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Alexander Hughes Forms Alliance with CORE3
Alexander Hughes has formed an alliance with CORE3, a strategic management consulting firm that is part of Balubaid Group, one of Saudi Arabia’s most respected family-owned conglomerates. This agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership, through a planned Joint venture, focused on developing board advisory, governance effectiveness, executive search, human capital appraisal, and executive interim management services in the Saudi
Spencer Stuart Appoints New CFO
Spencer Stuart has appointed Clare Kennedy as its new chief financial officer. She succeeds Christine Laurens as part of a planned succession and in support of Laurens’ retirement from full-time executive work. Ms. Laurens will remain with the firm for several months to ensure a smooth transition. “We are grateful to Christine for her many significant contributions,
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.
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Build a New Performance Model for Executive Recruiters
As the executive search industry faces growing pressure to deliver stronger and more consistent results, firms are reassessing how recruiters are trained, developed, and prepared to meet changing client demands. A few months ago, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ Talent Intelligence advisory unit introduced the Recruiter Performance Training Program, a practical, execution-focused system designed to
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?
U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent
Employment fell by 23,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 6.9 million, changed little in July. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.1 percent) and people who are Hispanic (4.6 percent) declined
Parker Remick Expands with New Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has appointed Adam Szepkouski as partner of consulting excellence. The firm explained that this hire reflects a broader push to refine execution and scale delivery as demand for senior technology leaders accelerates. The appointment comes at a time of structural change in technology leadership. AI is reshaping how technology organizations are built and
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
The Christopher Group Selected by Penn Highlands Healthcare for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by Penn Highlands Healthcare to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Molly Mangan, and partner, Carrie Longmire, are leading the assignment. “The chief human resources officer will play an important role in helping Penn Highlands
Where AI Belongs in Executive Search—and Where It Doesn’t
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the executive search profession, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency while raising important questions about where technology should—and should not—play a role in the hiring process. As firms continue to integrate AI into their workflows, the focus is increasingly shifting from whether to adopt these tools to how
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been selected by Virginia Tech to lead in its search for a new president. Current president Tim Sands announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti are leading this search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its
Parker Remick Appoints Partner of Firm Operations
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick recently named Jena Gibson as partner of firm operations. This is part of the executive search firm’s expansion of operational infrastructure and AI-enabled delivery capabilities. The firm noted that all in response to rising demand for senior technology and AI leadership. Ms. Gibson joins Parker Remick with more than 15 years
Building an Employer Brand That Attracts Top Executive Talent
In today’s competitive business environment, where organizations are vying for top talent, a strong employer brand has become an essential strategic advantage. It plays a critical role in attracting and retaining high-quality candidates while also contributing to an organization’s overall success. A recent report from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) delves into the importance of a
Krauthamer & Associates Assists the Dallas Area Rapid Transit with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has assisted in the recruitment of Nathaniel Ford as president and CEO of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). “Mr. Ford brings decades of executive leadership in public transportation, a proven record of organizational transformation, and a deep understanding that transit is about much more than buses and trains,” said DART board chair
Slone Partners Makes Senior Appointments
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has named Sona Stroud and Kim Wilson as senior partners. Ms. Stroud has been promoted to the position following nearly 15 years with the firm, while Ms. Wilson returns to the organization, further strengthening its leadership team with nearly 17 years of experience with the firm. “Few things are more rewarding than recognizing exceptional leaders
The Evolution of Tech Leadership in Europe: 40 Years of Transformation
As technology continues to reshape every sector of the economy, executive search firms are seeing a fundamental shift in the profile of leaders organizations need to remain competitive. Companies are no longer seeking executives with deep technical expertise alone—they are prioritizing transformational leaders who can navigate disruption, lead enterprise-wide change, and align emerging technologies with
Changing the DNA of Growth-Stage Recruiting
As growth-stage companies accelerate expansion under private equity ownership or new investment, leadership teams are placing greater emphasis on the organizational structures that support long-term value creation. While executive search has traditionally focused on identifying transformative leaders, many organizations are also rethinking where the talent acquisition function belongs within the enterprise to ensure hiring strategy
NU Advisory Partners Fills Board Position for Banesco USA
NU Advisory Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Teresa Stinson to the Banesco USA board. Nada Usina, CEO and co-founder, led the search along with Mar Hernandez, partner and co-founder. “Congratulations Teresa Stinson on joining Banesco USA as board director,” NU Advisory Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “We look forward to seeing your governance
Why Natural Language Search Is the Biggest Shift in Executive Search Since the Database
Executive search has always been a relationship business. Consultants describe talent in rich, layered terms, leaders who have scaled a commercial function through a turnaround, managed a $200 million P&L across two geographies, navigated a public board through a CEO transition. But the systems they rely on to find those leaders have never understood a
TM² Executive Search Assists Fort Valley State University with CHRO Search
TM² Executive Search (TM²) has assisted in the recruitment of Sean Lyn as the new chief human resources officer of Fort Valley State University (FVSU). President Amanda Washington Lockett and associate principals Jessica Horton and Ndeh Anyu led the assignment. Mr. Lyn brings more than a decade of progressive human resources leadership experience in higher education. Before joining Fort Valley State University,
Global Hiring Intentions Remain Steady for Q2 2025 Amid Ongoing Uncertainty
Global hiring intentions hold steady heading into the second quarter of 2025, with employers reporting a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 25 percent, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. The results, which gathered data from nearly 40,000 employers across 41 countries during January 2025, show the outlook holding steady for the third consecutive
AlbertHall&Associates Lands Artistic Director for Arizona Theatre Company
The Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) board of directors has named David Ivers as its new artistic director. Executive recruitment firm AlbertHall&Associates conducted the nationwide search. ATC’s current artistic director, David Ira Goldstein, will remain with the company the end of June, when his 25-year tenure officially ends. Mr. Ivers served as artistic director at the Utah Shakespeare
Acquisitions Continue to Make Headlines In Recruiting Industry
The wave of M&A activity among executive search firms continues. The latest deal: Solon, OH-headquartered Torch Group has acquired Selker Leadership, a search firm that places candidates in the technology and software fields. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Selker Leadership’s president, Gregory L. Selker, will join Torch Group as senior vice president and search operations leader,
Recruiting Industry Game Changer On the Horizon
One year from now, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) goes into effect. The law will have a tremendous impact on how companies, government agencies and, yes, executive search firms across the E.U. — including the U.K. — handle personal data. Ignore the law and you can expect tough penalties for failing to comply.
Credit Union Resources Leads CEO Search for Carolinas Credit Union League
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
Buffkin / Baker Merges WTW Associates Into Its Expanding Search Platform
Search firm Buffkin / Baker has merged New York-based WTW Associates into its expanding executive recruiting platform. WTW, a talent provider focused on the media, entertainment, technology and law industries, will integrate its operations into the Buffkin / Baker New York office. Terms were not disclosed. “We have greatly enhanced our entertainment/media practice this year, and are excited to have
Carmichael Fisher Lands CEO for CEPI
Executive search firm Carmichael Fisher has recruited Dr. Richard Hatchett as chief executive officer of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Principle consultant Tarquin Bennett-Coles led the assignment along with managing director Justin Hobday. Dr. Hatchett joins the organization from the Biomedical Advanced Research & Development Authority (BARDA) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),
Penrhyn Forms Technology, Media & Telecoms Practice Group
Penrhyn International, a global network of executive search firms, has launched a new global technology, media & telecoms practice group, led by Yanouk Poirier, managing partner of Montreal-based search firm Leaders International. It brings together search consultants who specialize in the technology, media & telecoms space throughout Canada, the U.S., the U.K., France, Italy, Japan, the Philippines,
What Matters Most to Today’s Well-Informed Workers
Historically, the balance of power between employers and candidates has favored employers. Candidates had few sources of information about open positions, corporate culture or company vision, let alone compensation and benefits. But the talent market is changing. Big time. Candidates today report a dramatic increase in the amount of information they have about a company
How One Recruiter’s Board Participation Is Paying Off
For executive search firm leaders, serving in a board capacity for outside companies can be rewarding on several levels. There’s service to a company, of course. But a lot of valuable learning also goes on in such work, be it about emerging trends, the latest ideas or the hottest businesses and their talent. It also
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Kymab
Executive search firm Coulter Partners has placed Dr. Sonia Quaratino as chief medical officer of Kymab Group, a human monoclonal antibody biopharmaceutical company. She will manage the clinical development of the organization’s expanding therapeutic antibody portfolio. Dr. Quaratino is an immunologist and joins Kymab from Novartis, where she served as global clinical program leader – transitional clinical oncology, responsible for
Atlanta Hawks Turns to Turnkey Search for New GM
The Atlanta Hawks has retained Turnkey Search to lead its hunt for a new general manager. The team fired past GM Wes Wilcox after the Hawks record dipped to 43-39 this past season and the team lost to the Washington Wizards in the opening round of the playoffs. “As we have said from the beginning, we are committed to
RSR Partners Appoints Head of Risk Practice
Executive search firm RSR Partners has named Talal Debs as a managing director and head of its risk practice. With a strong combination of risk management, finance, and academic experience, Mr. Debs will focus on recruiting senior executives and directors to navigate new risk, regulatory and compliance issues for clients. His areas of concentration will include insurance, investment banking, trading and
7 Ways to Evaluate Your Executive Search Firm
When businesses have high profile, top leadership roles to fill, executive search firms can provide indispensable service. The best recruiters walk alongside a client at every stage of the hiring process. They know the questions to ask that help define the requirements of the role. They take the time to thoroughly understand company culture. And
Spelman Johnson Leading Hunt for University of Chicago Police Chief
The University of Chicago has enlisted search firm Spelman Johnson to find its next chief of police. Vice president Mark A. Hall is leading the assignment. The school is looking to have a new leader in place by July. The role calls for a range of skill sets, including planning, organizing, directing and administering the policing initiatives of
SearchWide Recruits CEO for Visit Aurora
Visit Aurora has appointed Bruce Dalton as president and chief executive officer following a search led by recruiting firm SearchWide. He succeeds Gary Wheat, who established the organization in 2010. Senior vice president Mark Gnatovic led the assignment. Mr. Dalton is a second-generation leader in the hospitality industry. He comes to Visit Aurora with 29 years of industry experience,
Ratliff & Taylor Appoints President
Executive search firm Ratliff & Taylor has appointed Beth Sweeney as its new president. An accomplished leader with deep industry experience, she has been widely recognized for her work in sales and marketing throughout a 20-plus year career. As president, Ms. Sweeney will have full profit-and-loss responsibility for each of the company’s three practices: executive search, leadership
Focus Search Partners Continues Expansion
Focus Search Partners, the executive search division of talent solutions provider Vaco, has brought aboard Richard D’Antoni as managing partner of the firm’s healthcare and private equity practices. Mr. D’Antoni has more than 20 years of experience in matching high-performing executives with leading healthcare companies, ranging from venture capital and private equity-backed portfolio companies to publicly held organizations.
Executive Search Industry Leaders Offer Up Bold Predictions
Predicting the future could practically be its own business sector. Whether the prognostications are coming from the Magic 8-Ball, Punxsutawney Phil or CNBC’s Jim Cramer, people want to know what lies ahead. So it was that Hunt Scanlon Media rounded up a collection of soothsayers from the search industry to provide their insights about the changes that
Odgers Berndtson Continues Aggressive Growth
Odgers Berndtson has expanded with the addition of two search specialists with deep sector expertise to bolster its technology, and higher education & academic medicine practices. Lisa Hooker joins Odgers as a partner and will serve clients in the firm’s technology practice. Ms. Hooker brings 20-plus years of executive search expertise in telecommunications, consumer electronics, cloud
ZRG Partners Expands to London
ZRG Partners, the fastest growing search firm in the U.S., has opened an office in London, continuing on its massive expansion trajectory. Steve Banks will head the operation as managing director and U.K. country head, bringing a strong background to support the firm’s plans for the region. By the end of the year, ZRG expects to
Spencer Stuart Strengthens Leadership Advisory Group
With an evident need among client companies growing and an opportunity to expand ancillary services offerings to meet that demand, a number of executive search firms are launching or adding to their leadership consulting advisory practices. This month, Spencer Stuart announced three appointments to its leadership advisory services group in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Brought on board
Isaacson, Miller Finds Seventh President for Juilliard
Executive search firm Isaacson, Miller has placed Damian Woetzel, a renowned former principal dancer for the New York City Ballet, as the seventh president of The Juilliard School. For the last 32 years, Joseph Polisi has served as the organization’s president. Isaacson, Miller chairman John Isaacson led the search with vice president Sheryl Ash and associates Katie Rockman and Cortney
Executive Recruiters Set New Milestones In Latest Rankings
The executive search industry’s leading 50 players in North America topped $3 billion in revenues last year, according to industry newsletter ESR, in a market report released today by Hunt Scanlon Media. The group collectively jumped by almost 10 percent, continuing an incredible run for an industry that just a decade ago was left reeling
USA Gymnastics Taps Russell Reynolds Associates for CEO Search
After putting out an open casting call for executive search firms to assist USA Gymnastics in its hunt for a new chief executive officer, Russell Reynolds Associates has taken the rings of this highly coveted sports assignment and commenced a highly anticipated global talent search. Managing director Nada Usina is leading the undertaking with consultant Libby Naumes. The
Wheless Partners Lands CEO for Fulcrum Health
Healthcare is among the most rapidly growing employment fields, according to analysts at Hunt Scanlon Media, which tracks trends in the executive search and leadership solutions space. This has led to an increased need for recruiting firms to deliver top-drawer leaders throughout the sector. To that end, search firm Wheless Partners has recently placed Patricia Dennis as chief executive officer of
CDI Posts 20 Percent Q1 Revenue Decline; Possible Sale Looms
CDI Corp. / (NYSE:CDI) posted first quarter revenues of $187.6 million, a decrease of 19.7 percent from revenues of $233.5 million a year ago. The revenue decline was impacted by the sale of CDI AndersElite Limited (“Anders”), which was sold in September 2016. During the quarter, MRINetwork, the company’s executive search subsidiary, reported revenues of $11.3 million, a 7.1 percent decline, compared
AIMS International Expands to Norway
AIMS International has added Norway-headquartered search firm RUUD Executive. The firm is led by managing partner Tor-Egil Ruud, who has over 17 years of experience in recruitment, executive search, and leadership services from several national and international market-leading companies. He has conducted over 250 national and international assignments. “This partnership is very important for us: We are now able to
Retaining New Hires Now Seen As a Critical Issue
Retaining new hires is on the minds of leaders at the vast majority of companies these days, according to a recent report by Korn Ferry’s Futurestep division, which provides advisory services and recruitment services for middle to upper level management. Ninety percent of the executives surveyed, in fact, said this is an issue for their companies. What’s more,
Arts Consulting Group Finds New Leader for Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
Celebrating its 70th anniversary this season, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) has appointed Susan Lape as executive director, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). She succeeds former executive director Joshua Simonds. Ms. Lape most recently served as executive director of the Lake Forest Symphony, the only fully professional orchestra in Lake County, IL. Since 2012,
Search Firms Team Up to Recruit Martial Arts Leader
ATA International, which promotes and teaches the martial arts, has chosen Neil Morton as its new chief executive officer. Search firms LH International of New York, and ASCENT Select Talent Capital of Greensboro, NC, worked cooperatively on the assignment. ATA International, formerly the American Taekwondo Association, is based in Little Rock. With more than 950 licensed locations around the
Stanton Chase Names Diversity & Inclusion Practice Leader
Leaders at the best companies know that diversity matters. Not only are the firms that pay attention to such matters rewarded with better financial returns, but they gain perspectives and insights that would otherwise be lost to them. Well aware of this trend, Stanton Chase International has appointed Becky Heidesch as a director and North American diversity &







