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Daily Newswire
Five Questions with MJ Scott, Incoming CEO of Kirk Palmer Associates
Kirk Palmer Associates (KPA) an independent executive search firm dedicated exclusively to retail and consumer brands, this past July appointed search industry veteran MaryJeanne (MJ) Scott as its new CEO. A seasoned leader with more than 25 years in retail and executive search, Ms. Scott brings expanded capabilities to KPA’s global operations with a focus
Unemployment Rises to Four-Year High
Employment rose by 64,000 in November as the U.S. unemployment rate stands at 4.6 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment rose in healthcare and construction in November, while federal government continued to lose jobs. The delayed employment report for November and a partial update for October published by the Labor Department’s Bureau
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.
AI Is Rewriting the Executive Hiring Playbook
Insight Partners’ latest research suggests the AI era is creating a new executive hiring playbook. Based on more than 400 executive searches and interviews with over 1,400 leadership candidates, the firm’s talent team argues that many of the characteristics defining today’s strongest product and engineering leaders would have been viewed as weaknesses only a few years
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?
FMG Leading Acquires Market Intelligence And Strategic Advisory Firm BroadBranch Advisors
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has acquired market intelligence and strategic advisory firm BroadBranch Advisors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “In today’s high-pressure landscape, translating forward-looking intelligence into action faster and more effectively is critical for our clients, especially in the investor-backed healthcare space,” said Matt Brubaker, chairman and CEO of FMG Leading. “By
PARC Street Group Places Chief Operating Officer for Mission Valley Bank
PARC Street Group has assisted in the recruitment Amanda Connell as chief operating officer at Mission Valley Bank. This search was completed by PARC Street Group senior executive search consultant Michelle Davis, executive recruiter Tabassum Nagpurwala, and executive search associate Priscilla Chacon. Ms. Connell brings more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience across community
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Build a New Performance Model for Executive Recruiters
As the executive search industry faces growing pressure to deliver stronger and more consistent results, firms are reassessing how recruiters are trained, developed, and prepared to meet changing client demands. A few months ago, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ Talent Intelligence advisory unit introduced the Recruiter Performance Training Program, a practical, execution-focused system designed to
U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent
Employment fell by 23,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 6.9 million, changed little in July. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.1 percent) and people who are Hispanic (4.6 percent) declined
Parker Remick Expands with New Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has appointed Adam Szepkouski as partner of consulting excellence. The firm explained that this hire reflects a broader push to refine execution and scale delivery as demand for senior technology leaders accelerates. The appointment comes at a time of structural change in technology leadership. AI is reshaping how technology organizations are built and
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
The Christopher Group Selected by Penn Highlands Healthcare for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by Penn Highlands Healthcare to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Molly Mangan, and partner, Carrie Longmire, are leading the assignment. “The chief human resources officer will play an important role in helping Penn Highlands
Where AI Belongs in Executive Search—and Where It Doesn’t
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the executive search profession, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency while raising important questions about where technology should—and should not—play a role in the hiring process. As firms continue to integrate AI into their workflows, the focus is increasingly shifting from whether to adopt these tools to how
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been selected by Virginia Tech to lead in its search for a new president. Current president Tim Sands announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti are leading this search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its
Parker Remick Appoints Partner of Firm Operations
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick recently named Jena Gibson as partner of firm operations. This is part of the executive search firm’s expansion of operational infrastructure and AI-enabled delivery capabilities. The firm noted that all in response to rising demand for senior technology and AI leadership. Ms. Gibson joins Parker Remick with more than 15 years
Building an Employer Brand That Attracts Top Executive Talent
In today’s competitive business environment, where organizations are vying for top talent, a strong employer brand has become an essential strategic advantage. It plays a critical role in attracting and retaining high-quality candidates while also contributing to an organization’s overall success. A recent report from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) delves into the importance of a
Krauthamer & Associates Assists the Dallas Area Rapid Transit with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has assisted in the recruitment of Nathaniel Ford as president and CEO of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). “Mr. Ford brings decades of executive leadership in public transportation, a proven record of organizational transformation, and a deep understanding that transit is about much more than buses and trains,” said DART board chair
Slone Partners Makes Senior Appointments
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has named Sona Stroud and Kim Wilson as senior partners. Ms. Stroud has been promoted to the position following nearly 15 years with the firm, while Ms. Wilson returns to the organization, further strengthening its leadership team with nearly 17 years of experience with the firm. “Few things are more rewarding than recognizing exceptional leaders
The Evolution of Tech Leadership in Europe: 40 Years of Transformation
As technology continues to reshape every sector of the economy, executive search firms are seeing a fundamental shift in the profile of leaders organizations need to remain competitive. Companies are no longer seeking executives with deep technical expertise alone—they are prioritizing transformational leaders who can navigate disruption, lead enterprise-wide change, and align emerging technologies with
Changing the DNA of Growth-Stage Recruiting
As growth-stage companies accelerate expansion under private equity ownership or new investment, leadership teams are placing greater emphasis on the organizational structures that support long-term value creation. While executive search has traditionally focused on identifying transformative leaders, many organizations are also rethinking where the talent acquisition function belongs within the enterprise to ensure hiring strategy
Solving the Diversity Challenge in Executive Recruitment
The goal of executive recruitment is to select the most qualified candidate for the position. Leaders have a huge impact on an organization’s people, health and results. Research from Mercuri Urval (MU) has shown that a failed leader appointment costs, at least, a staggering 30 times their salary and the wrong leader may even prove fatal
Women In the C-Suite Lagging Male Counterparts
The percentage of women in most C-suite positions is dramatically lower than their male counterparts, according to a new look at data of U.S. companies by Korn Ferry. The analysis found that across the most prominent C-suite titles (chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief information officer, chief marketing officer, and chief human resources officer) and
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Executive Director Search for Jane Goodall Institute
Executive search firm BoardWalk Consulting has been retained by The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) to lead its search for a new executive director. Managing director Kathy Bremer is leading the assignment. The executive director incumbent will foster a culture of excellence in which JGI and Dr. Goodall’s vision, values and work manifest at the most impactful
ON Partners Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Taos
Executive search firm ON Partners has placed Bob Laskey as chief revenue officer of IT services firm Taos. As chief revenue officer, Mr. Laskey will import best practices from a variety of large tech company experiences to help Taos scale to the next level of services and geographic expansion while maintaining the organization’s focus on attracting and retaining
Lucas Group Expands In Cincinnati
Executive search firm Lucas Group has expanded its footprint in Cincinnati with the addition of a new manufacturing practice in the area. Jimmy Dwertman has been hired to lead the office as managing partner. Mr. Dwertman will be expanding the firm’s team of executive recruiters in Cincinnati, adding key individuals to grow the branch. He brings diverse
InterSearch Names Middle East Managing Director
InterSearch Worldwide, a global network of executive search firms, has named Samantha Robinson as managing director for the Middle East. This follows the retirement of John Robinson, founder and former managing director. Ms. Robinson, who has 20 years combined executive search and in-house recruitment experience, joined InterSearch Middle East 10 years ago, initially as the general
Common Pitfalls That Will Hinder Any Career Search
With job prospects improving, workers are looking to greener pastures, but simple mistakes in the application process may be holding them back from landing a new opportunity, according to a recent survey conducted by CareerBuilder and Harris Poll. The survey included a representative sample of 3,244 full-time workers across all industries and company sizes. Most Common Job
Calibre One Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for PA Consulting Group
Executive search firm Calibre One has recruited Jo Scarlett as chief marketing officer of PA Consulting Group. Hector Macandrew, managing partner in London, led the search. Ms. Scarlett will lead PA Consulting’s global marketing team and support the firm in its growth ambitions. She joins from BT, where she was chief digital and marketing officer of the company’s
Allegis Partners Retained by Gerson Lehrman Group to Recruit Global HR Head
Executive search firm Allegis Partners has been retained by GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group) to recruit the company’s next global head of human resources. Mike Bergen, managing partner & global practice leader (human resources), is leading the assignment. “We believe GLG is positioned to grow significantly as it continues expanding from its strong base among financial and
La Fosse Associates Expands Executive Search and Interim Management Practices
U.K.-headquartered executive search firm La Fosse Associates has added three new senior consultants to further strengthen its executive search and interim management capabilities. Henry Draper has been appointed as head of the financial services & technology practice. With experience working with both billion dollar technology companies and high growth SME’s, he specializes in executing CIO and CTO searches
Recruiting CEO Discusses Tenure … and Industry Challenges Ahead
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has appointed current CEO Charles ‘Chuck’ W.B. Wardell as its chairman. Anna Wharton Phillips, who joined the firm in 1988 and has served as chair for the past seven years, will remain with the firm as an advisor to the board. “I’m honored to take the reins as chair during this time of
More Than Half of U.S. Employees Are Seeking New Jobs
Sixty three percent of full time employees are looking for a new job, this according to a new report, ‘Competition for Talent in the U.S.,’ released by iCIMS. Employees spanning all generations are looking at industries outside of the current one they are working within for new opportunities. The top industries candidates are considering migrating to
Opus Partners Recruits CIO for University of Richmond
Executive recruiting firm Opus Partners has recruited Keith W. McIntosh as chief information officer at the University of Richmond. Craig Smith, a founding partner of Opus Partners, led the search. Mr. McIntosh brings to Richmond more than 30 years of experience in information technology services within higher education and the military. He previously served as CIO and associate
Epsen Fuller Fills Board Post for Tingley Rubber Corp.
Executive search firm Epsen Fuller Group has placed Anita Allen as a member of the board of directors at Tingley Rubber Corporation. The company sought a director that would bring diversity of thought and a strong financial background. Ms. Allen, founder and CEO of Allen Advisory Group, a boutique management consultancy, formerly was a consulting partner at KPMG,
Russell Reynolds Associates Expands Into Surging Payments & Technology Recruiting Sector
Executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates has added Jennifer Doidge as a member of its financial services practice. She will focus on executive recruitment in payments and technology. In addition, she will also lend her expertise to the firm in corporate communications executive search. Ms. Doidge has a long track record of counseling top companies across the technology,
Hanover Search Group Expands Wealth Management Practice
As part of its continuing expansion efforts, London-based Hanover Search Group (HSG) has named Paul Merlin as associate partner in the firm’s wealth management practice. Mr. Merlin has worked on a large number of search assignments in the wealth management arena for over 14 years. He has an exceptional track record of delivery with his main
Randstad Acquires Monster Worldwide for $429 Million
Amsterdam-based human resource services provider Randstad Holding has acquired Monster Worldwide, Inc. Under the terms of the deal, Randstad will pay $3.40 per share in cash, or a total purchase price of approximately $429 million. By leveraging Monster’s multiple distribution channels to bridge two different but complementary parts of the extended recruiting industry, Randstad intends to
Human Capital Solutions Joins Forces With Clear Concepts
Executive search firm Human Capital Solutions, Inc. has acquired Clear Concepts, an international industrial and technology executive search firm. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. For more than 20 years, Clear Concepts has provided executive search services for the aviation, aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics and technology sectors. The firm is led by president and
Greenwood / Asher Taps Chancellor for University of Illinois
Executive search firm Greenwood / Asher & Associates has placed Robert Jones as chancellor of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). With more than 30 years of experience in public higher education, Mr. Jones is currently president of the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY). He has been at the helm of one of
Carlson Beck Leading CEO Search for the American Gem Society
Executive search firm Carlson Beck has been retained by the American Gem Society (AGS) to lead its search for a chief executive officer. Current CEO Ruth Batson will be retiring next summer. Sally Carlson, managing partner at Carlson Beck, is leading the assignment. “Ruth will be a tough act to follow and we appreciate that she has provided ample
Cripps Sears Names Perth and Singapore Office Heads
Executive search firm Cripps Sears & Partners has added Christopher Meredith as head of its Perth office and Peter-Paul Nijsten as head of its Singapore location. Mr. Meredith draws on a 28-year history in executive research and recruitment, and will manage the firm’s search practice across Australia and New Zealand. A highly regarded industrial generalist, his experience extends
HR Managers Struggling to Find Quality Talent
Nearly half of global HR managers (46 percent) struggle to find good global candidates with an international outlook, according to recent research by CEMS, the global alliance in business education, and its corporate partner Universum. The survey also found that 87 percent of respondents consider foreign language skills to be important for employability. HR managers see
Marlin Hawk Expands Financial Services Practice In New York
Executive search firm Marlin Hawk has added Glenn Allen as a senior consultant in its financial services practice in New York. Mr. Allen will provide market intelligence, talent management and executive search services to a range of clients — from investment banking, asset management and hedge funds to consumer banking, credit cards and mobile payments
Korn Ferry Leading Chief Investment Officer Search for South Carolina Retirement System Commission
Executive search and leadership solutions provider Korn Ferry has been retained by the South Carolina Retirement System Investment Commission to lead its search for a chief investment officer. Hershel Harper Jr. resigned as CIO last September. Geoffrey Berg, an internal managing director and head of public markets, has been serving as acting CIO. A decision on a
Furst Group Recruits Hospice President
Executive search firm Furst Group has recruited Gayle Mattson as president of Haven Hospice and Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys (VNA/HFK). Ms. Mattson will have overall responsibility for the development and execution of the strategic, operational and clinical programs and services provided to the patients and families served by Haven Hospice and
Dunleavy White Expands Into Germany
London-based executive search firm Dunleavy White has opened a new office in Frankfurt, Germany as part of ongoing expansion plans. The office launch follows the firm’s recently established expansions to London, Dubai and Bangkok. “Germany has a large and thriving travel and aviation sector,” said managing partner Rick White. “The opening of the Frankfurt office is an important
Companies Add 255,000 As U.S. Economy Powers On
Employers added a healthy 255,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.9 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of workers unemployed was essentially unchanged at 7.8 million. This report follows the addition of 287,000 jobs added in June. “The economy continues to power
Storbeck / Pimentel Leading Chief Compliance Officer Search
Storbeck / Pimentel & Associates has been retained by the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) to lead its search for a new chief compliance officer. The CCO position reports to the president and has direct access to the audit committee of the board of regents. The position is responsible for leadership and guidance in establishing and
Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for TriMas Corporation
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has recruited Thomas A. Amato as president and chief executive officer of The TriMas Corporation. He succeeds David M. Wathen, who has recently stepped down. In 2009 Spencer Stuart placed Mr. Wathen into the CEO role at the company. Mr. Amato brings more than 25 years of broad industrial experience, having served in several
CDI Corp. Posts Eight Percent Revenue Decrease
CDI Corp./(NYSE:CDI) posted first quarter revenues of $226.7 million, a decrease of 8.2 percent from revenues of $246.8 million a year ago. The decline was seven percent in constant currency. The quarter included $11 million in revenue from EdgeRock Technologies LLC, acquired in October and now comprising CDI’s specialty talent vertical within its talent and technology solutions segment. During the quarter, MRINetwork, the company’s
Amrop Expands In Asia and LATAM
Amrop, a partnership of recruiting firms operating from 77 offices in 55 countries throughout Asia, EMEA, and the Americas, has expanded its staff with the additions of four new partners to its global team of search consultants. Deepak Dalal becomes a member of Amrop India’s industrial practice, leading its automotive & engineering vertical. He joined Amrop
Heidrick & Struggles Acquires London-Based JCA Group
Heidrick & Struggles has acquired JCA Group, a well-known London-based executive search advisory boutique. Financial terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed. JCA Group is led by founding partners Jan Hall and Emma Fallon, and has 40 employees, including eight partners. The firm has been a leader in addressing gender disparity among boards, as a policy
