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Hudson Talent Solutions Completes Purchase of Acquired Philadelphia
Tampa, FL-based Hudson Talent Solutions has completed the acquisition of Acquired Philadelphia, a female-founded talent acquisition consultancy. The integration brings the expertise of Acquired Philadelphia’s founder, Jessica Dombkoski, into Hudson Talent Solutions’ growing platform and strengthens the firm’s capabilities across executive search, success-fee recruitment, strategic talent advisory, and its proprietary agentic-AI platform, HudsonFlow. “Jessica has built deep,
AI Adoption Linked to Stronger Revenue Growth Across Executive Search Firms
Macroeconomic conditions were unpredictable and labor markets remained sluggish in 2025, but many firms were able to find success in this challenging market. One way was with AI, which revolutionized the recruitment industry in 2025. Top-performing firms are four times as likely to be using AI, and 55 percent have seen KPIs increase more than
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 Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
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?
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
9 Talent Acquisition Trends You Must Know to Drive Success
If you want to succeed in the competitive world of talent acquisition and consistently hire the right people for your organization, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest hiring trends. The job market is constantly evolving, and candidates’ expectations are shifting just as quickly. Staying ahead of these changes not only helps you connect
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
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
