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Reinforcing Leadership at Historically Black Colleges
Presidential turnover has become an increasingly urgent issue across higher education, but the stakes are especially high at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). As HBCUs navigate rising enrollment demand, heightened fundraising expectations, and growing public visibility, leadership continuity is emerging as a critical factor in long-term institutional strength. Yet many campuses continue to face
Industra Talent Partners Launched by Bespoke Partners for Private Equity-Backed Industrial Companies
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has launched Industra Talent Partners to use AI and a best-in-class search methodology to recruit senior leaders for U.S. middle-market industrial companies backed by private equity. “Industrial companies are perfect candidates for private equity to produce outsized returns. But portfolio company leadership is the critical factor in executing on value creation plans,” said Eric
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.
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
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?
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
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
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
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
Goldsmith & Co. Leading Investment Officer Search for NY Public Library
Demand for executive level, “high impact” investing talent has been on the rise, and in the years ahead it is expected to soar. Recruiters say the need for chief investment officers (CIO) across the asset allocator spectrum, including endowments and foundations, and corporate, public and state plans, have significantly increased in number over the last five years
DRI Offers Money Back Guarantee On Candidates
Executive search firm Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI), which focuses on the talent needs of small to mid-sized companies, is backing up its executive searches with a retention guarantee of its placements for one to two years. Direct Retention, as the firm calls its new product offering, revolves around a thorough evaluation of candidates by DRI as
Janssen & Associates Seeks New Leaders for Non-Profits
The economic strength of the non-profit field has increased in recent years, making it the third largest employer in the U.S. Nearly two million not-for-profits employ 10.7 million people and produce more than $1.9 trillion in revenue. In the past decade, employment in the sector grew by 17 percent. With demand for non-profit talent at an all-time
SearchWide Names Hotel and Resort Practice Leader
Executive recruiting firm SearchWide has brought aboard John Brich, former director of sales for the Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau, as a vice president. Mr. Brich takes the lead in managing the recruiter’s hotel and resort practice. He is charged with opening a new regional office in the Cincinnati area, the sixth location for the firm. Mr.
Morgan Hunt Appoints London Office Leader
London-based executive search firm Morgan Hunt Executive Search has named Maria Yankovskaya as head of its London office. Ms. Yankovskaya has over 18 years of experience in executive search, including 10 years as a consultant in the banking practice of Ward Howell International in Moscow and six years as a lead consultant and partner with a major
What Can Companies Do to Create An Inclusive Culture
Diverse organizations outperform their peers, and in the process embed inclusion strategies into almost all their management decisions, according to new research by advisory firm Bersin by Deloitte. That may be a key reason why 78 percent of those responding to the firm’s latest survey believe diversity and inclusion is a competitive advantage. Even so, only 12
DHR International Forms Partnership to Ease Clients’ Digital Struggles
DHR International, Ogilvy & Mather and International Data Corporation (IDC) have launched a partnership to help their customers in the Asia-Pacific market overcome the challenges of digital disruption. Typically, businesses view digital transformation as an IT issue. But for a company to successfully make the change, multiple functions within the organization must be brought into the fold. That’s where
AlbertHall&Associates Lands Artistic Director for Arizona Theatre Company
The Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) board of directors has named David Ivers as its new artistic director. Executive recruitment firm AlbertHall&Associates conducted the nationwide search. ATC’s current artistic director, David Ira Goldstein, will remain with the company the end of June, when his 25-year tenure officially ends. Mr. Ivers served as artistic director at the Utah Shakespeare
Acquisitions Continue to Make Headlines In Recruiting Industry
The wave of M&A activity among executive search firms continues. The latest deal: Solon, OH-headquartered Torch Group has acquired Selker Leadership, a search firm that places candidates in the technology and software fields. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Selker Leadership’s president, Gregory L. Selker, will join Torch Group as senior vice president and search operations leader,
Recruiting Industry Game Changer On the Horizon
One year from now, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) goes into effect. The law will have a tremendous impact on how companies, government agencies and, yes, executive search firms across the E.U. — including the U.K. — handle personal data. Ignore the law and you can expect tough penalties for failing to comply.
Credit Union Resources Leads CEO Search for Carolinas Credit Union League
These are critical days for credit unions. The U.S. has nearly 6,000 of them, with more than $1.2 trillion in assets, according to the National Credit Union Administration. But with the steady retirement of Baby Boomers, among other factors, the cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000 chief executive officers and senior managers
Buffkin / Baker Merges WTW Associates Into Its Expanding Search Platform
Search firm Buffkin / Baker has merged New York-based WTW Associates into its expanding executive recruiting platform. WTW, a talent provider focused on the media, entertainment, technology and law industries, will integrate its operations into the Buffkin / Baker New York office. Terms were not disclosed. “We have greatly enhanced our entertainment/media practice this year, and are excited to have
Carmichael Fisher Lands CEO for CEPI
Executive search firm Carmichael Fisher has recruited Dr. Richard Hatchett as chief executive officer of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Principle consultant Tarquin Bennett-Coles led the assignment along with managing director Justin Hobday. Dr. Hatchett joins the organization from the Biomedical Advanced Research & Development Authority (BARDA) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),
Penrhyn Forms Technology, Media & Telecoms Practice Group
Penrhyn International, a global network of executive search firms, has launched a new global technology, media & telecoms practice group, led by Yanouk Poirier, managing partner of Montreal-based search firm Leaders International. It brings together search consultants who specialize in the technology, media & telecoms space throughout Canada, the U.S., the U.K., France, Italy, Japan, the Philippines,
What Matters Most to Today’s Well-Informed Workers
Historically, the balance of power between employers and candidates has favored employers. Candidates had few sources of information about open positions, corporate culture or company vision, let alone compensation and benefits. But the talent market is changing. Big time. Candidates today report a dramatic increase in the amount of information they have about a company
How One Recruiter’s Board Participation Is Paying Off
For executive search firm leaders, serving in a board capacity for outside companies can be rewarding on several levels. There’s service to a company, of course. But a lot of valuable learning also goes on in such work, be it about emerging trends, the latest ideas or the hottest businesses and their talent. It also
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Kymab
Executive search firm Coulter Partners has placed Dr. Sonia Quaratino as chief medical officer of Kymab Group, a human monoclonal antibody biopharmaceutical company. She will manage the clinical development of the organization’s expanding therapeutic antibody portfolio. Dr. Quaratino is an immunologist and joins Kymab from Novartis, where she served as global clinical program leader – transitional clinical oncology, responsible for
Atlanta Hawks Turns to Turnkey Search for New GM
The Atlanta Hawks has retained Turnkey Search to lead its hunt for a new general manager. The team fired past GM Wes Wilcox after the Hawks record dipped to 43-39 this past season and the team lost to the Washington Wizards in the opening round of the playoffs. “As we have said from the beginning, we are committed to
RSR Partners Appoints Head of Risk Practice
Executive search firm RSR Partners has named Talal Debs as a managing director and head of its risk practice. With a strong combination of risk management, finance, and academic experience, Mr. Debs will focus on recruiting senior executives and directors to navigate new risk, regulatory and compliance issues for clients. His areas of concentration will include insurance, investment banking, trading and
7 Ways to Evaluate Your Executive Search Firm
When businesses have high profile, top leadership roles to fill, executive search firms can provide indispensable service. The best recruiters walk alongside a client at every stage of the hiring process. They know the questions to ask that help define the requirements of the role. They take the time to thoroughly understand company culture. And
Spelman Johnson Leading Hunt for University of Chicago Police Chief
The University of Chicago has enlisted search firm Spelman Johnson to find its next chief of police. Vice president Mark A. Hall is leading the assignment. The school is looking to have a new leader in place by July. The role calls for a range of skill sets, including planning, organizing, directing and administering the policing initiatives of
SearchWide Recruits CEO for Visit Aurora
Visit Aurora has appointed Bruce Dalton as president and chief executive officer following a search led by recruiting firm SearchWide. He succeeds Gary Wheat, who established the organization in 2010. Senior vice president Mark Gnatovic led the assignment. Mr. Dalton is a second-generation leader in the hospitality industry. He comes to Visit Aurora with 29 years of industry experience,
Ratliff & Taylor Appoints President
Executive search firm Ratliff & Taylor has appointed Beth Sweeney as its new president. An accomplished leader with deep industry experience, she has been widely recognized for her work in sales and marketing throughout a 20-plus year career. As president, Ms. Sweeney will have full profit-and-loss responsibility for each of the company’s three practices: executive search, leadership
Focus Search Partners Continues Expansion
Focus Search Partners, the executive search division of talent solutions provider Vaco, has brought aboard Richard D’Antoni as managing partner of the firm’s healthcare and private equity practices. Mr. D’Antoni has more than 20 years of experience in matching high-performing executives with leading healthcare companies, ranging from venture capital and private equity-backed portfolio companies to publicly held organizations.
Executive Search Industry Leaders Offer Up Bold Predictions
Predicting the future could practically be its own business sector. Whether the prognostications are coming from the Magic 8-Ball, Punxsutawney Phil or CNBC’s Jim Cramer, people want to know what lies ahead. So it was that Hunt Scanlon Media rounded up a collection of soothsayers from the search industry to provide their insights about the changes that
Odgers Berndtson Continues Aggressive Growth
Odgers Berndtson has expanded with the addition of two search specialists with deep sector expertise to bolster its technology, and higher education & academic medicine practices. Lisa Hooker joins Odgers as a partner and will serve clients in the firm’s technology practice. Ms. Hooker brings 20-plus years of executive search expertise in telecommunications, consumer electronics, cloud
ZRG Partners Expands to London
ZRG Partners, the fastest growing search firm in the U.S., has opened an office in London, continuing on its massive expansion trajectory. Steve Banks will head the operation as managing director and U.K. country head, bringing a strong background to support the firm’s plans for the region. By the end of the year, ZRG expects to
Spencer Stuart Strengthens Leadership Advisory Group
With an evident need among client companies growing and an opportunity to expand ancillary services offerings to meet that demand, a number of executive search firms are launching or adding to their leadership consulting advisory practices. This month, Spencer Stuart announced three appointments to its leadership advisory services group in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Brought on board
Isaacson, Miller Finds Seventh President for Juilliard
Executive search firm Isaacson, Miller has placed Damian Woetzel, a renowned former principal dancer for the New York City Ballet, as the seventh president of The Juilliard School. For the last 32 years, Joseph Polisi has served as the organization’s president. Isaacson, Miller chairman John Isaacson led the search with vice president Sheryl Ash and associates Katie Rockman and Cortney
Executive Recruiters Set New Milestones In Latest Rankings
The executive search industry’s leading 50 players in North America topped $3 billion in revenues last year, according to industry newsletter ESR, in a market report released today by Hunt Scanlon Media. The group collectively jumped by almost 10 percent, continuing an incredible run for an industry that just a decade ago was left reeling
USA Gymnastics Taps Russell Reynolds Associates for CEO Search
After putting out an open casting call for executive search firms to assist USA Gymnastics in its hunt for a new chief executive officer, Russell Reynolds Associates has taken the rings of this highly coveted sports assignment and commenced a highly anticipated global talent search. Managing director Nada Usina is leading the undertaking with consultant Libby Naumes. The
