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The AI-Ready Chief People Officer
As artificial intelligence accelerates across the enterprise, the people function is emerging as one of its most critical proving grounds. Nowhere is the balance between innovation and responsibility more visible than in the evolving role of the chief people officer. AI is reshaping how organizations operate, how leaders make decisions, and how people experience work.
Odgers Acquires Ridgeway Partners
Odgers has acquired Ridgeway Partners LLC, a New York City-based executive search firm focused on financial services and board advisory. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We’re thrilled to welcome Ridgeway Partners’ talented team to the firm,” said Kennon Kincaid, CEO, Odgers US. They’ve earned an outstanding reputation for expert advice and a passionate
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Heidrick & Struggles Posts Seven Percent Revenue Gain
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted global full-year revenues of $1.1 billion, an increase of seven percent, compared to $1.03 billion in 2023. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter — the fifth largest global firm as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media — reported net income was $8.7 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.41, which included a
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
Vetted Solutions Leading Laboratory Association CEO Search
Executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has been retained by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. The assignment is being led by Vetted Solutions president James Zaniello and vice president Judy Walker. The Association’s president / CEO has responsibility for providing strategic leadership by collaborating with its board
Boyden Recruits CHRO for The Aerospace Corporation
Executive search firm Boyden has recruited Heather Laychak as chief human resources officer (CHRO) of The Aerospace Corporation. Tim McNamara, managing partner of Boyden’s Washington, D.C. office and a leader in the firm’s aerospace, defense & intelligence and global transportation sectors, led the search. “One of Aerospace’s five core values is commitment to our people,” said Dr.
Raines International Names Diversity & Inclusion Practice Co-Head
Executive search firm Raines International has appointed Pauly Rodney as co-head of its diversity and inclusion search practice. Based in New York City, Mr. Rodney will also become a member of the firm’s marketing and advertising practice. Prior to joining Raines International, he served as New Jersey executive director of America Needs You, a national non-profit. He previously
Not Actively Looking: A New Professional Networking Option
The most valuable asset for any company is its human capital. For recruiters charged with keeping their candidate pipelines full, active and viable, they are always looking for new and innovative ways to power up these professional treasure troves whenever and wherever they can. But one thing seems to remain constant among these talent databases: recruiters
Russell Reynolds Associates Forms Partnership to Gain Assessment Services
Executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates and Hogan Assessments, a global provider of personality assessment and leadership development, have formed a partnership designed to increase the success rate of executive appointments and accelerate the development of rising leaders. The alliance combines Russell Reynolds’ depth of expertise in advising senior executives and boards on executive search and succession
Benchmark Executive Search Retained to Recruit Chief Security Officer
Benchmark Executive Search has been retained by SSL MDA Holdings to lead its search for a chief security officer. Jeremy King, president of Benchmark, is leading the assignment. “We are honored to be selected to conduct this important search,” said Mr. King. “We look forward to taking this great opportunity to the best security chiefs in the industry.”
Egon Zehnder Leading CEO Search for Racing Victoria
Egon Zehnder has been retained by Racing Victoria to lead its search for a chief executive officer. Current CEO Bernard Saundry will be stepping down this December. Mr. Saundry has agreed to stay onboard to help out during Racing Victoria’s search for his replacement. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working within the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry and
Access Search Partners Adds India Member Firm Specialist
Access Search Partners (ASP), a new global partnership of executive search firms recently launched by Polachi Inc., has added White Ocean Expert Consulting (WOEC) as its newest member for to address the growing executive search market in India. WOEC is a global executive search and consulting firm focusing on technology and industrial sectors across India and
GRMSearch Names Consultants In South Africa, Australia and Japan
Executive search firm GRMSearch (GRM) has strengthened its global platform with new appointments in South Africa, Australia and Japan. In Johannesburg, GRM has signed on recruitment and insurance professional Kumari Naicker to its global insurance recruitment & consultancy practice group. Ms. Naicker’s coverage will help to grow the firm’s global footprint across Europe, Africa, Asia and
Executive Recruiters Look to U.S. As Brexit Fallout Deepens
In the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote six weeks ago, London-headquartered search firm Hoggett Bowers mobilized 80 senior executives from a range of sectors to begin taking stock of Britain’s historic vote to sever its 43-year relationship with the E.U. On the search firm’s mind: What is the likely impact of Brexit on hiring? That question has been the singular focus of
Diversified Search Fills Board Post for Constellation Brands
Executive search firm Diversified Search has placed Frederic Cumenal, chief executive officer of Tiffany & Co., to serve as a member of the board of directors at Constellation Brands. Charles King, a managing director in the firm’s New York office, led the search. “We’re pleased to welcome Frederic to the board of directors,” said Richard Sands, Constellation’s chairman
Heidrick & Struggles Names Media and Entertainment Practice Leader
Executive search and culture shaping advisor Heidrick & Struggles International has appointed Simon Pollock as head of its media and entertainment practice. He is based in the firm’s London office. Mr. Pollock brings with him more than 30 years of experience in the media and entertainment sector. Prior to joining Heidrick, he was a partner at
DES Recruitment Lands COO for N3
Executive search firm DES Recruitment has placed Shannon Copeland as chief operating officer at N3. The placement continues a long-standing partnership between John Hodge, managing partner at DES Recruitment, and Jeff Laue, chief executive officer of N3. Mr. Copeland brings to N3 a wealth of experience and operations knowledge that he can use to help drive further success for
IIC Partners Names Eight New Consultants
IIC Partners has announced the addition of eight new consultants to its member firms in Hamburg, Hong Kong, London, New York, Shanghai and Sydney. Marlière & Gerstlauer Executive Search, located in Hamburg, has appointed Göran Petersen as a consultant. With an extensive background in the renewable energy and green technology sectors, Mr. Petersen brings over 20
Millennials Cite Impact As Critical Factor In Choosing Next Job
As Millennials continue to populate workplaces around the country, what is most important to them when looking for a job may come as a surprise. The ability to make an impact on the businesses they work for matters most to Millennial employees, according to the recent ‘Millennials in the Workplace’ survey released by the Futurestep division of Korn Ferry. In
SRi Expands Into the U.S.
Executive search firm SRi (Sports Recruitment International) has expanded to the U.S. with the appointment of Steven Moser as a consultant. Mr. Moser becomes the first SRi appointment to be permanently based stateside, expanding the firm’s global reach that already includes bases in Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Singapore, Switzerland and the U.K. He will be based in Phoenix. Specializing
