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Five Shifts That Influenced CEO Leadership in 2025
Organizations entered 2025 confronting a level of volatility that demanded more than short-term adjustments—it required a fundamental rethinking of how leaders grow and respond. As the pace of change accelerated, CEOs increasingly recognized that their ability to evolve strategically and personally would define their effectiveness. In 2025, CEOs operated in a world defined by continuous
Heidrick & Struggles Completes Take-Private Transaction
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) has completed its previously announced transaction to become a privately held company through the acquisition by a consortium of investors led by Advent International, and Corvex Private Equity, with support from a global network of prominent strategic investors including Salem Capital Management, Mousse
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
C-Suite Strategy Balancing Short-Term Results with Long-Term Vision
In today’s fast-paced business environment, C-suite executives are under increasing pressure to achieve quick results while also shaping sustainable, future-oriented organizations. This delicate balance between short-term performance and long-term strategic vision has become increasingly challenging as market volatility, technological disruption, and stakeholder expectations continue to intensify, according to a recent report from Slayton Search Partners.
Hanold Associates Recruits CHRO and CMO for Fortis Private Bank
Executive search firm Hanold Associates has recruited Gaurav Sehgal as chief human resources officer (CHRO) and David Sarjantson as chief marketing officer (CMO) at Denver-based Fortis Private Bank. Headquartered in Denver, Fortis offers a comprehensive suite of banking, private wealth management, and investment management services. As a key member of the Fortis leadership team, Mr. Sehgal will partner with
Myers McRae Recruits University Foundation Fundraising Head
Executive search firm Myers McRae has placed Paul Kettering as vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Columbus State University Foundation. Established in 1958, CSU, located in Columbus, GA, enrolls more than 8,000 students and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in more than 90 academic disciplines. Mr. Kettering, who starts his new role
Reflektive Secures $13 Million In Funding
Reflektive, an HR analytics and employee engagement platform, has secured $13 million in series A funding led by Lightspeed Venture Partners. Reflektive will use the new funding to accelerate development of its platform, enhance customer success and hire across all departments to support its mission to revolutionize performance management. Existing investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, participated in the round,
Egon Zehnder NewsPoint: Walking the Tightrope of Executive Succession
Scrutiny on CEO succession has reached a new intensity. Combine regulatory and activist pressure for more detailed – and better disclosed – succession plans with a handful of high profile CEO illnesses, and you’ve got a recipe for deeper and deeper dives into how new CEOs are selected. In a disrupted business environment, the notion
Korn Ferry Posts $1.3 Billion In Revenue Bolstered By Acquisitions, Organic Growth
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) today posted 2016 fiscal year end revenues of $1.303 billion. The acquisition of Hay Group last December, Pivot Leadership — which was acquired last March, and organic growth seen in its executive search and Futurestep businesses all helped to contribute to a record year at the world’s largest leadership solutions and talent acquisition provider.
Koya Tapped to Recruit Human Rights Network Director
Executive search firm Koya Leadership Partners has been tapped by The US Human Rights Network (USHRN) to lead its search for an executive director. Melissa Madzel, director of executive search, is leading the search assignment for Koya. The organization’s executive director incumbent is expected to be a collaborator, building upon a diverse group of grassroots organizations to
Alder Koten Acquires OCE Consulting
Executive search firm Alder Koten has acquired OCE Consulting, a Houston-based management consulting firm. OCE Consulting focuses on helping clients achieve successful deployment of their business strategies, through culture deployment and the effective application of change management techniques. The firm’s list of clients includes a wide array of companies in different industries and regions of the world – including
Russell Reynolds Associates Leading Houston Police Chief Search
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has selected Russell Reynolds Associates to find the city’s next chief of police. Chief Charles McClelland announced he is retiring after 39 years with the Houston Police Department. Stephen Newton, area manager for the Dallas and Houston offices of Russell Reynolds, is leading the search, which reports say is being done pro bono. Mr. Newton told the
Expand Executive Search Opens First U.S. Office
U.K.-headquartered Expand Executive Search has launched its first U.S. office, establishing a presence in New York City. Executive search consultant Ollie Shipp has been appointed to head up the new location; he is relocating from the U.K. The firm has been supporting clients in North America since 2011, so setting up across the pond is a natural
Looking Beyond the Obvious to Uncover Right-Fit Candidates
A hiring manager posts an opening, describes the ideal candidate, and resumes come flooding in. After doing some interviews, the manager has to decide who the best person is for the job. Research from MRINetwork, the executive search subsidiary of CDI Corp., shows that more often than not, hiring executives pick someone whose qualifications most closely
Spencer Stuart Recruits Chief Communications Officer for Aetna
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has placed Kathryn Metcalfe as chief communications officer of Hartford, Conn-based insurance giant Aetna. She takes over the lead communications role from Tom Sanford, who left the company to pursue other opportunities. Ms. Metcalfe’s core responsibilities include internal and external communications, crisis response, CSR, public affairs, social media, and integration communications. Her
Korn Ferry Fills Top Post for Clark Art Institute
Korn Ferry has recruited Olivier Meslay as the new director of the Clark Art Institute. He becomes the organizations fifth director and succeeds Michael Conforti, who led the institution for more than 20 years. Naree Viner led the assignment. Ms. Viner is an expert in museum leadership recruitment and has placed directors in the last six months at
Sucherman Group Appoints Head of Tech Practice
Sucherman Group, an executive search firm dedicated to finding leaders in the media and entertainment space, has expanded its media tech expertise to the Silicon Valley and the Pacific Northwest with the addition of Greg Sherman as executive vice president and tech practice head. He will be based in San Francisco. Mr. Sherman is a seasoned
Not Actively Looking Partners With Dillistone
Dillistone Systems, a global supplier of software for executive recruiters, has formed an integration partnership with Not Actively Looking, a U.K.-based global matchmaking platform for senior executives and executive search firms. The alliance will allow Dillistone’s 1,600-plus executive search firm clients to access the Not Actively Looking platform. Users of Dillistone’s FileFinder system that also subscribe to become
Stable Hiring Plans to Continue Through Third Quarter
U.S. employers indicate stable hiring plans for the third quarter of 2016, according to the latest Manpower ‘Employment Outlook Survey,’ released today by ManpowerGroup. Of the more than 11,000 U.S. employers surveyed, 23 percent anticipate increasing staff levels during the third quarter. This is a one percent increase from the second quarter, and a one percent decrease
Storbeck/Pimentel to Find President for Sweet Briar College
Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates has been chosen by Sweet Briar College to lead the search for its next president. In April, the school announced that president Phillip Stone would return to retirement, effective next July. Partner Anne Coyle will lead the Sweet Briar search for Storbeck. “We are excited to have such an accomplished firm guiding us in this important process,
UniCredit Board Turns to Egon Zehnder to Find Next CEO
Egon Zehnder has been retained by UniCredit to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Past CEO Federico Ghizzoni agreed to step down last month as investors demanded a change in management. According to sources, Korn Ferry, Spencer Stuart and Russell Reynolds Associates were also considered for the search with Egon Zehnder getting the nod.
Heidrick & Struggles Adds Healthcare and Life Sciences Specialist
Heidrick & Struggles has strengthens its healthcare and life sciences practices with the addition of healthcare leader Alan Milinazzo as a partner. He will be based out of the firm’s Boston office. “This is a rare hire — Alan brings more than two decades of executive management experience in the life sciences sector. His complex experience in the boardroom and
ERSG Continues Expansion In Europe
U.K.-based executive search firm ERSG has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany and appointed Taimur Malik as country manager. Mr. Malik brings with him a wealth of recruitment experience gained at S3 Recruitment. During his time with S3 he successfully opened and developed four divisions, playing a highly significant part in the overall growth of the
Microsoft to Buy LinkedIn for $26.2 Billion
Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) and LinkedIn Corporation (NYSE: LNKD) announced today they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire LinkedIn for $196 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at $26.2 billion, inclusive of LinkedIn’s net cash. LinkedIn will retain its distinct brand, culture and independence. Jeff Weiner will remain CEO
Phillips Oppenheim Leading CEO Search for YouthBuild USA
Phillips Oppenheim, an executive search firm dedicated to the non-profit sector, has been retained by YouthBuild USA to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Paul Spivey is leading the search. YouthBuild is a non-profit organization which provides education, counseling and job skills to unemployed young adults (between ages 16 and 24), generally high school dropouts. There are 273 YouthBuild programs in
Herbert Mines Recruits President for Abercrombie & Fitch
Herbert Mines Associates has recruited Stacia Andersen as president of Abercrombie & Fitch and Abercrombie Kids and Kristin Scott as president of the Hollister Co. brand. Managing director Gene Manheim led the search. Mr. Manheim’s executive search practice focuses on retail, fashion, and consumer products & services. Ms. Andersen most recently served as senior vice president responsible
Russell Reynolds Associates Open Office In Montreal
Russell Reynolds Associates has opened an office in Montreal. Brigitte Simard, a managing director with international executive search experience, has been appointed to lead the firm’s new operations. The Montréal office is the firm’s third office in Canada after Toronto and Calgary, and its 46th office worldwide. The new office further strengthens the firm’s commitment to the Québec
Harvey Nash Expands Financial Services Practice In Asia
Global search firm Harvey Nash has added Heather Grayson as director of the financial services practice in Asia. As part of the company’s expansion plans she is based in the firm’s Asia Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong. In her new role, she reports directly to Nick Marsh, managing director of Harvey Nash Executive Search Asia and is responsible for working
How Companies Plan to Compete for Talent In the 21st Century
After struggling to drive employee engagement & retention, improve leadership pipelines, and build a meaningful culture, executives now see a need to redesign the organization itself. According to the just released Deloitte Consulting ‘Global Human Capital Trends’ report, 92 percent of survey participants rated this as a critical priority. To lead the shift toward a new
Isaacson, Miller Places Five Women Presidents At Cal State
Isaacson, Miller has recruited Ellen N. Junn Ph.D. as president of California State University, Stanislaus. This marks the fifth woman the firm has placed to lead a campus in the largest university system in the nation. Cal State now has 11 women serving as presidents, more than at any time in the system’s history. David Bellshaw led
Heidrick & Struggles Leading a Double Search for Illinois State Universities Retirement System
Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles has been retained by Illinois State Universities Retirement System (SURS) to lead its search for a new executive director. Current position holder W. Bryan Lewis is leaving SURS for a top job with the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System effective at the end of June. Former SURS executive director William
Shilton Sharpe Quarry Opens New Office In Dubai
Shilton Sharpe Quarry (SSQ), an international legal search consultancy, has opened an office in Dubai. Senior manager Matthew Bold will be responsible for the new location. Mr. Bold has over eight years of legal search and recruitment experience in the Middle East and has been with SSQ since 2013. He previously served as managing consultant, legal
Applying Lean Practices to the Senior Executive Recruiting Process
In the world of high-end recruiting there are many ways to score professional level talent. One of the more interesting approaches is what a small group of search consultants term lean executive recruiting. Adam Zak, principal and co-founder of Adam Zak Executive Search, was one of the very first to embrace lean recruiting more than two decades ago. “Lean
Glassdoor Secures $40 Million In Funding From T. Rowe Price
Glassdoor, a job and recruiting marketplace, has closed a $40 million investment round led by funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates. Existing investors Battery Ventures, Google Capital, Sutter Hill Ventures and Tiger Global also participated in the round. The company has raised approximately $200 million since it was founded in 2007. While best
Major, Lindsey & Africa Recruits General Counsel for Enterprise Holdings
Executive recruiting firm Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has recruited Mike Andrew as senior vice president and general counsel for Enterprise Holdings Inc. The search was led by Paul Williams and Heather Fine from the firm’s Chicago in-house search practice group. As head of Enterprise Holding’s legal team, Mr. Andrew will be responsible for managing the
