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Occam Global Fills Senior Post for Variant Bio
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has recruited Craig T. Basson as chief medical officer and president of R&D of Variant Bio, a genomics-driven AI drug discovery company in Seattle, WA. “Craig’s career uniquely spans deep human genetics, rigorous clinical science, and successful drug development at scale,” said Andrew Farnum, chief executive officer of Variant Bio. “His
ECA Partners Expands Healthcare and Life Sciences Practices
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has named Ryan March and Allison Chappelle as senior directors within the its healthcare & life sciences practice. “Both appointments reflect ECA’s strategic expansion in the healthcare sector and reinforce its commitment to delivering specialized expertise to private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies,” the firm said. “Together, they strengthen ECA’s
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.
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
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?
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
GHP Search Partners with Ascend Learning on Board Member Appointments
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently tapped by Ascend Learning to assist in growing both the Ascend Learning board of directors and the Ascend Charter Schools board of trustees. New members of the Ascend Learning board identified by GHP include Robert Childs, retired EVP, strategic initiatives at American Express and Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, a founding leader of Amazon’s Streaming TV advertising business. Richard Young Jr, director,
FMG Leading Adds Healthcare Strategy and Transformation Expert
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of healthcare strategy and transformation expert Doug Van Wie as managing director. The firm explained that the addition further aligns FMG Leading’s capabilities with the needs of investor-backed organizations looking to add value and mitigate risk as they deploy purpose-driven capital into the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Caldwell Launches Global Financial Institutions Group Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launch its global financial institutions group (FIG) practice, bringing together the firm’s financial services capabilities under a single, globally coordinated practice. “This is more than a change in name,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “It reflects the scale, connectivity, and depth of the practice we have built globally, as well as
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
Myers McRae Helps Pensacola State College Select Finalist for President Role
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted Pensacola State College (PSC) with the selection of J. Alex Kelly as the finalist to become it’s next president. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Kenny Daugherty of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. The search attracted 107 qualified applicants from across the country. The committee selected
Potrero Group Recruits CEO for Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has placed Karen Strolia as the next CEO of Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) in San Rafael, CA. She succeeds longtime CVNL CEO Linda Jacobs, who led the organization for 25 years. “The board is thrilled to welcome Karen as CVNL’s next chief executive officer,” said Luana Vaetoe,
Marovi Appoints Head of Engineering
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has expanded with the addition of Ebubechukwu “Don” Enwerem as head of engineering. “Over the past few years, Don has had several engineering terms with Amazon Robotics – work estimated to save millions in operational costs. In between stints, he was building with Marovi. When the opportunity came to continue with Amazon, Don chose
As Executive Search Accelerates, Judgment Becomes the Differentiator
Executive search firms are under pressure to demonstrate value earlier than ever. Clients increasingly expect firms to understand the market, identify credible candidates, and begin calibrating on potential profiles before a search has even formally launched. AI and new data tools are helping firms meet those demands. Tasks that once took days can now be
Fractional vs. Full-Time Executives: The Real Math for Mid-Sized Growing Companies
As mid-sized companies grow, one of the more consequential leadership decisions is determining when fractional executive support is sufficient and when the business requires a full-time leader. A recent ExactSearch.AI report examined the economics behind that decision, finding that the answer often depends less on compensation than on the level of ownership, accountability, and organizational
Lindauer Recruits Chief Development Officer for C-SPAN
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Adele Hixon-Day as the first chief development officer of C-SPAN. The search is being led by Lindauer vice president Maureen Huminik, senior vice president Bob Giannino, and senior consultant Taylor Beard. “Adele joins C-SPAN at a pivotal moment,” said C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist. “For decades, the cable and satellite, and recently
Pyramind Recruits President and CEO for The SkillSource Group
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Clifford Yee as president and CEO of The SkillSource Group, Inc. (SSG), fiscal sponsor of Virginia Career Works – Northern. He succeeds interim executive officer Seema Jain, following a leadership transition supported by SkillSource’s staff, board, and community partners. “Cliff has a strong
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Fortra Search
In an effort to strengthen its venture capital and private equity search capabilities, Buffkin / Baker has acquired Fortra Search, a boutique retained executive search firm focused exclusively on executive sales and revenue leadership. The firm has also named its founder Andy Grosso as partner. “We’re thrilled to welcome Andy to Buffkin / Baker,” said Jackson Ross, partner
The Role of the CFO in PE-Backed Businesses
The role of the CFO in private equity-backed businesses has shifted materially in recent years. Historically a function for financial stewardship, the CFO role is now defined by operational accountability, value creation and the ability to translate investment strategy into outcomes. A recent report from U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP). The study examined how
JDG Associates Seeking Executive Director for the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently selected by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) to lead its search for a new executive director. The position is remote and may be based anywhere in the United States, with proximity to the Washington, D.C. area considered a plus. NCART stands at a pivotal moment, with active,
Calibre One Assists Cibus with CEO Search
Calibre One has helped to recruit board member Craig Wichner as the new CEO for NASDAQ-traded Cibus, Inc. in San Diego, CA. Peter Beetham, who has served as the company’s interim CEO, will continue his role as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Concurrently, both Mr. Wichner and Dr. Beetham resigned from the Cibus board of directors as part
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for OneOC
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Bonni Pomush as the new president and CEO of OneOC. She will succeed Tim Strauch, who will remain president and CEO through December 31, 2026, before retiring from OneOC after 19 years of service and leadership. “Bonni’s record of organizational transformation, collaborative leadership, and community engagement makes her exceptionally
NPAworldwide Forms Alliance with Dimensional Search Associates
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has formed a strategic partnership with the Sanford Rose Associates family of companies, including Dimensional Search. “This partnership brings together two strong organizations with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to helping independent recruiting firms succeed,” NPAworldwide said. “For NPAworldwide, the agreement represents a meaningful extension of its mission to connect independent recruiting
Scaling Growth Through Transformative Talent
High-growth environments can compress time, magnify decisions, and expose leadership gaps in an instant. As companies move through periods of rapid expansion, the ability to build and evolve the right leadership team becomes increasingly critical to sustaining momentum and creating long-term value. Across private equity, venture capital, and technology-driven businesses, organizations are rethinking how they
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Allstate
Crist|Kolder Associates has recruited Christian Lown as executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Allstate Corporation. “Chris’s leadership and capital markets expertise will enable us to continue increasing Property-Liability market share and expand protection provided to customers,” said Tom Wilson, president and CEO of The Allstate Corporation. With more than 25 years of senior
Protis Global Appoints Co-Presidents
Consumer packaged goods-focused executive search and advisory firm Protis Global has named Skye Miller and Isabel Cosby as co-presidents in a planned generational leadership transition as the company positions itself for its next phase of growth. Bert Miller, who co-founded the firm in 1995, moves from chairman and CEO of Protis Global to chairman. He will continue as founder
AI-Powered Exits: A New Lever for PE to Maximize Value
A recent AlixPartners report highlights that AI can be instrumental in preparing portfolio companies for sale, especially in a soft deal market where well-prepared exits are harder to achieve. “AI can make preparation for sale faster and more comprehensive,” notes the report. “AI can be helpful in exit preparation, particularly when the deal market is soft
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 &
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
