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What are Boards Doing Differently for Better Executive Appointments in 2026?
Boards are increasingly reshaping how they approach executive appointments—building the governance discipline, assessment rigor, and future-facing criteria needed to make confident leadership decisions in a more volatile and accelerated world. Leadership decisions are moving faster, carrying higher stakes and less room for error, according to a recent report from Signium. “Today, boards are asking whether
Why Speed is Critical in Executive Recruiting
Executive leadership vacancies rarely arrive at a convenient moment—and in a business climate defined by rapid change, shrinking decision windows, and relentless performance demands, the cost of an empty seat compounds quickly. What was once viewed as a manageable transition period can now undermine momentum across strategy, operations, and culture, especially when teams are already
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 Succession Planning Is Critical to Reducing Leadership Risk
Most organizations have something they refer to as a succession plan — a spreadsheet, a nine-box grid updated once a year and then put away, or an annual HR review. But very few can answer the question that truly matters: if a critical leader left tomorrow, would the organization be able to keep executing? That’s
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?
Rokos Group Seeking Chief Medical Officer for Center for Elders’ Independence
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been selected by Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) to lead in its search for a chief medical officer. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief medical officer will serve as CEI’s senior physician executive and a full member of the executive leadership team. This is a strategic
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Assists the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority with CEO Search
ADK Consulting & Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Cris Jensen as the new president and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). Rod Dinger led the assignment. “It is my honor to announce the board has chosen Cris Jensen to serve as the next president and CEO, and his contract negotiations are currently underway,” said Shaun Carey, chair of
How CEOs Can Overcome Setbacks and Emerge Stronger
Executive search firms are increasingly being called upon to assess more than a candidate’s track record of growth, transformation, and financial performance. As boards search for CEOs capable of leading through persistent uncertainty, resilience has become a critical component of the leadership profile. Search consultants are placing greater emphasis on how executives have responded to
Occam Global Recruits CFO for eGenesis
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has placed Glenn Vraniak as CFO of eGenesis, a biotechnology company developing human-compatible engineered organs for transplantation. “eGenesis is entering a pivotal stage in our evolution as we prepare to advance our programs through clinical development and lay the foundation for future commercialization,” said Mike Curtis, CEO of eGenesis.
Maven Partnership Names Partner and Consultants
Global talent advisory firm Maven Partnership has recently promoted Tom Chambers to partner, Seb Coughlin as consultant, and George Roberts to consultant. “We are delighted to announce the well-deserved promotions of several exceptional individuals here at Maven Partnership, Will Hannaford, chief executive officer. “We’re committed to the growth and development of our people, and it’s fantastic to
The Execution Era: How Transformation Is Reshaping Private Equity
Most PE value creation plans don’t fail on strategy. They fail between the plan and the doing. With longer holds and less forgiving exit windows, delivery discipline is carrying more of the return, according to a new report from Wilton & Bain’s Jack Syred and James Royall. The report reflects patterns Wilton & Bain has
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses to Lead VP of Corporate Operations Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been tapped by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for their vice president of corporate operations, based in Alexandria, VA. IDA seeks a seasoned operational and business transformation leader to modernize systems, processes, and service delivery across the organization. Serving as a corporate officer and
Modern Executive Solutions adds Partner to Lead Growth of M1 Talent Community
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has appointed Bria Bass as as partner, where she will lead the continued growth and expansion of the M1 Talent Community across North America and Europe. “Bria brings a rare combination of executive advisory, deep community-building experience, and an exceptional ability to connect leaders in meaningful ways,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO
AI Is Rewriting the Executive Hiring Playbook
Insight Partners’ latest research suggests the AI era is creating a new executive hiring playbook. Based on more than 400 executive searches and interviews with over 1,400 leadership candidates, the firm’s talent team argues that many of the characteristics defining today’s strongest product and engineering leaders would have been viewed as weaknesses only a few years
FMG Leading Acquires Market Intelligence And Strategic Advisory Firm BroadBranch Advisors
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has acquired market intelligence and strategic advisory firm BroadBranch Advisors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “In today’s high-pressure landscape, translating forward-looking intelligence into action faster and more effectively is critical for our clients, especially in the investor-backed healthcare space,” said Matt Brubaker, chairman and CEO of FMG Leading. “By
PARC Street Group Places Chief Operating Officer for Mission Valley Bank
PARC Street Group has assisted in the recruitment Amanda Connell as chief operating officer at Mission Valley Bank. This search was completed by PARC Street Group senior executive search consultant Michelle Davis, executive recruiter Tabassum Nagpurwala, and executive search associate Priscilla Chacon. Ms. Connell brings more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience across community
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Build a New Performance Model for Executive Recruiters
As the executive search industry faces growing pressure to deliver stronger and more consistent results, firms are reassessing how recruiters are trained, developed, and prepared to meet changing client demands. A few months ago, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ Talent Intelligence advisory unit introduced the Recruiter Performance Training Program, a practical, execution-focused system designed to
U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent
Employment fell by 23,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 6.9 million, changed little in July. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.1 percent) and people who are Hispanic (4.6 percent) declined
Parker Remick Expands with New Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has appointed Adam Szepkouski as partner of consulting excellence. The firm explained that this hire reflects a broader push to refine execution and scale delivery as demand for senior technology leaders accelerates. The appointment comes at a time of structural change in technology leadership. AI is reshaping how technology organizations are built and
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
Executive Transitions in Private Equity: Managing Leadership Change for Maximum Impact
Leadership changes in portfolio companies are intricate processes that play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of these newly acquired businesses, according to a recent report from Blue Rock Search’s Ruben Moreno. What are some key traits for success in C-suite roles, and how can you ensure smooth transitions that minimize disruption and maximize performance?
Companies Failing to Develop New Leaders
[Developing new leaders is critical for organizations to prosper in the years ahead, yet companies appear to be failing to do so according to a recent report by the Hay Group division of Korn Ferry. More than half of HR leaders polled said they rank leadership development as fair to very poor. The report also found that many
NorthWind Partners Recruits President and CEO for NCI
[Executive search firm NorthWind Partners has recruited Paul A. Dillahay as president and chief executive officer of NCI Inc. He succeeds Brian J. Clark, who resigned from the positions to pursue other opportunities. Mr. Dillahay is a seasoned executive and results-oriented leader with broad financial, operational and consulting experience and a proven track record of executing transformational change initiatives, developing leaders,
Post Acquisition, Monster Names New CEO
[Monster Worldwide, Inc., has appointed Mark Stoever as its new chief executive officer. He succeeds Tim Yates, who is departing Monster after serving as CEO for the last two years. Mr. Stoever, currently Monster’s president and chief operating officer, has served in increasingly senior roles since joining the company in 2005. Before being named COO in 2014, he held
Phillips Oppenheim Recruits YouthBuild USA CEO
[Executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has placed John B. Valverde as chief executive officer of YouthBuild USA. He will take over the organization’s top post in January. Paul Spivey led the search. According to YouthBuild, the organization sought an incoming CEO with the vision and leadership to set a path for organizational growth and impact, building upon its track record of cultivating
Riviera Partners Expands Search Staff
[Executive search firm Riviera Partners has expanded its search staff with the addition of Jason Hann as its newest director. A recruiting industry veteran, Mr. Hann most recently served as chief executive officer of VonChurch, a global recruiting firm specializing in the digital entertainment industry. Prior to that, he held senior positions at Panoramic Solutions (now Genuent) and K2 Partnering Solutions. He
4 Ways to Build Talent Pipelines of the Future
[While strong job growth is a good sign for the U.S. economy as a whole, it presents certain challenges for employers and HR professionals. According to the just-released iCIMS ‘U.S. Hiring Trends’ report, employers are having difficulty attracting suitable candidates. Jobs are becoming harder to fill, requiring more time and money to hire best-fit talent. “In today’s tight
Battalia Winston Recruits CIO for The Andersons
[Executive search firm Battalia Winston has placed Anthony Lombardi as chief information officer of The Andersons, Inc. Terry Gallagher completed the assignment. The successful candidate was identified in 14 days, and the search was completed in 96 days. Mr. Lombardi most recently was vice president, global business services and chief information officer at Armstrong World Industries, a global leader in the design and
Hanover Search Group Acquires Opus Executive Search
[London-based Hanover Search Group (HSG) has acquired Opus Executive Search of Los Angeles, which will operate under Antony Pitt as U.S. managing director. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Opus has experience in the U.S. wealth management sector and will operate from both the East and West coasts. The newly merged operation will benefit
Strawn Arnold Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Osiris Therapeutics
[Life science and healthcare executive search firm Strawn Arnold & Associates has tapped R. Alberto Avendano, M.D., to serve as chief medical officer (CMO) of Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. Dr. Avendano brings to Osiris expertise in medical education and communication, academic and industry clinical research, pharmacovigilance and regulatory affairs. In his role as CMO, Dr. Avendano will manage and
Kensington International Expands Recruiting Team
[Executive search firm Kensington International has named Daniel Feldkamp as executive vice president within the firm’s executive search division. Mr. Feldkamp’s focus is on senior level assignments for the firm’s clients in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. He also handles searches for the North American subsidiaries of European companies with a particular focus on clients from the
CEOs See More Value In Technology Than People
[CEOs face the challenge of making strategic decisions not only about where to invest now but also about where to lay the foundations for their organizations’ future success. That increasingly has required them to seek answers to critical questions about the future of work and about the role people may play in it. A new global
Brigham Hill Recruits Upper School Leader for National Cathedral School
[Executive search firm Brigham Hill Consultancy has placed Dr. Denise M. Brown-Allen into the joint roles of associate head of school and head of the upper school at National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C. She succeeds Dr. Sarah Pelmas, who recently joined Winsor School in Boston as its head, an assignment also completed by Brigham Hill this past spring. The search
i4cp Names VP Talent Acquisition to Newly Formed Search Practice
[The Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp), a network of HR and business professionals focused on making high-performance organizations unique, has strengthened its staff with the addition of Kate Jackson as vice president of talent acquisition within its new executive search division. Ms. Jackson is a seasoned assessment and recruiting professional who brings a deep understanding of the nuances
hrQ Expands Into San Francisco, Atlanta and Philadelphia
[Executive search and professional services firm hrQ has recently opened new offices into San Francisco, Atlanta and Philadelphia with the additions of Pam Brown, Carrie Magee and Kelly Morello, respectively. The Bay Area Ms. Brown joins hrQ as VP / managing director of the firm’s San Francisco office. She joins the firm with over 15 years of experience
Russell Reynolds Recruits Houston Police Chief
[Russell Reynolds Associates has recruited Art Acevedo as the next chief of police for the city of Houston. He becomes the first Latino to take on the Houston police’s top post. Mayor Sylvester Turner made the official announcement last week. Chief Charles McClelland had announced his retirement after 39 years with the Houston Police Department. Stephen Newton, area manager for the
Egon Zehnder Offers 7 Steps to Improve Diversity
Many boards are now looking for concrete suggestions for making diversity an integrated part of their agenda. There is now broad consensus that having a diverse board, where directors are drawn from both genders and from an array of races and ethnicities, provides the breadth of perspective that is essential in today’s global dynamic environment. But
Spencer Stuart Tapped to Lead CFO Search for Entercom
[Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has been retained by Entercom Communications Corp. to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. Steve Fisher will be stepping down as executive vice president and CFO of the company effective in 90 days. “Steve has been an outstanding leader at Entercom, playing a major role in our success over the 18
AETHOS Recruits Chief Asset Merchant for Extended Stay America
[Executive search firm AETHOS Consulting Group has placed Jim Alderman as executive vice president and chief asset merchant at Extended Stay America and its subsidiary, ESH Hospitality, Inc. With more than 30 years of industry experience, Mr. Alderman will be responsible for executing the company’s previously-announced “ESA 2.0” asset merchant strategy, including development of its next-generation product through new construction
Norman Broadbent Names Interim Practice Leader
[U.K.-headquartered executive recruiter Norman Broadbent has named Angela Hickmore as managing director of Norman Broadbent Interim. Ms. Hickmore has over 25 years in the recruitment industry and an in-depth knowledge of the senior level interim management sector. She previously served as a partner with BrightPool, the sister company to Interim Partners, a specialist recruitment firm operating
Calibre One Adds Partner In San Francisco
[Executive search firm Calibre One has appointed Tom Crawford as a partner in its San Francisco office. Mr. Crawford specializes in the digital media, healthcare, financial services, and software industries and has placed numerous senior level candidates, including CEO, CIO, CTO and VP-level executives, into both publically traded and privately held organizations. He is the co-founder of OTG Partners, a
Building a Better Search Firm
When Julie Ford started Ventura Partners, she wanted to create a search firm that left behind the traditional approach that most executive recruiters employed. Her mission was to jettison the competition between partners and build an environment in which they worked together to best serve their clients. It wasn’t an outlook for everyone in a field that is slow to embrace change, but with
This Feeder Function Puts HR Leaders on Fast Track to CHRO
[In building Tower Consultants, Ltd. into a leading executive search boutique dedicated to human resources with an emphasis in the total rewards sector, Donna Friedman and Chris Rose never deviated from an original blueprint first laid out in 1988. As their specialized recruitment brand expanded, they both have remained true to its roots. Today, a significant portion of Tower Consultants’
Nolan Partners Leading GM Search for San Jose Earthquakes
[The San Jose Earthquakes has hired Nolan Partners, a leading sports dedicated search firm, to help identify the club’s next general manager. Technical director Chris Leitch is currently serving as the Quakes’ interim general manager. In late August, the Earthquakes announced that they had terminated long-serving GM John Doyle after the team made the playoffs only
B.E. Smith Tapped by St. Lawrence Health System to Find Chief Nursing Officer
[Healthcare-focused executive search firm B.E. Smith has been retained by St. Lawrence Health System to lead its search for a new chief nursing officer. Serving as a mentor for clinical leaders, the incoming CNO will be a servant leader and create a culture of accountability and transparency. The executive will be responsible for all activities and functions
ZRG Names Financial Services, Private Equity & Consumer Practices Managing Director
[Executive search firm ZRG Partners has named Sharon Stein as a managing director in its financial services, private equity and consumer recruiting practices. She will work from the firm’s New York office. Ms. Stein brings over 20 years of experience and has recruited leaders in general management, strategy, marketing and analytics. She has served clients across a broad
Cordia Resources Names Executive Search Director
[Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Cordia Resources (formerly Cordia Search) has tapped Marc Zeid to serve as an executive search director and a senior member of the firm’s management team. Based in Rockville, MD, he will be responsible for expanding Cordia Resources among the finance and accounting community. With over 20 years of experience helping clients find
MLB Ends Minority Hiring Partnership With Korn Ferry
[Korn Ferry‘s high profile alliance with Major League Baseball has come to an unceremonious end. On Friday, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, who was recruited into his position by Korn Ferry, said his organization’s relationship with the world’s largest talent provider “really shifted.” As a result, the search firm has been sidelined in its efforts to
Heidrick & Struggles Replaces Culture Shaping Leader
[Heidrick & Struggles has said that Jim Hart will retire as head of its culture shaping division Senn Delaney. He will serve as a senior advisor to Heidrick’s leadership team at the beginning of the new year. Michael Marino will succeed Mr. Hart as president and CEO. “Jim has led the growth of the world’s first dedicated culture shaping firm
McDermott & Bull Places Chief People Officer at New Century Health
[Executive search firm McDermott & Bull has recruited Chris Casler as chief people officer at New Century Health. The assignment was conducted by principal consultants Bill Brewer and Scott Meyer, along with senior recruiting consultant Laurie Henderson. Mr. Casler spent the past nine years with Broadcom where he served as vice president of human resources supporting a $4.5
O’Neill Consulting Group Recruits Greater Providence YMCA Chief
[Executive search firm O’Neill Consulting Group has placed Steve O’Donnell as chief executive officer of the Greater Providence YMCA (GPYMCA). The search was co-led by Kevin O’Neill, founder and managing partner in Providence, and Doug Rosen, a partner in New York, together with the GPYMCA’s board of directors. Mr. O’Donnell joins the YMCA following a long and
Parker Remick Opens New Office In Portland
[Seattle-based executive search firm Parker Remick has added two new directors, Kelley Pecis and Jeff Markham, to help establish its new office in Portland, OR, a rising hub for global entrepreneurship and technology. “Parker Remick’s Portland office strengthens our Pacific Northwest roots. Kelley and Jeff’s depth of experience with senior executive searches, as well as tech industry knowledge, make them natural
