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Pyramind Expands Search Team
Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has expanded with the appointment of Victoria Geis as principal, complemented by assessment veteran Adam Smith, and research specialist Lane Crawford. “Pyramind connects visionary companies with executives who drive sustainable future growth, using a distinctive three-pronged assessment approach that examines candidates’ complete career trajectories, decision-making patterns, and leadership behaviors—looking beyond
Bain & Co. Says Building A Value Creation Plan Starts With Building An A-Team
In a recent report, Bain & Company highlights a number that immediately changes the temperature in the room: private equity owners replace 50 percent to 70 percent of portfolio company CEOs during the hold period. It is a stark reminder of how demanding the PE ownership model can be for leaders unfamiliar with the speed and discipline
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
Experience Over Potential: 69 Percent of Hired CEOs Have Already Held the Top Job
Organizations are overwhelmingly drawn to CEO candidates who have already navigated the complexities of the top job. While 40 percent of CEO candidates boast prior experience in the role, a staggering 69 percent of those hired have previously served as CEOs, according to findings of a new report by ON Partners. “This emphasis on prior
Harvard Group Recruits CEO for Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County
Executive search firm Harvard Group International (HGI) has recruited Michael L. Jackson as chief executive officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC). He succeeds Donna Ferraro who has led the non-profit organization since 1991. Cyndi Court, managing director with Harvard Group International’s non-profit practice, led the search assignment. Dr. Jackson’s career includes
Heidrick & Struggles Heading Chief Actuary Search for CalPERS
Heidrick & Struggles has been selected by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) to lead its search for a new chief actuary. The incoming executive will direct the development and implementation of actuarial policies and procedures, and advise the board of administration and its committees on actuarial issues. The actuarial office at CalPERS prepares separate
Horton Group Appoints Chairman
Horton Group International has elected Andreas Wartenberg as its new chairman of the board. He takes this position over from Robin Billen, who is a managing partner of Horton International in Australia. Mr. Wartenberg is a managing director of Hager Unternehmensberatung / Horton International in Germany and has been an executive search consultant for almost 25 years,
Workforce Dynamics: Wage Growth Slows In Second Quarter
The U.S. labor market maintained its trend of growth in wages in the second quarter but at a slower pace, according to the ADP ‘Workforce Vitality Report.’ Gains in the second quarter were driven by growth in hours worked and employment. The report tracks a set of full-time workers to determine wage growth among those who are
BSG Team Ventures Recruits Chief Learning Officer for Human Capital Institute
Executive search firm BSG Team Ventures has placed Courtney Vital as chief learning officer at Human Capital Institute (HCI). Todd Hand, a managing director at BSG Team Ventures, led the search. In this role, Ms. Vital will lead the growing function that provides professional development, certification, and training to HCI’s individual and corporate members around the world. Her team oversees all aspects of educational strategy,
Korn Ferry Assists CPS Energy In CEO Search
Korn Ferry has recruited internal candidate Paula Gold-Williams as chief executive officer of CPS Energy. Past CEO Doyle Beneby has left the organization to join Chicago-based New Generation Power International. Ms. Gold-Williams, who had served as the company’s group EVP and chief financial officer, assumed the interim CEO role when Korn Ferry began the search. “She
Jorgenson Consulting Opens NY City Office; Names Managing Director
Greensboro, North Carolina-based executive search firm Jorgenson Consulting has named Dianne Reid as managing director of its newly opened New York City office. She will be responsible for business development, executive search and client management. Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal, said the firm opened the new office to further serve its clients with operations in the northeastern and
Signium Expands Into Brazil
Executive search firm Signium has opened a new office in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Led by Marcelo Apovian, Jorge Kraljevic and Gilberto Lara, Signium Brazil will provide executive search services across industries, including industrial, consumer / luxury retail, financial, as well as business & professional services. The partners of Signium Brazil bring over 55 years of cumulative
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 11.9 Percent Revenue Gain
Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted second quarter net revenues of $148.9 million, an 11.9 percent increase from revenues of $133 million during the same period a year ago, topping Wall Street forecasts. Executive search and leadership consulting net revenue at Heidrick increased 11.6 percent year-over-year, to $139.2 million from $124.7 million in the 2015 second quarter.
Options Group Appoints Head of Its Classified Strategic Initiative
Global financial recruiting specialist Options Group has named Debbie Freer as head of OGNext, the firm’s classified strategic initiative. Ms. Freer will be establishing the career transformation organization as a new company within the larger organization of Options Group. Her focus will be on executive leadership as well as building a world class career transformation firm. In his
Russell Reynolds Associates Leading Chief People Officer Search for HM Revenues & Customs
Executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been tapped by HM Revenues & Customs (HMRC) to lead its search for a new chief people officer. The CPO will responsible for the people agenda across HMRC. The position is said to be pivotal to delivering the large-scale workforce planning, leadership and skills elements of HMRC’s transformation and
PFM Executive Search Recruits CFO for Capital Regional District
PFM Executive Search has placed Nelson Chan as chief financial officer of Capital Regional District (CRD). In his new role, Mr. Chan will be responsible for overseeing all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities for the organization, in conjunction with the board of directors and the finance, audit, and investment committees of the board. Mr. Chan has experience in both the public
Allen Austin Names Global Technology Practice Leader
Executive search firm Allen Austin has added Paul Moran as managing partner and global technology practice leader. He will be based in the firm’s Boston office. Mr. Moran has over 25 years of experience in executive search and leadership solutions servicing clients on a variety of projects across functions, including board selection, general management, professional services, sales, marketing, finance,
Contingent Workforce Continues to Expand Globally
New Zealand ranked as the highest-ranked country for contingent workforce operations in 2016, followed by Singapore and the Philippines, according to the fourth contingent workforce index (CWI) released by ManpowerGroup. The U.S. fell to sixth place from second on the list, and Canada dropped to seventh from third. The index measures and tracks the relative ease
Kensington International Names Technology Practice Leader
Executive search firm Kensington International has added David Shpiz as an executive vice president within its executive search division. Based in Chicago, he will lead the firm’s technology practice, focusing on private equity-backed companies. Mr. Shpiz was previously a partner at Kindred Partners, an executive search firm placing executives in high-growth technology companies. In addition to his Kindred experience, his
Spencer Stuart Recruits American Trucking Association’s Ninth President
Spencer Stuart has recruited Chris Spear as the ninth president of the American Trucking Association (ATA). He succeeds Bill Graves, who is retiring after more than 13 years with the organization. Mr. Spear is currently vice president of government affairs at Hyundai Motor Company and has a long career on Capitol Hill, in federal agencies, as well
CarterBaldwin Taps Leader for Young Life
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Newton Crenshaw as president of Colorado Springs, CO-based Young Life. The search was led by CarterBaldwin founding partner Price Harding. Mr. Crenshaw is an accomplished leader with a 30-year history of delivering business results, most recently as the vice president of oncology commercial operations / business development / payer at Eli Lilly and Company.
Why Russia Remains a Risk Environment for Search Firms
Executive search firm Boyden has added Moscow-headquartered Zoom Executive Search as part of the firm’s strategy for growth in EMEA and globally. A team of 11 search professionals will join Boyden as part of the firm’s expansion, benefiting clients in Russia and across EMEA. Zoom / Boyden Russia’s new team will be led by managing partners Olga
American Companies Eager to Hire As Second Half of 2016 Kicks In
Hiring managers in the U.S. are prepared to hire more professionals in the year ahead, but the current recruitment environment won’t make their job easy. Nearly two thirds (62 percent) of hiring managers intend to hire more professionals in the next six months, according to the semi-annual hiring survey by DHI Group, a provider of data, insights
The Onstott Group Assists A.I.M. Mutual Insurance In Board Search
Executive search firm The Onstott Group has assisted A.I.M. Mutual Insurance Companies in the recruitment of Leslie E. Greis to serve on the company’s board of directors. Joe Onstott, managing director, led the assignment. Ms. Greis is the founder and managing member of Perennial Capital Advisors, LLC, an investment firm specializing in evaluating and investing in private real estate strategies worldwide
ManpowerGroup Posts Modest Revenue Gain
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted second quarter revenues of $5 billion, a three percent increase from revenues of $4.9 billion a year ago. The company’s performance missed Wall Street forecasts which had expected $5.06 billion. Financial results in the quarter were impacted by the stronger U.S. dollar relative to several foreign currencies compared to the prior year period. Net earnings
Polachi Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for ViralGains
Executive search firm Polachi Inc. has placed Cindy Brown as chief revenue officer of ViralGains, a leader in consumer-centric video distribution. As CRO, Ms. Brown will be responsible for driving ViralGains’ business in the $16 billion online video advertising market. She brings an extremely strong and diverse background to her role at ViralGains, from high growth
The Coming of Age of the CHRO
There has been a lot of discussion in the media recently about the expanding role of the CHRO, not all of it complementary. So I decided to seek an objective view from Mark Oppenheimer (pictured), chief commercial & innovation officer at leadership advisory and executive search firm Marlin Hawk. Based in New York, Mark engages
Why Universities Have Stepped Up Efforts to Involve Search Firms
Using a search firm to recruit a new president or provost today can cost colleges nearly $100,000 or more in recruiting fees. So, is it worth bringing in outside agencies to help? Research compiled by James Finkelstein, a public policy professor at George Mason University, estimates that fees called for under executive search firm contracts
JM Search Appoints New Partner In Chicago
Executive search firm JM Search has named Gil Stenholm as a partner in its Chicago office. He brings significant executive search and consulting experience to JM Search, having spent 33 years with Spencer Stuart and four years with Booz Allen Hamilton. During his tenure at Spencer Stuart, Mr. Stenholm founded and co-led the firm’s consumer goods
Kaplan Partners Recruits CEO for Mascoma Savings Bank
Executive search firm Kaplan Partners has placed Clayton Adams as president and chief executive officer of Mascoma Savings Bank. He will succeed current president and CEO Stephen F. Christy upon his year-end retirement following nearly 27 years in the leadership role. The announcement of Mr. Christy’s successor follows an intensive six-month search led by Mascoma’s board
WinterWyman Recruits Talent Acquisition Leader for OSRAM Sylvania
Executive search firm WinterWyman has recruited George Ravalico as director of talent acquisition of OSRAM Sylvania. Managing director and senior vice president Beverly Morgan led the search. This is the fifth HR leader WinterWyman has recruited for OSRAM. In his new role, Mr. Ravalico is responsible for building, leading and maximizing a strategic, collaborative talent acquisition function
Alexander Hughes Establishes Joint Venture In Iran
Global executive search firm Alexander Hughes has partnered with IranianOffice to form a joint venture based in Tehran. Shayan Shadfar and Christophe Laurent-Atthalin are managing the new joint operation. IranianOffice provides business intelligence and operational support for businesses with and in Iran. The scope of activities IranianOffice provides to its western and local clients ranges from business development to operational support
CEO Economic Outlook Shows Modest Improvement
CEO economic expectations for sales, capital expenditures and hiring have moved modestly upward, but GDP growth expectations have dipped, indicating the U.S. still has far to go to achieve sustained growth, according to the recently released Business Roundtable second quarter 2016 ‘CEO Economic Outlook Survey.’ The Business Roundtable CEO Economic Outlook Index — a composite of CEO projections
NorthWind Partners Recruits CFO for Alion Science and Technology Corp.
Executive search firm NorthWind Partners, a boutique search firm focused on recruiting talent for the private equity sector, has recruited Kevin L. Cook as chief financial officer of Alion Science and Technology Corporation. Managing partner Mark HuYoung, who leads the firm’s private equity practice, along with partners Hunter Murray and Brian Thomas, led the search.
Nolan Partners Expands Into North America
London-headquartered executive search firm Nolan Partners has expanded its operations to North America with the opening of offices in Los Angeles and New York and the appointment of Chad Biagini as managing director of North America. Founded in 2006, Nolan Partners is focused wholly and exclusively on working with clients in sports and related sectors. The firm has







