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Winning the CFO Talent War in a Competitive PE Market
Competition for experienced chief financial officers in private equity-backed companies has intensified as sponsors pursue growth, exits, and operational transformation on tighter timelines. In today’s candidate-driven environment, firms are finding that traditional recruiting approaches are no longer sufficient to secure high-impact finance leaders. Success increasingly hinges on proactive relationship-building, precise role calibration, and the ability
Korn Ferry Records Seven Percent Q3 Revenue Increase
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q3 fiscal-year 2026 revenues of $717.4 million, an increase of seven percent year-over-year with growth in all solutions. “Our strong quarterly performance continues to reflect the evolution of our firm,” said Gary D. Burnison, CEO, Korn Ferry. “Today the world is enveloped by unprecedented levels of change – shifts in population,
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.
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
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?
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
How PE Firms Are Evolving In 2025
Private equity is experiencing a shakeout, where scale and specialization are becoming defining factors for success. The industry is seeing capital consolidate among top firms, making it increasingly difficult for mid-sized and emerging managers to raise funds. Bain & Company’s Global Private Equity Report 2025 highlights that “capital will continue to consolidate in the hands
Heidrick & Struggles Taps CEO for ANSYS
Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles has placed technology industry veteran Dr. Agei S. Gopal as president and chief operating officer of ANSYS, Inc. He will become chief executive officer in January. James E. Cashman, who has served as ANSYS’ CEO since 2000, is stepping down at the end of the year. He will stay with
DHR Completes AD Search for Purdue
Executive search firm DHR International has placed Mike Bobinski as athletic director of Purdue University. He replaces Morgan Burke who announced he would retire next summer after serving in his position nearly 26 years. The search was led by DHR managing partner and global sports practice leader Glenn Sugiyama. Along with DHR, the search committee consisted of Purdue faculty, athletics administrators and
Kingsley Gate Partners Names Partner in Newly Opened Denver Office
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners has named Geoff Hall as a new partner to support the firm’s growing life sciences practice. Mr. Hall will be based out of Kingsley Gate’s newly opened Denver office. With more than 17 years of unique and differentiated expertise in leading cross-functional teams across sales, marketing, operations, legal, finance, quality and engineering, Mr. Hall
Futurestep Names North America President
Futurestep, a Korn Ferry company that provides talent acquisition solutions, has named Bill Gilbert as president of Futurestep North America. In this capacity, Mr. Gilbert will lead the strategy and growth efforts for both its search and solutions businesses in the region. In addition, he will drive the Futurestep strategy across the region and continue to work closely
What Makes A Good CEO?
The average U.S. CEO approval rating stands at 67 percent, according to a new statistical analysis of CEO approval ratings by Glassdoor, which measured CEO quality according to employees. The Glassdoor Economic Research reveals a number of factors that ultimately drive employee perception of CEOs, some of them quite surprising. The study, ‘What Makes a Great CEO?‘ looks
The RSA Group Names New CEO
Life sciences-focused executive search firm The RSA Group has appointed Alex Bennett as its new chief executive officer. He replaces Chris Molloy, who leaves the firm to head up the U.K. Medicines Discovery Catapult. Mr. Bennett comes to RSA with an international track record in senior level life sciences executive search, specializing in medical devices and diagnostics. His most
Academic Search Retained by Wright State to Find New Leader
With the new school year underway, education-focused recruiter Academic Search has been retained by Wright State University in Ohio to lead its search for a new president. David R. Hopkins will retire as president when his contract expires next June. Senior consultants Dr. Jerry M. Israel and Dr. Mac A. Stewart will lead the assignment. “The selection of a highly
Korn Ferry Chosen to Lead CEO Search for Pier 1
Korn Ferry has been retained by home furnishings retail company Pier 1 Imports to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Current CEO Alex Smith is leaving at the end of the year. His departure comes as the company also said last week that sales fell 6.7 percent in the second quarter. Mr. Smith had a
IRC Adds New Member Firm in Latin America
IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) has added Chile-based Inquest Consultores as its newest member firm. Inquest Consultores, led by Pia Puebla Menne and Isabel Walker, has been a key player in the Chilean executive search and compensation management consulting sector for more than 14 years. Chile is one of South America’s most stable and prosperous nations, leading Latin
Employers Looking to Increase Q4 Hiring
U.S. employers indicate a slight increase in hiring plans for the final three months of 2016, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, released today by ManpowerGroup. Taking into account seasonal variations, the Net Employment Outlook for the fourth quarter is up 18 percent, which matches the strongest post-recession Outlook since 2007. Hiring plans nationwide improved by three percentage
Major, Lindsey & Africa Recruits Chief Compliance Officer for CONCACAF
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has recruited Guilherme Carvalho as chief legal and chief compliance officer of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) in Miami. The international search was led by Brian Davis, Rosalind Dodd and Jeffrey Liebster, all based in MLA’s New York office. The organization sought a leader with appropriate legal credentials, extensive work experience in
McDermott & Bull Lands Chief Technology and Innovation Officer Post for Golden 1 Credit Union
Executive search firm McDermott & Bull has recruited Val Scott as chief technology and innovation officer to Golden 1 Credit Union, the nation’s sixth largest Credit Union with $10 billion in assets. The search was led by Brandon Biegenzahn, co-chair of the firm’s financial institutions practice, along with associate consultant Michelle Davis. During the course of the search, 171 candidates were
Benchmark Executive Search Launches New Service to Connect Cybersecurity Experts
Benchmark Executive Search has launched Expert Network, a new service designed to match its network of experts, advisors and consultants with companies seeking to upgrade their corporate asset protection, risk management and cyber strategies. To address the growing need for a full spectrum of enterprise risks in corporate boardrooms and at the C-suite, Benchmark has assembled a
Signium Strengthens Search Staff In the Netherlands
Executive search firm Signium has added Honoré Verbeet as a partner in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Signium currently has 47 offices in 27 countries serving clients in the Americas, Europe / Middle East / Africa and the Asia Pacific regions. The firm delivers talent acquisition and management solutions for global companies across industry sectors, including consumer goods, financial services,
Mixed Salary Growth Persists Eight Years After Great Recession
A new analysis by the Hay Group division of Korn Ferry shows mixed salary recovery figures across the world, eight years after the fall of Lehman Brothers signaled the beginning of one of the worst global recessions in history. Pay data is drawn from Korn Ferry Hay Group’s PayNet database, which contains salary and job data for
Egon Zehnder Leading Chairman Search for National Bank of Greece
Following the recent debt crisis in Greece, the country’s second largest lender — the National Bank of Greece (NBG) — has retained Egon Zehnder to lead its hunt for a new chairman. According to NBG, the new chair must have a good understanding of the environment in which the bank operates (e.g. regulatory, legal, economic), including the
IQ Partners Recruits CEO for Institute of Communication Agencies
Executive search firm IQ Partners has placed Scott Knox as president and chief executive officer of the Institute of Communication Agencies. The combined position is new for the organization. Its previous CEO, Gillian Graham, resigned last March, while former president Jani Yates left the ICA in May to lead Advertising Standards Canada. It was after that departure that a decision was
IIC Partners Launches Professional Development and Training Platform
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has launched the IIC Partners Knowledge Academy. The platform serves to provide IIC Partners members with access to a library of professional development webinars, training and educational resources and collaborative learning tools. Knowledge Academy serves as an opportunity for members to grow their business through the exploration of a wide array of topics
JW Michaels Appoints Head of Partner Placement Division
New York-based executive search firm JW Michaels & Co. has named Richard Zakin as a managing director to lead its national partner placement division. With a decade of experience in practicing executive search and as a former partner for more than eight years with two of The American Lawyer’s Am Law 100 firms, Mr. Zakin brings a unique and personal
Hunt Scanlon Launches Recruiting Industry Media Center
Hunt Scanlon Media recently launched its Recruiting Industry Media Center (IMC), a newly-developed service designed to help companies, academic institutions, non-profit organizations and other entities with their human capital and talent acquisition needs. As a real-time, high touch product, the IMC allows end users to research and conduct in-depth due diligence on leading search firms and talent
Berkhemer Clayton to Lead CEO Search for Pasadena Tournament of Roses
Berkhemer Clayton has been retained by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association (The Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game) to recruit its next executive director and chief executive officer. William Flinn, current association executive director, will retire next year after more than three decades with the organization. Betsy Berkhemer-Credaire, the search firm’s president and corporate board practice leader,
JDG Associates Recruits Executive Director for Marine Technology Society
Executive search firm JDG Associates Ltd. has placed Kevin Traver as executive director of the Marine Technology Society (MTS). Principal Paul Belford led the search. Mr. Traver will lead MTS in its mission to promote awareness, understanding, advancement and application of marine technology. He will report to the board of directors, primarily through the MTS president, apprising the board on matters critical
Korn Ferry Posts 40 Percent Q1 Revenue Increase
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2017 fiscal first quarter revenues of $392.9 million, a 40 percent increase compared to revenues of $279.3 million a year ago. The growth was primarily due to increases in fee revenue in Futurestep and the company’s recently acquired Hay Group segments. During the quarter, Korn Ferry substantially completed its fiscal 2016 restructuring
Lucas Group Names Manufacturing Practice Leader
Executive search firm Lucas Group has expanded its presence in Southern California with the addition of Jennifer Bowers as managing partner and leader of its manufacturing practice in San Diego. She joins a tenured team of manufacturing recruiters. Ms. Bowers has served in various recruiting roles with Adecco and Eastridge Workforce Solutions. Across California, manufacturing is experiencing a boom as the local economy
As Labor Market Tightens, Hiring Mistakes Take Center Stage
Within the executive, managerial and professional sector, hiring authorities are frequently making key mistakes that are hampering not only their ability to hire, but also their employer brand and retention rates, according to an employment landscape survey just completed by MRINetwork. The report reveals that lengthy hiring practices and misconceptions about what motivates top candidates to make a job
Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for TESSCO Technologies
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has recruited Murray Wright as president and chief executive officer of TESSCO Technologies. He assumes the role from founder and past CEO Robert B. Barnhill Jr., who will assume the role of executive chairman and continue to serve as the chairman of the board. The appointment of a new CEO comes amid declining revenues and earnings which
AGB Search Leading President Search for Central Connecticut State
Executive search firm AGB Search has been selected by Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) to lead its search for a new president. Robert Holyer Ph.D., senior consultant at AGB Search, is leading the assignment. Founded in 1849 as New Britain Normal School, CCSU is Connecticut’s oldest publicly funded university. It is made up of four schools: the Ammon College
Ward Howell Appoints Global Leader of Insurance / Alternative Investments Practice Groups
Executive search firm Ward Howell International has appointed Theodore ‘Ted’ Petrara as partner and global leader of its insurance and alternative investments practice groups. He is based in the firm’s New York office. Mr. Petrara’s team will deliver executive search and leadership advisory services to insurers, reinsurers, hedge funds, and other originators and investors in the alternative
DHR Names Global Board & CEO Practice Leader
Executive search firm DHR International has named Mike Magsig as managing partner and leader of the firm’s global board & CEO practice group. He replaces Jay Millen, who stepped down late last year; he now holds the same role at Caldwell Partners. Mr. Magsig brings more than 16 years of executive search experience to DHR. During his career, he has
Pay Raises to Hold Steady in 2017
Pay raises for U.S. employees are expected to hold steady at three percent in 2017, according to a survey released by Willis Towers Watson. The survey also found that employers will continue to reward their best performers with significantly larger pay raises as they look for ways to retain their top talent and strengthen existing pay-for-performance
Russell Reynolds Associates Lands CEO for Help for Heroes
Russell Reynolds Associates has recruited Melanie Waters as chief executive officer of Help for Heroes. Founder Bryn Parry had previously announced that he will be stepping down at the end of the year. The company sought an experienced, forward-thinking and progressive leader to pilot the organization through a growth and expansion phase. Russell Reynolds was brought in last spring to
