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AI Won’t Replace Retained Search; It Will Reveal Who’s Doing It Well
In executive search, the real AI question is no longer if it belongs in the process, but how it can sharpen human judgment instead of diluting it. “Everyone is piloting AI somewhere in the talent stack,” said Mike Caggiano, co-founder and CEO of ExactSearch.AI. He explained that the executive tier is where the question shifts
WittKieffer Seeking CHRO for Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital to lead in its search for a new CHRO. Senior partner Mark Andrew is leading the search along with senior associate Molly Solomon. Reporting to the CEO, this leader will be an integral member of the executive leadership team for this independent organization that has a
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
How to Determine Return on Investment in Executive Search
Increasingly, decision-makers planning recruitment outsourcing and budgeting for the upcoming year are asking how to measure the return on investment (ROI) of hiring a new senior leader. This becomes even more challenging and crucial when executive-level recruitment is involved, according to a new report from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF)’s Ewa Adamczyk, a partner at
Koya Leadership Partners Places Chief Development Officer at NRDC
Executive search firm Koya Leadership Partners has recruited Anders Yang as chief development officer of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Leading an international team spanning all of NRDC’s offices, Mr. Yang will play a key role in galvanizing a new generation of funders while maintaining ties with the organization’s long standing donors. He will
Egon Zehnder Adds Financial Services Specialist In Chicago
Executive search and leadership solutions provider Egon Zehnder has added Donald Chae to its Chicago office as an executive recruitment and board search consultant. Mr. Chae focuses primarily on financial services, where his experience spans wealth management, asset management, retail banking, risk management and financial technology. He will also be active in the firm’s professional
What Diverse Candidates Look for From Employers
It comes as no surprise that employers are recognizing the value of an inclusive and diverse work environment — nor that the most forward-looking organizations view it as a leading competitive advantage when hiring from the entry level right up through to the C-suite. A diverse workplace, the argument goes, helps companies understand and meet
DHR Lands New CEO for New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
Executive search firm DHR International has recruited Gabriel van Aalst as president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO). James Abruzzo, managing partner of DHR’s global non-profit practice, led the search. Mr. van Aalst has performed in the Sydney Youth Orchestra (violin) from 2001 to 2006 and served on the board of that organization from 2004 to 2008. In 2004,
Korn Ferry Recruits CIO for Indiana Public Retirement System
Executive search and leadership solutions provider Korn Ferry has placed Scott Davis as chief investment officer of The Indiana Public Retirement System. David Cooper, the organization’s previous CIO, left to become CIO of the $2.8 billion Purdue Research Foundation. Mr. Davis, a company insider, had been serving as the system’s deputy CIO and director of public
CPL Resources Launches Executive Search Division
CPL Resources, an Ireland-headquartered recruitment agency, has launched Ardlinn, an executive search firm dedicated to supporting the growing demand for corporate leaders within the Irish business sector. As one of 19 recruitment brands to come under the CPL global umbrella, Ardlinn will serve as a division of the company focused solely on executive recruiting for top
SmartRecruiters Receives $30 Million In Funding
Talent acquisition platform SmartRecruiters has raised $30 million in series C financing, led by New York-based venture capital and private equity firm Insight Venture Partners. The company plans to leverage the additional capital to sustain its rapid growth, accelerate its global market presence, and continue to invest in its product footprint to serve the needs of the more
Employers Bounce Back By Adding 287,000 Jobs
Employers added 287,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 4.9 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of workers unemployed increased by 347,000 to 7.8 million. Economists surveyed by Reuters said they were, on average, expecting nonfarm payrolls to show growth of 175,000 for
Isaacson, Miller Recruits President for Central European University
Executive search firm Isaacson, Miller has recruited Dr. Michael Ignatieff as the fifth president of Central European University (CEU). He replaces John Shattuck who was also placed into position by the recruiting firm eight years ago. Chairman John Isaacson led the search with senior associate Katie Rockman. The University, according to documents, had been seeking candidates with intellectual gravitas,
Caldwell Partners Posts 6.7 Percent Revenue Decline
Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International posted fiscal third quarter revenues of $13.8 million (Canadian), a 6.7 percent decrease from $14.8 million (Canadian) last year. In the U.S., third quarter professional fees edged down as declines in the number of assignments per partner more than offset increases in the average fee per assignment and the average
Toft Group Recruits CEO for Curetis
Executive search firm Toft Group has placed Christopher M. Bernard as president and chief executive officer of Curetis USA. Mr. Bernard joins Curetis with more than 22 years of diagnostics, biopharmaceutical and translational research industry experience, including roles in executive management, strategic development, product commercialization, marketing and sales. He previously served as chief commercial officer of Epic Sciences,
Quick Leonard Kieffer Appoints Partner
Chicago-based executive recruiters Quick Leonard Kieffer has named Jake Barto as a partner. Mr. Barto has executed numerous senior level search assignments, assisting healthcare systems recruit chief executive officers as well as operational, financial, and clinical leaders. Among his clients: Trinity Health, Sanford Health, McLaren Health Care, and national & state associations, including ACHE and The Alabama Hospital Association. His career in executive
Executive Search Fallout from Brexit Could Run Wide and Deep
There’s a crisis slowly unfolding at executive search firms across London – especially for those with exposure to the financial services markets. But with globalization run amok, bringing with it all sorts of unforeseen challenges, the reverberations in the world’s second largest search market are also being felt as far away as Chicago and Los Angeles, home to the recruiting sector’s
Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for The Aerospace Corporation
Spencer Stuart has recruited Steve Isakowitz as president and chief executive officer of The Aerospace Corporation. He will assume the position upon the retirement of Dr. Wanda Austin in October. Mr. Isakowitz served as president of Virgin Galactic from 2013 to 2016 and as its chief technology officer from 2011 to 2013. At Virgin Galactic, he
Pi Executive Recruits CMO for News America Marketing
Talent advisory firm Pi Executive has recruited Angelique Bellmer Krembs as chief marketing officer of News America Marketing (NAM), a marketer and influencer for online and offline shoppers in the U.S. and Canada. The search was conducted by partner and board member Pierre Trippitelli and assisted by senior consultant Kimberly Bertuglia. Ms. Bellmer Krembs brings with her
Slone Partners Appoints CEO
Executive search firm Slone Partners has named Leslie Loveless as its new chief executive officer. She succeeds Adam Slone, who founded the firm in 2000. Mr. Slone will remain engaged with the firm, focusing specifically on strategy, finance, mergers and acquisitions, advisement and business development in Boston and California. Ms. Loveless joined Slone Partners in 2007
AIMS International Names EMEA Regional Leaders
AIMS International has appointed Grégoire Depeursinge, managing partner in Switzerland, as executive vice president with responsibility for the EMEA region. He succeeds Pierangelo Favero, who has held the position since 2013 and has recently been elected president of AIMS. For nearly 10 years, Mr. Depeursinge has served as global practice leader industrial, member global life sciences practice at AIMS. He has held senior
Wendy’s Chief People Officer Adopts Blended Recruiting Strategy
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers (CHRO) play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, it is the chief people officer who typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus, instead, is on building talent as a key
The New York Pops Turns to Greenwich Harbor Partners for Board Directors
Greenwich Harbor Partners has placed Liz Ritzcovan as a member of the board of directors at The New York Pops. She is the sixth director to be placed on the Pops board by the Greenwich, Conn-based search firm. Ms. Ritzcovan has 20 years of work history increasing profits, building businesses and expanding client and partner bases for
Korn Ferry Recruits CEO for Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
Korn Ferry’s board & CEO services practice has recruited Robert W. Cook as president and chief executive officer of The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). He succeeds Richard Ketchum, who served as chairman and CEO since 2009. Mr. Cook will join FINRA in the second half of this year from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, where he has served
Gerard Stewart Opens New Office In Menlo Park
Executive search firm Gerard Stewart has expanded its services on the West Coast with the opening of a new office in Menlo Park, CA. Sara Boyd has joined the firm to lead the new location as managing director. In addition to overseeing the Menlo Park business, Ms. Boyd will expand the firm’s search capabilities to include EVPs and
CurzonTrinitas Broadens Sector Coverage
Executive recruiters CurzonTrinitas has strengthened its staff with the addition of Robbie Paterson as a partner. Mr. Paterson previously served as partner and head of the renewable energy and utilities practice at Korn Ferry. In that role, he led the placement of CEOs, managing directors and other C-suite roles for businesses across the renewable energy, utilities
Ward Howell, Iconic Search Brand, Returns to U.S. Market
The Hershey Company, the largest chocolate manufacturer in North America with revenues of $8 billion and 22,000 global employees, has expanded its business relationship with executive search firm Ward Howell International. A significant portion of Ward Howell’s recruiting work for Hershey’s has been conducted on a global basis in some 25 far flung markets for more
Robinson Resource Group Recruits Executive Director for Folds of Honor Foundation
Executive search firm Robinson Resource Group has placed William Klinowski as president and executive director of the Folds of Honor Foundation. Managing director, Scott Robinson, led the search. Since its inception in 2007, the Folds of Honor Foundation has had the singular mission to honor the sacrifice of America’s heroes, while giving hope to the
Major, Lindsey & Africa Expands Into Baltimore
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has named Randi S. Lewis as a director to launch and lead its Baltimore recruiting office. She will specialize in recruiting and placing law firm partners and associates within the Baltimore market and surrounding areas. In her new position, she also will focus on helping law firms with strategic practice acquisitions and planning. Ms. Lewis joins
Pedersen & Partners Names Consumer Products and Retail Head
Executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has added Jan Großmann to its German team as a client partner and head of consumer products and retail. Mr. Großmann brings a wealth of expertise to the firm, with more than three decades of substantial management and leadership experience in the executive search, FMCG, retail, and media industries, and
Recruiting Private School Leaders Growing Sector for Search Firms
Executive search firm Brigham Hill Consultancy has placed Dr. Sarah Pelmas as head of the Winsor School, a top 50 girls’ college prep school based in Boston. She succeeds Rachel Friis Stettler, who retired this month after 12 years of service in the position. The search was led by Brigham Hill founder Linc Eldredge and consultant Jessica
Arts Consulting Group Leading CEO Search for Toledo Symphony Orchestra
Executive search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has been retained by the Toledo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Dale Hedding, vice president at ACG, is leading the assignment. Reporting to the board of directors and working in partnership with the principal conductor, the top post will likely
McDermott & Bull Names Retail Practice Head
Irvine, CA-based executive recruiter McDermott & Bull has named Stu Leibach as principal consultant and leader of its retail practice. Mr. Leibach has over 25 years of executive retail experience in both private and publicly held companies. He began his career as co-founder of eSpecialty Brands, based in Chicago, which he sold to a public company. After that,
David Barrett Partners Recruits First Chief Investment Officer for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
David Barrett Partners, a boutique specialist search firm which recruits senior and C-level professionals for the investment and wealth management sector, has placed Jack Mahler as the first chief investment officer of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Bethesda, MD-based foundation had more than $3.65 billion in investment assets as of December 31, 2014, according to financial statements. Mr. Mahler most recently served as head of equities
Calibre One Expands In San Francisco
Executive search firm Calibre One has added Douglas Gladstone and Ryan Polich as vice presidents in its San Francisco offices. “Our selections of Douglas Gladstone and Ryan Polich were the results of extensive search efforts to find the right vice presidents to maintain our momentum as well as add significant insight and value to our







