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CFO Recruiting Summit — Beyond the Balance Sheet: Executing Growth and Value Creation
As business complexity accelerates across industries, the office of the CFO is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Once centered primarily on financial stewardship, today’s CFO organizations are becoming enterprise-wide strategic engines—driving growth, managing risk, enabling transformation, and serving as critical partners to the CEO and board. As the CFO role increasingly serves as a pipeline to
Isaacson, Miller Tapped By Texas A&M to Lead Search for New President
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been retained by Texas A&M to lead in its search for its next president. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, are leading this search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. “Choosing the next president of Texas A&M is one of the most important decisions we will make,” said Robert L. Albritton, Board of
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Here Is Why Versatile CEOs Are In Such High Demand
The leadership dynamics of private equity-backed firms and public companies have long been viewed as starkly different. Private equity leaders thrive on fast value creation, a highly involved ownership model, and a clear exit strategy – often within a five-year window. Public company chief executives, on the other hand, navigate board politics, captain shareholder expectations,
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
AIMS International Names EMEA Regional Leaders
AIMS International has appointed Grégoire Depeursinge, managing partner in Switzerland, as executive vice president with responsibility for the EMEA region. He succeeds Pierangelo Favero, who has held the position since 2013 and has recently been elected president of AIMS. For nearly 10 years, Mr. Depeursinge has served as global practice leader industrial, member global life sciences practice at AIMS. He has held senior
Wendy’s Chief People Officer Adopts Blended Recruiting Strategy
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers (CHRO) play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, it is the chief people officer who typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus, instead, is on building talent as a key
The New York Pops Turns to Greenwich Harbor Partners for Board Directors
Greenwich Harbor Partners has placed Liz Ritzcovan as a member of the board of directors at The New York Pops. She is the sixth director to be placed on the Pops board by the Greenwich, Conn-based search firm. Ms. Ritzcovan has 20 years of work history increasing profits, building businesses and expanding client and partner bases for
Korn Ferry Recruits CEO for Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
Korn Ferry’s board & CEO services practice has recruited Robert W. Cook as president and chief executive officer of The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). He succeeds Richard Ketchum, who served as chairman and CEO since 2009. Mr. Cook will join FINRA in the second half of this year from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, where he has served
Gerard Stewart Opens New Office In Menlo Park
Executive search firm Gerard Stewart has expanded its services on the West Coast with the opening of a new office in Menlo Park, CA. Sara Boyd has joined the firm to lead the new location as managing director. In addition to overseeing the Menlo Park business, Ms. Boyd will expand the firm’s search capabilities to include EVPs and
CurzonTrinitas Broadens Sector Coverage
Executive recruiters CurzonTrinitas has strengthened its staff with the addition of Robbie Paterson as a partner. Mr. Paterson previously served as partner and head of the renewable energy and utilities practice at Korn Ferry. In that role, he led the placement of CEOs, managing directors and other C-suite roles for businesses across the renewable energy, utilities
Ward Howell, Iconic Search Brand, Returns to U.S. Market
The Hershey Company, the largest chocolate manufacturer in North America with revenues of $8 billion and 22,000 global employees, has expanded its business relationship with executive search firm Ward Howell International. A significant portion of Ward Howell’s recruiting work for Hershey’s has been conducted on a global basis in some 25 far flung markets for more
Robinson Resource Group Recruits Executive Director for Folds of Honor Foundation
Executive search firm Robinson Resource Group has placed William Klinowski as president and executive director of the Folds of Honor Foundation. Managing director, Scott Robinson, led the search. Since its inception in 2007, the Folds of Honor Foundation has had the singular mission to honor the sacrifice of America’s heroes, while giving hope to the
Major, Lindsey & Africa Expands Into Baltimore
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has named Randi S. Lewis as a director to launch and lead its Baltimore recruiting office. She will specialize in recruiting and placing law firm partners and associates within the Baltimore market and surrounding areas. In her new position, she also will focus on helping law firms with strategic practice acquisitions and planning. Ms. Lewis joins
Pedersen & Partners Names Consumer Products and Retail Head
Executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has added Jan Großmann to its German team as a client partner and head of consumer products and retail. Mr. Großmann brings a wealth of expertise to the firm, with more than three decades of substantial management and leadership experience in the executive search, FMCG, retail, and media industries, and
Recruiting Private School Leaders Growing Sector for Search Firms
Executive search firm Brigham Hill Consultancy has placed Dr. Sarah Pelmas as head of the Winsor School, a top 50 girls’ college prep school based in Boston. She succeeds Rachel Friis Stettler, who retired this month after 12 years of service in the position. The search was led by Brigham Hill founder Linc Eldredge and consultant Jessica
Arts Consulting Group Leading CEO Search for Toledo Symphony Orchestra
Executive search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has been retained by the Toledo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Dale Hedding, vice president at ACG, is leading the assignment. Reporting to the board of directors and working in partnership with the principal conductor, the top post will likely
McDermott & Bull Names Retail Practice Head
Irvine, CA-based executive recruiter McDermott & Bull has named Stu Leibach as principal consultant and leader of its retail practice. Mr. Leibach has over 25 years of executive retail experience in both private and publicly held companies. He began his career as co-founder of eSpecialty Brands, based in Chicago, which he sold to a public company. After that,
David Barrett Partners Recruits First Chief Investment Officer for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
David Barrett Partners, a boutique specialist search firm which recruits senior and C-level professionals for the investment and wealth management sector, has placed Jack Mahler as the first chief investment officer of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Bethesda, MD-based foundation had more than $3.65 billion in investment assets as of December 31, 2014, according to financial statements. Mr. Mahler most recently served as head of equities
Calibre One Expands In San Francisco
Executive search firm Calibre One has added Douglas Gladstone and Ryan Polich as vice presidents in its San Francisco offices. “Our selections of Douglas Gladstone and Ryan Polich were the results of extensive search efforts to find the right vice presidents to maintain our momentum as well as add significant insight and value to our
Boyden Adds HR Specialist In Pittsburgh
Executive search firm Boyden has added Tracy Grajewski as a partner in its Pittsburgh office. Ms. Grajewski previously founded Laurel Summit Insights, a consulting firm geared to the business needs of clients undergoing transformation. Before that, she served as senior vice president of human resources at integrated delivery insurer Highmark Health, where she led an
Mike Hammond Resigns as CEO of Sheffield Haworth
After presiding over a three-year rapid expansion at Sheffield Haworth, Michael Hammond resigned recently as its CEO, reportedly over strategic differences he had with the firm’s founding chairman, Tim Sheffield. His decision to leave was based fundamentally upon a disagreement over the valuation concerning a management buyout of the firm. Mr. Sheffield, chairman and now interim CEO,
Folger Shakespeare Library Taps Diversified Search for Chief Advancement Officer
Diversified Search has been retained by the Folger Shakespeare Library to lead its search for a chief advancement officer (CAO). Managing director Gerard F. Cattie is heading the assignment. The Folger Shakespeare Library houses the world’s largest collection of the printed works of William Shakespeare. The library is home to a world renown collection that supports scholarship







