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ECA Partners Strengthens PE-Focused Talent Solutions
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has appointed Damon Reynolds and Tim Fetzer as senior directors. These strategic hires further strengthen ECA’s capabilities across finance, digital transformation, and industrial manufacturing sectors. “Damon and Tim represent the caliber of specialized talent we’re strategically adding to serve our clients’ evolving needs,” said Ken Kanara, CEO of ECA
How Boards and CEOs Can Close the First-Year Learning Gap
Placing a chief executive is not the finish line for an executive search firm — it is the beginning of a new phase of accountability. The most effective firms understand that long-term success depends not only on selecting the right leader, but also on ensuring that individual transitions into the role with clarity, alignment, and
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.
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
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?
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
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Sheffield Haworth Adds Private Equity & Growth Venture Portfolio Assets Veteran
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Michael McDonnell as managing director, private equity and growth venture portfolio assets. He is based in the New York office and works within the technology sector practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the team,” said Paul Gillespie, managing director of the
Leadership Needs Shift in a Changing Federal Market
Executive search across the federal contracting, government services, defense, and technology sectors is entering a new phase as companies look for more sophisticated ways to evaluate leadership beyond résumés, references, and past performance. In markets where specialized experience, relationships, and an understanding of complex government customers can be critical, the challenge is not simply identifying
Private Equity Rollup Wave Reshapes Executive Search
What may once have looked like a series of isolated transactions is increasingly taking on the shape of a broader industry shift. As capital moves into the sector and firms rethink where they have true competitive strength, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. “A year ago, I would have called this a prediction, today,
HARTZ Search Seeking Chief Revenue Officer for Geisinger
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently retained by Geisinger to lead in its search for a chief revenue officer. This executive will direct, manage, and implement programs to ensure efficient revenue management operations and sufficient cash flow to support Geisinger operations and strategic initiatives. The role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, reducing, and resolving revenue management issues
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
Hunt Scanlon Reports ‘M&A Whiplash’ As Policy Uncertainty Sets In
In EY-Parthenon’s latest Deal Barometer, the message is clear: expect a more subdued M&A environment this year. After a strong rebound in 2024, the market is losing steam as macro headwinds begin to bite. Deal volumes for transactions over $100 million are forecast to rise just one percent in 2025, following a 19 percent gain last year.
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
Isaacson, Miller Enlisted to Find Presidents for Union College and UNH
Colleges and universities across the country are facing pressures far greater than those of years gone by. Financial stresses are mounting. Academic quality is being called in question. Public scrutiny is more intense than ever. And institutions of higher learning have become a focal point of any number of social issues, from sexual misconduct to
Krauthamer & Associates Leading CEO Search for Capital Metro
With Capital Metro president and CEO Linda Watson planning to retire at the end of the year after seven years in the job, the Austin, TX transit agency has tapped executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates to fill its top role. Several board members, including Ann Kitchen and Delia Garza, who also sit on Austin’s city council,
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Co-Leaders of Global Biopharmaceutical Practice
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International has named Tim Dietlin and Niren Thanky to co-lead the global biopharmaceutical segment of its healthcare and life sciences practice. Mr. Dietlin is based in Chicago and Mr. Thanky is in London. Together, they are charged with building on the firm’s biopharmaceutical capabilities in key industry markets and further enhancing
HVS Executive Search Opens New Office in Vancouver, B.C.
HVS Executive Search has opened a new office in Vancouver, British Columbia, which will be led by vice president Paul Savage. In his new role, he will also lead the business development strategy for North America and Europe. “Paul comes to HVS with meaningful global hospitality relationships,” said Court Williams, CEO of HVS Executive Search. “In addition
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 15 Acquisition Stories of 2017
“If you’re not growing, you’re dying.” The truth of that adage is open to debate. Rather than argue the fine points, one business leader altered that statement to this: “If you’re not growing,” he said simply, “you’re not growing.” In other words, no matter how one slices it, growth and expansion matters. At Hunt Scanlon
Russell Reynolds Associates Finds New CEO for The DoSeum
Russell Reynolds Associates has placed Daniel Menelly as president and CEO of The DoSeum, a San Antonio museum for children. Mr. Menelly is an experienced science educator and non-profit management expert with a solid background in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in both formal and informal learning environments. He comes to The DoSeum from
Sterling Martin Finds CEO for National Speakers Association
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
Futurestep Names Managing Director for India
Futurestep, a Korn Ferry company that provides talent acquisition solutions, has expanded with the addition of Kunal Sen as managing director for India. In his new role, Mr. Sen will be responsible for the growth, profitability and overall management of the Futurestep business in India. He will work out of the firm’s Bangalore office. Mr. Sen has
Dillistone Launches Service to Assist With E.U. Data Protection Rules
Dillistone Group, a provider of technology solutions for the recruitment industry, recently launched GatedTalent, a service designed to help executive recruiters comply with European Union data protection rules that go into effect next year. The service will also provide users with the opportunity to clean and update legacy data without having to share any data with
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Artificial Intelligence Stories of 2017
One of our most important missions at Hunt Scanlon Media is to report on the trends that are altering the executive recruitment industry, and in many cases, the world of business. Among the most consequential transitions we’ve reported on this past year has been the rise of artificial intelligence – and what it means for
Heidrick & Struggles Leading CEO Search for Diebold Nixdorf
ATM maker Diebold Nixdorf has announced that Andreas W. Mattes is stepping down as president and chief executive officer effective immediately. The company has enlisted Heidrick & Struggles to help find his replacement. Until a permanent successor is named, Christopher A. Chapman, senior vice president and chief financial officer, and Juergen Wunram, senior vice president and chief
BCA, Executive Recruiters Finds Head of Talent Acquisition for Amgen
Talent acquisition has always been an important part of the hiring strategies and recruitment practices for any organization. But in the last few years, it’s become more critical than ever. BCA, Executive Recruiters recently placed Anis Baig as head of talent acquisition at Amgen, the Thousand Oaks, CA-based biotechnology company. Joe Gonzalez, BCA’s CEO, led the
Hudson Global, Focused On RPO Business, Sells Three Recruiting Units
In three transactions, talent solutions company Hudson Global Inc. has entered into definitive purchase agreements with strategic buyers to sell its recruitment and talent management operations in Europe and Asia Pacific. Hudson intends to focus on its growing global recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) business going forward. Under the terms of the agreements, the company will receive estimated
Lucas Group Announces Promotions
Executive search firm Lucas Group has announced the promotions of 19 associates to varying roles. The associates’ new titles include executive senior partner, senior partner and senior executive search consultant. “At Lucas Group, we believe success is achieved when associates enjoy a balance of autonomy and support that empowers them to take professional risks and develop into industry leaders,” said
Working with Millennials: Easier Said Than Done
Employers have learned a lot about Millennials in the workplace in a very short period of time. And the best companies are making adjustments for them. “Employers need to lean in a bit closer to this generation,” said Smooch R. Reynolds, a global investor relations and communications executive search expert who has focused on ‘working
Diversified Search Recruits President East Asia for Special Olympics
Executive search firm Diversified Search has recruited Freda Fung as East Asia president of Special Olympics, the largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities. She takes over from Mary Gu Shuhang. Jason León, managing director in the recruiter’s Washington, D.C. office, led the assignment. “The overall enthusiasm for the Special Olympics movement was simply remarkable,”
Buffkin / Baker Lands PR Executive for the New York Knicks
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has placed Dan Sabreen as vice president of public relations of the New York Knicks. Partner Warren Wasp led the search. In his new role, Mr. Sabreen will serve as the Knicks’ chief communications strategist with oversight of all public relations activities for the team. He will be responsible for developing and executing
Stanton Chase Strengthens Its Industrial, Engineering and Construction Search Practices
With an increasing global presence, Stanton Chase International has continued its expansion with the addition of Scott Clark as managing director in its industrial, engineering and construction practices. He will work from the firm’s Chicago and Atlanta offices. An experienced human resources executive, Mr. Clark has placed hundreds of senior executives in a variety of functions across
Kennedy Executive Search Adds New Member Firm in Vienna
Kennedy Executive Search & Consulting, a network of independent executive search firms, has strengthened its presence in Central Europe with the addition of Vienna-based Qualitas Management Consulting. Qualitas is a privately owned executive search and consulting firm. It becomes the 12th partner for the Kennedy network, which also boasts offices in Paris, London, Copenhagen, Milan, Frankfurt,
DHR International Recruits Head Football Coaches for Arkansas and Oregon State
As the college football season comes to a close for teams not competing in the postseason, expect to see a lot of firing and hiring activity involving coaches. Schools are expected to continue to turn to search firms to fill the resulting vacancies. In two of the latest, Glenn Sugiyama, managing partner and global sports
Odgers Berndtson Lands New CEO for Total Airport Services
Executive recruitment firm Odgers Berndtson has placed the new CEO for Total Airport Services, an aviation services company based in Spring, TX. Silvio Tano takes over for Jeff Scheferman, who has become executive vice president for CCR Airports, the majority shareholder of Total Airport Services. Tim McNamara, vice chairman and partner for Odgers Berndtson, led
The Hennessy Group Expands In Denver
The Hennessy Group has added HR veteran Edward Herpel as vice president. His focus will be on search project management as well as business development in the pharmaceutical / biopharmaceutical sector and other selected industry sectors in life sciences. Mr. Herpel’s career includes more than 25 years of Big Pharma experience in both human resources
Cejka Names Head of Academic Medicine and Health Search Practice
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
New Town Partnership Opens Office In London
Edinburgh, Scotland-based executive search firm New Town Partnership is increasing its footprint with the opening of a new office in London and the hiring of Lucy Partridge as senior associate. She will manage key corporate accounts and bring the recruiter’s headcount to seven. The New Town Partnership, founded two years ago by managing partners Jane
Five Tips On Crafting Leadership Goals for 2018
You can’t underestimate the importance of organizational goals — especially in turbulent times. Achieving meaningful annual goals requires setting a high bar, well in advance. December is an ideal time to do that, according to a new report by David Peck, region head for western and central U.S. and senior executive coach at global executive coaching network
Brigham Hill Consultancy Finds One School Leader, Seeks Two More
Independent schools continue to be a wellspring of assignments for recruitment firms that specialize in the non-profit sector. Brigham Hill Consultancy has been particularly busy in recent months, taking on and filling leadership roles for a cross-section of private schools from across the country. The Dallas-based recruiter recently filled the head of school role for
Kincannon & Reed Lands CEO for Willowood USA
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has placed Tony Arnold as CEO of Willowood USA in Broomfield, CO. He replaces Brian Heinze, who founded the company and led the business since its inception in 2009. Managing partners Jon Leafstedt and Gary Weihs led the assignment. “I want to welcome Tony to the Willowood team,” said Kevin Mitchell,
Boyden Expands Global Social Impact Recruiting Practice
Executive search firm Boyden has strengthened its global social impact search practice with the addition of Jessa Chupik and Nick Chambers as partners. Ms. Chupik is a higher education and public-sector recruitment expert. She has made hundreds of senior placements, primarily in the public and not-for-profit sectors, having recruited across Canada’s top universities and colleges, governments and
Russell Reynolds Associates Acquires Zygos Partnership
Russell Reynolds Associates has acquired London-based Zygos Partnership, a U.K.-based board and CEO advisory firm. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Founded by Julia Budd in 2002, Zygos Partnership specializes in the appointment of chief executives, chairmen, chief financial officers and non-executive directors for listed companies or the equivalent privately, family or mutually owned businesses. “Zygos and
