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Integration-Ready C-Suite Leaders Growing In Demand, and Influence
After two years of subdued activity, global M&A surged last year, with deal value climbing 40 percent to roughly $4.9 trillion, marking one of the strongest years on record. According to Bain & Company Global M&A Report 2026, the rebound was broad-based across sectors and geographies and driven by a renewed urgency among companies to reinvent
WittKieffer Tapped by the University of Tulsa for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by the University of Tulsa (UTulsa) to lead in its search for a new president. Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley are leading the assignment. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its next president and to guide the private research institution to the next phase of success.
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.
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
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?
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
Women Gaining Ground: ON Partners Report Reveals Narrowing Executive Pay Gap and Growing Representation
While the World Economic Forum projects it will take 106 years for women in North America to reach economic parity with men, ON Partners’ annual women’s report offers a data-backed look at gender equity in the executive suite and explores whether progress is accelerating at the top levels of leadership. Drawing on insights from more
WilsonHCG Appoints Leader of Executive Search Offering
Global talent solutions provider WilsonHCG has added Jonathan Edwards to its leadership team as vice president of executive search. He will be responsible for leading the organization’s global executive search efforts, talent development and continuous process improvement to cultivate the company’s global offering. “We are very pleased to welcome Jonathan to WilsonHCG in such a pivotal
Amrop Expands Leadership Consulting Team
Amrop, a partnership of recruiting firms operating from 74 offices in 52 countries throughout Asia, EMEA, continues to be in growth mode. It recently added Francis Lam as senior partner in Shanghai, spearheading the firm’s leadership consulting practice in China. Amrop defines leadership assessment / consulting as a structured, comprehensive and objective evaluation of current competences and
Why American Workers Remain Confident
Led by significant increases in perceived likelihood of a promotion and perceived likelihood of a raise, American workers’ confidence increased for the fifth consecutive quarter, according to the national Worker Confidence Index, a survey of U.S. workers from HRO Today Magazine and talent and outsourcing company Yoh. The index gauges workers’ perceptions of the four
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for Elwyn
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. The latest: The Tolan Group, a member of the Sanford Rose Associates network, has placed
Fogler Consulting Finds Head Basketball Coach for Ohio State
Executive search firm Fogler Consulting has recruited Chris Holtmann as the 14th head men’s basketball coach of Ohio State University. He replaces Thad Matta. Last year’s team missed the NCAA tournament after finishing 17–15. It was Mr. Matta’s first Ohio State team not to win at least 20 games. The Buckeyes, however, clearly felt it was time to go
Jobplex Names Leader of Atlanta Office
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR International, has expanded with the addition of Mark Mayleben as partner and leader of its Atlanta office. He was brought aboard to be a catalyst in the company’s growing apparel, consumer goods, food and beverage, leisure, and retail sectors. With deep expertise and experience leading senior executive searches across
IMD International Adds Partner in Czech Republic and Slovakia
With assignments increasingly coming in from around the globe, executive recruiters are developing new practices, hiring recruiters, and opening new locations. While the uptick in business has proven to be good for virtually every search firm, global recruiting consortiums seem well-placed and well-anchored to take advantage of some geographic areas that once seemed to be
Hiring Pace Accelerates Heading Into Summer
U.S. employers expect hiring to pick up in the third quarter, with 24 percent planning to add staff between July and September. 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 continues to
Korn Ferry Recruits CEO for J. Crew
Korn Ferry has assisted apparel retailer J. Crew in placing James Brett as its chief executive officer. A leader with more than 25 years of retail experience, Mr. Brett most recently served as president of specialty home furnishing company West Elm, a member of the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. portfolio. He will assume the CEO position in July, succeeding Millard
Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette Recruits Chief Librarian for Ryerson University
Nova Scotia-headquartered executive search firm Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette has assisted Ryerson University with the appointment of Carol Shepstone as its new chief librarian. Anna Stuart, managing partner and leader of the firm’s academic search practice, led the search. Ms. Shepstone has been working in academic libraries for more than 18 years. As university librarian at
Heidrick & Struggles Names Head of Leadership Consulting for Americas
Heidrick & Struggles has appointed Andrew LeSueur as head of leadership consulting in the Americas. He will continue to support his executive search clients and the industrial and supply chain practices as he transitions into his new role. “Andrew’s success in accelerating the performance of our clients will bring immense value to our leadership consulting business as
TRANSEARCH Opens Office in Bulgaria
TRANSEARCH International is continuing its expansion with the opening of an office in Sofia, Bulgaria. Krasen Vladimirov will lead the new office as managing partner of TRANSEARCH Bulgaria. Mr. Vladimirov has more than 15 years of experience in human resources and operational executive leadership positions and focuses on technology, professional and financial services. He has previously worked as
Human Capital Consultants Places Chief People Officer for ONE Campaign
Human Capital Consultants, LLC has placed Anchal Gupta as chief people officer for ONE Campaign, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy and campaigning organization. The search was led by senior search consultant Katherine Emery. “Anchal Gupta has over 15 years of HR experience in the international non-profit arena, including advocacy environments and with organizations with a large population
Koya Leadership Partners and Neumann Executive Search Merge
Since the start of the year, the search industry has seen a number of mergers. Some involve national expansion, while others are about global reach. Many of the consolidations provide greater solution possibilities for customers who want a full suite of talent management services. The latest: Koya Leadership Partners is merging Neumann Executive Search Partners
Chelsea Partners and Reffett Associates Place USA Swimming CEO
Chelsea Partners and Reffett Associates have assisted USA Swimming in selecting Timothy Hinchey as its president and CEO. He becomes the organization’s third leader, replacing the late Chuck Wielgus. The search was led by Andy Knox, managing director at Los Angeles-based Chelsea Partners, and Bill Reffett, managing partner at Reffett Associates in Seattle. The USA Swimming shootout was
Search Firms In Europe Continue to Make Acquisitions
Belgian-based search firm Pauwels Consulting has acquired healthcare and life sciences recruiters Vandycke & Partners and its sister company Mediconsult. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The combined firm now has more than 490 employees in the fields of life sciences, engineering and IT. For more than 27 years, Vandycke & Partners has
Calibrate Legal to Offer Search, Leadership, Marketing Services
Johnson Executive Search has announced the launch of its parent company, Calibrate Legal. The organization will be comprised of three main areas of service: executive search, which will be JJES’ purview; a leadership council; and marketing operations. “Calibrate Legal’s expanded mission is to connect the right people, ideas and information to position our law-firm clients at
Work-Life Balance Matters, But Does It Matter Most?
Work-life balance is an increasingly critical ingredient in deciding where to work, according to a newly released study by Randstad, the staffing and recruitment company. That factor was considered important to 45 percent of individuals surveyed from around the world, making it the third highest priority in sizing up would-be employers. Work-life balance moves up
Ventura Partners Lands New CEO for Boa Technology
Executive search firm Ventura Partners has recruited Shawn Neville as chief executive officer of Boa Technology Inc. Bob Damon, a partner at Ventura, led the assignment. Mr. Neville joins Boa following his tenure as CEO and chairman of the footwear company Aerosoles Group. He began his career at Procter & Gamble and Visa USA. His career
Cook Silverman Seeking Advancement Leader for California State Parks Foundation
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has been selected by the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) to lead its search for a director of advancement. Victoria L. Silverman, co-founder of Cook Silverman, is heading the assignment. The advancement leader reports directly to the executive director. The individual is expected to work with the board, staff and
RISE Talent and Sports Trade Group Join Forces
In an effort to tap into more sports-and-fitness related clients, executive search firm RISE Talent Acquisition announced that it has formed a partnership with the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), a Silver Springs, MD-based trade group. “The partnership is a long-term working relationship where RISE Talent Acquisition is born from the industry, and works
Signium Names Practice Group Leaders
Executive search firm Signium U.K. has named Paul Surridge as global head of leadership consulting and Dominique Graham global head of legal and professional services. Mr. Surridge takes over the position from Kin Chong U, who remains with the firm as managing partner of Signium Management Consulting. Mr. Surridge is an experienced management consultant, specializing in talent and
Baby Boomers, Millennials and the Value of Mentorship
Millennials have surpassed Baby Boomers in the U.S. as the largest living generation, according to population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Defined as those born roughly between 1983 and 2000, Millennials are poised to make up a majority of the global workforce by 2020. One result has been increased mentoring between Millennials and Baby
DHR International Places Chief Procurement Officer at Tata Motors
On the heels of finding Tata Motors’ new CEO, DHR International has recruited former Ford executive Tom Flack as chief procurement officer for the company. He will report directly to CEO Guenter Butschek. Frank Smeekes, DHR’s European managing director, led the assignment. “I am more than happy with the performance of Frank Smeekes and the DHR
Russell Reynolds Associates Places First Non-Jesuit President at Fairfield University
A number of top schools around the country are looking for high-profile leaders to take them into the future. In most cases, executive recruiting firms have had a hand in some aspect of the search and selection process. Fairfield University recently named Mark R. Nemec, Ph.D., as its ninth president, the first non-Jesuit to lead the school. Assisting with the
DF Brown & Associates Keeps It a Family Affair With New Hire
Lawrenceville, GA-based DF Brown & Associates has expanded with the addition of Garrett Brown as vice president and principal. It’s a move that the 19-year-old executive search firm is touting as the arrival of a “second generation” of leadership since Mr. Brown’s father, David, is its founder. In addition to more than 10 years of
PRAXI Alliance Adds Member Firm in Madrid
Global search consortium PRAXI Alliance Worldwide Executive Search has added Madrid-based executive search firm Development Systems SA as a member firm. The PRAXI Alliance global network now spans four continents, with more than 30 countries and 70 offices worldwide. Development Systems serves clients in Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Mexico and Chile. The firm is led by CEO
Papa John’s Pizza Enlists Pollard Search Group to Find CMO
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, a chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging, according to recruiters. But executive search firms are having no shortage of assignments for this important C-level position. The latest instance: Papa John’s Pizza
Nolan Partners Drafts CEO for British Swimming
With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games on the horizon, executive search firm Nolan Partners has assisted British Swimming in the placement of Jack Buckner as chief executive officer. He succeeds David Sparkes, who retired after 23 years with the organizations. Partner Andy Taylor led the search. Mr. Buckner, who is currently CEO of
Savannah Group Launched by Former Boyden U.K. Team
The U.K. office of global search firm Boyden has launched a new executive search and interim management business called Savannah Group. The firm said that companies increasingly want to support and enhance their in-house capabilities by aligning them with specific parts of the search process. “In the last 12 months, we have spent a lot of
Witt/Kieffer Names Co-Leaders of Healthcare Practice
Recruiter Witt/Kieffer has named Paul Bohne and Donna Padilla as co-leads of the firm’s healthcare practice, effective July 1. They succeed Andrew P. Chastain, who was promoted to CEO in March. “Our work helps strengthen and improve communities by helping build successful, thriving healthcare organizations,” said Mr. Bohne. “Alongside Donna and with our outstanding team, we plan to continue
