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Bespoke Partners Recruits CEO for OfficeRnD
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has placed Matt Keenan as the new CEO of OfficeRnD. He succeeds co-founder Miro Miroslavov, who after 10 years of leading the company will step into the role of executive chairman. Jenny Gray and Dakota Horn led the assignment. “Appreciation to Blue Star Innovation Partners for trusting Bespoke’s CEO, Board, and P&L Practice
Kestria Adds New Member Firm in Portugal
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has added Thrive Partners in Portugal as its newest member firm. “In Thrive Partners, we’ve found a partner that allows us to strengthen our portfolio by adding the important Portuguese market,” said Stepan Motejzik, Kestria’s global alliance director. “From our very first interaction, we’ve felt a mutual
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.
Why PE-Backed Companies Need a Talent Operating System
PE-backed companies rarely underperform because they lack urgency. They underperform because they fail to translate strategy into talent with enough precision, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at Talentfoot Executive Search. “In our experience leading executive searches for PE-backed businesses, the real breakdown usually happens before a search begins,
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?
Acertitude Recruits Head of Cybersecurity/CISO for Adevinta Spain
Acertitude has assisted in the recruitment of Xavi Bertomeu as head of cybersecurity and chief information security officer for Adevinta Spain, an EQT portfolio company. The search was led by partners, Eliza Baker and Tim Cook with support from Finty Hunter and Hannah Elwiss. Mr. Bertomeu brings more than a decade of experience in cybersecurity,
Anthem Executive | Anthem Academics Seeking Director of Athletics Texas A&M International University
Athletic directors are playing an increasingly vital role at colleges and universities across the country. With the expansion of athletic departments and, for the larger schools, the infusion of big dollars for sports, more schools have turned to search firms when such positions become open. Too much is at stake, they feel, to go at
Reducing Risk Through Informed Executive Search
As organizations face increasing pressure to make the right leadership decisions, executive search is becoming less about simply filling senior roles and more about reducing risk of a bad hire through better information, stronger alignment, and a deeper understanding of the leadership market. Companies are increasingly seeking search partners that can provide strategic insight before
Rokos Group Seeking CHRO for Keck Medicine of USC
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Keck Medicine of USC to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. The CHRO will serve as a strategic executive leader responsible for recommending, developing, implementing, administering, interpreting, coordinating, and evaluating human resources strategies, policies, programs, laws, and procedures pertaining to
Academic Career & Executive Search Retained by Briar Cliff University to Find New CFO
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been selected by Briar Cliff University to lead in its search for a vice president of finance and chief financial officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Briar Cliff University seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial financial leader. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the
How Adaptive Governance Is Reshaping Leadership in Private Equity
Private equity firms have transformed how they create value, placing greater emphasis on operational execution, leadership effectiveness, and strategic oversight throughout the investment lifecycle. As a result, executive search firms are increasingly being called upon not only to recruit high-impact leaders and board directors, but also to identify executives capable of operating within governance models
Why the Chief AI Officer Is Becoming a C-Suite Essential
Artificial intelligence is reshaping executive leadership, prompting organizations to rethink who should guide enterprise-wide AI strategy and oversee its responsible adoption. As companies move beyond experimentation to large-scale implementation, executive search firms are seeing growing demand for leaders who can combine technical expertise with business acumen, regulatory awareness, and the ability to drive transformation across
Yale University Taps Lindauer to Lead Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Development
Lindauer has been retained by Yale University to lead in its search for a vice president for alumni affairs and development. The search is being led by Lindauer CEO Deb Taft, executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Andrew Machado. Yale University seeks an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader. Reporting directly to president Maurie McInnis and serving
What a Great Executive Onboarding Plan Actually Looks Like
Executive search firms devote significant time and expertise to identifying leaders capable of driving organizational success, yet the work of ensuring those executives thrive often begins only after the search concludes. As organizations face mounting pressure to maximize leadership investments and accelerate executive impact, onboarding is emerging as a critical extension of the search process
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Prolynx
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has recruited Amer Mirza as chief scientific officer at Prolynx, a biotechnology company developing a next-generation portfolio of ultra-long-acting medicines for obesity and related metabolic conditions. “Dr. Amer Mirza is an accomplished scientific leader whose deep expertise in drug discovery and development and passion for innovation make him exceptionally well suited to serve as
Wilson Appoints New CEO
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has announced a planned leadership transition as founder and CEO John Wilson moves into a role on the board after nearly 24 years leading the company. Jean-Francois Vezina has been appointed CEO and will lead the next phase of Wilson’s growth and innovation. “It was important to me that the company be
ATS vs. CRM: Why Both Matter in Executive Search
An ATS is designed to move candidates through a single search, not to maintain relationships over the years between searches. In executive search, however, those long-term relationships are where most of the revenue is actually generated. A new report from Recruiterflow breaks down the difference between an ATS and an executive search CRM, why relationship-driven
Potrero Group Leads Search for the Leader of Bay Area’s Largest Trail Network
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has assisted in the recruitment of Kirsten Saenz Tobey as the executive director of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. This follows a national search. “Kirsten brings exactly the combination of strategic vision, entrepreneurial leadership, and genuine passion for conservation that this moment calls for,” said Taylor
Caldwell Appoints COO; Announces New Regional Managing Partner Structure
Toronto-based Caldwell has named John Blank as chief operating officer. The firm has also established a new regional managing partner structure designed to support the firm’s continued growth, strengthen operational effectiveness, and enhance coordination across its global platform. In his new role, Mr. Blank will oversee Caldwell’s business and people operations, including regional leadership, talent and people
The Evolution of the CHRO: From Personnel to Enterprise Leadership
The responsibilities of today’s chief human resources officer extend far beyond talent management, reflecting a broader shift in how organizations view leadership and business performance. As workforce transformation, artificial intelligence, and organizational change reshape corporate priorities, the CHRO has become an increasingly influential voice in helping CEOs and boards navigate strategic decisions. Not long ago,
GHP Search Assists Christel House with the Recruitment of New Board Members
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has helped Christel House Intl. to recruit John Gomes, partner, global telecom and technology at Bain & Co, and former partner, software at Kearney, Mani Iyer, chief AI and technology officer at Vanguard and former SVP – global head of infrastructure, data and technology at Paypal. Mr. Gomes is a globally recognized transformation and strategy leader in
TOC Arts Partners Assists Union Arts Center with the Recruitment of First Artistic Director
Following an extensive national search, New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has assisted Union Arts Center in Seattle, WA, with the recruitment of Yuvika Tolani as the first permanent artistic director. The search was led by vice president of executive search, Cynthia Fuhrman. “As a former resident of Seattle myself, I have enjoyed many performances
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group Seeking Chief of Development for the American LGBTQ+ Museum
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group was recently retained by the American LGBTQ+ Museum to lead in its search for chief of development. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the executive director, the chief of development will provide the leadership, direction, and coordination of fundraising strategies and activities to advance the mission of the American
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Janelle Padgett as VP and CFO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association in Glen Allen, VA. Ms. Padgett has more than 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience across complex healthcare systems, including multiple CFO, controller, and senior finance leadership roles within both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Most recently,
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
Forces Shaping the 2025 Dealmaking Boom
The latest EY Merger Monthly forecasts an uptick in U.S. M&A activity, driven by favorable macroeconomic conditions, regulatory shifts, and an increasing appetite for strategic deals. “U.S. M&A activity is expected to build further momentum in 2025,” the report notes, “driven by falling interest rates, strong economic expansion, substantial uninvested capital, and the imperative for business transformation.”Despite
Korn Ferry and The Rockefeller Foundation Form Alliance
Korn Ferry has partnered with The Rockefeller Foundation’s “100×25” campaign, a multi-faceted effort uniting organizations to help achieve the goal of advancing 100 women to the top role at Fortune 500 companies by 2025. The goal of the alliance is to develop a nuanced understanding of the common strengths and areas of development that companies should focus on
Caldwell Partners Posts Q2 Revenue Decline of 9.3 Percent
Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International posted second quarter revenues of $13.7 million (Canadian), a 9.3 percent decline from a year ago when the firm recorded revenues of $15.1 million. Second quarter net income was $267,000 ($0.13 per share), as compared to a loss of $764,000 ($0.38 per share) in the comparable period a year earlier. The
For One Recruiter, Pot Industry Has High Possibilities
Legal marijuana is now a near $7 billion business in the U.S., and sooner or later some enterprising headhunter was going to stumble upon it. Enter Dan Ogden. His recruiting joint, Delta 9 Search, is devoted exclusively to finding senior level executives for the cannabis industry. In its first four months of operation, business has
E.A. Hughes & Co. Places Chief Digital Officer at Citizen Watch America
Executive search firm E.A. Hughes & Co. has placed former Ralph Lauren executive Barbara Garces as chief digital officer (CDO) of Citizen Watch America. Recruiting partner Ann MacCarthy led the assignment. In this new role, Ms. Garces will lead the development and implementation of the company’s digital strategy across all Citizen Watch brands, including Citizen, Bulova, Caravelle, Frederique Constant, and
Spencer Stuart Lands CFO for Entercom Communications
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand and hunting them down is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In one recent assignment reflective of this growing appetite for finance leaders, search firm Spencer Stuart recruited Richard J. Schmaeling as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Entercom Communications Corp. He
Tatum Executive Search Names Recruiting Principal
Tatum, an interim services and executive search firm, has named Winston Chou as principal of Tatum Executive Search. Based in New York, he will be responsible for leading executive search engagements and managing client relationships in North America, focusing on financial leadership functions and partner-level roles for professional services clients. Mr. Chou has built an extensive track record in executive recruiting working
Piper Pritchard Acquires Helix Associates In the U.K.
Legal executive search firm Piper Pritchard has acquired executive recruiters Helix Associates. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Helix Associates will rebrand to PP Associates and the combined business will offer a seamless fee earner recruitment service to law firm clients. It will provide non-legal professionals across all functions, and interim legal and non-legal professionals to
Heidrick & Struggles Begins CEO Hunt for Mondelez International
Mondelez International, known for brands like Oreo cookies, Trident gum and Ritz crackers, has retained Heidrick & Struggles to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. No timetable has been set for the company’s next incoming leader to be named. Longtime CEO and chairman Irene Rosenfeld has come under fire by activist investors Bill Ackman and Nelson Peltz as
Harvard Group International Recruits Chief Development Officer for After-School All-Stars
Executive search firm Harvard Group International has placed Mandy Nelson as the first ever chief development officer (CDO) of After-School All-Stars (ASAS). Managing director and non-profit practice leader Cyndi Court led the search. Ms. Nelson is a seasoned non-profit development professional with more than 20 years of experience leading campaigns, programs, and people. She was a
Ward Howell Adds Retail & Lifestyle Practice Group Partner
Executive search firm Ward Howell International has named Sonia Prais as a partner in the firm’s retail, beauty & lifestyle practice group. Based in Orange County, she will be working out of Ward Howell’s California and New York offices. Ms. Prais brings 20 years of experience in executive search, having worked in the U.S. and across Europe and
Preston & Partners Expands South Charlotte Office
Executive search firm Preston & Partners has expanded with the addition of three new executive recruiters in its South Charlotte office. “We are very pleased to be expanding both location and services as new team members come onboard. Our clients and candidates will benefit from the depth and experience of these team additions,” said Gary
Goldbeck Recruiting Forms Alliance with Merc Saudi
Vancouver, BC-based executive search firm Goldbeck Recruiting has formed a partnership with Merc Saudi, an international recruitment firm headquartered in Guadalajara, Mexico with extensive recruiting operations throughout Latin America and the Middle East. MERC provides recruiting services to an expansive number of sectors, including accounting & finance; automotive; banking; business support; constructive & engineering; facilities management; financial services;
Board Director Outlook Remains Bullish
A strong majority of board directors (68 percent) have a ‘very definite’ optimistic look on the future, anticipating their company’s financial outlook to improve over the coming two years compared to the past two. Fifty six percent expect their businesses to perform better than their rivals in the coming two years, while a third (35 percent) expect
Residential Mortgage Services Taps WinterWyman for Chief Accounting Officer
Executive search firm WinterWyman has been retained by Residential Mortgage Services (RMS) to lead its search for a chief accounting officer (CAO). Senior vice president and partner Ken Martin is leading the assignment. The incoming CAO will provide financial insight to RMS in order to drive better strategy formulation, decision making and tactical execution. He or she will also collaborate
Chrisman & Company Finds CEO for First NBC Bank
Executive search firm Chrisman & Company has placed Carl J. Chaney as chief executive officer of New Orleans-headquartered First NBC Bank. Longtime leader and founder, Ashton Ryan Jr., recently stepped aside as CEO. The bank is using the opportunity to separate the roles of CEO and president; Mr. Ryan will continue on as president. Founding search firm partner
EMA Partners Forms Partnership With Decision Dynamics
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has formed a joint venture with Decision Dynamics AB, a global provider of solutions for leadership and talent management. EMA will get access to Decision Dynamics’ tools, which it will deploy across all of its leadership search engagements and also through its leadership consulting practice, to offer solutions
Talengo Expands Healthcare Practice
Executive search firm Talengo has named Rosa García-Tizón as director of its healthcare recruiting practice. Ms. García-Tizón began her professional career in the healthcare sector, where she occupied different positions in Abbott’s hospital and pharmaceuticals divisions. In 2005 she led the business and human resources strategy for the Hospira project, the first spin-off from Abbott. Over
Why Amazon Remains Prime Hunting Ground for Headhunters
Egon Zehnder has assisted BAMTech, the $3.5 billion live digital streaming service, in naming Michael Paull as its new chief executive officer. The company is a recent spin-off of MLB Advanced Media in which Disney acquired a $1 billion stake to launch ESPN’s multi-sport subscription streaming service. He replaces Bob Bowman, MLB’s president of business and media,
ZRG Partners Fastest Growing Search Firm In the Americas
ZRG Partners posted revenues in its Americas region of $18.6 million last year, a 67 percent rise and a large enough increase to make it the fastest growing search firm in the region, according to the latest statistics report soon to be released from Hunt Scanlon Media. ZRG currently has 42 consultants across 14 offices global offices, with global
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped to Find Center for Human Drug Research CEO
The Center for Human Drug Research (CHDR) has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to lead its chief executive officer search. Jacques Bouwens, leader of the search firm’s global healthcare practice, is currently on the hunt for candidates with proven scientific track records. Reporting to the organization’s board of trustees, the chosen CEO will be the key member of
Focus Search Partners Names Technology Practice Partner
Focus Search Partners, the executive search division of talent solutions provider Vaco, has named Steve Finder as managing partner of its global technology and financial officers practice. Based in San Francisco, he will lead a team of consultants and add new market sectors, including additional depth in enterprise software, space/frontier technology and cybersecurity. Mr. Finder has more than 20
Johnson Executive Search Adds Former HR Executive to Its Ranks
Johnson Executive Search has expanded with the addition of former human resources executive Stephanie Owens as a recruiting advisor. Ms. Owens specializes in placing middle and senior level marketing, business development and communications talent in law firms across the U.S. She has spent the majority of her career as a human resources and people operations executive
Private Equity Firm In Talks to Acquire CareerBuilder
Private equity firm GTCR LLC is in exclusive talks to acquire CareerBuilder for more than $1 billion. The sale would allow CareerBuilder’s owners – TV station operator Tegna Inc., broadcasting company Tribune Media Company and newspaper group The McClatchy Company – to cash out from a non-core business. GTCR has prevailed in an auction for CareerBuilder,
Witt/Kieffer Tapped by University of Illinois to Lead Provost Search
Academic institutions continue to turn to executive recruiters for leadership guidance. The latest: the University of Illinois has selected Witt/Kieffer to lead its search for a new provost for its Urbana campus. The recruiting firm, one of nine under contract by the Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative to perform administrative, academic and medical searches, will be paid $121,600
Sterling Martin Associates In Hunt for Two Association Leaders
Executive search firm Sterling Martin Associates is currently seeking new leaders for The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations and The International Safety Equipment Association. Managing partner David S. Martin, along with senior recruiters Leigh Beal and Kahti Motley, is leading both assignments. The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) has retained Sterling Martin to
Rowe Global Names Technology & Healthcare Practice Partner
Dallas-based executive search firm Rowe Global, LLC has appointed Dru George as managing partner of its technology and healthcare practice. Mr. George brings to the firm extensive experience in executive search, working primarily with Fortune 500 companies, venture capital concerns and private equity-backed portfolio companies. He has recruited executive leadership throughout North America in the software, services,
Bailey Fisher Executive Search Enters France
U.K.-headquartered Bailey Fisher Executive Search has entered the French market with a partnership with Agnes Babule, who will serve as a business partner. She is based in Paris and works in France, Belgium and Switzerland. Ms. Babule is an experienced executive search professional with a track record covering a wide range of sectors that reflect Bailey Fisher’s
U.S. Job Growth Slows As Fewer Jobs Are Added
Employers added 98,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.5 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. During the month, the number of workers unemployed also dropped to 7.2 million. March marked the 76th straight month of job growth in the U.S. But economists surveyed by Bloomberg had expected
Korn Ferry Recruits CEO for Pier 1
Korn Ferry has recruited former Kmart executive Alasdair James as president and chief executive officer of home furnishings retail company Pier 1 Imports. Past CEO Alex Smith left the company at the end of the year. Mr. James was most recently with Sears Holdings Corporation, where he served since 2014 as president of Kmart. During his tenure, he transformed
Association Strategies Leading CEO Search for ASPPH
Non-profit recruiting specialist Association Strategies has been tapped by the Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. Search firm president Pamela Kaul is leading the assignment. The chosen CEO will develop and implement ASPPH programs, policies, and practices as well as the organization’s strategic plan. The association
Patina Solutions Names Life Sciences Practice Leader
Professional services firm Patina Solutions recently expanded with the addition of Jodi Brendel as managing partner in Minnesota where she will lead the firm’s life sciences search practice. “Jodi will be an excellent addition to the Patina leadership team,” said Tom McBride, Patina chief operating officer. “Her leadership experience in life sciences is impressive and we look forward to







