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Daily Newswire
CEO Turnover Surges as Boards Bet on First-Time Leaders
According to Spencer Stuart’s S&P 1500 CEO Transitions Report, 168 new chief executives were named across the index last year, the most since 2010. The surge reflects mounting board impatience with weak growth, activist pressures, AI-driven disruption, and a market environment that rewards speed over tenure. Turnover was broad-based but especially pronounced among smaller companies, with SmallCap
How AI Is (and Isn’t) Changing Search
In boardrooms and talent discussions alike, the conversation around AI has quickly shifted from curiosity to expectation. Organizations are no longer asking whether to use AI in executive search, but how to use it responsibly and effectively. This shift is forcing firms to rethink not just their tools, but their philosophy—how they evaluate leadership, how
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.
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
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?
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
The Chief Commercial Officer: Driving Private Equity Value Creation
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on organic growth, commercial leadership is taking on a more central role in value creation. The chief commercial officer (CCO) has become one of the most important post-acquisition hires for private equity sponsors, according to a recent report from Spencer Stuart’s Dave Vidor. As extended hold periods and
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for U.S. Mobile Health Exams
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Eric Hepburn as CEO at U.S. Mobile Health Exams (USMHE) in Jacksonville, FL. He brings more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, business operations, strategic growth, and organizational transformation. Mr. Hepburn’s appointment brings USMHE an experienced executive with a track record of strengthening business operations, developing scalable
Cooper Coleman Leading CFO Search for Jacksonville Zoological Society
Cooper Coleman LLC has been retained by Jacksonville Zoological Society, Inc. to conduct a national search for its next CFO. “Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has an ambitious vision for its future, and its next CFO will help shape how those plans move forward,” said Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “We’re looking for someone
The Christopher Group Tapped by MITRE for Head of Total Rewards Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by MITRE to lead in its search for a head of total rewards. The search is being led by managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director Kat Kilkenney. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a total rewards leader who wants to make
True Establishes Dedicated Private Credit Practice
Global executive talent platform True has launched a dedicated private credit practice, led by Rick Bank, managing director and head of the private credit and private equity practices. The launch comes as private credit enters a significant credit cycle, with 67 percent of portfolio managers citing greater competition and 64 percent citing defaults and credit losses as
Inside the Decisions That Shape Hiring and Careers
Hiring and leadership decisions continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping both individual careers and organizational performance. As companies navigate tighter talent markets, rapid technological change, and evolving expectations around leadership, greater attention is being placed on how executives identify high performers, assess potential, and make decisions about who is ready for greater
ON Partners Recruits Board Members for Artisan Industries
Partners Seth Harris and Shawn Oglesbee of ON Partners have assisted in the recruitment of Stephen S. Schwartz and Gary A. Doyon as new members of the board of directors of Artisan Industries. The addition of two independent directors strengthens the company’s governance and strategic leadership, as Artisan expands its core technologies into high-growth markets, including specialty chemicals, PFAS removal, drug
Reffett Associates Seeking Vice President of Development for the Army Historical Foundation
WA-based Reffett Associates was recently retained by the Army Historical Foundation to recruit its next vice president of development. The Army Historical Foundation is the non-profit organization that supports the National Museum of the United States Army, which honors the service and sacrifice of American soldiers throughout the Army’s history. The vice president of development will play
DHR Global Expands Middle East and Africa Presence
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Michael Patrick Okumu-Ringa as managing partner, Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai, he will lead the expansion of DHR’s regional business, building its team and strengthening its executive search and leadership advisory capabilities while connecting regional clients with international talent in partnership with DHR’s London office. “The
The Future of Healthcare Leadership: AI, Innovation & Talent
The healthcare and life sciences industries are undergoing a major transformation, driven by advancements in AI, machine learning, and digital innovation. These technologies are reshaping drug discovery, patient care, and operational efficiency, requiring leaders who can harness innovation while optimizing complex systems. As competition for top talent intensifies, organizations are prioritizing executives with strong business
Arts Consulting Group Seeking 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) was recently tapped by Cape Arts & Entertainment (CA&E) to recruit its new president and CEO. ACG president Bruce D. Thibodeau is leading the search. CA&E is seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial visionary
Former Johns Hopkins University Vice Provost Joins Witt/Kieffer
Philip Tang has joined executive search firm Witt/Kieffer as a consultant in its education practice. He brings to the job nearly 15 years of university administration experience at one of the nation’s leading universities. Mr. Tang previously served as vice provost for academic services at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he led online and digital
Boutique Search Firms Step In Where Big Recruiters Falter
The biggest selling points for large search firms – the depth of their recruitment manpower and the diversity of their services – are the very elements that are causing many clients to turn to boutique recruiters. Craig Lapham, chief executive officer of the Lapham Group, a New York-based executive recruitment firm that specializes in insurance and
Conroy Ross Partners Leading CEO Search for Canadian Credit Union
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, the cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000 chief executive officers and senior managers
McDermott & Bull Expands Interim Division
Executive search firm McDermott & Bull has expanded with the additions of James Hickey as senior managing director and Tamra Solis as vice president of talent acquisition to its interim leaders division. Mr. Hickey previously served as national managing partner, private equity services, at Tatum, concentrating on helping private equity firms improve operational performance and respective
AE Industry Partners Completes Acquisition of CDI Corp.
Recruitment firm CDI Corp. has been acquired by AE Industrial Partners, a private equity investor specializing in aerospace, power generation and specialty industrial companies. The transaction was effected through a previously announced cash tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of common stock of CDI followed by a merger. As a result of the transaction, which
Erevena Appoints Senior Partner In Financial Services
London-based executive search firm Erevena has bolstered its financial services expertise with the addition of John Burr as a senior partner. Mr. Burr has over 20 years of search experience across EMEA, the Americas, and APAC in B2B financial services. Previously, he served as partner and global head of financial services at Boyden. Before that he worked
The New Role of the Human Resources Leader In Business Today
In today’s very competitive business landscape, HR experts must wear multiple hats and help their employers adapt to a quickly changing workforce. The days where HR professionals are viewed strictly as administrative paper pushers are finally gone. “While today’s HR leader probably has the most stressful job in recent years, the opportunities are the greatest
McCormack + Kristel Finds New Leader for PFLAG National
Executive search firm McCormack + Kristel has placed Jaime M. Grant, Ph.D. as the executive director of PFLAG National, the nation’s largest and oldest organization uniting families and allies with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ). Dr. Grant, a longtime social-justice leader and innovator, assumes leadership of an organization with over 200,000 members and
Michael Kelly Associates Partners With Change, Development & Leadership Consulting
Executive search firm Michael Kelly Associates (MKA) and Change, Development & Leadership Consulting (CDL) have formed a strategic partnership to focus on employee engagement to foster team building and a united corporate culture for maximum effectiveness. The alliance focuses not only on applying MKA’s knowledge of executive search, but also on enhancing culture through CDL Consulting’s leadership coaching and executive consultation
Miles Partnership Announces Expansion
The Miles Partnership, a London-based recruitment firm, has appointed two new partners. Julia Roberts joins the firm’s public sector practice and Steve Rutherford becomes part of the executive interim practice. Noel O’Curraoin, meanwhile, was named a principal for the firm’s financial services team. “The Miles Partnership is committed to being the most innovative and dynamic
Stanton Chase Names New Logistics Practice Leader
Peter Deragon, the managing director of the Los Angeles office of Stanton Chase International, has been named global sector leader for the carriers, third party & contract logistics practice. He succeeds John Gradek, a director of the Stanton Chase Montreal office, who recently joined McGill University to establish a master’s degree program in aviation leadership.
Why Search Firms Must Adjust and Adapt to Changing Times
The executive search industry, and the business world it serves, continues to undergo a transformation that no one would have predicted even a decade ago. According to one industry leader, recruitment firms that respond quickly to those changes, make adjustments and adapt will not only survive the years ahead but thrive. Some of those responses
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
