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Unemployment Rises to Four-Year High
Employment rose by 64,000 in November as the U.S. unemployment rate stands at 4.6 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment rose in healthcare and construction in November, while federal government continued to lose jobs. The delayed employment report for November and a partial update for October published by the Labor Department’s Bureau
Occam Global Recruits CEO for Prolynx
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has recruited Chris Boulton as the new CEO of Prolynx. “We engineered this platform to enable medicines that were previously impossible to make,” said Daniel Santi, co-founder of Prolynx. “Having established the viability and versatility of our technology in earlier clinical applications, we have now optimized it to specifically address
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.
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
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?
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
Heidrick & Struggles Posts Seven Percent Revenue Gain
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted global full-year revenues of $1.1 billion, an increase of seven percent, compared to $1.03 billion in 2023. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter — the fifth largest global firm as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media — reported net income was $8.7 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.41, which included a
Arts Consulting Group Finds New CEO for Cape Arts & Entertainment
Theatrical, film and music organizations have been turning to executive search firms in recent months to find new leaders. Arts Consulting Group (ACG) placed Jonathan Kaledin as president and CEO of Cape Arts & Entertainment (CA&E). ACG president Bruce D. Thibodeau led the search. CA&E had been seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial visionary and a team leader who
Arlington Partners Seeking CEO for The Institutional Limited Partners Association
The Institutional Limited Partners Association (ILPA) has retained Arlington Partners International to lead a global search for its next CEO. Lisa Heidman, the recruitment firm’s founder and CEO, and Deborah Magidson, senior client partner, are heading the assignment. ILPA’s chief executive is expected to lead an executive team and staff to deliver near- and long-term
Korn Ferry Names Co-Head of Global Asset Management
Korn Ferry has added Chad Astmann as co-head of global asset management. He will be based in the firm’s New York office. With more than 15 years of investment management executive recruitment and organizational consulting experience, Mr. Astmann has placed top leaders in executive leadership, investments, distribution and infrastructure. He has also worked extensively in delivering holistic
Pure Search Expands to Berlin
London-based executive recruitment firm Pure Search has expanded with the opening of an office in Berlin. This becomes its first office in continental Europe. Pure Search Germany will be headed by Ken Lewin, who joins the firm as managing director and country manager. Mr. Lewin has 10-plus years of experience in the DACH region. Previously, he was managing
Spencer Stuart Report Outlines How HR Drives Business Success
Technology and evolving employee expectations are redefining how work is done and how organizations think about talent: Less hierarchy. More flexibility. Unconventional career paths. Like everything else in the business world, the field of human resources has changed dramatically over the last several years, according to a new white paper by Spencer Stuart. In advanced
McDermott & Bull Finds CTO for Panasonic Avionics Corp.
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum. CTO hiring, in fact, is expected to grow by 18 percent by 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. It’s a trend that has kept executive search firms well occupied. McDermott & Bull, for one, has placed former IBM executive David Bartlett as
Jorgenson Consulting Tapped to Find CEO for One Acadiana
One Acadiana, a regional economic development group in Louisiana, has selected Greensboro, NC-based Jorgenson Consulting to assist in its search for a new president and CEO. Jason El Koubi, who led the organization since it started two years ago, resigned in July. Todd Jorgenson, the search firm’s managing director and principal, is leading the assignment.
Optimum Talent Latest Firm to Appoint New Leader
Numerous executive search firms have made a number of top leadership appointments since the start of the year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Optimum Talent has named Mike Bacchus as its new chief executive officer. He takes over the role from Ronald Dahms who becomes a senior advisor. Mr. Bacchus had been serving
Taplow Group Expands to Singapore
Executive search consultants 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. Taplow Group recently made inroads into Singapore with the addition of One
Egon Zehnder Leading CEO Search for J.D. Power
J.D. Power, a global leader in consumer data & analytics and advisory services, said that Finbarr O’Neill, its CEO and president, has informed the company’s board that he intends to retire. The company has enlisted Egon Zehnder to lead the global search for his replacement. Mr. O’Neill will remain with J.D. Power during the transition
Marlin Hawk Sources Top Goldman Sachs Hiring Executive
Executive search and leadership solutions provider Marlin Hawk has expanded its financial services practice with the addition of Kirstine Wilson in New York. Ms. Wilson has 15 years of talent management experience gained at Goldman Sachs where she focused on lateral hiring as vice president, global head – experienced hires. Ms. Wilson will take on the role
Cummer Museum Taps Koya Leadership Partners for Executive Director
Executive recruitment firm Koya Leadership Partners is seeking a new executive director for the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the largest fine arts museum in Northeast Florida. Managing director Michelle R.S. Bonoan is heading the national search, with support from principal Sheila Hennessey, as well as Koya’s research and support team. The search for
Bob Murray & Associates Launches Search for San Diego Police Chief
The public sector is in the midst of major transformation, facing an array of challenges that range from changing public expectations to budgetary pressures and a growing demand for operational efficiency. To successfully navigate these issues, government organizations need leaders who are focused, tenacious and adaptable, with the capacity to deal with significant scale, complexity
Former Bayer Executive Joins JBK Associates
In recent months, executive search firms have been plucking talent for their own ranks from a wide array of corporate sectors. The latest: Former Bayer executive Timothy Hayes has joined New Jersey-based JBK Associates International as managing director of consumer and leadership services. He will oversee the firm’s executive search business in the consumer sector and head leadership
Social Media Continues to Play Big Role in Recruiting
New research from Totaljobs Group has revealed that three quarters (74 percent) of interviewers will check candidates’ social media as part of their interview preparation. This is in contrast to the expectations of candidates, however, as only a third (36 percent) expect their social media to be screened, meaning many could be caught short online.
Shelli Herman and Associates Begins CFO Search for Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has retained Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates to find its next chief financial officer. Shelli Herman, president of the recruitment firm, will lead the search along with her associate, Krista Haley. MOCA is seeking an experienced, results-oriented CFO for the strategic financial health, operational management and administration of the museum,
Caldwell Partners Lands Chief Marketing Officer for ADP
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging, recruiters say. Yet executive search firms are seeing no shortage of assignments for this important C-level position. Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International recently recruited
Parker + Lynch Legal Names Managing Director of Retained Search
Special Counsel, a full-service provider of legal staffing and eDiscovery solutions, has announced that its executive search division, Parker + Lynch Legal, has named Lisa Goldstein as managing director of retained search. In her new role, Ms. Goldstein will focus on helping corporate legal departments improve business processes, functionality and diversity by filling key positions, including
EMA Partners Opens in Dubai As Middle East Expansion Continues
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has opened a new partner office in Dubai, expanding its presence in the Middle East. The office will be led by A Ramachandran (Rama). Rama is managing partner of EMA Partners UAE. He has 10 years of experience in executive search and serves concurrently as senior partner
Employers Looking to Add Workers in Fourth Quarter; Wages Rising
Whether you are looking for permanent employment or a seasonal gig around the holidays, CareerBuilder‘s Q4 2017 Job Forecast predicts an uptick in both jobs and pay. Forty three percent of employers said they plan to hire full-time, permanent employees in the fourth quarter, up from 34 percent last year, and 73 percent plan to
Utah and Louisville Tap R. William Funk Associates for President Searches
College and universities across the countries are facing new and growing challenges. Financial woes, enrollment concerns, and debates over free speech, among other issues, are all keeping leadership at institutions of higher learning on edge these days. For some schools, survival is even on the line. Recruitment of the right leaders, and choosing a search
Southerland Partners Leading CEO Search for Medical Center Hospital
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 Republicans in Washington, D.C. may deliver. This has
Lois L. Lindauer Searches Names New CEO
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments since the start of the year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Lois L. Lindauer Searches (LLLS) has appointed Deb Taft as its new CEO. The carefully planned changeover comes as the firm celebrates its 20th anniversary. Chosen by founder Lois
Greenwich Harbor Partners Opens in San Francisco
Fifty two percent of San Francisco Bay Area executives say it is “somewhat” or “very challenging” to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions, according to the San Francisco Bay Area Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half. Seventy-seven percent of hiring managers plan to hire for open roles in the next six months. Recruiters say highly skilled
Want to Enhance Employability? Refresh Your Skills
Ninety percent of global respondents to a recent Randstad Workmonitor survey said that regularly refreshing skills and competencies will enhance employability. Seventy one percent, in fact, reported that they have done so within the past year. This belief was highest in China (98 percent) and lowest in the Netherlands (67 percent). On average, 74 percent
Higher Talent Names President
Non-profit executive recruiters Higher Talent has appointed Mindy Cohen as president and managing partner. Ms. Cohen has been instrumental in establishing the firm’s dedication to educational institutions and non-profits across the country over the past 15 years. She has recruited senior executives, nationally and internationally, for non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, public/private partnerships and
HVS Executive Search Finds New Leader for Rita’s Franchise Company
HVS Executive Search has placed Linda Chadwick as CEO and president of Rita’s Franchise Company. Ms. Chadwick comes to the Trevose, PA-based Italian ice and frozen custard chain from Dessange Group North America. The search, conducted for Argosy Private Equity and MTN Capital Partners LLC, was led by HVS Executive Search CEO Court Williams and
Alford Executive Search Finds New Leader for International Music Foundation
Theatrical, film and music organizations have been turning to executive search firms in recent months to find new leaders. Among them, Alford Executive Search recently placed Mark Riggleman as executive director of the International Music Foundation (IMF) in Chicago. Ann Murray, the current executive director, is retiring after 26 years. Mr. Riggleman brings more than
Catalyst Advisors Adds New Partner
Persistent talent shortages and the need to develop and retain employees with critical business and technology skill-sets will continue to challenge global life sciences companies for the foreseeable future, according to Deloitte’s global sector outlook on life sciences. Navigating this new world of work requires a dramatic change in strategies for leadership, talent and human
Why Leadership is Key to Making Diversity and Inclusion Plans Work
Committed leadership, from the top down, is the key to companies having effective diversity and inclusion strategies, according to a newly released report by Russell Reynolds Associates. The survey, “Diversity and Inclusion Pulse: 2017 Leader’s Guide,” illuminates the challenges that businesses face and steps leaders can take to achieve D&I success. “Our new research shows
The McCormick Group Finds COO for REMADE
Arlington, VA-headquartered executive search firm The McCormick Group has recruited Michelle Schlafer as chief operating officer of the Reducing Embodied-energy and Decreasing Emissions (REMADE) Institute. Principal Tim Ward led the assignment. Ms. Schlafer has worked in a variety of leadership positions for Xerox Corp. over the past 24 years. Most recently, she served as a global program manager,
