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The Squeezed Middle is Breaking Leadership Pipelines and Boards Are Missing It
Most leadership discussions focus on two ends of the organization. Entry-level hiring pipelines and executive compensation get airtime. The layer in between usually does not, according to a recent article from The Barton Partnership’s Michael Doud. “That blind spot is now one of the biggest risks to leadership continuity,” he said. “Middle management is where succession
ZRG Retained by Virginia Union University to Lead Chief Investment Officer Search
ZRG Partners has been retained by Virginia Union University to lead in its search for a chief investment officer. Dakota Doman, managing director in ZRG’s education practice, and principal Jerel Booker are leading the assignment. The chief investment officer will play a pivotal role in advancing this vision. This senior executive will develop and implement comprehensive
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
Aligning CEO and CHRO Priorities
Like the business world, the roles of CEO and CHRO have changed significantly in recent years. On the one hand, CEOs are responsible for focusing on the company’s competitiveness and performance, and on the other, CRHOs are placing greater emphasis on employee well-being and mental health. But are these visions completely irreconcilable? To answer this question, global executive search
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
Human Capital Leaders Turning to Flexible Workforce in Record Numbers
More than half of human capital leaders from around the world expect to transfer one third of their permanent positions to contingent roles in the near future, according to Randstad Sourceright’s new Talent Trends report. Based on a survey of more than 700 global human capital leaders, Randstad Sourceright found that 61 percent of employers plan to
The Hawkins Company Appoints EVP
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the ladder within their respective firms. The latest: Los Angeles-based executive search firm The Hawkins Company has promoted Brett Byers to executive vice president. She will continue to provide executive search services to clients in the corporate, government, non-profits and education sectors. “Brett is a proven leader
Coulter Partners Finds Chair for Cell Medica
Executive search firm Coulter Partners has placed Annalisa Jenkins as chair for Cell Medica, a leader in next generation cellular immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. “Everyone talks about board and sector leadership diversity – here we see another excellent female chair appointed and are proud to have been involved in this transatlantic search,” said Bianca Coulter,
Gans, Gans & Associates Tapped by Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority
Executive search firm Gans, Gans & Associates has been retained by the Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority (LMHA) in Toledo, OH, to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. Executive recruiter Ernest Barefield is heading the assignment. At LMHA, the CFO role essentially directs all financial and accounting operations and internal and external audits. The CFO will assist
Signium Expands Into Seoul
Executive search firm Signium has continued its expansion with the opening of a new office in Seoul, South Korea. The office will provide search and leadership consulting services for Korean local conglomerate and multinational corporations. Mann-Hyun Han has been named managing partner of Signium Korea. “Throughout the last two decades, Korea has successfully achieved rapid economic growth with traditional
Hiring to Ramp Up Quickly Heading Into 2018
U.S. employers expect hiring to pick up in the first quarter of next year, with 21 percent planning to add staff between January and March, according to the latest “Employment Outlook Survey,” released today by ManpowerGroup. Employers in all U.S. regions and industry sectors expect headcount to grow. The upbeat forecast indicates that the uncertain political
Egon Zehnder Lands CEO for Infosys
India-based IT company Infosys has appointed former Capgemini executive Salil S. Parekh as managing director and CEO. The company enlisted Egon Zehnder to work with its nominations and remunerations committee to find its next leader. He replaces Vishal Sikka, who abruptly resigned in August. Mr. Sikka was the first outsider in the company’s history to hold the top leadership post.
Alexander Whitehead Places Artistic Director at Arts Club Theater
Theatrical, film and music organizations have been turning to executive search firms in recent months to find new leaders. Among them, Alexander Whitehead Executive Search has placed Ashlie Corcoran as the new artistic director at Vancouver’s Arts Club Theater Company. Bill Millerd, who helped lead the organization for more than 40 years, will step down as
Odgers Berndtson Opens in Dublin
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has continued its growth and expansion plans with the opening a new office in Dublin. The move will enhance the firm’s capacity to support global companies looking to establish new centers of operation in Europe in readiness for Brexit, according to Odgers. The new location will be led by Damian Ringwood, who
Bó Lè Associates Appoints New 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: Hong Kong-headquartered search firm Bó Lè Associates has announced that Pierre Zhuang has resigned as CEO and the board named David Chan, managing director and its Shanghai office head, as its new
Artificial Intelligence to Transform Workplace Sooner Than Expected
We are entering a massive workplace shift that will be marked by rapid advances in automation and artificial intelligence. New research from McKinsey & Co. finds that between 75 million and 375 million workers globally will have to switch occupational categories and learn new skills in just the next 12 years because of automation and the
Korn Ferry Lands GM for the Cleveland Browns
Korn Ferry has recruited John Dorsey as the new general manager of the Cleveland Browns. Jed Hughes, a Korn Ferry vice chairman and global sports sector leader, led the assignment. “We are thrilled to have John Dorsey lead our football operations,” said owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam. “John has been immersed in the NFL for 26 years, won
Human Capital Consultants Places CHRO at Henry Jackson Foundation
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resources officers (CHRO) and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. The best HR chiefs are seen as integral strategic advisors to the C-suite, and the ones in demand are those who are sounding boards for CEOs. Why is there such pent up demand for top
Ward Howell International Launches Private Equity Recruiting Practice
Global recruiter Ward Howell International has launched a private equity search practice which includes partners Asad Haider, Hank Flores, John Pothin, Mark Bradley and Sonia Prais. Collectively, the team has experience in consumer, industrial, technology, energy, luxury and Omni channel retail businesses. Mr. Flores is a partner at Ward Howell, where he co-leads the CPG practice for the
Stanton Chase Names Three Practice Leaders
With an increasing global presence, Stanton Chase International continues to fortify its supply chain, logistics & transportation practice group. It recently named three new global sector leaders: Alvaro Gazda (Toronto, supply chain), Gregory Nazarian (Dubai, warehousing), and Robert Frei (Zurich, freight forwarding). “We have assembled industry leaders who understand the ever-increasing importance of getting products
Unemployment Rate Remains at 17-Year Low
Employers added 228,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at a 17 year low of 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was essentially unchanged at 6.6 million. Wall Street economists were forecasting nonfarm payroll gains of 195,000 in November. Employment continued to trend up
AETHOS Consulting Group Places President and CEO at WATG
Hospitality advisory and executive search firm AETHOS Consulting Group has recruited Anthony Mallows as president and CEO of WATG, one of the world’s leading integrated design firms. He replaces Mike Seyle, who left the global architectural design firm earlier this year. Ken Greger, an AETHOS Consulting Group partner based in Portland, OR, led the global assignment. “AETHOS conducted
Machine Learning Company Infinia ML Turns to Goodwin Executive Search for CEO
Raleigh, NC-headquartered Goodwin Executive Search has placed Robbie Allen as CEO at Infinia ML, an advanced machine learning company that delivers transformative automation solutions and predictive analytics to Fortune 500 businesses. Managing partner Bill Goodwin led the assignment. Mr. Allen, who will be based out of the company’s Durham, NC office, rounds out a founding team of AI experts with experience
Zingaro, Fidler, Wolfe and Co. Joins Forces with Deans Executive Search & Consulting
Recruiting firms Zingaro, Fidler, Wolfe and Co., and Deans Executive Search & Consulting have formed a strategic alliance. Larry Deans, president of Deans, has extensive healthcare industry experience in senior-level leadership roles in human resource and general management with Baxter Healthcare, BASF Pharma, Beverly Enterprises, US Oncology, Golden Living and Avalon Healthcare. “The alliance with
AIMS Expands in Singapore
AIMS International has recently expanded with the addition of Jonathan Khoo as managing partner for AIMS Singapore. Mr. Khoo brings a wealth of experience in executive search as well as executive management across the industrial sectors, notably transport and engineering and IT & telecommunications and life sciences, among others. “Jonathan has a comprehensive understanding of clients’ challenges across the region,” said Adarsh Matta,
Korn Ferry Posts 10 Percent Revenue Gain
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2018 fiscal second quarter revenues of $443 million, a 10 percent increase compared to $401.9 million a year ago. The results exceeded Wall Street expectations. Three analysts surveyed by Zacks had expected $421.1 million. Growth was achieved in all thee major lines of business: Futurestep (16.7 percent) executive search (13.2 percent) and Hay







