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The Private Equity Executive Talent Trends That Will Define 2026
Private equity is still a capital business, but it’s increasingly a leadership business. Deal flow isn’t what it was a few years ago and capital is more selective, according to a new report from Beecher Reagan. “Many funds are sitting on dry powder longer than expected,” the report said. “And when that happens, the spotlight
Greenwood Asher & Associates Assists West Virginia University with Provost Search
Following a national search, Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Beverly Wendland as provost and vice president for academic affairs for West Virginia University (WVU). Julie Holley and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. “Beverly is a nationally recognized cell biologist who has served as a faculty member,
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,
M&A Outlook Points to Accelerating Deal Flow
The global mergers and acquisitions landscape is poised for a gradual recovery following three years of subdued deal activity, according to Bain & Company’s newly released Global M&A Report 2025. While persistent macroeconomic headwinds, including high interest rates and regulatory scrutiny, dampened dealmaking last year, the outlook for 2025 suggests renewed optimism. Bain’s analysis highlights shifting dynamics in
Cobalt Recruitment Appoints CEO
There have been a number of top leadership appointments at search firms since the start of the year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Executive search firm Cobalt Recruitment has named James Wakefield as its new chief executive officer. Mr. Wakefield joined Cobalt in 2007 coming from the management team at Michael Page
Creating a Millennial Feedback Loop In the Workplace
Now that Millennials make up more than half of the American workforce, HR professionals are increasingly concerned about how to best cater to their workplace needs. Talent acquisition leaders recommend everything from nontraditional employee benefits like telecommuting and flexible leave to glamorous team retreats to help managers bolster their Millennial appeal. Problem is, it’s not working. Millennials
AGB Search Tapped to Find Iowa State President
As the academic year winds down, a number of colleges and universities across the country are already preparing for September. For many of them, that means opening searches that will deliver new, high profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, more often the case, globalization. Among the latest, the Iowa
Spencer Stuart Leading CEO Search for ITV
ITV chief executive, Adam Crozier, who led a turnaround at the broadcaster, is stepping down at the end of June from his role and from the company’s board after seven years. The U.K. commercial TV network has turned to Spencer Stuart to find his replacement. In his seven years at the helm, Mr. Crozier turned around the
Vetted Solutions Makes West Coast Expansion
Executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has expanded with the addition of Catherine Brown as vice president for West Coast operations. She will join the firm in Los Angeles as a search partner, leadership consultant and interim executive. Ms. Brown brings to the firm a deep knowledge of both association and philanthropic organization management. Most recently, she served as president of
Hydrogen Group Acquires Argyll Scott
The wave of merger and acquisition activity among executive search firms overseas continues. The latest deal: U.K.-based executive search firm Hydrogen Group has acquired Argyll Scott for £3.3 million. Together, the combined firms will deliver recruitment services across multiple functions, industries and countries. The acquisition allows Hydrogen to accelerate international growth plans and benefit from greater strength and depth
Women Not Having Career Conversations On Advancement
Women are underrepresented in industries that anticipate the greatest growth in jobs — engineering, technology, architecture and mathematics. But they are overrepresented in office and administration positions, sectors most threatened by digitization, automation and robotics. That’s why, recruiters report, that it’s vital for women to be open to discussions about developing their skill sets and other
More Search Firms Forming Advisory Boards
BarkerGilmore, a New York-based boutique executive search firm specializing in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has formed an advisory board of 12 former general counsel and chief compliance officers. This team, many of whom have served in Fortune 500 companies, is charged with providing advisory and leadership development services, complementing the firm’s core recruiting business.
Neumann Executive Search Seeking CHROs for Two Universities
Chief human resource officers (CHRO) have made big strides as strategic game changers and sounding boards for CEOs. The best ones, in fact, are now critical C-suite players. These days, clients of all kinds around the country are demanding such talent, and that’s sending recruiters off in hot pursuit. The latest: Neumann Executive Search Partners has been
DHR International Fills Chief Research Post at Akron Children’s Hospital
DHR International has placed Dr. Michael Kelly as chief research officer of Akron Children’s Hospital. Scott Sette, North American leader of the firm’s healthcare services & solutions practice, led the search. In his new role, Dr. Kelly will oversee the Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute and research activities conducted enterprise-wide, directing the process to define the vision, clinical trial
GatenbySanderson Bolsters Leadership Development Services
U.K.-based executive search firm GatenbySanderson has named Matt Gascoigne as chief operating officer as well as Anthony Surley and Kate Pearlman-Shaw as partners. The additions build upon the firm’s efforts to bolster its leadership and organizational development consulting services. Mr. Gascoigne has almost 20 years of professional recruitment experience working with clients from both public and private
USA Gymnastics Puts Out Casting Call to Search Firms
An open casting call is underway for executive search firms to assist USA Gymnastics in its hunt for a new chief executive officer. The organization has been without a CEO since Steve Penny resigned in March because of allegations that he and USA Gymnastics failed to properly address claims of sexual abuse against member coaches and Larry
D. Hilton Associates Leads Searches for Credit Union CEOs
These are critical days for credit unions. The industry boasts of nearly 6,000 federally insured credit unions in the U.S., with more than $1.2 trillion in assets, according to the National Credit Union Administration. But with the retirement of Baby Boomers, among other factors, the cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000 chief
The Newport Group Appoints IT Practice Leader
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, CTO hiring is predicted to grow by 18 percent by 2022. This has led executive search firms to add recruiters that specialize in the evolving technology sector. Among the latest, The Newport Group, based in Encinitas, CA, has named Nicki
Waverly Partners Find New CEO for Norman Chamber of Commerce
Executive search firm Waverly Partners has named Scott Martin as the new president and chief executive officer of the Norman Chamber of Commerce in Oklahoma. Past CEO John Woods left the organization this past November. Debbie Galbraith, managing director and principal at Waverly Partners, led the assignment. Mr. Martin will report to the board of directors and is responsible for
IRC Names New Americas Leader
IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) has named Tom Berray, managing partner of Cabot Consultants, as its new Americas leader. He takes over from Jane Lyons, managing partner of Rhodes Associates, who stepped down from the role after two years as the IRC Americas regional leader. Mr. Berray has worked in executive search for more than
What Drives Employee Satisfaction
Across today’s business landscape, organizations face numerous obstacles as they deal with the complexities of a 21st century workplace. Managing, and anticipating change, is now part of the common survival process of every organization. One challenge HR professionals continue to cite is creating and sustaining high degrees of employee engagement across their organizations and developing
Fogler Consulting Lands Head Basketball Coach for UMass
Executive search firm Fogler Consulting has recruited Matt McCall as the new head basketball coach for the University of Massachusetts. The school fired coach Derek Kellogg after nine seasons with the program. The decision to move in a new direction came just after the season ended with the Minutemen going 15-18, including 4-14 within its conference. UMass now turns to Mr.
TalentRISE Names Partner
Chicago-based executive search firm TalentRISE has promoted Allicia Hahn to partner. “I am very pleased to officially welcome Allicia as our fifth partner in the firm,” said Rick Gray, TalentRISE chief executive officer. “Since arriving nearly two years ago, she has contributed tremendous value to our business and long-term growth objectives, and as important, sets an enviable leadership
Hudson Global Posts Small First Quarter Revenue Gain
Hudson Global Inc. / (NASDAQ:HSON) posted first quarter revenues of $103.4 million, up 2.2 percent percent in constant currency, from a year ago. By region, Hudson Asia Pacific led the way, recording a revenue gain of 16.9 percent while Hudson America had a revenue increase of 12.5 percent. Meanwhile, Hudson Europe continues to struggle posting a revenue decrease of
Erevena Recruits CEO for Adlens
London-based executive search firm Erevena has placed John Kennedy as chief executive officer of next-generation eyewear manufacturer Adlens. The company’s previous CEO Michael Ferrara retired this past fall and COO Frank Lavety has been serving as the company’s interim chief. Mr. Kennedy has business experience in multiple areas, including management, operations, supply chain and marketing. He also has over 10 years of experience
Five Tips for Recruiting Best-In-Class Talent
Finding the best employee to fill a role is crucial to any organization, but it rings especially true for top positions. When hiring C-suite leaders, the cost of a bad hire can be more than a monetary setback. You cannot undo poor company performance when your top executives do not perform. “As you delve into the
U.S. Job Growth Machine Cranks On
Employers added 211,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.4 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. During the month, the number of workers unemployed also dropped to 7.1 million. April marked the 77th straight month of job growth in the U.S. Economists had widely expected the number
Vetted Solutions Leading Architects Foundation Director Search
Executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has been tapped by the Architects Foundation to lead its search for a new executive director. Vetted Solutions president and founder, Jim Zaniello, and vice president Nancy Green are leading the assignment. The incoming leader will be responsible for directing the fundraising and operational activities of the foundation to support its strategic and financial goals.
Lancer Group Lands CEO for First Advantage
La Jolla, CA-headquartered executive search firm The Lancer Group has placed Scott Staples as CEO of First Advantage, an Atlanta-based provider of comprehensive background screening, identity, and information solutions. Partner Simon Francis led the assignment. Mr. Staples most recently worked at Mindtree, a digital transformation and information technology services company, which he co-founded in 1999. He was president
Walter James Acquires Euromedica
What started as a wave in M&A activity among executive search firms throughout Europe before Brexit has turned into a bit of a tsunami lately. The most recent deal: U.K.-headquartered executive search firm Walter James has acquired Euromedica Executive Search Limited. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Walter James operates in the life sciences sector with
Assessing Soft Skills to Land Your Next Top Hire
When you’re hiring a new employee, it can be easy to miss some marks during an interview and focus simply on whether the candidate has the technical skills to do the job on day one. While technical skills are important, it isn’t enough to find someone who can do the job without also assessing a
Search Firms Step Up Effort to Land Change Agents for PE Clients
There is no other sector that demands such top end service from its search partners than private equity. Portfolio companies represent some of the most innovative, well-funded and high-growth concerns in all of business. As a result, much of the talent that private equity firms seek are highly-charged change agents — a professional breed getting more
Brigham Hill Replaces Top Leader at The Calhoun School
After conducting a nationwide search, Brigham Hill Consultancy has recruited Dr. Steven Solnick as new head of school for The Calhoun School in New York City. He succeeds Steve Nelson who is retiring after 19 years of leadership. The assignment was led by consultant Jessica McCann and Brigham Hill founder Linc Eldredge. The search committee and board of trustees
Heidrick & Struggles Lands New Leader for Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday has named Jim Hyatt, former CEO of Church’s Chicken, as its new president and chief executive officer. Heidrick & Struggles conducted a seven-month search to replace James J. “JJ” Buettgen, who resigned in September. Mr. Hyatt brings four decades of restaurant industry experience to the Maryville, TN-based chain as it looks to regain its profitability
TRANSEARCH Continues Global Expansion
TRANSEARCH International is continuing its expansion with new additions Dilek Gümüslü and Patrizia Fontana as partners in Istanbul, Turkey, and Milan, respectively. Ms. Gümüslü has five years of experience in executive search, talent assessment / leadership development projects. She has led assignments mainly in financial services, retail, FMCG, automotive, telecommunications, and industrial goods from mid-level manager to senior C-suite executives.
