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Wilton & Bain Names Fractional Chief People Officer
Wilton & Bain has named Donna Kennedy as fractional chief people officer. She will be based at the firm’s London headquarters. “Donna’s appointment as fractional CPO represents a significant investment in our firm and, most importantly, in our people,” said David Heron, group chief executive officer at Wilton & Bain. “Our ambition is to be the
Beyond Expertise: How to Identify and Develop Transformative Legal Leaders
Demand for senior legal executives in both corporate and law firm environments continues to intensify as organizations confront growing regulatory complexity, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting risk landscapes. Boards and general counsel are placing a premium on leaders who are not just technically adept in areas such as compliance, litigation, and privacy, but who also serve
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.
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
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?
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
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
The Role of Employee Experience in Boosting Talent Acquisition Outcomes
In today’s job market, employees have the freedom to select roles and organizations that reflect their values, career goals, and ideal work environments—making the overall employee experience a pivotal element in attracting, retaining, and inspiring top talent. Companies must recognize the decisive role of employee experience in executive search to secure leadership that drives organizational
Stanton Chase Opens Office in Philadelphia
Stanton Chase International is continuing with its growth plans, recently opening a new office in Philadelphia. Dan Hobbs has been named managing director of the new location. Mr. Hobbs brings over two decades of experience in executive search and leadership assessment projects for a broad range of privately and publicly held companies. He has led
2018 Predictions for Talent Acquisition Professionals
The future of talent acquisition will be more personal, more segmented, more strategic and more driven by an up-and-coming generation, according to Korn Ferry Futurestep experts from across the globe. Driving change in 2018 and beyond, said Byrne Mulrooney, Futurestep’s CEO, will be the rapid pace of technological advancement, which will allow recruiters to focus
Waverly Partners Seeking CEO for Adirondack Chamber of Commerce
The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce has retained executive search firm Waverly Partners to lead its search for a new president and CEO. Past president and CEO Tori Riley stepped down from her role in September. Marti Burnley is currently serving as the chamber’s interim president. Before retaining Waverly Partners, the board spent several months re-examining the
Alder Koten Places CEO at Farmacias Benavides
Executive search firm Alder Koten has recruited Macedonio Garza as the new CEO of Farmacias Benavides in Mexico. The assignment was co-led by managing partners Felipe Llaguno and Jorge Davalos along with CEO Jose Ruiz. Originally from Mexico, Mr. Garza won a reputation for building high-performance teams, with a focus on creating a culture centered
Academic Career & Executive Search Adds Former President of U of Maine
West Hartford, CT-based Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has expanded with the addition of Dr. Robert A. Kennedy as an executive search consultant. Dr. Kennedy has over 40 years of experience in academia, including six years as president of the University of Maine. He also served as executive vice president and provost at the
Search Solution Group Opens in Atlanta
Charlotte, NC-based executive recruiting firm Search Solution Group (SSG) has opened a new office Atlanta. The firm has hired Mini Brown to head the new location and develop relationships in the region. “Established in 2002, Search Solution Group has continuously expanded due to the committed individuals that hold themselves accountable to our clients, candidates and to themselves,” said
Hunt Scanlon’s 10 Most Important Recruiting Stories of 2017
Looking back through more than a thousand recruiting stories published over the course of 2017, picking the 10 most important wasn’t easy. Hunt Scanlon Media tracked every little change, every small movement and, above all, lots of big progress. Truth be told, our choices for this year are a beacon for what lies ahead in 2018
Heidrick & Struggles Lands COO for Uber
Heidrick & Struggles has placed Barney Harford, the former head of Orbitz Worldwide, as the new chief operating officer of Uber. In this role, he will oversee the ridesharing and delivery company’s global operations, marketing and customer support teams. The high-profile hire was part of Uber’s effort to rehabilitate its bruised image after a string
RiseSmart Appoints Chief Commercial Officer
RiseSmart, a provider of contemporary career transition services – a space which more search firms are looking at entering – has named Karen O’Boyle as its chief commercial officer. Ms. O’Boyle, an experienced leader of human capital organizations with over two decades of outplacement experience, joins the company to further accelerate its global expansion and business momentum.
Onstott Group Finds CEO for Cémoi North America
The Onstott Group has placed Matthew Cooper as chief executive officer of chocolatier Cémoi North America. Patricia A. Campbell, the Wellesley, MA-based recruitment firm’s co-founder and managing director, led the search. “Matt is a lifelong learner, bright, inquisitive and entrepreneurial,” said Ms. Campbell. “He impressed me from the first call we had. Matt has strong
Bridgemark Strategies Launches to Serve Financial Services Sector
An array of new recruiting firms have been started around the world this year. The latest: Bridgemark Strategies has opened its doors in Charlotte, NC, as a consultancy for independent financial advisors and financial advisory firms seeking strategic planning, execution and advice in business and human capital transitions. Led by three veteran industry leaders with decades
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 15 Search Assignments of 2017
As the year now draws to a close, it turns out that when we looked back through our archives 2017 was, simply put, a remarkable year for first-rate search assignments. Hunt Scanlon Media tracked hundreds of them. From CEO placements to those covering the bandwidth of the C-suite, our editorial team gleaned the best from every industry sector
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,
