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ECA Partners Strengthens PE-Focused Talent Solutions
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has appointed Damon Reynolds and Tim Fetzer as senior directors. These strategic hires further strengthen ECA’s capabilities across finance, digital transformation, and industrial manufacturing sectors. “Damon and Tim represent the caliber of specialized talent we’re strategically adding to serve our clients’ evolving needs,” said Ken Kanara, CEO of ECA
How Boards and CEOs Can Close the First-Year Learning Gap
Placing a chief executive is not the finish line for an executive search firm — it is the beginning of a new phase of accountability. The most effective firms understand that long-term success depends not only on selecting the right leader, but also on ensuring that individual transitions into the role with clarity, alignment, and
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
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
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 6.9 Percent Revenue Increase
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted first quarter revenues of $283.6 million, a 6.9 percent increase compared to consolidated net revenue of $265.2 million in the 2024 first quarter (up 8.1 percent, or $21.6 million on a constant currency basis). The revenue increase was driven by year-over-year growth in each of the company’s
Caldwell Partners Strengthens its Financial Services Practice in London
Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International has expanded with the addition of Alex Alcott as a partner in its financial services practice in London. Mr. Alcott’s appointment furthers Caldwell’s expansion strategy across Europe. Based in the London office, he joins Matthew Andrews, managing director of Caldwell’s European operations, and Lucy Antrobus, a partner and search consultant in the engineering, construction, and infrastructure space. With
Recruiters Beware: Treat Candidates Better or Risk Steering Them Away as Future Employees and Customers
Three quarters of those surveyed recently said it is unlikely they would accept a job offer if they were treated poorly during the recruiting experience, even if they felt the role was a good fit, according to a new report by Korn Ferry. But look at this: more than half (56 percent) said it is
Buffkin / Baker Leading Chief Communications Officer Search for MSG
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has been retained by Madison Square Garden Co. (MSG) to lead the search for its new executive vice president and chief communications officer (CCO). Partner Warren Wasp is spearheading the search along with associate Rachel Jonkers. The CCO is responsible for all public relations, corporate communications, financial communications, proactive publicity activities and
Witt/Kieffer Seeking Diversity Officers for Pratt Institute and West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Chief diversity officers are now considered part of most every competitive organization’s senior management team, and operations of all kinds are lining up to bring these highly sought after leaders on board. Search firms have become increasingly well equipped and well-networked throughout the space. One sector that has seen growing demand for top drawer diversity
Nolan Partners Adds Former Sports Agent in LA
Executive search firm Nolan Partners has expanded its U.S. operations with the addition of former sports agent Graham Boone as an associate in Los Angeles. “Graham’s expertise in basketball operations, advanced scouting and player analytics, along with his reputation among NBA general managers, is of great complement to our growing North American practice,” said Paul Nolan, the
AltoPartners Adds New Member Firm in São Paulo
AltoPartners, an international alliance of independent executive search firms and leadership consultants, has added São Paulo, Brazil-based executive recruiters Plongê gente e gestão as its newest member firm. Plongê, founded by Alda Araújo, Ana Luiza Loureiro and Renata Fabrini, is a consultancy firm focused on people strategy. Plongê has a clear purpose grounded in four core values:
Why Business Leaders Haven’t Come Around to Employee Engagement
Employee engagement has been identified as one of the leading challenges facing management today, but business leaders have been slow to respond, according to a survey by Cornerstone International Group. The 11th annual “Global Business Survey” indicates that 65 percent of respondents believe their employees are engaged in their work. Only 18 percent of those leaders,
Waverly Partners Seeking New CEO for Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce has retained executive search firm Waverly Partners to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Dan Colantone resigned in March and former Green mayor Richard Norton is currently serving as interim CEO. The firm will look at qualified local, regional and national candidates. Eric Peterson, a managing director
Sterling Search & Consulting Assists The Centers Inc. in CEO Hunt
The Centers Inc. has named Dr. Donald Baracskay as its new chief executive officer. The multi-service non-profit had enlisted Jacksonville, FL-based executive recruiting firm Sterling Search & Consulting to find its new leader. “We received countless applications and conducted interviews with well-qualified candidates from as far away as Texas and Ohio,” said Steve Libby, president
Cognitive Talent Partners Opens First U.S. Office
Gurgaon, Haryana-headquartered executive search firm Cognitive Talent Partners LLP has established its first U.S. office in Dallas and plans to open another location in Silicon Valley. The firm has appointed Rajnish Batra as partner and consultant in San Francisco and Natasha Singh as a client partner in Dallas. “The United States continues to be a market of significant
EMA Partners Names Global Chairman
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has elected Alberto Miranda as its global chairman. Mr. Miranda has served on EMA Partners International’s executive committee and held the position of vice president of finance. He joined EMA Partners Spain in 1997. Mr. Miranda has more than 20 years’ experience in executive search, undertaking senior
Unemployment Rate Falls to 17 Year Low
Employers added 261,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 4.1 percent, the lowest in nearly 17 years, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Economists had forecast that payrolls would increase by 310,000 jobs last month. During October, the number of workers unemployed declined by 281,000 to 6.5 million. Since January,
Savannah State University Taps Academic Search to Lead Hunt for Provost
The hunt for university leadership has been heating up, especially the search for provosts and chancellors. Among the latest, Savannah State University (SSU) is seeking its next provost and vice president of academic affairs. The school has turned to Academic Search to fill the role. Senior consultants Mac A. Stewart and Maya Kirkhope are leading the assignment. Savannah State
ESGI Lands President/COO for WAHVE
Executive search firm ESGI has placed Bob Criscuolo as president and chief operating officer for Work At Home Vintage Experts (WAHVE) in Plantsville, CT. Evan Scott, president of the Washington, D.C.-headquartered recruiter, led the search. “The candidates we included on the slate had to bring a track record of building a services-software company,” said Mr. Scott. “Bob is
Tatum Expands Private Equity Practice
Tatum, an interim services and executive search firm, has continued to expand its private equity search practice to meet a growing call for talent. The firm, which has made a number of key hires, named Jim Schuchard as practice leader. He is responsible for spearheading business development and client relationship management. A tenured managing partner,
Hudson Global Posts 6.5 Percent Revenue Gain
Talent Solutions company Hudson Global Inc. / (NASDAQ:HSON) posted third quarter revenues of $118.1 million, up 6.5 percent in constant currency from a year ago. By region, Hudson Asia Pacific led the way, recording a revenue gain of 18.4 percent while Hudson America and Europe had revenues losses of 2.9 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively. The New York-based
Hanold Associates Lands CHRO for Blue Apron
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
Vetted Solutions Tapped by ABTA to Find Next Leader
The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) has enlisted executive search firm Vetted Solutions to lead its search for a new CEO. President and founder Jim Zaniello and vice president Catherine Brown are spearheading the assignment. The ABTA is entering the next phase of its developmental transformation with the opportunity to revolutionize the field, said the recruitment firm. This
Allegis Group Invests in HiringSolved
Investment dollars continue to pour into new technology designed to change the talent management game. Recently, talent solutions provider Allegis Group made a significant investment in people aggregator HiringSolved. The company will continue to operate as a separate, independent business, under founder Shon Burton. HiringSolved’s mission is to make hiring better, faster and more human by
Ward Howell Continues to Strengthen North American Presence
Global recruiter Ward Howell International has brought back Philip Lefebvre to North America as a partner in its life sciences practice group. Mr. Lefebvre, who spent the last 10 years in the Middle East and Asia Pacific, is now based in New York. He has over 20 years of experience in executive search. Prior to moving to
Penrhyn Expands in Central and Eastern Europe
Penrhyn International, a global network of executive search firms, has strengthened its footprint within Central and Eastern Europe (including Russia) with the addition of TheXecutives. The firm will join forces with existing German member LAB & Company, strengthening the Vienna office and enabling both firms to gain wider regional expertise. TheXecutives, with offices in Vienna and Moscow,
Marlins Choose Turnkey Search for Business Operations President
Sports and entertainment recruitment firm Turnkey Search has been selected by the Miami Marlins to lead its search for a president of business operations. Turnkey president, founder and CEO Len Perna is heading the assignment. It is yet another top leadership appointment heading to a boutique specialist. The executive will report to Derek Jeter, the Marlins’ new
Carrington & Carrington Expands Partnership with UPMC to Boost C-Suite Diversity
Executive recruitment firm Carrington & Carrington has started a multi-year partnership with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) to help boost the healthcare giant’s diversity hiring at its most senior levels. The collaboration comes as the $14 billion Pennsylvania-based company continues expanding in its local market, nationally and around the world. “This is a
ON Partners Taps New CTO for 365 Retail Markets
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum. Chief technology officer 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. Executive search firm ON Partners recently recruited Krishna Vedula as CTO of 365
Bowdoin Group Appoints VP and Practice Leader
Search firms in all sectors have been in growth mode in recent months. The latest: Boston-headquartered executive recruiters Bowdoin Group has named Scott Vierra as vice president and practice leader. Working closely with other executives at the firm, he will initially focus on the financial services and fintech markets before eventually shifting to the firm’s software practice. Mr.
Bailey Fisher Names Leader of Digital Health & Life Sciences
U.K.-headquartered Bailey Fisher Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Iain Hopper as director of digital health & life sciences. Mr. Hopper has developed a strong network throughout the U.K., Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, said the firm. His most recent focus was pharmaceuticals and biotechnology; he worked with market leaders including Roche, Novartis and
Why Hire for Potential, Not Experience
Hiring experienced talent has always been a challenge. Luring talent away from rivals, and then onboarding and training them to work successfully within an organization’s parameters, can be difficult. That’s why retention rates for experienced hires at many concerns are abysmal, according to Jim O’Malley, partner and executive search practice leader at TalentRISE. These issues illuminate
Howard Fischer Lands CIO for Jefferson University Hospitals
Executive search firm Howard Fischer Associates (HFA) has placed Nassar Nizami as chief information officer of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health. “At a time of immense change in healthcare, we’re delighted to welcome Nassar as a leader for Jefferson’s focus on innovation, technology, and informational science,” said Dr. Stephen K. Klasko, president and CEO of Thomas Jefferson University and
Carlson Beck Lands CEO for Community Foundation Santa Cruz County
Executive search firm Carlson Beck has placed Susan True as the new chief executive officer of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County following a national search. She takes over from Lance Linares, who held the top post for 22 years. A succession plan adopted by the board guided the organization through the transition. The board formed a search committee, tapped Carlson
Isaacson, Miller Forms Alliance with Consulting Firm CFAR
Executive search firm Isaacson, Miller and CFAR, a management consulting firm specializing in strategy and organizational development for high-performance organizations, have formed a strategic alliance. The partnership aims to achieve the firms’ shared goal of helping institutions achieve excellence in their leadership, maximize the opportunities and minimize the risks at important moments of transition. Isaacson, Miller, which
Boyden Expands U.K. Industrial Practice
Executive search firm Boyden has strengthened its global industrial practice in the U.K. with the additions of Claire Lauder and Francesca d’Arcangeli. Both will focus primarily on the industrial sector. Ms. Lauder has broad experience in the industrial and engineering sectors. She will serve as a partner in Boyden’s U.K. interim management. Previously, Ms. Lauder was a director, manufacturing
