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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
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
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.
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
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?
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
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
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
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.
Krauthamer & Associates Places CEO for Port Authority of Allegheny County
The Port Authority of Allegheny County has named Katharine Eagan Kelleman as its new CEO. The organization had enlisted executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates to fill its top post. The Hillman Family Foundation provided $100,000 to cover most of the cost for the Pittsburgh-based port authority to hire the search firm, said Adam Brandolph, authority spokesman. Former
Kincannon & Reed Expands Global Animal Health Search Practice
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed continues its global expansion with the addition of Attila von Hankó as managing director, further enlarging its team of animal health industry veterans. He will be based in Bremen, Germany, where he will focus on senior executive recruitment for animal health clients across Europe and Asia. Mr. von Hankó’s 30-year career
Asianet Appoints Head of Sourcing Consultancy
International executive search firm Asianet Consultants has named Neil Robertson as director to head its sourcing consultancy. Mr. Robertson is a highly experienced senior executive in international buying, trading and compliance for international retailers and has lived in Hong Kong for 25 years. Prior to joining Asianet, he held managing director roles for Dixons Group and Woolworths UK
Egon Zehnder Tapped to Find CEO for Unilever
Consumer goods giant Unilever has enlisted Egon Zehnder to lead its global search for a new CEO. Paul Polman, who has served as the company’s chief executive since 2009, will reportedly resign in about 18 months. A formal search for Mr. Polman’s successor will ultimately be led by Marijn Dekkers, Unilever’s chairman since last year, and will
Koya Leadership Partners Lands Development Head for Campaign for Black Male Achievement
Executive Recruitment firm Koya Leadership Partners has recently placed Felecia Webb as the new vice president of development for the New York City-based Campaign for Black Male Achievement (CBMA). The search was led by vice president of executive search Liz Lombard and consultant Turner Delano. “Honestly, I knew from my first call with Felecia that
Addison Group Acquires Bridgepoint Consulting
Chicago-based recruiting firm Addison Group has acquired Bridgepoint Consulting, an Austin, TX-based management consulting firm that delivers financial operations, risk/compliance, and technology services to support companies throughout their business lifecycle. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. “We saw a clear opportunity to leverage Addison Group’s high-caliber team, proven performance, and industry-leading growth with a well-established firm
Recruitment Firm hrQ Expands in Dallas
Executive search and professional services firm hrQ has expanded with the addition of Salvador Vergara as vice president and managing director of its Dallas office. Mr. Vergara has over 23 years of consultative business development and relationship management experience. He comes to hrQ from Jobvite, where he served in a sales director role working heavily within
NPAworldwide Adds 12 Member Firms
Executive recruiters are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet the demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide, for example, has added 12 member firms as it continues to
Here’s Why Artificial Intelligence Raises Hopes, and Fears, Among HR Leaders
As artificial intelligence continues to make inroads into the working world, hiring managers are showing a combination of excitement for its potential and angst about its effects, according to a new study by the Allegis Group. Twenty-one percent of the HR professionals surveyed by the Hanover, MD staffing and recruitment services firm said they were
CarterBaldwin Recruits CEO for Elite Sportswear
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Girisha Chandraraj as president and chief executive officer of Elite Sportswear, a sport specialty apparel brand. He succeeds Dan Casciano who stepped down but remains on the company’s board of directors. Dave Sobocinski, a founding partner of CarterBaldwin, headed the assignment. “Girisha is a perfect fit for Elite Sportswear,” said Mr.
Southerland Partners Finds New CEO for Baptist Healthcare
As the healthcare industry continues its transformation, talent management remains a high priority. The shortage of physicians and other clinicians is one matter. But healthcare organizations must also fill new and expanding leadership roles to carry out strategic initiatives in response to reform efforts, and whatever changes Congress may deliver. This has produced a high
Optimum Talent Launches New Career Portal
Toronto-headquartered Optimum Talent has launched a new, bilingual career management portal designed to reduce the average length of an employee transition, minimize the emotional impact of the role departure, and equip users with the skills to manage their careers. “We have a solid reputation for delivering exceptional high-touch career transition programs,” said Mike Bacchus, CEO of
PRAXI Adds New Member Firms In the U.K. and Africa
Global executive search consortium PRAXI Alliance Worldwide Executive Search has added U.K.-based Cornerstone Talent and Summit Recruitment & Search in Africa as its latest member firms. The PRAXI Alliance global network now spans four continents, with more than 30 countries and 70 offices worldwide. Cornerstone Talent founders Tara Finlay and Ian Halfpenny leverage their experience as former corporate
Why Candidate Screening Is the Most Important Stage of Your Next Executive Search
A new report by healthcare and life sciences executive search firm Phillips DiPisa paints this scenario: A candidate with a stellar resume finally sits before the search committee and wows the table. The search team listens closely as this highly articulate candidate tells an especially heartwarming story from the individual’s last job. The candidate is perfectly dressed,
Yale Taps Witt/Kieffer to Find New Athletic Director
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has been retained by Yale University to lead its search for a new director of athletics. Thomas Beckett, who has served in the role for 24 years, is retiring next June. Greg Santore, principal and practice leader of Witt/Kieffer’s sports leadership practice, is leading the search along with senior associate Katy Young.
The Lancer Group Places CTO at Daxko
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum. Chief technology officer hiring, in fact, is expected to grow 18 percent by 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. It’s a trend that is keeping executive search firms well occupied. The Lancer Group, a La Jolla, CA-headquartered executive search firm, recently placed Bjorn
Harvard Group Appoints New Managing Director
Executive search firm Harvard Group International has expanded with the addition of Kerry J. Francis to its leadership team as a managing director. Ms. Francis specializes in working with the C-suite and boards of global companies where she has advised and coached executives and leaders though post-merger transitions, business transformations and reorganizations. She has more than 25
Odgers Berndtson Appoints Head of Ottawa Office
Ottawa is home to many world-class institutions that are experiencing profound organizational transformation driven by technology and demographic change. With nearly a third of Ottawa’s workforce at retirement age and an accelerating rate of executive retirements, succession planning to identify and develop the next generation of leaders is critical to the strategic plan for many,
The Advantages of Holiday Job Hunting In the C-Suite
If you are an executive who is looking to land a new senior-level job, you might want to start your search now rather than wait for the New Year festivities to end. That’s the advice of Dean Trimble, CEO and managing director of Jackson Stevens Resumes in St. Paul, who says that the traditional “wisdom”
EFL Associates Finds New Leader for Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund
Executive search firm EFL Associates has placed Brian Collins as the seventh executive director of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). He succeeds Louis Kosiba who is retiring at the end of the year. Mr. Collins currently serves as the chief financial officer and director of finance and administration for the city of Memphis. He is responsible
Direct Recruiters Finds CEO for Idaho Milk Products
Cleveland-based executive search firm Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI) has placed Daragh Maccabee as chief executive officer of Idaho Milk Products. Kent Giddings is retiring after a seven-year tenure. Cherie Shepard led the assignment. “In our CEO search, we were looking to fill the role with someone to set the tone for the entire company, with industry
ZRG Continues With Expansion Plans
ZRG Partners, the fastest growing search firm in the U.S., has continued its expansion plans with the hiring of Melissa Oszustowicz as managing director in Minneapolis. She becomes a member of the firm’s healthcare services practice, where she will continue to support key clients in the region and partner with projects globally. She will also work in
Search Veteran Brad Shaffer Dies Suddenly at 65
Brad Shaffer, an accomplished executive recruiter and management development consultant for many years, died suddenly on November 9 at his home near Asheville, NC. He was 65 years old. Mr. Shaffer was CEO of both Parallax Ventures, in Arden, NC, and, earlier, the Shaffer Consulting Group, in the Los Angeles area. Over his career, Mr.
What Makes Successful CEOs
What makes a CEO effective? That question has been studied extensively, yet we still know fairly little about how CEOs behave day-to-day and how that behavior translates into success or failure. New research from Harvard Business Review looks at data from over 1,000 chief executives and the financial performance of their companies to explore what
Came | Sweeney Finds CEO for Sterilis
Executive search firm Came | Sweeney has placed Michael K. McGarrity as chief executive officer of Sterilis LLC. He replaces Bob Winskowicz who stepped down last month and remains on the company’s board of directors. Managing partners Peter Sweeney and Paul Came led the assignment. “The board of Sterilis had set a high bar for the new
Caldwell Partners Recruits Security Expert for Unisys
Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International has recruited recognized security expert and thought leader Jonathan Goldberger as vice president of global security for Unisys Corporation in Blue Bell, PA. Jim Bethmann, managing partner and leader of Caldwell’s TMT & IT services and information security practices, led the search. “The Unisys security services team is laser-focused on the needs of
Vaco Acquired by Private Equity Firm
Acquisitions continue to make big news in the executive search industry. Now, executive search firm Vaco has been acquired by Stamford, Conn-based private equity firm Olympus Partners. Founded in 2002 by Jerry Bostelman, Jay Hollomon, and Brian Waller, Vaco partnered with its first private equity partner, Quad-C Management, three years ago. Since then, the firm has experienced significant growth through extending
Armstrong Craven Appoints 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: U.K.-headquartered Armstrong Craven, a specialist executive search and intelligence consultancy, has named Tom Mason as its new chief executive officer. Mr. Mason previously served as senior vice president at
5 Tips to Help Executives Make Successful Career Transitions
The failure of a new leader can cost an organization dearly – most estimates put the price at more than double the executive’s compensation. Add in an estimated new leader failure rate of close to 50 percent and it’s easy to see the inherent difficulty of leadership transitions. Even with a stellar selection process, the
Major, Lindsey & Africa Lands General Counsel for Wellesley College
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has placed Karen Jensen Petrulakis in the newly created role of general counsel at Wellesley College. Managing directors Ronald Ciardiello and Heather Fine led the search along with partner Paul Williams. Ms. Jensen Petrulakis will serve as the principal legal officer for the college with overall responsibility for the vision and leadership of
The Chason Group Finds Executive Director for Henry County Development Authority
Economic and community development organizations continue to turn to executive search firms to find new leaders. Executive search firm The Chason Group recently placed Leonard Sledge as the new executive director of the Henry County Development Authority. He replaces Charlie Moseley who resigned in May. Tim Chason, the search firm’s president, led the assignment. During the search process,
