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Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
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.
U.S. M&A Accelerates as Buyers Raise the Bar
EY-Parthenon’s September Merger Monthly points to continued momentum across the U.S. M&A market. Through August, deal value for transactions above $100 million reached approximately $2.2 trillion, up roughly 48 percent year-over-year, while volume increased 23 percent. Momentum remained strong from June through August, with deal value rising 23 percent and volume advancing 22 percent from
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?
Why the Best Job Offer Is About More Than Salary
A higher salary can make a new job attractive, but compensation alone does not always tell candidates whether an offer is truly better. According to a recent report from NPAworldwide, recruiters can play an important role in helping candidates evaluate the complete package while also helping employers understand why a competitive base salary may not
Buffkin / Baker Recruits President for Valdosta State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Donald J. Green president of Valdosta State University (VSU). Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt led the assignment. “Don Green is a leader who knows how to deliver results, and he’s proven that time and again,” USG chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “At Gordon State, he focused on
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
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
Building Your IR Function: The Questions Every VC Should be Asking
As venture firms mature and fundraising becomes more institutionalized, building the right investor relations function is increasingly becoming a critical part of long-term growth. The best time to hire an investor relations leader is before you urgently need one, according to a recent report from SPMB’s Suzanne Heske and Emily Leder. “LP relationships take years to
U.S. Hiring Slows as Unemployment Rate Edges Up to 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 29,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate edged up to at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, also increased in September. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Black (7.0 percent) increased in September.
Cook Silverman Search Recruits Chief Development Officer for Common Sense Media
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has assisted in the recruitment of Alicia Chang as chief development officer of Common Sense Media to lead in its search for a chief development officer. Ms. Chang joins Common Sense Media after spending a decade with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where she most recently served as deputy chief development officer
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
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
Peña Search Seeking Executive Director for Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church
Peña Search has been retained by Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church (PHPC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Holly Sherman Peña and Carlos González Peña are leading the assignment. PHPC seeks an experienced and dynamic executive director to join its leadership team. This pivotal role serves as the Integrator within the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
Stevenson Search Partners Makes Strategic Leadership Transition
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, recently announced a strategic leadership transition designed to accelerate growth and strengthen its position as a comprehensive talent solutions partner for the life sciences industry. Kris Steen was promoted to president of executive search, while Adam Bloom transitioned to
Sheffield Haworth Partners with Winpe ProClub Mentorship Program
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has partnered with Winpe ProClub Mentorship Program, aiming to help expand the careers of high-potential women in private equity, venture capital, and their portfolio companies. “At Sheffield Haworth, we are deeply committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the investing industry,” said Avaneesh Raghuvanshi, head, financial services and private equity
BoardWalk Consulting Appoints CEO
Executive search firm BoardWalk Consulting has named Crystal Stephens as managing director and CEO. She succeeds Sam Pettway, who founded BoardWalk in 2002 and will continue to serve as founding director. Mr. Pettway will remain active in market development, select client engagements, and the continued growth of the firm’s reputation. “For 23 years, BoardWalk’s focus has been simple but
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits CFO for Wesley Housing
BroadView Talent Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Michael Pruell as the new CFO of Wesley Housing of Alexandria, VA. He will succeed longtime CFO Christopher Cherry, who will retire later this year after more than a decade of leadership that strengthened Wesley Housing’s financial foundation and guided the organization through key milestones. Wesley
DSG Global | Koya Partners Tapped by ASPCA for CFO Search
DSG Global | Koya Partners has been retained by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to lead in its search for a new CFO. Molly Brennan, global managing partner and non-profit and social impact practice leader, managing directors Erin Reedy and Tyler Ridgeway, are leading the assignment. The ASPCA seeks a mission-driven CFO
Greenwood Asher & Associates Seeking Provost for West Virginia University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates is currently conducting a search for a new provost and vice president for academic affairs for West Virginia University (WVU). Julie Holley and Julie Schrodt are leading the assignment for the search firm. Under the leadership of its new president Michael Benson, the university seeks an inspirational academic
The Talent Studios Introduces Determined People, an Agentic AI-Enabled Technology Platform
The Talent Studios has launched Determined People, an agentic, AI-powered cognitive engine. “As an executive search firm, over the last 36 months we’ve seen AI-enabled recruitment tools pitched to us by technology startups that are being led by engineers and entrepreneurs first and foremost,” said Jeremy Cohen, co-founder and CEO of The Talent Studios. “They have
7 Strategic Reasons to Consider Recruitment Outsourcing
In today’s business climate, HR and talent leaders face a clear mandate: achieve more with fewer resources while strategically planning for the future to deliver lasting value. Anticipating future workforce needs is more critical (and tricky) than ever with shifting business needs and ongoing uncertainty around what roles to hire or how to prioritize them
PierceGray Leading Head of Sales Search for Innovapptive
PierceGray was recently tapped by Innovapptive to lead in its search for a new head of sales. In support of Innovapptive’s growth plans, the organization seeks to hire a head of sales to take over its commercial organization. This shift from co-founder and CEO Sundeep Ravande will provide the focus and leadership to scale the
Cook Silverman Search Recruits Executive Director for Ploughshares
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has placed Samara Dun as the new executive director of Ploughshares. “Samara’s journey began as a young activist in the nuclear freeze movement, which inspired her lifelong commitment to peace and collaboration,” Ploughshares said in a LinkedIn post. “Longtime friends of Ploughshares may remember Samara from her tenure as director of
Furst Group Tapped by PracticeWise for CEO Search
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has been retained by PracticeWise to lead in its search for a new CEO to guide the company into its next phase of growth and impact. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who shares that passion and is eager to help strengthen
Solomon Page Expands Accounting & Finance Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has expanded with the addition of Mark Fellinger as a managing director within its accounting & finance full-time practice. Based in Chicago, Mr. Fellinger’s addition represents a strategic expansion of the firm’s presence into the Midwest, with a focus on the greater Chicago area and surrounding suburbs, as well as Wisconsin,
Building High-Impact Teams in the Cannabis Industry
The cannabis sector—particularly hemp—is experiencing explosive growth. As market projections climb and more states adopt legalization, companies face a critical challenge: assembling teams capable of thriving in a fast-growing, highly regulated environment. But cannabis industry talent acquisition isn’t like recruiting for traditional CPG or pharma, it’s a whole different game, according to a recent report
Nexus Search Partners Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Mobile Communications America
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has placed Jonathan Nikols as chief revenue officer at Mobile Communications America (MCA) in Spartanburg, SC. “We’re thrilled to welcome Jonathan to the MCA executive team,” said Vince Foody, CEO of MCA. “His deep experience leading integrated revenue functions and scaling high-performing commercial organizations makes him
Summit Search Group Places Executive Director for Resource Assistance for Youth
Ontario-headquartered executive recruiting firm Summit Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Kate Sjoberg as executive director of Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY). This executive search was conducted as part of Summit’s 2025 Pro Bono Search Initiative, an annual program dedicated to supporting leadership transitions in Manitoba’s non-profit sector. “We’re pleased to announce the
Prestige Scientific Names VP of Executive Search
Prestige Scientific, an executive search firm serving the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, recently added Jennifer Price as vice president of executive search. “We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Price to the Prestige Scientific team,” said Stephen Provost, managing director and co-founder at Prestige Scientific. “Jennifer’s leadership, deep functional expertise, and strong relationship-driven mindset make her an exceptional
Harvey Nash Appoints CEO
Global recruitment firm Harvey Nash has named Simon Crichton as CEO. “Simon’s appointment represents a natural evolution in our leadership structure as we enter an exciting new phase of growth,” said Bev White, who will transition from CEO to executive chair of Nash Squared, overseeing both Harvey Nash and Crimson businesses. “His proven track record of driving
The Conference Board Highlights a Strategic Slowdown in Hiring
The Conference Board’s August Human Capital report makes clear that CHROs are taking a more cautious, measured approach to workforce strategy. As Diana Scott, leader of The Conference Board US Human Capital Center, explained: “CHROs are taking a more thoughtful, steady approach as economic and policy uncertainty lingers. This slowdown in hiring isn’t about losing confidence—it’s
Lindauer Recruits Chief People Officer for Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Sarah Cox as chief people officer of Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. The search was led by Lindauer senior vice president Paula Fazli, who co-leads the firm’s higher education practice alongside SVP Faith Montgomery. “With Paula Fazli’s support and guidance, we cast a wide net and considered candidates from a range of backgrounds, including
Boyden Appoints Co-Leader of Global Industrial Practice
Boyden has named Elizabeth Garforth as co-leader of its global industrial practice. She joins Helga Kayser-Dörr, who has led Boyden’s global industrial practice since 2022. “Elizabeth built her career with multinationals in the industrial sector, living and working on three continents,” Boyden said in a LinkedIn post. “Based in France, she focuses on cross-border assignments, bringing multicultural
DHR Global Expands in Seoul Office
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of David Cho as a partner in the industrial, technology and private equity practice groups, based in the Seoul office. “We are delighted to welcome David back to DHR Global,” said Philippe Tirault, managing partner, Korea. “His ability to advise clients across technology, industrial, and private equity sectors, combined with
Mega-Deals Point To Shifting Priorities In M&A
According to S&P Global, third-quarter deal value for $10 billion-plus transactions has already reached $171.81 billion, nearly matching the $179.74 billion posted in the second quarter — even with fewer transactions. The headline is clear: overall volume may be cooling, but the deals that do close are bigger, bolder, and designed to reshape industries. This reflects
Pearl Street Collective Seeking CEO for NOCO Humane
Boston-based Pearl Street Collective was recently retained by NOCO Humane in Loveland, CO, to lead in its search for a new CEO. The organization seeks a strategic, collaborative, and community-rooted CEO to lead the organization into its next era following the planned transition of its long-serving and widely respected leader. This moment of continuity and change offers
Rudish Health Leading CFO Search for Presbyterian Medical Group
Boca Raton, FL-headquartered healthcare advisory and talent leadership firm Rudish Health was recently retained by Presbyterian Healthcare Services (PHS) to lead in its search for the inaugural CFO for Presbyterian Medical Group (PMG). As a senior executive of PHS’s provider enterprise, comprising 1,300 employed physicians and advanced practice providers across 50 specialties in five counties, this executive will
NU Advisory Partners Fills Board Position for ImmunoBrain
NU Advisory Partners has recruited Rochelle Walensky as a new member of the board of director for ImmunoBrain, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel immunotherapies for neurodegenerative diseases. “Congratulations Dr. Rochelle Walensky on joining ImmunoBrain as a board director,” NU Advisory Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “A physician-scientist and former CDC director, Dr. Walensky brings decades of
Caldwell Opens Office in Dubai
Toronto-headquartered Caldwell has opened a new office in Dubai. Rob Wilder was appointed managing partner of the office. He will be joined in Dubai by Simon Hall, partner in Caldwell’s financial services practice. The launch marks Caldwell’s entry into the Middle East and North Africa region. “With more than 25 years of experience advising organizations on board and executive
Egon Zehnder Assists with the Recruitment of America’s 76th Postmaster General and CEO
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder recently assisted the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors in the recruitment of David Steiner to be America’s 76th postmaster general and CEO. He succeeded former postmaster general Louis DeJoy, who resigned in March, and current acting postmaster General Doug Tulino, who will return to his permanent position as deputy
AI and its Impact on the Global Workforce
The arrival of AI on the global business scene feels like old news. Yet the pace of its implementation and resulting impact on the future of work is staggering. McKinsey Global Institute’s “A New Future of Work: The Race to Deploy AI and Raise Skills in Europe and Beyond” projects that “by 2030…about 27 percent
Anthem Executive Assists Texas A&M International University with President Search
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive has helped to recruit Christopher Maynard as the new president of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). The board’s decision on August 28th to name him the sole finalist for the position followed recommendations from Anthem Executive and Texas A&M University System chancellor Glenn Hegar. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Pablo
CIO Partners Seeking New IT Leader for RaceTrac
Chief information officers (CIOs) are increasingly in demand today due to the accelerating pace of digital transformation across industries. As organizations strive to harness emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity frameworks, and data analytics, the CIO has become a critical figure in driving this change. Modern CIOs are no longer just IT
