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Nexus Search Partners Names Leader of Private Equity Practice
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has appointed Allison Worthington as partner and leader of its private equity practice. “Allison’s background as both a private equity talent leader and retained executive search expert gives her a unique perspective as she works with our existing PE clients and creates new
Five Shifts That Influenced CEO Leadership in 2025
Organizations entered 2025 confronting a level of volatility that demanded more than short-term adjustments—it required a fundamental rethinking of how leaders grow and respond. As the pace of change accelerated, CEOs increasingly recognized that their ability to evolve strategically and personally would define their effectiveness. In 2025, CEOs operated in a world defined by continuous
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
Forces Shaping the 2025 Dealmaking Boom
The latest EY Merger Monthly forecasts an uptick in U.S. M&A activity, driven by favorable macroeconomic conditions, regulatory shifts, and an increasing appetite for strategic deals. “U.S. M&A activity is expected to build further momentum in 2025,” the report notes, “driven by falling interest rates, strong economic expansion, substantial uninvested capital, and the imperative for business transformation.”Despite
Ward Howell Continues U.S. Expansion With Acquisition; Names Corporate Development Head
With two key moves in recent weeks, global recruiter Ward Howell International has shown that it has no intention of slowing down in its plans to establish a major presence in the U.S. and expand its offerings to clients. At the end of August, the firm acquired Curran Partners, a Stamford, Conn-based executive search firm
Opportunity Resources Taps New Leader for Columbia Museum of Art
Executive search firm Opportunity Resources has placed Della Watkins as the new executive director of the Columbia Museum of Art (CMA). Karen Brosius informed board members and staff late last year that she was leaving to become president of Careers Through Culinary Arts Program. Ms. Watkins currently is executive director of the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, VA.
Bowdoin Group Recruits Chief Growth Officer for Evariant
Executive search firm The Bowdoin Group has placed health IT executive Thomas Schultz as chief growth officer at Evariant, an active client and the leading healthcare CRM data analytics platform. This is the second executive search Bowdoin Group has completed for Evariant in the last 90 days, the first being Michael Stevenson as vice president of product management. In
SRi Appoints Leader of Media, Content and Digital Practice in EMEA
Executive search firm SRi has named Ashling O’Connor as a partner and leader of the media, content and digital practice in EMEA. Her focus will be to continue SRi’s work in these areas, while ensuring that the growing links between the disciplines are developed in a global context. She will work with partners in the U.S. and
U.S. Hiring Trends Remain Steady Heading Into Year End
U.S. employers expect hiring to pick up in the final quarter of 2017, with 21 percent planning to add staff between September and December. 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 climate
Turnkey Search Fills Senior Role for Ilitch Holdings
Turnkey Search has placed Chris Granger as group president, sports and entertainment at Ilitch Holdings. Turnkey president and CEO Len Perna led the assignment. On the search and placement, Mr. Perna remarked that “working with Ilitch Holdings is a dream job. I mean that for us at Turnkey, as the search firm, and also for Chris Granger, who
Herbert Mines Associates Recruits President for Macy’s
Cincinnati-based retail giant Macy’s has named an eBay executive as its new president. The company tapped the services of New York-based retail-focused executive recruiter Herbert Mines Associates. As president, Hal Lawton will be responsible for all aspects of the Macy’s brand, including merchandising, marketing, stores, operations, technology, and consumer insights and analytics. He will report to Jeff Gennette,
Options Group Acquires MCL Search
The wave of M&A activity among executive search firms continues. The latest deal: Global financial recruiting specialist Options Group has acquired MCL Search Ltd, an executive search firm based in London specializing in electronic markets (trading and distribution), prime brokerage/clearing and financial trading technology with a focus on currencies and fixed income. Since 2012, MCL Search has developed
NGS Global Opens in Delhi
Executive search firm NGS Global has expanded its presence in India with the opening of a new office in Delhi, which will be overseen by managing partner Soumitra Agarwal. He will work closely with client partner Kamna Vij. As an executive search professional with years of experience, Mr. Agarwal has conducted a number of C-level and senior leadership
Your Playbook for Better Collaboration In Executive Search
In the business world, talent is king. More than 80 percent of talent and HR leaders say talent is the No. 1 priority at their company or organization, according to LinkedIn’s 2017 Global Recruiting Trends report. And more than half of talent and HR leaders believe hiring will increase in the U.S. and across the globe in
WinterWyman Fills CHRO Role for Hollingsworth & Vose
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers (CHRO) and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top flight HR experts? According to executive recruiters, corporate leaders want HR leaders who are sophisticated, proactive and strategic-minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they
Russell Reynolds Selected to Find CEO for Tenet Healthcare
As the healthcare industry continues its transformation, talent management remains a top priority. A 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 produce. This has created a high
Odgers Berndtson Opens Washington, D.C. Office
Search firm Odgers Berndtson has acquired the former Boyden licensee in Washington, D.C., adding five people to the firm, including Tim McNamara and Derek Wilkinson, former Boyden partners with more than 45 years’ combined management consulting and recruiting experience. Judy Whitaker, Diana Farmer and Kelly Crittenden, also from the Boyden licensee, will be joining the
NPAworldwide Adds 10 New Member Firms Across Asia Pacific
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added 10 new member firms across Asia Pacific. NPA now has 500 member offices across six continents. Membership in the network allows independent recruiters to serve their clients and candidates by partnering with other member firms on a split-fee basis. “Congratulations to each of our new members,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “By joining
Eight Trends for Recruitment Firms to Heed In Changing Times
The executive search industry is in flux, and as a result search firms have been uncertain or wary about what their next move should be. To what extent will digitalization affect the industry? How best to price and stay competitive? Should one offer diversified services? These are just some of the landmines top recruiters today
Noetic Search Fills CEO Post for National Children’s Museum
Executive search firm Noetic Search has recruited Crystal Bowyer as the president and CEO of The National Children’s Museum (NCM). Rhyan Zweifler, president of the Chicago recruitment firm, led the assignment. In this role, Ms. Bowyer will oversee and manage all aspects of NCM’s redevelopment, design and exhibition planning as the museum prepares to reopen in Washington,
Heidrick & Struggles Seeking New President for the Ohio Business Roundtable
Heidrick & Struggles has been selected by the Ohio Business Roundtable to lead in its search for a new president. Richard A. Stoff, who was a founder of the Roundtable and its only president in its 25-year history, is retiring at the end of the year. “The public-private partnerships fostered by some 400 Roundtable CEOs, spanning
Gilman Partners Forms Talent Advisory Practice
Executive search firm Gilman Partners has appointed talent management executive Mary Morand to lead its newly formed talent advisory practice. Ms. Morand brings more than 30 years of leadership development and talent management experience to her new role. Most recently, she served for nine years as senior vice president of leadership and talent management for U.S. Bank, where
Greenwood/Asher & Associates Adds New Leadership
Executive search firm Greenwood/Asher & Associates has expanded with the addition of Susanne Griffin as vice president and managing director. Based in the company’s headquarters in Miramar Beach, FL, Ms. Griffin works closely with the partners Dr. Jan Greenwood and Dr. Betty Asher to oversee financial management of the firm, supervision and development of consultants and team
Korn Ferry Records Seven Percent Revenue Gain
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) posted 2018 fiscal first quarter revenues of $401.3 million, an increase of 6.8 percent from $375.6 million during the same period last year. This topped Wall Street forecasts, which expected revenues of $389 million. Korn Ferry’s executive search revenue was $161.2 million for the quarter, an increase of 10.1 percent compared to last year. By region, search revenues
JDG Associates Leading CEO Search for Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute
Executive search firm JDG Associates has been selected by the Schaumburg, IL-based Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) to find its next president and CEO. Principal Paul Belford is leading the assignment. The position is described as an opportunity to lead a financially sound organization in the construction industry that is highly regarded for the strength of its research and
Parker Finds Athletic Director for University of New Mexico
Athletic directors are playing an increasingly vital role at colleges and universities across the country. With the expansion of athletic departments and, for the larger schools, the infusion of big dollars for sports, more schools have turned to search firms when such positions become open. Too much is at stake, they feel, to go it
Tolan Group Names Behavioral Health Practice Leader
The Tolan Group, a member of the Sanford Rose Associates network, has appointed seasoned behavioral healthcare executive Diana Ramsay to lead its behavioral health, human services, family services and substance abuse practice. “Behavioral health and the other segments we will offer services to are all areas that can have immense health, economic, and quality of
AMM Communications Launches Executive Search Division
AMM Communications LLC, a St. Louis-based public relations, communications skills training and marketing firm, has launched an executive search division to help clients identify talent for management positions in sales, business development, marketing, finance, accounting, operations and administration. Ed Mayuga, a partner at AMM Communications, will manage the new division while overseeing the talent acquisition
Here’s the Single Biggest Challenge Facing Diversity Leaders
Those who step into a new job as chief diversity officer tend to carry a heavy load. Theirs is an increasingly vital role. The challenges they face are complex and the demands of the position are many, with pressure coming from all sides. Naturally, institutions want strong, well-versed leaders in this area. But diversity chiefs
O’Rourke & Associates Seeks Chief Lending Officers for Three Credit Unions
These are critical days for credit unions. The U.S. has nearly 6,000 of them, with more than $1.2 trillion in assets, according to the National Credit Union Administration. But with the steady retirement of Baby Boomers, among other factors, these financial cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000 chief executive officers and senior
Centennial Taps CEO for Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Brent Cooper, an entrepreneur, small business owner and longtime leader in the regional business community, has been named president and CEO of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. The organization enlisted Cincinnati-based executive recruitment firm Centennial Inc. to conduct the search. Mr. Cooper is founder of C-Forward Information Technologies and a two-time interim chamber president. The opening
Slone Partners Expands Into California
Executive search firm Slone Partners has created a corporate Western division and related expansion activities throughout California. The strategic initiative, overseen by Slone Partners president Tara Kochis-Stach, is designed to better allow the firm to service dozens of California-based clients, develop relationships with next generation start-ups, and capitalize on California’s continued growth as a healthcare innovation
Signium Continues Expansion
Executive search firm Signium has expanded with the additions of partners Felipa Xara-Brasil and Joana Proença de Carvalho in Portugal and Alberto Chico in Spain. Ms. Xara-Brasil was one of the founders of Heidrick & Struggles in Portugal, where she was responsible for starting the firm’s office in Angola, leading business development in Mozambique and managing the Lisbon
Modest Job Gains Occur In August
Employers added 156,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly, to 4.4 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. During the month, the number of workers unemployed stood at 7.1 million. August marked 81 straight months of job growth in the U.S. Economists had forecast payrolls increasing by 170,000 jobs last
Spencer Stuart to Replace Outgoing Quinnipiac President
As the new academic year gets underway, a number of colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will provide high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, more often the case, globalization. To that end, Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn has enlisted
