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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.
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
Driving Growth Through Specialized Talent Acquisition
The Bridger Group is a 57-year-old executive search firm working exclusively in the building products and commercial interior products industries. The firm focuses on identifying top candidates for roles in sales, sales management, and executive positions within these sectors. Jordan Underwood, managing partner at The Bridger Group, recently joined Hunt Scanlon Media to discuss the
TillmanCarlson Recruits CIO for Roadrunner Transportation Systems
Executive search firm TillmanCarlson has recruited Scott Cousins as chief information officer of Roadrunner Transportation Systems. Founder Rob Tillman and managing director Kelly Carlson led the assignment. Mr. Cousins is in charge of all information technology solutions and services at Roadrunner. He is responsible for digital transformation, working with senior leadership to deliver the digital capabilities required to better
Odgers Berndtson Launches eSports Practice
Competition is heating up in the sports recruiting space. With the global eSports market set to grow north of $500 million in 2017, executive search firm Odgers Berndtson is jumping in by combining expertise from two of its existing practices: sports and gaming. The search team, based out of the firm’s London office, will operate globally and have
McAulay Smith Lands CFO for Snyder’s-Lance
The McAulay Smith Firm has placed Alexander Pease as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. He replaced Rick Puckett, who left his role in November. President Steven Smith lead the assignment. Mr. Pease joins the company from McKinsey & Co., bringing significant financial expertise and cross industry experience to the Snyder’s-Lance organization.
Talengo Continues Expansion
Madrid-headquartered executive search firm Talengo has named Adriana Marfil and Sofía Said as associate directors in its subsidiaries in Mexico and Colombia. A specialist in the financial and professional service sectors, Ms. Marfil’s incorporation will be key to reinforcing the growth that the firm has experienced in Latin America, where last year its subsidiaries in Mexico and
Tribune Media Turns to Korn Ferry for Next Chief
Peter Liguori has announced he will be stepping down as chief executive officer of Tribune Media Co. as the company refocuses on TV broadcasting and searches for deals in a looser regulatory environment under President Donald Trump. The company has turned to Korn Ferry to find its next leader. The board of directors has chosen one of the
Pi Group Pushes Further Into Accessory Services
Boutique search firms continue their push into offering accessory services, from talent mapping and coaching to assessment and high performance team building. Now comes outplacement. The Pi Group, a fast growing consumer goods talent advisory group based in Darien, CT, is expanding its services to help candidates transition to new chapters in their lives. By delivering
Preston & Partners Recruits Operating Chief for Kirkland’s
Executive search firm Preston & Partners has placed Mike Cairnes as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Kirkland’s, Inc. Managing partner Elaine Erickson led the assignment. Mr. Cairnes brings 25 years of experience in home décor retailing and manufacturing to Kirkland’s and will focus on improving execution and consistency across the organization. In his role as COO, he will
ManpowerGroup Posts Two Percent Revenue Increase
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted full year revenues of $19.7 billion, an increase of two percent from the prior year and an increase of four percent in constant currency. The company posted fourth quarter revenues of $5.0 billion, which was equal to the year earlier period. Financial results in the quarter were significantly impacted by the stronger U.S. dollar relative to
Americans Optimistic About Jobs As Trump Presidency Begins
More than half of U.S. adults (53 percent) say that the recent election results will have a positive effect on job creation, this according to the latest results of a new ‘American Staffing Association Workforce Monitor‘ survey conducted online by Harris Poll. More than half (55 percent) of adults polled say job creation was more important in this
Cheyenne Group Merges With SRi
There’s been yet another combination among search firm boutiques. The Cheyenne Group and SRi have merged, creating a global recruiting business dedicated to the fast growing media and sports & entertainment sectors. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1999, The Cheyenne Group provides search and consulting services by assisting management teams and
Next Generation In Hunt for West Virginia University CIO
Next Generation Executive Search has been retained by West Virginia University to lead its search for a new chief information officer (CIO) and associate provost for information technology. Managing partners Mary Beth Baker and Phil Goldstein are leading the assignment. The school said it is seeking an inspiring leader for the position who will provide a strong vision for
Verriez Executive Search Expands
Verriez Executive Search has expanded its staff with the addition of Brent Verriez as vice president. He brings over 11 years of experience in finance and accounting. “Having successfully run a retained search practice since 1985 specializing in CFOs and other senior level financial officer positions, it became increasingly apparent that I needed to formulate an
Kingsley Gate Taps New CEO for PrecisionHawk
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners has placed Michael Chasen as chief executive officer of PrecisionHawk in Raleigh, NC. Mr. Chasen will report to the board of directors and will also hold a seat on the board. Bill Trau, senior partner at Kingsley Gate Partners, led the assignment. As a serial entrepreneur and veteran technology
Spencer Stuart Leading CEO Search for SHRM
Henry G. Jackson, who served as president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) during a time of growth in its membership and services, has announced his retirement. The organization has retained Spencer Stuart to lead the search for his replacement. SHRM, the world’s largest HR association, has been led by Mr. Jackson since 2010.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for PCCI
Executive search firm Klein Hersh has placed Steve Miff PhD, as president and chief executive officer of PCCI. Matt Azarva, senior director of the firm’s healthcare analytic practice, led the assignment. Dr. Miff succeeds former president and CEO, Ruben Amarasingham MD, who has led the organization since its inception. Dr. Amarasingham leaves the role to dedicate his efforts on PCCI’s
Kennedy Executive Search Partners With Ikelosz In Budapest
Kennedy Executive Search & Consulting, a network of independent executive search firms, has partnered with Ikelosz in Budapest to strengthen its presence in Central Eastern Europe, an expanding region for recruiters. George Kobelrausch, Ikelosz’s founder, has been working in the search sector since 2005 after a career spanning blue chip companies, including Unilever. He has a
Morgan Samuels Acquires Human Capital Consulting Firm
L.A.-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels has acquired human capital consulting firm Delivery Point Advisors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Delivery Point offers a spectrum of solutions designed to help clients unlock potential from their people, including executive assessment & development; high performance team building; functional assessment & roadmap design; organization design; change management; and
Robert Half Posts Flat Revenues
Robert Half International Inc. / (NYSE:RHI) posted full year revenues of $5.25 billion, down one percent from a year ago. That result failed to meet Wall Street forecasts. The Menlo Park, CA-based company posted fourth quarter revenues of $1.30 billion, an increase of three percent from the same period last year. For the year, net income was $343 million, or $2.67
How Automation Will Alter the Jobs Landscape
Rarely a day goes by without news of digitization, artificial intelligence and virtual reality impacting the workplace. Business leaders, politicians and economists want to quantify technology’s impact on employment — but no one knows for sure what the outcome will be. Plenty has been written predicting the future: more jobs, different jobs, less jobs, temp
Make-A-Wish Picks Koya Leadership Partners for Marketing Chief Search
Executive search firm Koya Leadership Partners has been retained by Make-A-Wish America to lead its search for a chief development and marketing officer (CDMO). Koya vice presidents Marissa Martin and Trisha Sutrisno are leading the assignment. Make-A-Wish America is seeking an innovative fundraising and marketing leader strategist to serve as its next chief development and marketing officer to advance the organization’s efforts
StevenDouglas Continues Expansion
Executive search firm StevenDouglas has expanded with the opening of a new office in Raleigh, NC and the addition of Jonathan Stiegler to lead its new finance and accounting practice in New York. Senior vice president Jon Bolton will be providing leadership to the new Raleigh office. He also currently heads the firm’s New York office. His expertise has been
Catalyst Advisors Completes Top Search for Gilead Sciences
Executive search firm Catalyst Advisors has placed Alessandro Riva, M.D., at Gilead Sciences, Inc. as senior vice president of hematology and oncology therapeutic area head and member of its executive committee. Catalyst recruiter Stephen J. Williams, Ph.D., led the search along with colleague Amy Bottoms. He will report to executive vice president of clinical research John McHutchison,
Amrop Expands Footprint to Norway
Norwegian executive search firm Delphi Consulting AS has joined Amrop‘s global partnership of recruiting firms. The inclusion adds significant presence for Amrop in Norway, and strengthens its capabilities across the Nordics region.The organization currently has 75 offices in 53 countries throughout Asia, EMEA, and the Americas. Led by Arne Gunnar Dokken as managing partner, Delphi Consulting is
Phillips Oppenheim Recruits CEO for Library Company of Philadelphia
Executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has placed Dr. Michael J. Barsanti as chief executive officer of The Library Company of Philadelphia. Dr. Barsanti succeeds Dr. Richard Newman, who resigned this past summer due to family health issues. Search firm principals Susan Meade and Adelaide Jones led the assignment. Founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin, it is America’s oldest cultural institution and
Onstott Group Keeps It a Family Affair With New Hire
Executive search firm The Onstott Group has named Cullen Onstott as a vice president. Mr. Onstott joined the firm several months ago and will be based in Houston. Prior to joining The Onstott Group, Mr. Onstott was an energy trader at DTE Energy Trading. Previously, he spent five years at Morgan Stanley in the firm’s institutional commodities division in
Quick Leonard Kieffer Taps CIO for Brookhaven Memorial
Executive search firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has recruited Matthew Peddie as chief information officer of Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in Suffolk County, NY. Founder and CEO Roger Quick led the search. Mr. Peddie is a customer-facing, business-savvy, strategic-minded executive that brings to the position experience leading technology operations in a large, integrated health system. Before joining Brookhaven, he served
Snodgrass Partners Names President
Executive search firm Snodgrass Partners has announced that Tom Jacobs will transition from sports recruitment partner to president. Founder Steve Snodgrass, who previously served as president and chief executive officer, will remain CEO. The firm also added Lee Dicklitch as vice president of collegiate sports and Larry Bonfante and Dr. Mark Kovacs as strategic partners. Mr.
Allegis Partners Expands Human Resources Practice
Executive search firm Allegis Partners has named Lawrence Krema as a managing director in the firm’s human resources practice. Based in Chicago, he will focus on identifying chief human resources officers (CHROs) and other senior leaders for organizations as well as contributing to search projects across the broader C-suite. Mr. Krema has more than 20 years of human
Tightening Labor Market Good News for Job Seekers
Executive search firm Reeve & Associates expects the tightening labor market to continue, and this could be positive news for professionals considering a new position. “Job seekers can expect to see more job choices and employers ready to hire at all levels,” said Philip Reeve, the firm’s president. Reeve & Associates focuses exclusively on identifying staffing market
Optimum Talent Acquires Conroy Ross Partners
Optimum Talent has acquired executive search firm Conroy Ross Partners. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Optimum Talent team now includes 200 professionals operating from 15 offices. Founded in 1994, Conroy Ross Partners is a national search firm with offices across Canada. It works with leadership teams to recruit a wide range of C-level executives and has
R. William Funk In Hunt for University of Kansas Chancellor
Executive search firm R. William Funk & Associates has been selected by the University of Kansas (KU) to lead its search for a new chancellor. KU’s current chancellor, Bernadette Gray-Little, has announced plans to step down at the end of the school year, and the Kansas Board of Regents’ stated goal is to have a new chancellor hired and
