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Occam Global Fills Senior Post for Variant Bio
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has recruited Craig T. Basson as chief medical officer and president of R&D of Variant Bio, a genomics-driven AI drug discovery company in Seattle, WA. “Craig’s career uniquely spans deep human genetics, rigorous clinical science, and successful drug development at scale,” said Andrew Farnum, chief executive officer of Variant Bio. “His
ECA Partners Expands Healthcare and Life Sciences Practices
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has named Ryan March and Allison Chappelle as senior directors within the its healthcare & life sciences practice. “Both appointments reflect ECA’s strategic expansion in the healthcare sector and reinforce its commitment to delivering specialized expertise to private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies,” the firm said. “Together, they strengthen ECA’s
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
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
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
A Look at Today’s Trends in Executive Search
As AI continues to revolutionize industries, executive search must adapt and innovate to stay effective and relevant. While advanced AI tools are streamlining processes, improving efficiency and enhancing precision in candidate sourcing, the human element remains central to success, according to a new report from Kestria. “Executive search firms are increasingly focused on aligning technology
Marlin Hawk Adds Associate Partner In Asia
Executive search firm Marlin Hawk has added Marc Baloch as associate partner for Asia. He will focus on leadership advisory and executive search services across Asia within the insurance, consumer & wholesale banking and private wealth management sectors. Mr. Baloch’s intercontinental executive search experience covers Germany, Central & Eastern Europe and Asia. He has been based
Employers Add Fewest Jobs In More Than Five Years
Employers only added 38,000 jobs in April as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.7 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. While this sharp slowdown marks the fewest number of jobs created in more than five years, the unemployment rate now stands at its lowest mart since November 2007. The number of
Staples Taps Korn Ferry to Find Next CEO
Office supplies retailer Staples has selected Korn Ferry to find its next chief executive officer. Current chief executive Ron Sargent announced that he is stepping down. He has been with Staples for 27 years and served as CEO for the past 14 years. Shira Goodman, Staples president of North America operations, will become interim CEO while the search takes place. She has been with
Lochlin Partners Places Chief Development Officer for Catholic Charities USA
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Anthony Sciacca as chief development officer for Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), one of the nation’s largest charities representing a national network of agencies serving poor and vulnerable people and families. In his new role, Mr. Sciacca will be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy and development program
Eliot Partnership Appoints Executive Chairman
Global insurance sector executive search firm Eliot Partnership has elected George Davies as its executive chairman. He will be based in the firm’s London office. In this newly-created position, Mr. Davies will work with Eliot Partnership’s global management team to grow its footprint through its three hubs in London, New York and Singapore. He will also be
Partners in the Process: Improving the Search / HR Relationship
Many executive search consultants active in the industry today first maintained successful careers on the corporate side — holding rank in the very disciplines they now recruit for. In fact, a good number of them held positions in human resources and now bring the added value of being able to see the search business through that
What It Takes to Make the Right Match
Although 76 percent of full time, employed workers are either actively looking for a job or open to new opportunities, nearly half (48 percent) of employers can’t seem to find the workers they need to fill their job vacancies, according to CareerBuilder‘s just released ‘2016 Candidate Behavior’ study. “Job seekers may have more of an edge
Choice Hotels Taps Spencer Stuart for CFO Hunt
Spencer Stuart has been retained by Choice Hotels International to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. David L. White is leaving the company to pursue other professional opportunities. The company has selected controller Scott Oaksmith to oversee the finance team while Spencer Stuart conducts the search. Choice Hotels is one of the world’s largest lodging companies. With more
Alexander Hughes Opens In Dubai; Names Managing Partner
Global executive search firm Alexander Hughes has reinforced its presence in the Gulf countries by adding a new office in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). Based in Dubai, Thomas Duret has been appointed managing partner for Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the U.A.E. One of the world’s fastest growing economies, Dubai’s current gross domestic
Kincannon & Reed Lands CEO for Calyxt
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has recruited Federico A. Tripodi as chief executive officer of Calyxt, Inc., a Minnesota-based company developing healthier food products to benefit both consumers and growers. He takes over from Luc Mathis, who will continue his role as an advisor to the company. Mr. Tripodi will work closely with Calyxt’s executive
Egon Zehnder Strengthens New York Office
Egon Zehnder has added Lee Wrubel M.D., to its New York office as a consultant and strategic talent advisor. Dr. Wrubel has more than 20 years of experience working across healthcare delivery, management consulting and venture capital. As a member of Egon Zehnder’s global health and private equity practices, he will provide strategic counsel on executive
As U.K. Vote Nears, Uncertainty Looms Over Recruiting Sector
With a referendum on British membership in the European Union now just three weeks away, the rate of job growth in the U.K. is easing amid reports of increased hiring uncertainty, according to a report released by The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC). “The U.K. labor market is going through an unsettled patch,” said REC chief
ON Partners Recruits Rent-A-Center CIO
Executive search firm ON Partners has placed Angela Yochem as senior vice president of information technology and chief information officer (CIO) of Rent-A-Center, Inc. Partner Andy Hickman led the search assignment. Ms. Yochem is charged with developing and executing a transformative technology strategy that will support Rent-A-Center’s growth. Her responsibilities include developing Rent-A-Center’s IT talent; expanding recently developed technologies;
Chasm Partners Taps CEO for Remedy Partners
Executive search firm Chasm Partners has recruited Carolyn Magill as chief executive officer of Remedy Partners. Ms. Magill joins Remedy from Evolent Health, where she served as executive vice president of payer strategy and operations. Prior to that, she held various leadership positions at UnitedHealth Group’s Medicare and Medicaid businesses. “Carolyn is the perfect fit for Remedy,”
Recruiters Acquire Equity Stake In Stanton Chase Los Angeles
Stanton Chase International’s managing director Edward Savage has announced that Sadovnick Partners’ CEO Mark Sadovnick along with Stanton Chase director Peter Deragon have acquired an equity interest in the Los Angeles office of the firm. Both will form a significant part of its new leadership team. In a joint statement, Messers Sadovnick and Deragon said: “Ed provides the leadership of
AltoPartners Adds Member Firms In Korea and Switzerland
AltoPartners, an international alliance of independent executive search firms and leadership consultants, has added Seoul-based Korean search firm Pathfinder and Swiss executive recruiters MPB Recruitment Group AG, as its newest member firms. The organization now has a presence across 53 offices in 33 countries. AltoPartners said the business development opportunities that exist in both Korea and
Establish a Diversity Baseline and the Money Will Follow
The new ‘Women Count’ report by The Pipeline and executive search firm Ridgeway Partners has established a baseline for the number of women who hold executive positions at FTSE 350 companies in the UK. The study also looks at whether there is any financial benefit for companies from having women on executive committees. Short answer: there is, and
Russell Reynolds Recruits President for Stratford Hall
Russell Reynolds Associates has recruited John S. Bacon as president of Stratford Hall. In this capacity, Mr. Bacon will be responsible for raising the profile of Stratford Hall’s mission, directing operations on site, representing the institution in the community and, more broadly, leveraging its property and programming to increase visitation and financial support. Stratford Hall, a historic house museum in Westmoreland
Southerland Partners Taps CEO for Intermountain Healthcare
Dallas-based executive search firm Southerland Partners has placed Dr. A. Marc Harrison as president and chief executive officer of Intermountain Healthcare. Dr. Charles W. Sorenson is retiring from the CEO post in October. Dr. Harrison has had a distinguished career in pediatric critical care, and most recently held positions as chief of international business development for Cleveland
Invenias Appoints Head of Americas
Invenias, a U.K.-headquartered global cloud-based platform for executive and strategic hiring, has appointed Jim Duddy to head up its operations in the Americas. As vice president of the Americas, he will be responsible for ensuring that the company continues its growth trajectory in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, and growing the Invenias team located on
Sapeare Executive Search Names HR Practice Head
Atlanta-headquartered Sapeare Executive Search has added Jim Thorsten to its team to lead the firm’s human resources practice division. Mr. Thorsten has over 25 years of experience in the search, sales and management industries. He was previously with recruiting firm firstPRO where he focused on attracting talent within the supply chain and engineering sectors. Before that,
Diversity Hiring Is Lagging At CEO and CFO Levels
Across the executive ranks, five times more men than women were appointed to new positions, according to a just released report issued by TRANSEARCH International. The landmark study, which looked at more than 3,000 C-level appointments representing 10 industry groups across North America, found that only one fourth of newly appointed senior level executives were diverse
Search Firm Paid $105,000 for UW Athletic Director Search
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has assisted the University of Washington (UW) in the hiring of Jennifer Cohen as its new athletic director. She replaces Scott Woodward who left the school to take on the same position with Texas A&M. Ms. Cohen becomes the only female athletic director in the Pac-12 Conference and one of three in the 65 Power Five
Diversified Search to Recruit Chinese-American Planning Council CEO
Diversified Search has been retained by the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Janice Won has been serving as interim president and CEO since 2015. Managing director Gerard F. Cattie is heading the assignment. “We are pleased to begin the formal stage of process to identify the executive responsible for
Ducatus Partners Launched By Former Maxwell Drummond Recruiters
Workforce solutions provider Airswift has formed a new executive search firm: Ducatus Partners. It will operate independently of Airswift, delivering executive search, market intelligence and related consulting services to clients across the energy, process and infrastructure sectors. Ducatus will be led by a team consisting of Kevin Davidson, Sean Buchan and Jamie Ferguson. Together, they have
Top Gun Ventures Names New York Practice Leader
Top Gun Ventures has appointed Tom Silver as partner and executive in charge of the firm’s New York area practice. Mr. Silver most recently served as senior vice president of sales and marketing for Leadership Directories. Prior to that, he spent 12 years with Dice Holdings, where he was on the executive team when the company recovered
Recruiters Leveraging More Tools to Engage Candidates
Ninety-seven percent of corporate recruiters use LinkedIn to find, attract and engage talent, according to the 2016 ‘Global Recruiting Survey’ just released by Alexander Mann Solutions and Social Talent. The report examines how talent acquisition professionals around the world are utilizing online and social resources to find, and engage with, candidates. It is sobering news in
Koller Search Partners Recruits President for The Nation
Koller Search Partners (formerly the Howard-Sloan-Koller Group) has recruited Erin O’Mara as president of The Nation Co., LLC. The Nation’s former president, Teresa Stack, is stepping down to serve in a business advisory role for the next 16 months. As president, Ms. O’Mara will be responsible for managing both the revenue and operating functions of the
Curran Partners Adds Former CHRO As Partner
Executive search firm Curran Partners has added Robert F. Obst as a new partner. Mr. Obst brings more than 40 years of corporate experience in talent acquisition and organizational development. His “inside experience and perspective will be most helpful in recruiting, as well as providing HR consulting services,” said the firm in a statement. Most recently, he
Korn Ferry to Lead CEO Search for Australian Securities Exchange
Australian Securities Exchange, or ASX Limited, has selected Korn Ferry to find its next chief executive officer. The search is expected to be global and to take between three to nine months to complete. The successful candidate is “highly likely” to be Australian, according to ASX spokesman Matthew Gibbs. “Someone’s got to understand the nuances and
Spencer Ogden Opens Three New U.S. Offices
London-headquartered search firm Spencer Ogden has launched three new offices in Fort Lauderdale, Alabama, and New York. The new Fort Lauderdale and Alabama offices will primarily support Spencer Ogden’s Gulf Coast presence, mirroring the locations of many of its clients within both the marine and drilling industries. The New York office will look to develop partnership opportunities within
