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Kingsley Gate Expands in London
Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate has expanded with the addition of Simon Gray as a partner in London. “We’re delighted to welcome Simon Gray to Kingsley Gate,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “With over two decades of executive search experience, Simon brings deep expertise in placing senior product and technology leaders across private equity-backed and public market
Korn Ferry’s Alan Guarino Releases New Book on Unlocking Personal Greatness
Unlock the qualities of success and reach your full potential using this new guide from leadership and career development expert Alan C. Guarino, vice chairman of Korn Ferry and the founder of Cornell International, Inc. “For each of us, the definition of success and the journey to achieve it is different,” Mr. Guarino said. “Yet,
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.
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
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?
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
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Chief People Officer 2030: Developing a Toolkit for the Future of Leadership
HR leaders are deep into the evolution of their roles, shifting from back-office operational experts to strategic business partners. Every day, they navigate transformation on multiple levels—within their roles, their function, their organizations, and the broader business environment. The Covid-19 pandemic kick-started the pace of change, but volatility since, including geopolitical and economic volatility, new
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
Why the CEO / CHRO Relationship Is Essential
[In partnership with CEOs, chief human resource officers (CHROs) are playing increasingly critical roles to ensure companies win the war for talent and maximize employee motivation across the globe, according to the ‘Executive Monitor’ report newly released by search firm Boyden. Boyden’s report, “The Rise of the CHRO,’ explores the many challenges CHROs face on
Parker Executive Search Assists MSU in AD Search
[Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has placed John Cohen as the 17th director of athletics at Mississippi State University (MSU). The current MSU head baseball coach and two-time Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year replaces Scott Stricklin, who was named athletic director at the University of Florida in September. Mr. Cohen will take over an athletic department that has recently
Arts Consulting Group Taps Leader for Seattle Film Festival
[Executive search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has recruited Sarah Wilke as executive director of the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). Most recently, Ms. Wilke held the position of managing director at On the Boards, a contemporary performing arts organization based in Seattle. Throughout her 12-year tenure there, she was responsible for the organization’s day-to-day operations
Amrop Names Head of Global Life Sciences Practice U.K.
[Amrop, a partnership of recruiting firms operating from 76 offices in 54 countries throughout Asia, EMEA, and the Americas, has named Tom Bradley as head of its life sciences search practice U.K. Based in London, Mr. Bradley focuses on executive level searches across the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors on a national and international level. With over
Charles Sterling Group Names Distribution Practice Leader
[Executive search firm Charles Sterling Group, LLC has appointed Mike Fitzgerald as managing director and distribution search practice leader. He joins the firm’s asset management practice. In this role, Mr. Fitzgerald will assume responsibility for the delivery of Charles Sterling Group’s executive search and management consulting services to new and existing clientele. He brings over 30
Why Talent Engagement Is More Important Than Ever
[To say that competition for talent is high is an understatement. In today’s candidate-driven hiring climate, companies big and small are all vying for the same limited resource: quality candidates. And while candidate experience and employee value proposition certainly influence an organization’s ability to hire top talent, the more immediate challenge is something most recruiters haven’t had
David Barrett Partners Retained by Dartmouth to Lead CIO Search
[Executive search firm David Barrett Partners has been selected by Dartmouth College to lead its search for a new chief investment officer. After more than six years as Dartmouth’s CIO, Pamela Peedin will step aside as the school year winds down in 2017. David Barrett Partners has a growing practice in the function, having recently placed investment officers for Harvard
Herd Freed Hartz Lands CEO for Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
[Herd Freed Hartz Executive Search Partners has recruited Chad Vincent to serve as chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. He succeeds James Robson, who resigned in April. Mr. Vincent is a seasoned executive with experience taking startups, turnarounds, family owned brands and Fortune 50 divisions to record levels of sales and profitability. But he brings to
Handler & Associates Launches Technology Practice
[Executive search firm Handler & Associates has added global IT executive Lee Panosian to its staff as a partner to launch and lead its technology practice. Mr. Panosian’s career encompasses 33 years of executive leadership at multinational technology companies, including expertise in global sales management, IT strategy, go-to-market initiatives, change management and enterprise information management. Most recently, Mr. Panosian
Witt/Kieffer Expands Sports Leadership Practice
[Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has named Katy Young as a senior associate in its expanding sports leadership practice. Based in Dallas, she will focus on the firm’s recruitment of university and college coaches. Experienced in both collegiate and professional sports recruiting, Ms. Young has supported over 40 searches for Division I head coaches and athletic directors. She has worked with
Diversified Search Leading CEO Search for Girl Scouts of America
[Executive search firm Diversified Search has been retained by the Girl Scouts of America to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. The firm’s founder and chairman, Judith M. von Seldeneck, is leading the assignment. Anna Maria Chávez, who has served as CEO of the organization since 2011, notified the national board of directors of her
Odgers Berndtson Expands Technology Practice
[Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has expanded its technology practice in the U.S. with the addition of two new executive search specialists, Kathryn Ullrich and Rod Keller. “A new breed of corporate leader is emerging as disruptive technologies transform industries literally overnight,” said Odgers U.S. managing partner Steve Potter. The firm recently conducted a survey of global executives
McCormack + Kristel Retained by the Secular Student Alliance to Find New Leader
[Executive search firm McCormack + Kristel has been chosen by the Secular Student Alliance (SSA) to lead its search for a new executive director. Managing partner Joseph McCormack and partner Michelle Kristel are leading the assignment. The Position The executive director will provide visionary leadership empowering secular students, including ensuring that its student group programming, organizational culture, community engagement,
DirectEmployers Association Taps New Leader
[DirectEmployers Association has tapped Michael Goldberg to serve as its new executive director. For the last 16 years, Bill Warren has served as its leader. “I want to emphasize that I will forever be grateful to this organization for having granted me one of the greatest opportunities of my life, to be a part of the accomplishments and
Johnson Names Practice Head
[Sydney-based executive search firm Johnson has appointed Gregory Dohnt as partner and leader of its industrial & infrastructure and chief financial officer practices. Mr. Dohnt brings over two decades of experience with listed executive search firms, both in Australia and internationally. He has expertise in capital intensive sectors such as utilities, property, manufacturing and infrastructure. He has
Why Korn Ferry’s CEO Thinks We All Need to Adapt to Change
In a Harvard Business Review article, Korn Ferry’s chief executive Gary D. Burnison once compared a search firm to a hospital emergency room, writing that people only go to the ER – and an executive recruitment firm – in an emergency. “In medicine, big businesses are built around wellness and prevention,” he wrote. “I wanted
Caldwell Partners Posts Solid Revenue Gain for 2016
[Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International posted full year revenues of $58.7 million (Canadian), an eight percent increase from a year ago. Impacting its results: a near 16 percent uptick in its U.S. business and a 25 percent decline in its home territory due to weaknesses in the Canadian financial and oil & gas sectors. “A strong
Gatti & Associates Launches Healthcare Practice
[Executive search firm Gatti & Associates, a GattiHR company, has launched a new healthcare recruiting practice. Senior vice president Richard Fleming has been appointed practice leader. Mr. Fleming brings 25 years of HR search and leadership experience to the role. In addition to leading the firm’s healthcare practice, he will continue servicing clients within life sciences,
Korn Ferry Recruits CAO for Sports Association
[Korn Ferry has placed Alejandro Lesende as chief financial and administration officer of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF). CONCACAF brought in Korn Ferry to advise on key qualifications for the position and manage a public search before presenting a list of candidates to the Confederation’s senior management. Mr. Lesende brings over 20 years







