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Spencer Stuart Appoints New CFO
Spencer Stuart has appointed Clare Kennedy as its new chief financial officer. She succeeds Christine Laurens as part of a planned succession and in support of Laurens’ retirement from full-time executive work. Ms. Laurens will remain with the firm for several months to ensure a smooth transition. “We are grateful to Christine for her many significant contributions,
The Private Equity Executive Talent Trends That Will Define 2026
Private equity is still a capital business, but it’s increasingly a leadership business. Deal flow isn’t what it was a few years ago and capital is more selective, according to a new report from Beecher Reagan. “Many funds are sitting on dry powder longer than expected,” the report said. “And when that happens, the spotlight
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.
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
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?
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
GHP Search Partners with Ascend Learning on Board Member Appointments
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently tapped by Ascend Learning to assist in growing both the Ascend Learning board of directors and the Ascend Charter Schools board of trustees. New members of the Ascend Learning board identified by GHP include Robert Childs, retired EVP, strategic initiatives at American Express and Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, a founding leader of Amazon’s Streaming TV advertising business. Richard Young Jr, director,
FMG Leading Adds Healthcare Strategy and Transformation Expert
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of healthcare strategy and transformation expert Doug Van Wie as managing director. The firm explained that the addition further aligns FMG Leading’s capabilities with the needs of investor-backed organizations looking to add value and mitigate risk as they deploy purpose-driven capital into the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Caldwell Launches Global Financial Institutions Group Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launch its global financial institutions group (FIG) practice, bringing together the firm’s financial services capabilities under a single, globally coordinated practice. “This is more than a change in name,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “It reflects the scale, connectivity, and depth of the practice we have built globally, as well as
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
Myers McRae Helps Pensacola State College Select Finalist for President Role
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted Pensacola State College (PSC) with the selection of J. Alex Kelly as the finalist to become it’s next president. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Kenny Daugherty of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. The search attracted 107 qualified applicants from across the country. The committee selected
Potrero Group Recruits CEO for Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has placed Karen Strolia as the next CEO of Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) in San Rafael, CA. She succeeds longtime CVNL CEO Linda Jacobs, who led the organization for 25 years. “The board is thrilled to welcome Karen as CVNL’s next chief executive officer,” said Luana Vaetoe,
Marovi Appoints Head of Engineering
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has expanded with the addition of Ebubechukwu “Don” Enwerem as head of engineering. “Over the past few years, Don has had several engineering terms with Amazon Robotics – work estimated to save millions in operational costs. In between stints, he was building with Marovi. When the opportunity came to continue with Amazon, Don chose
As Executive Search Accelerates, Judgment Becomes the Differentiator
Executive search firms are under pressure to demonstrate value earlier than ever. Clients increasingly expect firms to understand the market, identify credible candidates, and begin calibrating on potential profiles before a search has even formally launched. AI and new data tools are helping firms meet those demands. Tasks that once took days can now be
Fractional vs. Full-Time Executives: The Real Math for Mid-Sized Growing Companies
As mid-sized companies grow, one of the more consequential leadership decisions is determining when fractional executive support is sufficient and when the business requires a full-time leader. A recent ExactSearch.AI report examined the economics behind that decision, finding that the answer often depends less on compensation than on the level of ownership, accountability, and organizational
Lindauer Recruits Chief Development Officer for C-SPAN
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Adele Hixon-Day as the first chief development officer of C-SPAN. The search is being led by Lindauer vice president Maureen Huminik, senior vice president Bob Giannino, and senior consultant Taylor Beard. “Adele joins C-SPAN at a pivotal moment,” said C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist. “For decades, the cable and satellite, and recently
Pyramind Recruits President and CEO for The SkillSource Group
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Clifford Yee as president and CEO of The SkillSource Group, Inc. (SSG), fiscal sponsor of Virginia Career Works – Northern. He succeeds interim executive officer Seema Jain, following a leadership transition supported by SkillSource’s staff, board, and community partners. “Cliff has a strong
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Fortra Search
In an effort to strengthen its venture capital and private equity search capabilities, Buffkin / Baker has acquired Fortra Search, a boutique retained executive search firm focused exclusively on executive sales and revenue leadership. The firm has also named its founder Andy Grosso as partner. “We’re thrilled to welcome Andy to Buffkin / Baker,” said Jackson Ross, partner
The Role of the CFO in PE-Backed Businesses
The role of the CFO in private equity-backed businesses has shifted materially in recent years. Historically a function for financial stewardship, the CFO role is now defined by operational accountability, value creation and the ability to translate investment strategy into outcomes. A recent report from U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP). The study examined how
JDG Associates Seeking Executive Director for the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently selected by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) to lead its search for a new executive director. The position is remote and may be based anywhere in the United States, with proximity to the Washington, D.C. area considered a plus. NCART stands at a pivotal moment, with active,
Calibre One Assists Cibus with CEO Search
Calibre One has helped to recruit board member Craig Wichner as the new CEO for NASDAQ-traded Cibus, Inc. in San Diego, CA. Peter Beetham, who has served as the company’s interim CEO, will continue his role as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Concurrently, both Mr. Wichner and Dr. Beetham resigned from the Cibus board of directors as part
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for OneOC
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Bonni Pomush as the new president and CEO of OneOC. She will succeed Tim Strauch, who will remain president and CEO through December 31, 2026, before retiring from OneOC after 19 years of service and leadership. “Bonni’s record of organizational transformation, collaborative leadership, and community engagement makes her exceptionally
NPAworldwide Forms Alliance with Dimensional Search Associates
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has formed a strategic partnership with the Sanford Rose Associates family of companies, including Dimensional Search. “This partnership brings together two strong organizations with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to helping independent recruiting firms succeed,” NPAworldwide said. “For NPAworldwide, the agreement represents a meaningful extension of its mission to connect independent recruiting
Scaling Growth Through Transformative Talent
High-growth environments can compress time, magnify decisions, and expose leadership gaps in an instant. As companies move through periods of rapid expansion, the ability to build and evolve the right leadership team becomes increasingly critical to sustaining momentum and creating long-term value. Across private equity, venture capital, and technology-driven businesses, organizations are rethinking how they
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Allstate
Crist|Kolder Associates has recruited Christian Lown as executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Allstate Corporation. “Chris’s leadership and capital markets expertise will enable us to continue increasing Property-Liability market share and expand protection provided to customers,” said Tom Wilson, president and CEO of The Allstate Corporation. With more than 25 years of senior
Protis Global Appoints Co-Presidents
Consumer packaged goods-focused executive search and advisory firm Protis Global has named Skye Miller and Isabel Cosby as co-presidents in a planned generational leadership transition as the company positions itself for its next phase of growth. Bert Miller, who co-founded the firm in 1995, moves from chairman and CEO of Protis Global to chairman. He will continue as founder
Venture Capital Reinvented: All Roads Lead to Talent
The latest PitchBook NVCA Venture Monitor report offers up a revealing look at how the new year might unfold for a sector that has been under water for three years. According to the company’s analysts, artificial intelligence (AI) continues to dominate investment strategies, accounting for nearly half of total VC deal value. Traditional hubs like the
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
Koya Leading CFO Search for Barack Obama Foundation
[Executive search firm Koya Leadership Partners has been retained by The Barack Obama Foundation to lead its search for a chief financial officer. Alison P. Ranney, managing director and Chicago office head, is leading the assignment on behalf of Koya. Koya has been advising the Obama Foundation informally and formally since early 2015. Once the Obamas decided to
Creating a Culture of Collaboration
Oddly enough, LinkedIn has been embraced by search firms even as it threatens them. The dirty little secret in the search business is that LinkedIn has made most proprietary databases somewhat redundant. But while LinkedIn has disintermediated and demystified initial candidate identification, it has also accelerated the recruitment process. And it has actually opened up the possibility
DHR International Acquires Calgary-Based Search Firm
[Executive search firm DHR International has acquired Calgary-based executive search firm BluEra. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The deal brings more than a dozen new employees to DHR and its Chicago-based partner company Jobplex. Founded in 2008, BluEra focuses on executive search, team transformation and executive coaching. It serves a wide array of industries with a
Tyler & Company Appoints President
[Executive search firm Tyler & Company has named Preston Smith as its new president. Janet Jones-Parker and Associates led the search assignment. Tyler & Co is the healthcare executive search arm of Jackson Healthcare. It specializes in recruiting leadership talent for healthcare, academic medicine, and health & life sciences organizations. Since 1978, the firm has placed thousands of C-suite
Baylor Picks Eastman & Beaudine to Find Head Football Coach
[Executive search firm Eastman & Beaudine has been selected by Baylor University to lead its search for a new head football coach. Coach Art Briles was fired by Baylor in May in the wake of a sexual assault scandal that also cost school president Ken Starr and athletic director Ian McCaw their jobs. Mr. Briles went 65-37 during his eight seasons
