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Buffkin / Baker Appoints Partner
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has named Jim May as partner in its technology/digital practice area, and executive corporate functional practice areas. “Jim’s expertise in human resources, finance, technology, and operations will strengthen our service to clients and enhance results,” said Tom Wilson, partner and practice leader. “We are delighted to name Jim as a
BCG Says Dealmakers Are Learning to Win in Uncertainty
Global M&A activity is showing signs of recovery, but not a return to the playbook of the last cycle. According to Boston Consulting Group’s 2025 M&A Report, global deal value rose 10 percent in the first nine months of 2025 compared with the same period last year, even as geopolitical tension, regulatory shifts, and macro uncertainty continue
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Venture Capital Reinvented: All Roads Lead to Talent
The latest PitchBook NVCA Venture Monitor report offers up a revealing look at how the new year might unfold for a sector that has been under water for three years. According to the company’s analysts, artificial intelligence (AI) continues to dominate investment strategies, accounting for nearly half of total VC deal value. Traditional hubs like the
CarterBaldwin Taps Leader for Young Life
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Newton Crenshaw as president of Colorado Springs, CO-based Young Life. The search was led by CarterBaldwin founding partner Price Harding. Mr. Crenshaw is an accomplished leader with a 30-year history of delivering business results, most recently as the vice president of oncology commercial operations / business development / payer at Eli Lilly and Company.
Why Russia Remains a Risk Environment for Search Firms
Executive search firm Boyden has added Moscow-headquartered Zoom Executive Search as part of the firm’s strategy for growth in EMEA and globally. A team of 11 search professionals will join Boyden as part of the firm’s expansion, benefiting clients in Russia and across EMEA. Zoom / Boyden Russia’s new team will be led by managing partners Olga
American Companies Eager to Hire As Second Half of 2016 Kicks In
Hiring managers in the U.S. are prepared to hire more professionals in the year ahead, but the current recruitment environment won’t make their job easy. Nearly two thirds (62 percent) of hiring managers intend to hire more professionals in the next six months, according to the semi-annual hiring survey by DHI Group, a provider of data, insights
The Onstott Group Assists A.I.M. Mutual Insurance In Board Search
Executive search firm The Onstott Group has assisted A.I.M. Mutual Insurance Companies in the recruitment of Leslie E. Greis to serve on the company’s board of directors. Joe Onstott, managing director, led the assignment. Ms. Greis is the founder and managing member of Perennial Capital Advisors, LLC, an investment firm specializing in evaluating and investing in private real estate strategies worldwide
ManpowerGroup Posts Modest Revenue Gain
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted second quarter revenues of $5 billion, a three percent increase from revenues of $4.9 billion a year ago. The company’s performance missed Wall Street forecasts which had expected $5.06 billion. Financial results in the quarter were impacted by the stronger U.S. dollar relative to several foreign currencies compared to the prior year period. Net earnings
Polachi Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for ViralGains
Executive search firm Polachi Inc. has placed Cindy Brown as chief revenue officer of ViralGains, a leader in consumer-centric video distribution. As CRO, Ms. Brown will be responsible for driving ViralGains’ business in the $16 billion online video advertising market. She brings an extremely strong and diverse background to her role at ViralGains, from high growth
The Coming of Age of the CHRO
There has been a lot of discussion in the media recently about the expanding role of the CHRO, not all of it complementary. So I decided to seek an objective view from Mark Oppenheimer (pictured), chief commercial & innovation officer at leadership advisory and executive search firm Marlin Hawk. Based in New York, Mark engages
Why Universities Have Stepped Up Efforts to Involve Search Firms
Using a search firm to recruit a new president or provost today can cost colleges nearly $100,000 or more in recruiting fees. So, is it worth bringing in outside agencies to help? Research compiled by James Finkelstein, a public policy professor at George Mason University, estimates that fees called for under executive search firm contracts
JM Search Appoints New Partner In Chicago
Executive search firm JM Search has named Gil Stenholm as a partner in its Chicago office. He brings significant executive search and consulting experience to JM Search, having spent 33 years with Spencer Stuart and four years with Booz Allen Hamilton. During his tenure at Spencer Stuart, Mr. Stenholm founded and co-led the firm’s consumer goods
Kaplan Partners Recruits CEO for Mascoma Savings Bank
Executive search firm Kaplan Partners has placed Clayton Adams as president and chief executive officer of Mascoma Savings Bank. He will succeed current president and CEO Stephen F. Christy upon his year-end retirement following nearly 27 years in the leadership role. The announcement of Mr. Christy’s successor follows an intensive six-month search led by Mascoma’s board
WinterWyman Recruits Talent Acquisition Leader for OSRAM Sylvania
Executive search firm WinterWyman has recruited George Ravalico as director of talent acquisition of OSRAM Sylvania. Managing director and senior vice president Beverly Morgan led the search. This is the fifth HR leader WinterWyman has recruited for OSRAM. In his new role, Mr. Ravalico is responsible for building, leading and maximizing a strategic, collaborative talent acquisition function
Alexander Hughes Establishes Joint Venture In Iran
Global executive search firm Alexander Hughes has partnered with IranianOffice to form a joint venture based in Tehran. Shayan Shadfar and Christophe Laurent-Atthalin are managing the new joint operation. IranianOffice provides business intelligence and operational support for businesses with and in Iran. The scope of activities IranianOffice provides to its western and local clients ranges from business development to operational support
CEO Economic Outlook Shows Modest Improvement
CEO economic expectations for sales, capital expenditures and hiring have moved modestly upward, but GDP growth expectations have dipped, indicating the U.S. still has far to go to achieve sustained growth, according to the recently released Business Roundtable second quarter 2016 ‘CEO Economic Outlook Survey.’ The Business Roundtable CEO Economic Outlook Index — a composite of CEO projections
NorthWind Partners Recruits CFO for Alion Science and Technology Corp.
Executive search firm NorthWind Partners, a boutique search firm focused on recruiting talent for the private equity sector, has recruited Kevin L. Cook as chief financial officer of Alion Science and Technology Corporation. Managing partner Mark HuYoung, who leads the firm’s private equity practice, along with partners Hunter Murray and Brian Thomas, led the search.
Nolan Partners Expands Into North America
London-headquartered executive search firm Nolan Partners has expanded its operations to North America with the opening of offices in Los Angeles and New York and the appointment of Chad Biagini as managing director of North America. Founded in 2006, Nolan Partners is focused wholly and exclusively on working with clients in sports and related sectors. The firm has
Koya Leadership Partners Places Chief Development Officer at NRDC
Executive search firm Koya Leadership Partners has recruited Anders Yang as chief development officer of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Leading an international team spanning all of NRDC’s offices, Mr. Yang will play a key role in galvanizing a new generation of funders while maintaining ties with the organization’s long standing donors. He will
Egon Zehnder Adds Financial Services Specialist In Chicago
Executive search and leadership solutions provider Egon Zehnder has added Donald Chae to its Chicago office as an executive recruitment and board search consultant. Mr. Chae focuses primarily on financial services, where his experience spans wealth management, asset management, retail banking, risk management and financial technology. He will also be active in the firm’s professional
What Diverse Candidates Look for From Employers
It comes as no surprise that employers are recognizing the value of an inclusive and diverse work environment — nor that the most forward-looking organizations view it as a leading competitive advantage when hiring from the entry level right up through to the C-suite. A diverse workplace, the argument goes, helps companies understand and meet
DHR Lands New CEO for New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
Executive search firm DHR International has recruited Gabriel van Aalst as president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO). James Abruzzo, managing partner of DHR’s global non-profit practice, led the search. Mr. van Aalst has performed in the Sydney Youth Orchestra (violin) from 2001 to 2006 and served on the board of that organization from 2004 to 2008. In 2004,
Korn Ferry Recruits CIO for Indiana Public Retirement System
Executive search and leadership solutions provider Korn Ferry has placed Scott Davis as chief investment officer of The Indiana Public Retirement System. David Cooper, the organization’s previous CIO, left to become CIO of the $2.8 billion Purdue Research Foundation. Mr. Davis, a company insider, had been serving as the system’s deputy CIO and director of public
CPL Resources Launches Executive Search Division
CPL Resources, an Ireland-headquartered recruitment agency, has launched Ardlinn, an executive search firm dedicated to supporting the growing demand for corporate leaders within the Irish business sector. As one of 19 recruitment brands to come under the CPL global umbrella, Ardlinn will serve as a division of the company focused solely on executive recruiting for top
SmartRecruiters Receives $30 Million In Funding
Talent acquisition platform SmartRecruiters has raised $30 million in series C financing, led by New York-based venture capital and private equity firm Insight Venture Partners. The company plans to leverage the additional capital to sustain its rapid growth, accelerate its global market presence, and continue to invest in its product footprint to serve the needs of the more
Employers Bounce Back By Adding 287,000 Jobs
Employers added 287,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 4.9 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of workers unemployed increased by 347,000 to 7.8 million. Economists surveyed by Reuters said they were, on average, expecting nonfarm payrolls to show growth of 175,000 for
Isaacson, Miller Recruits President for Central European University
Executive search firm Isaacson, Miller has recruited Dr. Michael Ignatieff as the fifth president of Central European University (CEU). He replaces John Shattuck who was also placed into position by the recruiting firm eight years ago. Chairman John Isaacson led the search with senior associate Katie Rockman. The University, according to documents, had been seeking candidates with intellectual gravitas,
Caldwell Partners Posts 6.7 Percent Revenue Decline
Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International posted fiscal third quarter revenues of $13.8 million (Canadian), a 6.7 percent decrease from $14.8 million (Canadian) last year. In the U.S., third quarter professional fees edged down as declines in the number of assignments per partner more than offset increases in the average fee per assignment and the average
Toft Group Recruits CEO for Curetis
Executive search firm Toft Group has placed Christopher M. Bernard as president and chief executive officer of Curetis USA. Mr. Bernard joins Curetis with more than 22 years of diagnostics, biopharmaceutical and translational research industry experience, including roles in executive management, strategic development, product commercialization, marketing and sales. He previously served as chief commercial officer of Epic Sciences,
Quick Leonard Kieffer Appoints Partner
Chicago-based executive recruiters Quick Leonard Kieffer has named Jake Barto as a partner. Mr. Barto has executed numerous senior level search assignments, assisting healthcare systems recruit chief executive officers as well as operational, financial, and clinical leaders. Among his clients: Trinity Health, Sanford Health, McLaren Health Care, and national & state associations, including ACHE and The Alabama Hospital Association. His career in executive
Executive Search Fallout from Brexit Could Run Wide and Deep
There’s a crisis slowly unfolding at executive search firms across London – especially for those with exposure to the financial services markets. But with globalization run amok, bringing with it all sorts of unforeseen challenges, the reverberations in the world’s second largest search market are also being felt as far away as Chicago and Los Angeles, home to the recruiting sector’s
Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for The Aerospace Corporation
Spencer Stuart has recruited Steve Isakowitz as president and chief executive officer of The Aerospace Corporation. He will assume the position upon the retirement of Dr. Wanda Austin in October. Mr. Isakowitz served as president of Virgin Galactic from 2013 to 2016 and as its chief technology officer from 2011 to 2013. At Virgin Galactic, he
Pi Executive Recruits CMO for News America Marketing
Talent advisory firm Pi Executive has recruited Angelique Bellmer Krembs as chief marketing officer of News America Marketing (NAM), a marketer and influencer for online and offline shoppers in the U.S. and Canada. The search was conducted by partner and board member Pierre Trippitelli and assisted by senior consultant Kimberly Bertuglia. Ms. Bellmer Krembs brings with her
Slone Partners Appoints CEO
Executive search firm Slone Partners has named Leslie Loveless as its new chief executive officer. She succeeds Adam Slone, who founded the firm in 2000. Mr. Slone will remain engaged with the firm, focusing specifically on strategy, finance, mergers and acquisitions, advisement and business development in Boston and California. Ms. Loveless joined Slone Partners in 2007
