.S., has continued its expansion plans with the hiring of Melissa Oszustowicz as managing director in Minneapolis. She becomes a member of the firm’s healthcare services practice, where she will continue to support key clients in the region and partner with projects globally. She will also work in
Search Veteran Brad Shaffer Dies Suddenly at 65
Brad Shaffer, an accomplished executive recruiter and management development consultant for many years, died suddenly on November 9 at his home near Asheville, NC. He was 65 years old. Mr. Shaffer was CEO of both Parallax Ventures, in Arden, NC, and, earlier, the Shaffer Consulting Group, in the Los Angeles area. Over his career, Mr.
What Makes Successful CEOs
What makes a CEO effective? That question has been studied extensively, yet we still know fairly little about how CEOs behave day-to-day and how that behavior translates into success or failure. New research from Harvard Business Review looks at data from over 1,000 chief executives and the financial performance of their companies to explore what
Came | Sweeney Finds CEO for Sterilis
Executive search firm Came | Sweeney has placed Michael K. McGarrity as chief executive officer of Sterilis LLC. He replaces Bob Winskowicz who stepped down last month and remains on the company’s board of directors. Managing partners Peter Sweeney and Paul Came led the assignment. “The board of Sterilis had set a high bar for the new
Caldwell Partners Recruits Security Expert for Unisys
Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International has recruited recognized security expert and thought leader Jonathan Goldberger as vice president of global security for Unisys Corporation in Blue Bell, PA. Jim Bethmann, managing partner and leader of Caldwell’s TMT & IT services and information security practices, led the search. “The Unisys security services team is laser-focused on the needs of
