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Buffkin / Baker Retained by Oklahoma State University to Lead CISO Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has been retained by Oklahoma State University to lead in its search for a chief information security officer (CISO). Martin M. Baker and Chelsie Whitelock are leading the assignment. The CISO provides strategic leadership for the university’s comprehensive information security and cybersecurity programs. This position is responsible for protecting the institution’s
ExactSearch.AI Expands Board of Advisors
AI-enhanced executive search firm ExactSearch.AI has added Doug Charles to its board of advisors. A long-tenured leader in executive search and leadership advisory, he will help the firm sharpen its differentiation, scale with quality and ensure the product and process match what clients value most: speed, stronger slates and lasting outcomes, ExactSearch.AI explained. “Doug is the kind
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.
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
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?
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
AGB Search Recruits 11th President for Lewis University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. The Lewis University board of trustees recently announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. “After
Kincannon & Reed Assists CCI Prime with CFO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Jamie Broad as CFO of CCI Prime, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Jamie’s ability to connect financial insights to operational realities makes her an exceptional
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Sarah Lawrence College to lead in its search for an associate vice president of enrollment. This executive will serve as a key member of the senior enrollment leadership team and a collaborative partner across the institution. This role is designed to strengthen coordination, elevate shared strategy, and support
Egon Zehnder Forms Alliance with IMD
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and IMD, a leading business school in global executive education, have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate board directors’ personal growth and elevate board performance. The partnership combines IMD’s academic rigor and deep connections to global boards with Egon Zehnder’s expertise in leadership and board effectiveness. Together, they will co-create tailored
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits Provost for the University of Cincinnati
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the recruitment of Rudolph Buchheit as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. His selection follows a national search led by a dedicated search committee that was informed by
HARTZ Search Assists Geisinger with Recruitment of CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Bill Bellando as executive vice president and chief information officer of Geisinger. He joins Geisinger after serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Georgia-based Wellstar Health System from 2022 to 2026. In this role, Mr. Bellando oversaw information technology and digital initiatives across the health system.
The Evolving Trends in Employee Engagement for 2025
Employee engagement is essential for an organization to retain and motivate its workforce. When employees feel connected to their work, productivity, innovation, and commitment to company goals rise. A dedicated workforce also supports a positive work culture, encouraging collaboration and proactive problem-solving, according to a recent report from DHR Global. “Moreover, organizations whose employees are
Vetted Solutions Appoints VP in Washington, D.C.
Executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has added Nancy Green as vice president in its Washington, D.C., office. In her new role, Ms. Green will expand the firm’s activities in the areas of succession planning, interim executive appointments, onboarding, and leadership development. Her arrival will allow the firm’s founder, Jim Zaniello, to focus on further expansion and growth
AltoPartners Adds Member Firms in Argentina and Peru
AltoPartners, an international alliance of independent executive search firms and leadership consultants, has added Backer Wurzel & Partners in Argentina and Equation Partners in Peru as its newest member firms. Based in Buenos Aires, Backer Wurzel & Partners was founded in 2012 by Ricardo Backer and Gustavo Wurzel, former managing partners of Korn Ferry and Heidrick & Struggles. The firm’s focus is on
Talent Poaching Rampant, Yet Often Uncontested at American Companies
A full quarter of U.S. businesses are experiencing a marked increase in talent raids at the C-suite level. Yet most are woefully unprepared to combat the problem head on. This is among the key findings of a talent retention survey of nearly 400 human resource professionals conducted recently by Marlin Hawk, a global leadership advisory firm focused on next-generation
Publicly Traded Search Firms See Flurry of Investor Activity
Hedge funds seems to be having a grand old time investing in, and divesting of, search firm stocks these days. Some well-known investment brands are acquiring new stakes, while others are reducing positions and moving on. Whether they’re on their way in or heading for the exits, one thing is certain: hedge funds currently own
Kentucky Lottery Corp. Taps Oliver Group to Head CEO Search
Executive search firm The Oliver Group has been retained by the Kentucky Lottery Corporation to lead its search for a chief executive officer. Marty Gibbs, the Kentucky Lottery’s chief operating officer, is serving as the organization’s acting CEO. Long-time chief executive, Arch Gleason, who spent nearly 23 years at the helm of the Kentucky Lottery serving under five governors,
Aviation Search Recruits Security Officer for AirMed International
Executive recruiting firm Aviation Search Group has placed Steven McNeeley as safety and security executive officer at AirMed International, LLC. Executive recruiter and client manager Jaime Truxal led the search. The search firm said that AirMed was looking for someone with a background in on-demand aircraft operations along with extensive experience implementing processes, procedures and managing safety management
Harrington Starr Launches Executive Search Division; Taps New Leader
U.K. headquartered recruiting firm Harrington Starr has appointed Tony Marshall as its new managing partner and leader of the firm’s newly launched executive search division. Harrington Starr Executive Search will focus on searches for a number of inter-related sectors, including financial services; fintech; global markets; advisory; telecom & technology; and venture capital & private equity, among others. Mr. Marshall brings 25 years
Egon Zehnder In Hunt for Next Hershey Company CEO
Egon Zehnder has been retained by The Hershey Company to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. John Bilbrey said he is resigning next summer from the post he’s held for five years. As part of the company’s succession planning process, the board has appointed a special committee to direct the search for a
Slone Partners Taps CEO for Westox Labs
Executive search firm Slone Partners has placed Matthew Watson as the new chief executive officer of Westox Labs. In his new role, Mr. Watson will lead and oversee all aspects of the business, including sales, marketing, operations, finance, billing, and compliance. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Watson is a veteran healthcare executive and entrepreneur who has
Tolan Group Launches Digital Health Search Practice
The Tolan Group, a member of the Sanford Rose Associates network, has launched a new telehealth / digital health practice. Associate partner Kaye Johnson has been named practice leader. “The digital health market is projected to reach $233 billion by 2020 and we needed a dedicated search professional to lead our efforts in this fast growing niche,” said Tim
Harvey Nash Forms Partnership With Hong Kong Business School
Global search firm Harvey Nash and The University of Hong Kong Business School (HKU), have joined forces to launch the ‘Women’s Directorship Program 2017,’ designed to help women break the glass ceiling and support the development of female talent. An increasing number of women are moving into high-ranking positions of leadership. Theresa May now leads Great
Taylor Hopkinson Associates Opens New Office in Mexico City
Executive search firm Taylor Hopkinson Associates has opened a new office in Mexico City as it continues international expansion in high-growth markets. The new beachhead will lead the firm’s expansion into Argentina, Chile, Columbia and other emerging markets in Latin America. Mexico is becoming a renewable energy hub as energy liberalization continually attracts international business to the country.
10 Key Findings That Impact Board Performance
Overseeing a company is no small task. Disruptive technologies are changing corporate business models, geopolitical turmoil is impacting supply chains and investment opportunities, and increased regulatory complexity is affecting innovation. Institutional investors and shareholder activists are also playing a more powerful role shaping corporate governance. But no one more than board directors have to keep
Spencer Stuart Recruits Rhode Island Airport CEO
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has recruited Iftikhar Ahmad to lead T.F. Green Airport and serve as president and chief executive officer of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC). He becomes the third person to take on the position in less than a decade, replacing Kelly J. Fredericks who resigned in January to work at the Ontario
SearchWide Leading Top Search for Visit Sun Valley
Executive recruiting firm SearchWide has been tapped by Visit Sun Valley to lead its search for an executive director. Vice president Nicole Newman is leading the assignment. SearchWide said that Visit Sun Valley is looking for someone with leadership experience in brand strategy, strategic planning, budgeting, research and analysis. The Position The executive director role is responsible for the
Steven Douglas Associates Launches Latin America Search Practice
Executive search firm Steven Douglas Associates has launched a dedicated Latin America search practice and added Juan Moreno as vice president for the region. Mr. Moreno brings extensive executive search experience with an in-depth understanding of the issues affecting and impacting Latin America. His background includes building management teams for a wide variety of companies in the
Watermark Search Launches New Interim Practice
Sydney-based executive recruiters Watermark Search International has launched a new interim search practice in Melbourne and appointed Jacinta Whelan as its leader. The practice focuses on interim appointments in both public and private sectors with a particular emphasis on CEOs and COOs, senior executives in IT, human resources specialists, project and program management experts and business
Hiring to Hold Steady In Fourth Quarter, Paychecks to Increase
Seasonal and permanent workers are expected to take home bigger paychecks in the fourth quarter as the push for better wages and the increased competition for skilled labor remain hot issues for employers. According to CareerBuilder’s Q4 2016 ‘U.S. Job Forecast,’ 47 percent of employers expect to increase pay for seasonal workers in Q4. Of those hiring
Character is One Key In Cross-Border Leadership Hires
Character, chemistry and cultural sensitivity are key criteria that C-suite leaders look for when identifying and onboarding leaders at their global operations. This is the conclusion of CEOs and international search executives who met recently in Cleveland at the annual meeting of the International Executive Search Federation (IESF), hosted recently by ASLON Group. Formed in 2002, the
Witt/Kieffer In Search for Law Dean At University of Oregon
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has been retained by the University of Oregon to lead its search for a new dean of the School of Law. Principal Werner Boel and consultant Suzanne Teer are leading the assignment. The dean post reports to the provost and senior vice president and is the academic leader, fundraiser, and chief executive of
BSG Team Ventures Recruits Marketing Chief for Human Capital Institute
Executive search firm BSG Team Ventures has placed Robert Birdsong as chief marketing officer at Human Capital Institute (HCI). In this role, Mr. Birdsong will lead the strategy and execution of all marketing functions, positioning the HCI brand as a source of thought leadership for talent management leaders. His team will oversee all aspects of
Signium Opens New Office In Argentina
Executive search firm Signium has opened a new office in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Lead by Rubén Heinemann, SIGNIUM Argentina will provide focused executive search services across a number of industries, including industrial, financial, business & professional services, as well as oil & gas throughout Argentina. Mr. Heinemann has over 30 years of cumulative C-suite and executive recruiting experience
Odgers Berndtson Adds Sector Specialists, Doubles In Size
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has launched a new higher education practice in the U.S. and strengthened its life sciences and healthcare practices. In the process, the firm has added four executive search industry specialists – Nick Brill, Allen Reed, Jennifer McDonough and Ora Smith. Mr. Brill joins Odgers as a partner and will head its U.S. higher
Futurestep Launches Dedicated Credit Union and Community Banking Recruiting Practice
Futurestep, a Korn Ferry company that provides talent acquisition solutions, has established a dedicated credit union and community banking recruiting practice area and has named Mike Juratovac as sector leader. The practice falls within Futurestep’s North America financial services practice. Mr. Juratovac brings with him more than 20 years of executive search and consulting experience, with a specific focus
Heidrick & Struggles Opens In Calgary
Heidrick & Struggles has strengthened its presence in Canada, particularly among clients in the financial services, mining and metals, and oil & gas sectors. “Heidrick & Struggles is building new momentum in Canada to serve clients across many sectors with the leadership solutions they need in uncertain and often challenging operating environments,” said Andrea Waines, managing partner of the firm’s Toronto office.
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits Save The Children U.K. Leader
Russell Reynolds Associates has placed Kevin Watkins as the new chief executive officer of Save the Children UK. Justin Forsyth, chief executive of Save the Children UK since 2010, announced he was leaving the charity earlier this year. Tanya Steele, executive director of marketing, fundraising and communications, had been serving as interim CEO. Mr. Watkins assumed his new duties two weeks ago. The
Major, Lindsey & Africa Places Chief Legal Officer at Union Pacific
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has recruited Rhonda S. Ferguson as executive vice president and chief legal officer of Union Pacific. The search was led by partners Paul Williams and Michael Sachs. Ms. Ferguson joins Union Pacific from FirstEnergy Corp., where she was vice president, corporate secretary and chief ethics officer since 2007. In addition to leading FirstEnergy’s corporate,
Caldwell Partners Latest Recruiter to Offer Assessment Services
The list of executive search firms offering leadership assessment services is expanding — rapidly. Caldwell Partners International is now the latest to enter the fray, forming a partnership with Caliper, a research-based talent management consulting firm focused on assessment and leadership development. The agreement will integrate Caliper’s assessment and onboarding services into Caldwell Partners’ research-based executive search process
Catalyst Advisors Recruits CEO for Acceleron Pharma
Executive search firm Catalyst Advisors has placed Habib Dable as president and chief executive officer of Acceleron Pharma Inc. He succeeds John Knopf who has announced his retirement. Catalyst John Archer and Sara Hagar led the search. Mr. Dable joins Acceleron from Bayer AG, where he most recently served as president of pharmaceuticals for Bayer in the U.S. In this role, he was
Gilman Partners Launches Real Estate & Economic Development Practice
Executive search firm Gilman Partners has formed a new commercial real estate / economic development recruiting practice led by partner Karen Finan. Ms. Finan joined Gilman Partners after a career with Duke Realty Corporation and Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Corporation (Tri-ED). After years of conducting local and regional searches in the sector, the firm decided to formalize the practice, and
Egon Zehnder and Korn Ferry Tap Insider as Pharma Giant CEO
In one of the biggest search assignments in British business this year, Egon Zehnder and Korn Ferry have engaged to support the CEO succession and recruitment process at GlaxoSmithKline by tapping company insider Emma Walmsley as its new chief executive officer. She becomes the first woman to lead the pharmaceutical giant and GSK will be the first top-tier
