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The Structure of an Organization’s Culture: Building a Foundation for Performance
Building a strong, values-driven culture begins with understanding the underlying structures that shape how people think, behave, and interact within an organization. By identifying the core beliefs, unwritten norms, and systems that influence daily actions, leaders can intentionally align employee behavior with the company’s purpose and values. This alignment fosters clarity in expectations, accountability in
Funk Associates Appoints President
Funk Associates has made a leadership transition with the appointment of Willie Funk as president of the firm. Bill Funk will continue as the firm’s chief executive officer. In this role, he will continue to guide the strategic direction of the firm and will continue his engagement with clients and continue his consultancy on senior leadership
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.
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue 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?
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Top 5 Leadership Trends Set to Define 2025
As 2025 approaches, emerging challenges and opportunities are driving the ongoing evolution of leadership trends. Executive recruiters say that the ability to adapt, collaborate, and lead with authenticity is becoming more crucial than ever. Korn Ferry‘s Workforce Global Insights Report examines attitudes affecting employee sentiment and emphasizes the growing need for leaders to be agile
Amrop Expands With Five New Partners
Amrop, a partnership of recruiting firms operating from 80 offices in 57 countries throughout Asia, EMEA, and the Americas, has expanded its staff with the additions of five new partners to its global team of executive search consultants. The search consultant additions give Amrop broadening coverage in four countries: Denmark, Ecuador, Italy and Romania: Sandra de
Companies Lacking In Career Development & Succession Planning Efforts
Managers are ill-equipped to have career conversations with their direct reports, with nearly a third (31 percent) saying their organization doesn’t provide people management training for managers, this according to research released by global talent management provider Penna. When asked how satisfied they are with the level of career development they are receiving, employees gave only five
Russell Reynolds In Hunt for New Leader at Chautauqua Institution
Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by The Chautauqua Institution to find its next president. Current president Tom Becker has announced he is retiring this fall after nearly 32 years of service. The non-profit adult education center and summer resort hopes to have a successor in place by then. The search will be led by Russell Reynolds
J. Gregory Coleman Group Fills HR Post for NLMK Group
Executive search firm The J. Gregory Coleman Group LLC has recruited Tom Taborek to lead HR for NLMK Group in the U.S. The search was conducted by Greg Coleman, managing principal, along with principal MaryAnne Denniston. This is a new position reporting to NLMK US president Bob Miller. Mr. Taborek is charged with building, implementing, branding and
TRANSEARCH Launches New European Office
TRANSEARCH International has launched a new office in Strasbourg, France with the addition of consultants from Neuman & Partners France. Marie-Helene Sohler and Gonzalo de Pedro join TRANSEARCH as managing directors, along with their support team of executive search professionals. Ms. Sohler has been an executive search professional for the past 20 years and has a strong focus on
Shifting Demographics Creating New Opportunities for Senior Level Talent
In the not-too-distant past, the majority of CEO and board director roles were almost exclusively filled by white males. But changing social demographics have compelled companies to make drastic modifications to their leadership ranks, and to look more broadly at these seats of power. Today’s chief executives and directors are a growing mix of genders,
Job Motivators Are Changing; What Matters In Your Job Search?
Candidate motivations for changing jobs vary by geography and generation, according to a global study from ManpowerGroup Solutions, part of ManpowerGroup. The new white paper, “Below the Surface: Emerging Global Motivators and Job Search Preferences” reveals that “type of work” is now equal to “compensation” as a motivator for career decisions among candidates globally. So, while money
Collegiate Sports Associates Lands Head Coach for University of Pittsburgh
Executive search firm Collegiate Sports Associates has recruited Kevin Stallings as head coach of the University of Pittsburgh men’s basketball program. He replaces Jamie Dixon, who left the Pitt Panthers to become head coach of his alma mater Texas Christian University, despite being under contract with Pitt until 2023. Mr. Stallings has compiled a 455-283 record
Egon Zehnder Names Dallas Office Leader
Egon Zehnder has named Arun Dhingra as head of the firm’s Dallas office. He assumes the role from Christopher Pfeiffer, who led the office over the past five years. “As head of the firm’s U.S. financial officers practice, Arun has helped dozens of public and private clients find the leaders they need to manage growth in
Radius Partners Recruits CEO for Scully Signal Company
Andover, MA-headquartered executive recruiting firm Radius Partners has placed Eric Kirleis as chief executive officer of Scully Signal Company. Co-founder Jim Poe led the search. “I am pleased to transition the full operational responsibilities to Eric and our new management team,” said Robert G. Scully, who has served as president and CEO since 1964. He
ZRG Partners Continues Expansion
ZRG Partners has added Paul Stefunek to its roster as a managing director. He will support the firm’s technology practice and serve as a member of the firm’s industrial and private equity team. Mr. Stefunek brings over 20 years of senior level search experience to this new role. Previously, he was a partner with DHR International and before that was chairman and managing partner of paul-lawrenceassociates. Earlier he was one
Motivating Leaders: Why Unlocking Their Potential Is Critical
According to a major new global study of senior executives by Egon Zehnder, mounting evidence shows optimal performance comes from the alignment of an executive’s personal values with an organization’s culture and the role’s responsibilities, yet few executives or organizations have made the adjustments necessary to take advantage of this synergy. The report, entitled “Leadership Identity
Habitat for Humanity Taps Miller Black for Chief People Officer
Executive search firm Miller Black Associates has recruited Andrea Carter as chief people officer of Habitat for Humanity International in Atlanta. Managing director Joanna Miller (pictured) led the search. Ms. Carter most recently served as global vice president of human resources at Ralph Lauren, based in Greensboro, NC. She previously held senior HR positions with
Odgers Berndtson Launches In Houston
Odgers Berndtson has opened a Houston office with the addition of three new partners who will service the leadership needs of clients in the energy and industrial space. Jim Thompson, Gary Payne, and Mary Campagnano, all formerly managing partners at Allen Austin, have joined the firm in its new location. Mr. Thompson will serve U.S. industrial
Eastern Michigan University Turns to Witt/Kieffer for Chief Diversity Officer
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has been retained by Eastern Michigan University (EMU) to lead its search for a chief diversity officer. Oliver Tomlin, a senior partner in Witt/Kieffer’s education and healthcare practices, is leading the search along with senior associate Jennifer Bauer. The chief diversity officer will serve as advisor to the president, administration, faculty, staff and students
Argyll Scott Adds Sales & Marketing Search Specialist
Executive search firm Argyll Scott has added sales and marketing specialist recruiter Bradley Feller as a director in its U.K. office. He will launch the new specialty practice for the firm. With over 20 years of recruiting experience, Mr. Feller worked for international recruiter Hudson for a decade before joining Hamilton Bradshaw. Most recently, he
Americans Uncertain About the Future of Work
Seventy four percent of employees are open to a new job – despite the fact that many of them are satisfied in their current one, according to the latest 2016 Jobvite Job Seeker Nation Study released by Jobvite. Thirty-nine percent of respondents report that it is more difficult to find a new job this year than in 2015, while 19
University of Minnesota Puts Out Search for Athletic Director
Sports and entertainment-focused executive recruiter Turnkey Search has been selected by the University of Minnesota to lead its search for a new athletics director. Beth Goetz has served as interim AD since Norwood Teague resigned in August after allegedly sexually harassing colleagues. “We are lucky to have a woman who’s been a good interim AD,” said Eric Kaler,
accelHRate Lands CHRO for Service King
HR executive search and management consulting firm accelHRate has placed Sean Huurman as chief human resources officer (CHRO) of Service King. Kimberly Shanahan, president and chief executive officer of accelHRate, led the search. As CHRO, Mr. Huurman will oversee all administrative operations and lead the department’s efforts across Service King’s national footprint. He joins Service
TalentRISE Expands Search Staff
Chicago-based executive search firm TalentRISE has added Deborah Snow Walsh as a managing director. Ms. Walsh has spent more than 25 years in numerous revenue generating consulting roles within insurance, banking and financial services, holding positions of increasing responsibility in client management, business development, talent strategy and talent management. Most recently, she was as a managing director at
Plymouth Search Partners Expands Business Offerings
Plymouth Search Partners – Signium has named Uli Mueller in its Fort Collins, CO and New York City offices. The firm also announced that it has expanded its services to include leadership development, organizational effectiveness and executive coaching. Mr. Mueller brings more than 20 years of progressive HR leadership experience in growth oriented multinational corporations. He joins Plymouth
Pay for Performance: Not Everyone Agrees On CEO Value
Public company directors give CEOs considerable credit for corporate success, believing that 40 percent of a company’s overall results, on average, are directly attributed to the CEO’s efforts, according new research released by Heidrick & Struggles and the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. Seventy-one percent of directors polled believe that CEOs are
Adecco to Acquire Penna Consulting for $149 Million
HR solutions company Adecco has acquired U.K.-based Penna Consulting Plc for $149 million as it seeks to strengthen its services outside the U.S. market. The company agreed to pay a 62 percent premium for Penna, according to industry sources. The deal is expected to close sometime later this quarter. Adecco CEO Alain Dehaze said both
Perdue Farms Taps Gaia for Sustainability Chief
Executive search firm Gaia Human Capital Consultants has recruited Stephan Levitsky as vice president of sustainability for Perdue Farms. In his role at Perdue, Mr. Levitsky will be responsible for advancing Perdue’s progress in achieving sustainable growth, fostering working relationships with a broad spectrum of stakeholders at the federal, state and local level, and serving as Perdue’s
Work&Partners Lands Marketing Chief for Clarity Solution Group
New York based Work&Partners LLC has recruited Mark Lewis as the first chief marketing officer for Clarity Solution Group, LLC. Alan J. Work led the search; he was retained to conduct the assignment in early December. Mr. Lewis was formerly the practice lead at Slalom Consulting where he led marketing and development of the company’s products. Prior to that, he was strategy
Focus Search Acquires Charlson Partners
Focus Search Partners, the executive search division of Vaco, has acquired San Francisco-based search firm Charlson Partners. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The move enables Focus Search to expand into the technology sector. Charlson Partners conducts senior executive search assignments for enterprise technology and service companies. Its client base includes some of the largest
Further Signs of Tightening In U.S. Labor Market
The aggregate average amount of job applicants per open job declined from 24 in the first quarter of 2015 to 21 in the fourth quarter of last year, consistent with the tighter labor market indicated by data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is according to iCIMS, Inc.’s just released quarterly ‘U.S. Hiring Trends’ report, which
Diversified Search Recruits Chief Nutrition Officer for Herbalife
Diversified Search has placed Dr. John Agwunobi as chief health and nutrition officer for the global nutrition company Herbalife. The search was led by John Mestepey, managing director of the firm’s Miami office, and Lorena Keough, a managing director in its life sciences, chemical, industrial and diversity practices. Dr. Agwunobi brings an accomplished background and a wealth of experience to Herbalife as
American Museum of Natural History Taps Battalia Winston for Controller
Executive search firm Battalia Winston has been retained by the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) to lead its search for a new vice president and controller. Dale Winston, Battalia Winston’s chairwoman and chief executive officer, and principal Gwyn Anderson, are leading the search. “As one of the largest natural history museums in the world, it’s critical
Warren Partners Launches Technology Search Practice
Executive recruiters Warren Partners has added Ian Mullett and Sarn Terry as directors to launch the firm’s new technology practice. Both join the firm from Harvey Nash, where they specialized in technology and professional services. Mr. Mullett has amassed more than 20 years of U.K. and international search experience and specializes in enterprise software, telecoms
Boyden Expands Staff in Montreal
Executive search firm Boyden has named Sébastien Zuchowski as a partner in its Montreal office. His focus will be on senior level assignments in the technology, media, telecommunication and industrial sectors. Before joining Boyden Montreal, Mr. Zuchowski worked for over 20 years as a client facing executive at several high tech software, hardware and professional services companies, including GURUS Solutions,







