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Why Most Boards Underperform and Why 2026 is the Year to Fix It
Even the most capable boards can struggle to translate individual expertise into collective performance. If you spend enough time in boardrooms of any flavor, whether public, private, PE-backed, family-owned, or non-profit, you eventually notice a strange phenomenon, explained a recent report from Rob Andrews, founder and CEO of Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin. “Everyone is
VC and PE Talent Partners Should Be Pursuing the Same Marketing Leader — Here’s Why
For much of the last decade, talent partners could draw a clean line between marketing leadership profiles in venture-backed and private-equity-backed companies. Venture portfolios hired for invention, narrative, and early demand discovery while private equity portfolios hired for discipline, efficiency, and EBITDA stewardship, according to a recent report from RevelOne’s John Levisay. “That distinction has eroded,”
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.
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
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?
Solomon Page Launches 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
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Here Is Why Versatile CEOs Are In Such High Demand
The leadership dynamics of private equity-backed firms and public companies have long been viewed as starkly different. Private equity leaders thrive on fast value creation, a highly involved ownership model, and a clear exit strategy – often within a five-year window. Public company chief executives, on the other hand, navigate board politics, captain shareholder expectations,
Coulter Partners Opens Office In Zurich
Executive search firm Coulter Partners has opened a new office in Zurich and tapped Phillipp Buis to serve as executive director. This strategic expansion at the firm enhances Coulter Partners’ presence in this key Swiss life sciences market, while also strengthening its German, Austrian, and international networks further. Mr. Buis joins the Swiss based team at Coulter Partners to
How Careers, Work and Hiring Will Shift This Year
By now, we’re about done glancing in the rearview mirror as 2016 fully recedes. Spring will soon arrive, and with that change will likely come good opportunities in business and in careers. Whether you are a team leader thrilled with your current position, in full-on job search mode, or curious about career opportunities down the
The Clark Partnership Teams Up With SoftBank On C-Suite Searches
Japanese multinational telecommunications and Internet company, SoftBank Corp., has turned to recruiting firm The Clark Partnership to help round out its senior level management team. The search firm is building out SoftBank’s new private equity investment firm, Vision Fund, in London. Co-founder and CEO Simon Clark is spearheading the relationship and search work for SoftBank. The Clark Partnership recently placed Simon
Carmichael Fisher Opens First U.S. Office
Executive search firm Carmichael Fisher has expanded into the U.S. with the opening of a new office in Los Angeles. The new location will be led by Justin Hobday, supported locally by two regional directors, new hire Kimberley Rice and Ciara Kelleher, who transfers from the fIrm’s EMEA headquarters in London. The Los Angeles outpost is the firm’s
McCormick Group Taps Technology Leader for Juniper Federal
Executive search firm The McCormick Group has recruited David Mihelcic as chief technology and strategy officer at Juniper Federal. Principal Tim Ward led the assignment. In his new role, Mr. Mihelcic will drive technological innovation and new product development for the company’s federal customers and across the entire organization. He will also provide counsel on infrastructure modernization programs that
TRANSEARCH Opens New Offices In Brazil
TRANSEARCH International is continuing its expansion with the opening of two new offices in Brazil located in Sao Paulo and Curitiba. Ricardo Du Pain, who will head up the Sao Paulo office, has 15 years of experience in professional services and specializes in the pharmaceutical, consumer goods and high tech industries. He has worked for several related organizations, including Monitor
Hiring Pace to Accelerate Heading Into Spring
U.S. employers expect the pace of hiring to pick up in the second quarter, with nearly 25 percent planning to add staff between April and June. 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 the continued uncertain
When Stepping Back In a Career Becomes a Step Forward
Making a lateral career shift to a new job, or even moving slightly down the totem pole, is more common than might be expected. Those who closely follow the food industry saw an example of that recently when Greg Schlafer moved from president of Lamb Weston, a subsidiary of ConAgra Foods, to senior vice president
Lochlin Partners Lands Finance Leader for Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Tracey Stevens as chief financial and administrative officer of Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon. Managing partner Patrick Friel led the assignment. Ms. Stevens will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for overseeing all financial and administrative functions within the organization. With 20 years of experience in leading
Allegis Partners Strengthens San Francisco Office
Executive search firm Allegis Partners has expanded with the addition of John K. Anderson in San Francisco as a managing director in the firm’s human resources practice. In his new role, he will specialize in identifying human resource executives to lead HR teams and functions at a variety of organizations. Mr. Anderson has more than 25 years
IRC Names Asia Pacific Leader
IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) has appointed Gurdeep S. Hora as Asia Pacific regional leader. Mr. Hora founded IRC India (Synergy Consultants) in 1989 and is considered an executive search pioneer in India. He assists in the leadership needs of Fortune 500 & top Indian companies across India, Middle East & Africa. Mr. Hora has worked
Uber Picks Heidrick & Struggles to Recruit No. 2 Executive
Uber has retained Heidrick & Struggles to lead its search for a COO to work alongside embattled CEO Travis Kalanick. The high profile assignment kicks off Uber’s effort to rehabilitate its bruised image after a string of controversies. The rideshare leader is seeking a seasoned executive, preferably female according to multiple sources, to help turn around a
AETHOS Places CFO at Red Lion Hotels
Executive search firm AETHOS Consulting Group has placed Douglas L. Ludwig as executive vice president, treasurer, and chief financial officer of Red Lion Hotels Corporation. James Bell, its former CFO, decided to leave Red Lion to pursue another professional venture. Managing director Ken Greger led the assignment. Mr. Ludwig most recently served as CFO of Baha Mar Resorts Limited for the past
Kingsley Gate Launches Global Financial Services Practice; Opens New Offices
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners has launched a new practice serving the financial services industry. The effort will be led by two new senior partners, Mark Esposito and Paige Scott, who recently joined the firm. In addition, Kingsley Gate announced the opening of offices in New York and San Francisco to support the firm’s continued growth and
Boyden Names Global Consumer and Retail Practice Leader
Executive search firm Boyden has named Cornelia Tänzler as leader of its global consumer and retail practice. Ms. Tänzler, who is managing partner of Boyden Switzerland, brings extensive experience in the sector across Europe. She has built a prestigious client portfolio with many C-level and board searches having now been completed. Ms. Tänzler has specialized expertise in fast moving
Major, Lindsey & Africa Opens In Singapore
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has opened a new office in Singapore and added Ashish Raivadera to the partner practice group as head of private practice for South Asia. He will also lead operations in Singapore. In recent years, while working at ATR Associates Pte. Ltd., Mr. Raivadera focused on partner and counsel placements with international law
Unemployment Rate Dips Again As Job Growth Accelerates
Employers added 235,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.7 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. During the month, the number of workers unemployed also dropped to 7.5 million. February marked the 75th straight month of job growth in the U.S. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had expected the
Prosperity Found Among Recruiting Boutiques That Merge
One look at this year’s recruiting industry statistics reveals one clear trend line: double digit growth and expansion is taking place among the sector’s boutique specialists. As a group, they are far outpacing their Big Five rivals. Many have accomplished this by taking a page out of the big firms’ playbook, extending their brands into
Opportunity Resources Searching for Columbia Museum of Art Leader
Executive search firm Opportunity Resources has been selected by the Columbia Museum of Art (CMA) to find it a new executive director. The position’s current occupant, Karen Brosius, informed board members and staff late last year that she was leaving to become president of Careers Through Culinary Arts Program. Lynn Robertson, former executive director of the McKissick Museum at
Strategic Government Resources Retained by Arlington Police Department
The Arlington, TX police department has retained executive search firm Strategic Government Resources to find its new chief administrative officer (CAO). Senior vice president Tommy Ingram is leading the assignment. Candidates for the position should be exceptional leaders, capable of planning and directing personnel activities for the department’s technology program, accreditation, budget, grants, and internal affairs. The incoming executive
CDI Corp. Posts Revenue Losses
CDI Corp. / (NYSE:CDI) posted 2016 revenues of $864.4 million, a decline of 8.7 percent from revenues of $985.5 million the previous year. The company reported a loss of $31.6 million, or $1.66 per share. At MRINetwork, the company’s executive search subsidiary, revenue fell one percent from $53.1 million to $50.2 million. During the fourth quarter, CDI recorded revenues
Five Ways to Navigate Your Career In the C-Suite
Not surprisingly, CEOs are some of the oldest and longest-tenured corporate executives compared with other prominent C-suite roles, this according to new analysis just released by Korn Ferry. By contrast, the study found chief marketing and information officers sit at the other end of the spectrum and are the youngest and shortest-tenured top professionals in the
ZRG Partners Launches Orca Talent
Executive search firm ZRG Partners has named Mark Cusick to head up a new division at the firm called Orca Talent. As president, he will lead this growing sales optimization business, which is addressing the global problem of sales force hiring and productivity. Mr. Cusick brings a unique skill set to the role, having worked with global
EFL Associates Recruits CIO for the Colorado Retirement Association
Executive search firm EFL Associates has placed Amy C. McGarrity as chief investment officer of the $44 billion Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association. Ms. McGarrity has held investment positions in both the private and public sectors. Most recently, she was a global equities product specialist with William Blair & Company in Chicago. Before that, she was with the Colorado
R. William Funk Lands New Leader for University of Arizona
Just as Elon University gets its president search off the ground with the help of a recruiting boutique, the University of Arizona has selected its 22nd president with assistance from R. William Funk & Associates. The firm recently presented two finalist candidates: Dr. Robert Robbins, CEO of Texas Medical Center, and Sethuraman Panchanathan, Arizona State University’s VP
DHR International Appoints North America Healthcare Leader
DHR International has named Scott Sette as North American leader of the firm’s healthcare services & solutions practice. He joins Robin Singleton, who serves as the firm’s global healthcare group leader. Since joining DHR in 2014, Mr. Sette has been a leader in the practice, filling key executive level positions at prestigious healthcare organizations across the country, as
Why Tending Your Career Is a Lifelong Pursuit
It’s easy to get comfortable in your career, especially when all is going well. But James G. Ward, an executive coach, corporate consultant, and author of ‘New Directions,’ a newly published guide to career management, said that could be a big mistake. Gone are the days when someone might spend decades perhaps even an entire career, at a single company. And if any lessons were learned in
Vanderbloemen In Hunt for First United Methodist Church Youth Minister
Executive recruiting firm Vanderbloemen Search Group has been selected by First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro, AR to lead its quest to find a new youth minister. The organization is seeking an individual who is “devotional” and has strong leadership skills. Vanderbloemen has carved out a unique recruiting niche helping churches and ministries find mission-driven leaders.
Spencer Stuart Helping Fred’s Inc. Round Out Board of Directors
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has assisted Fred’s Inc. (Fred’s Pharmacy) in adding Christopher W. Bodine, Peter J. Bocian, and Michael K. Bloom to its board of directors. The directorship placements are part of an ongoing reconstitution process at Fred’s in which the board has been actively engaged, with the assistance of Spencer Stuart. Mr. Bodine brings to the
Buffkin / Baker Acquires MusicRowSearch
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Nashville, TN-based MusicRowSearch, an executive recruiting operation specializing in the entertainment industry, to expand its service lines and leverage future growth. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. MusicRowSearch will retain its name under the Buffkin / Baker brand. As part of the agreement, WHO KNEW —
Norman Broadbent Continues On With Expansion
U.K.-headquartered recruiter Norman Broadbent has announced a series of appointments across its executive search, senior interim management, solutions and research & insight teams. Neil Pilkington joins the firm’s TMT & digital practice to specialize in the CTO / CIO market. During his 20 year search career, Mr. Pilkington has handled assignments across insurance, construction, FMCG, retail,
