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Caldwell Launches Sports & Entertainment Practice
Toronto-headquartered Caldwell has launched a sports & entertainment practice, a new global sector group dedicated to connecting senior leaders with organizations at the intersection of sports, technology, media, entertainment, and investment. “As our clients increase their investments in sports, media, and entertainment, we’re launching this specialty practice to support their expanding portfolios,” said Chris Beck, chief
Unlocking the Value of Diverse Leaders
Diversity in leadership is no longer a discussion about representation — it’s a defining factor in organizational performance. Across industries, companies are realizing that when leadership teams reflect a range of experiences, perspectives, and voices, they make better decisions and drive stronger business outcomes. Beyond simply filling seats, true leadership diversity transforms how teams think,
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.
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
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?
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
AGB Search Recruits 11th President for Lewis University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. The Lewis University board of trustees recently announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. “After
Kincannon & Reed Assists CCI Prime with CFO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Jamie Broad as CFO of CCI Prime, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Jamie’s ability to connect financial insights to operational realities makes her an exceptional
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Sarah Lawrence College to lead in its search for an associate vice president of enrollment. This executive will serve as a key member of the senior enrollment leadership team and a collaborative partner across the institution. This role is designed to strengthen coordination, elevate shared strategy, and support
Egon Zehnder Forms Alliance with IMD
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and IMD, a leading business school in global executive education, have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate board directors’ personal growth and elevate board performance. The partnership combines IMD’s academic rigor and deep connections to global boards with Egon Zehnder’s expertise in leadership and board effectiveness. Together, they will co-create tailored
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits Provost for the University of Cincinnati
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the recruitment of Rudolph Buchheit as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. His selection follows a national search led by a dedicated search committee that was informed by
HARTZ Search Assists Geisinger with Recruitment of CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Bill Bellando as executive vice president and chief information officer of Geisinger. He joins Geisinger after serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Georgia-based Wellstar Health System from 2022 to 2026. In this role, Mr. Bellando oversaw information technology and digital initiatives across the health system.
15 Signs Your CEO is Underperforming
When a board begins to sense that their CEO is underperforming, it’s crucial to mitigate risks associated with CEO transitions and position the organization for continued success as soon as possible. However, sensing underperformance can be delicate and challenging, given indicators are often initially nuanced before they require urgent action, according to a new report from Russell Reynolds Associates’
Sports Recruitment International Acquires Munich-Based Executive Search Firm
SRi (Sports Recruitment International) has acquired Munich-based sporting goods and fashion executive search firm, “heads for brands.” Andreas Huber, who served as chief executive officer of the firm, becomes head of sporting goods and fashion for SRi. Mr. Huber has more than 10 years of experience in recruiting for fashion, lifestyle (eyewear, bodywear, accessories etc.) and the sports industry (outdoor and
Lonergan Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer at CloudPassage
Redwood City, CA-headquartered executive search firm Lonergan Partners has recruited Ram Krishnan as chief product officer at CloudPassage. The search was led by Mark Lonergan, founder and managing director. Mr. Krishnan brings extensive experience in product strategy and business execution, from start-ups to global corporations. As general manager for Hewlett Packard’s $900 million Applications Lifecycle Management business
Focus Search Partners Expands Into L.A.
Focus Search Partners, the executive search division of Vaco, has added Julia Dupps as a partner leading its expansion into Los Angeles. In her new role, she will recruit nationally for executive level positions in the healthcare and life sciences industry. With more than 14 years of recruitment experience, Ms. Dupps most recently served as a managing consultant
Companies Continue Upbeat Hiring Forecast
U.S. companies in aggregate have added jobs every month for the last six years, and the latest forecast from CareerBuilder shows this trend will continue in the second quarter. One third of employers (34 percent) plan to add full-time, permanent employees during the next three months and 37 percent plan to hire temporary or contract workers.
Heidrick Lands CEO for Tiger Brands
Heidrick & Struggles has recruited Lawrence Mac Dougall as chief executive officer of South African-headquartered Tiger Brands Limited. He takes over from interim CEO Noel Doyle who retained that role after the departure of past CEO Peter Matlare at the beginning of the year. With the assistance of Heidrick, the board adopted a rigorous five month process
Coleman + Lew Heading President Search for Lenoir-Rhyne University
Executive search firm Coleman Lew + Associates has been selected by Lenoir-Rhyne University to lead its search for a new president. After 16 years, current president Dr. Wayne B. Powell has decided to retire. The search is being led by Coleman + Lew managing director Shana Plott, and consultant Robin Rogers. The school seeks an
Yacoub Elite Search Names HR Division President
Canadian boutique firm Yacoub Elite Search has named Kim Forgues as a member of the executive search team and president of its new Yacoub Elite HR division. As extension of the firm’s executive search practice, the new human capital division will provide end-to-end HR consulting services in talent management, coaching and leadership development, organizational design, change management, total rewards, diversity and inclusion
Major, Lindsey & Africa Launches Managed Legal Services Offering
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has launched a new managed legal services offering, which will provide corporate clients with process analysis, customized action plans and implementation assistance. The managed legal services team will address their clients legal process needs, optimizing resources and creating improved efficiencies around routine legal work. Mark Yacano leads the team, which operates
Leadership Development, Key for Growth, Seen As Stagnating
Leadership development is now seen as a main driver for ensuring delivery of business results (43 percent) and business growth (20 percent), according to the ‘2016 Leadership Development Survey’ just released by Borderless Executive Search. The report captured insights from close to 1,000 senior executives across a range of industries. The high rate of response and
Spencer Stuart Lands CEO for Advance Auto Parts
Spencer Stuart has placed Thomas Greco as chief executive officer of Advance Auto Parts. The search included internal and external candidates. Mr. Greco takes over for president George Sherman who had been serving as interim CEO. The search process was overseen by the board’s nominating and corporate governance committee, which was comprised of committee chair Jeff Smith, lead independent
NGS Global Launches Agribusiness Search Practice
Executive search firm NGS Global has launched a new agribusiness recruiting practice. The business will consist of partner Melissa Oszustowicz in the Americas, managing director Richard Crux in Europe, managing partner Julian Buckeridge in Asia, and managing partner Grant Nichol in Australia. Agribusinesses worldwide face a host of challenges as they navigate the complicated job of feeding the growing
Kingsley Gate Recruits Ambiq Micro CEO
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners has placed Fumihide (Humi) Esaka as chief executive officer of Ambiq Micro, a provider of ultra-low power semiconductor solutions. He takes over from Mike Noonen who had been serving as interim CEO. Mr. Esaka has 20 years of senior management experience in the semiconductor industry and held CEO roles in his
The Sea Change That Is Digital Transformation
Few industries have not been affected by the digital revolution. Media and communications is obviously no exception. Today, recruiters specializing in finding leaders who can grasp the transformation and implement a smooth transition from the past to the future say these are the most sought after people on the planet. In the following interview, search
Women Gaining Top Jobs at Elite Recruiting Firms
Hiring activity at executive search firms seems to be favoring women these days, especially when it comes to leadership roles within some of the best known global recruiting outfits. One case in point is Isaacson, Miller, which just appointed Vivian Brocard as its new president. In her new role, Ms. Brocard will lead the search firm’s management committee
Industrial Search Partners Acquires Ference Partners
Industrial Search Partners (ISP) has acquired Ference Partners, a Virginia / metro Washington, D.C.-based recruiting firm founded by Patrick Ference. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Mr. Ference brings over 25 years of corporate leadership and senior executive search expertise focusing on assignments largely in the industrial sector to Industrial Search Partners, where he
Carrington & Carrington Recruits Chief Diversity Officer for UPMC
Executive search firm Carrington & Carrington has placed James Taylor PhD as chief diversity and inclusion officer of UPMC – University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Taylor will lead UPMC’s efforts to continue as an employer, provider and insurer that reflects and embraces the rich diversity of the Pittsburgh region in both employment and in
Furst Group Recruits ACHP CEO
Executive search firm Furst Group has recruited Ceci Connolly as president and CEO of Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP). She succeeds Patricia Smith who retired at the end of 2015. In her new role, Ms. Connolly will work with some of the most innovative executives in the health sector to provide high-quality, evidence-based, affordable care. Since 2012,
Allegis Partners Forms HR Advisory Board
Global executive search firm Allegis Partners has formed a new human resources advisory board, which will provide guidance on services and strategies for the firm’s human resources practice. Advisory boards have come into vogue at a number of executive search and talent acquisition firms where informal, strategic advice has come to be valued by organizations seeking to expand
Employee Confidence Soars As Workers Gain Leverage
Employee confidence in the first quarter is up across the board — the job market, job security, pay raises and future business outlook all remains strong, according to Glassdoor’s first quarter ‘Employment Confidence Survey,’ conducted online by Harris Poll. The Glassdoor survey monitors four key indicators of employee confidence: job market optimism / re-hire probability, pay
HM Long Global Partners Merges With RSVP Group
HM Long Global Partners Ltd has merged with RSVP Group, a global boutique recruiting outfit that focuses exclusively on the life sciences and chemical sectors. The combined firms will give the newly-merged entity a broad global presence in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, Boston, Wiesbaden, Washington, D.C., Princeton, Austin, Shanghai and Singapore. “I am very excited to
Ithaca College Taps Spencer Stuart for Next President
Ithaca College has retained Spencer Stuart to lead the search for its ninth president. Current president Tom Rochon will be retiring in July 2017. Heading the search will be Michele Haertel, who leads the higher education practice for Spencer Stuart, and consultant Mary Gorman. Their most recent searches include recruiting new presidents for Colgate University and Middlebury
Crist | Kolder In CFO Hunt for Myers Industries
Executive search firm Crist | Kolder Associates has been selected by Myers Industries to lead its search for a chief financial officer. Tom Kolder, president of Crist | Kolder Associates, is leading the assignment. Corporate secretary, EVP and CFO Greggory W. Branning has left the company to pursue other interests. Kevin Brackman, VP and Controller, will be acting
10 Traits of Transformational CEOs
Jeff Christian, CEO of RevenueNOW and head of executive search firm Jeff Christian & Co, has placed CEOs at HP, F5 Networks, Hyperion and many early stage start ups. As founder and CEO of Christian & Timbers (which later became CTPartners), Mr. Christian has enjoyed a storied career finding leaders throughout the technology sector. His focus today is
Employers Add Jobs In the U.S. As Workforce Expands
Employers added 215,000 jobs in March as the U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly to five percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Currently, there are eight million people unemployed in the U.S. This report follows the addition of 242,000 jobs in February when the U.S. unemployment rate held at a low of 4.9
Options Group Names Chief Growth Officer
Global financial recruiting specialist Options Group has appointed Richard Stein to the newly created role of chief growth officer at the firm. As part of his expanded duties, Mr. Stein will develop and implement programs and management processes designed to accelerate Option Group’s revenue and profitability growth globally. Mr. Stein joined Options Group 18 months ago as a
Colby College Taps Opus Partners to Recruit CIO
Executive recruiting firm Opus Partners has been retained by Colby College to lead its search for a new chief information officer. Katie Dean, an Opus principal, is leading the assignment. Colby’s CIO will provide strategic leadership on all aspects of information technology planning, including program and policy development, managing key projects, and coordinating the delivery
Manhattan Resources Places Corporate Controller at Carlson Products
Houston-based executive search firm Manhattan Resources has placed Kirsten Vassalli as corporate controller at Carlson Products. Ms. Vassalli previously served as controller of Fabpro Orientated Polymers. Prior to that she served in a variety of roles at retail company Sheplers, Inc. and agricultural solutions provder AGCO Corporation. “Carlson Products is a unique company with a great story
Toft Group Opens In San Francisco
Toft Group, an executive search firm focusing exclusively on the life sciences and healthcare sectors, has opened a new office in the San Francisco Bay Area to support continued growth and customer demand. The new office is strategically situated in South San Francisco, among neighboring biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, and digital health companies. According to
Scrambling for Cybersecurity Leaders is Big Business for Recruiters
In the mid-1990s, when Joyce Brocaglia took on her first assignment to help build an information security operation for Citibank, it was a very different world. No one knew how much the Internet would grow and ultimately transform society. Technology was more primitive. Data was less accessible. And the massive connectivity we now taken for
Employee Engagement at Critically Low Levels
A critical need exists to improve employee engagement, according to a new survey released by the Hay Group division of Korn Ferry. The survey, which includes data from more than 7,500 business and HR leaders in 107 countries, found that across all leadership levels an average of only 36 percent of employees are “highly engaged.” The report
Association Strategies Recruits Association President
Executive search firm Association Strategies has placed Matthew E. Croson as president of The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA). He is replacing Joe T. Franklin Jr., who is retiring in June after leading the organization for 25 years. Mr. Croson has more than two decades of leadership and communications experience in manufacturing trade associations and
