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Vardis Finds PE CEOs Under Pressure, But Optimistic
The Private Equity CEO Report from Vardis, based on a survey of 1,200 chief executives of PE-backed companies, paints a picture of resilience paired with constraint. Seventy percent of CEOs say company performance is “as expected” or better, yet exit activity remains muted, with 2025 tracking as the slowest year for PE exits since 2017, despite a
Why Executive Hiring in 2026 Must Be More Strategic Than Ever
As the calendar turned to 2026, one question looms large: how will you ensure your next leadership team and your next leadership hire drives strategy, culture, and growth rather than simply filling a gap? With complexity, transformation, and succession pressures mounting, relying on who happens to be looking to join your team is no longer
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. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
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?
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
GHP Search Partners with Ascend Learning on Board Member Appointments
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently tapped by Ascend Learning to assist in growing both the Ascend Learning board of directors and the Ascend Charter Schools board of trustees. New members of the Ascend Learning board identified by GHP include Robert Childs, retired EVP, strategic initiatives at American Express and Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, a founding leader of Amazon’s Streaming TV advertising business. Richard Young Jr, director,
FMG Leading Adds Healthcare Strategy and Transformation Expert
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of healthcare strategy and transformation expert Doug Van Wie as managing director. The firm explained that the addition further aligns FMG Leading’s capabilities with the needs of investor-backed organizations looking to add value and mitigate risk as they deploy purpose-driven capital into the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Caldwell Launches Global Financial Institutions Group Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launch its global financial institutions group (FIG) practice, bringing together the firm’s financial services capabilities under a single, globally coordinated practice. “This is more than a change in name,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “It reflects the scale, connectivity, and depth of the practice we have built globally, as well as
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
Myers McRae Helps Pensacola State College Select Finalist for President Role
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted Pensacola State College (PSC) with the selection of J. Alex Kelly as the finalist to become it’s next president. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Kenny Daugherty of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. The search attracted 107 qualified applicants from across the country. The committee selected
Potrero Group Recruits CEO for Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has placed Karen Strolia as the next CEO of Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) in San Rafael, CA. She succeeds longtime CVNL CEO Linda Jacobs, who led the organization for 25 years. “The board is thrilled to welcome Karen as CVNL’s next chief executive officer,” said Luana Vaetoe,
Marovi Appoints Head of Engineering
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has expanded with the addition of Ebubechukwu “Don” Enwerem as head of engineering. “Over the past few years, Don has had several engineering terms with Amazon Robotics – work estimated to save millions in operational costs. In between stints, he was building with Marovi. When the opportunity came to continue with Amazon, Don chose
As Executive Search Accelerates, Judgment Becomes the Differentiator
Executive search firms are under pressure to demonstrate value earlier than ever. Clients increasingly expect firms to understand the market, identify credible candidates, and begin calibrating on potential profiles before a search has even formally launched. AI and new data tools are helping firms meet those demands. Tasks that once took days can now be
Fractional vs. Full-Time Executives: The Real Math for Mid-Sized Growing Companies
As mid-sized companies grow, one of the more consequential leadership decisions is determining when fractional executive support is sufficient and when the business requires a full-time leader. A recent ExactSearch.AI report examined the economics behind that decision, finding that the answer often depends less on compensation than on the level of ownership, accountability, and organizational
Lindauer Recruits Chief Development Officer for C-SPAN
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Adele Hixon-Day as the first chief development officer of C-SPAN. The search is being led by Lindauer vice president Maureen Huminik, senior vice president Bob Giannino, and senior consultant Taylor Beard. “Adele joins C-SPAN at a pivotal moment,” said C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist. “For decades, the cable and satellite, and recently
Pyramind Recruits President and CEO for The SkillSource Group
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Clifford Yee as president and CEO of The SkillSource Group, Inc. (SSG), fiscal sponsor of Virginia Career Works – Northern. He succeeds interim executive officer Seema Jain, following a leadership transition supported by SkillSource’s staff, board, and community partners. “Cliff has a strong
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Fortra Search
In an effort to strengthen its venture capital and private equity search capabilities, Buffkin / Baker has acquired Fortra Search, a boutique retained executive search firm focused exclusively on executive sales and revenue leadership. The firm has also named its founder Andy Grosso as partner. “We’re thrilled to welcome Andy to Buffkin / Baker,” said Jackson Ross, partner
The Role of the CFO in PE-Backed Businesses
The role of the CFO in private equity-backed businesses has shifted materially in recent years. Historically a function for financial stewardship, the CFO role is now defined by operational accountability, value creation and the ability to translate investment strategy into outcomes. A recent report from U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP). The study examined how
JDG Associates Seeking Executive Director for the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently selected by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) to lead its search for a new executive director. The position is remote and may be based anywhere in the United States, with proximity to the Washington, D.C. area considered a plus. NCART stands at a pivotal moment, with active,
Calibre One Assists Cibus with CEO Search
Calibre One has helped to recruit board member Craig Wichner as the new CEO for NASDAQ-traded Cibus, Inc. in San Diego, CA. Peter Beetham, who has served as the company’s interim CEO, will continue his role as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Concurrently, both Mr. Wichner and Dr. Beetham resigned from the Cibus board of directors as part
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for OneOC
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Bonni Pomush as the new president and CEO of OneOC. She will succeed Tim Strauch, who will remain president and CEO through December 31, 2026, before retiring from OneOC after 19 years of service and leadership. “Bonni’s record of organizational transformation, collaborative leadership, and community engagement makes her exceptionally
NPAworldwide Forms Alliance with Dimensional Search Associates
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has formed a strategic partnership with the Sanford Rose Associates family of companies, including Dimensional Search. “This partnership brings together two strong organizations with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to helping independent recruiting firms succeed,” NPAworldwide said. “For NPAworldwide, the agreement represents a meaningful extension of its mission to connect independent recruiting
Scaling Growth Through Transformative Talent
High-growth environments can compress time, magnify decisions, and expose leadership gaps in an instant. As companies move through periods of rapid expansion, the ability to build and evolve the right leadership team becomes increasingly critical to sustaining momentum and creating long-term value. Across private equity, venture capital, and technology-driven businesses, organizations are rethinking how they
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Allstate
Crist|Kolder Associates has recruited Christian Lown as executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Allstate Corporation. “Chris’s leadership and capital markets expertise will enable us to continue increasing Property-Liability market share and expand protection provided to customers,” said Tom Wilson, president and CEO of The Allstate Corporation. With more than 25 years of senior
Protis Global Appoints Co-Presidents
Consumer packaged goods-focused executive search and advisory firm Protis Global has named Skye Miller and Isabel Cosby as co-presidents in a planned generational leadership transition as the company positions itself for its next phase of growth. Bert Miller, who co-founded the firm in 1995, moves from chairman and CEO of Protis Global to chairman. He will continue as founder
ZRG Acquires Aspen Leadership Group
Global talent advisory firm ZRG has acquired Aspen Leadership Group, a search firm focused on placing and supporting top fundraising leaders and executive talent in educational institutions and the broader non-profit sector. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, the Greenwich, Connecticut-based human capital M&A advisory firm, served as an advisor on the deal. “The addition of Aspen Leadership Group is
Searchlight Recruitment Taps Insider to Lead Soundstreams
Executive search firm Searchlight Recruitment has recruited Ben Dietschi as executive director of contemporary music company Soundstreams. Following a rigorous recruitment process, Soundstreams determined that an insider who possessed intimate knowledge of every facet of the company, and who had more than three years of experience under his belt with the organization, made the best
NPAworldwide Adds Six New Member Firms
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added six new member firms. This follows the network gaining nine new member firms across Asia Pacific and the U.S. last month. NPA now has close to 500 member offices across six continents. Membership in the network allows independent recruiters to serve their clients and candidates by partnering with other member firms on a split-fee
As Employee Turnover Grows, Talent Shortage Remains Problematic
The inadequate supply of qualified and skilled talent is the second-biggest threat to U.S. companies’ ability to meet revenue or business performance targets, second only to “increased competitive pressures,” according to the Randstad ‘U.S. Workplace Trends’ report. Meanwhile, increasing turnover rates are exacerbating the challenge, with four-in-10 companies (41 percent) indicating their turnover rate increased in
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
