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McDermott + Bull Expands in Texas
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has appointed Ryan Harmon as managing director in its Texas office. Based in Dallas, he will play a key role in supporting McDermott + Bull’s national clients while advancing the firm’s continued growth and investment across the Texas market. “We’ve developed a strong and growing client base across Texas, and Ryan’s addition
Upskilling and Reskilling for a Future-Ready Workforce
With talent shortages continuing to intensify, organizations around the world are increasingly recognizing the need to upskill and reskill their current workforce. This growing focus on internal capability development is driven by the pace of technological change, evolving business models and shifting employee expectations, a recent report from Kestria explained. According to the Kestria Global 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.
AI Is Rewriting the Executive Hiring Playbook
Insight Partners’ latest research suggests the AI era is creating a new executive hiring playbook. Based on more than 400 executive searches and interviews with over 1,400 leadership candidates, the firm’s talent team argues that many of the characteristics defining today’s strongest product and engineering leaders would have been viewed as weaknesses only a few years
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?
FMG Leading Acquires Market Intelligence And Strategic Advisory Firm BroadBranch Advisors
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has acquired market intelligence and strategic advisory firm BroadBranch Advisors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “In today’s high-pressure landscape, translating forward-looking intelligence into action faster and more effectively is critical for our clients, especially in the investor-backed healthcare space,” said Matt Brubaker, chairman and CEO of FMG Leading. “By
PARC Street Group Places Chief Operating Officer for Mission Valley Bank
PARC Street Group has assisted in the recruitment Amanda Connell as chief operating officer at Mission Valley Bank. This search was completed by PARC Street Group senior executive search consultant Michelle Davis, executive recruiter Tabassum Nagpurwala, and executive search associate Priscilla Chacon. Ms. Connell brings more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience across community
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Build a New Performance Model for Executive Recruiters
As the executive search industry faces growing pressure to deliver stronger and more consistent results, firms are reassessing how recruiters are trained, developed, and prepared to meet changing client demands. A few months ago, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ Talent Intelligence advisory unit introduced the Recruiter Performance Training Program, a practical, execution-focused system designed to
U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent
Employment fell by 23,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 6.9 million, changed little in July. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.1 percent) and people who are Hispanic (4.6 percent) declined
Parker Remick Expands with New Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has appointed Adam Szepkouski as partner of consulting excellence. The firm explained that this hire reflects a broader push to refine execution and scale delivery as demand for senior technology leaders accelerates. The appointment comes at a time of structural change in technology leadership. AI is reshaping how technology organizations are built and
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
The Christopher Group Selected by Penn Highlands Healthcare for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by Penn Highlands Healthcare to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Molly Mangan, and partner, Carrie Longmire, are leading the assignment. “The chief human resources officer will play an important role in helping Penn Highlands
Where AI Belongs in Executive Search—and Where It Doesn’t
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the executive search profession, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency while raising important questions about where technology should—and should not—play a role in the hiring process. As firms continue to integrate AI into their workflows, the focus is increasingly shifting from whether to adopt these tools to how
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been selected by Virginia Tech to lead in its search for a new president. Current president Tim Sands announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti are leading this search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its
Parker Remick Appoints Partner of Firm Operations
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick recently named Jena Gibson as partner of firm operations. This is part of the executive search firm’s expansion of operational infrastructure and AI-enabled delivery capabilities. The firm noted that all in response to rising demand for senior technology and AI leadership. Ms. Gibson joins Parker Remick with more than 15 years
Building an Employer Brand That Attracts Top Executive Talent
In today’s competitive business environment, where organizations are vying for top talent, a strong employer brand has become an essential strategic advantage. It plays a critical role in attracting and retaining high-quality candidates while also contributing to an organization’s overall success. A recent report from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) delves into the importance of a
Krauthamer & Associates Assists the Dallas Area Rapid Transit with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has assisted in the recruitment of Nathaniel Ford as president and CEO of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). “Mr. Ford brings decades of executive leadership in public transportation, a proven record of organizational transformation, and a deep understanding that transit is about much more than buses and trains,” said DART board chair
Slone Partners Makes Senior Appointments
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has named Sona Stroud and Kim Wilson as senior partners. Ms. Stroud has been promoted to the position following nearly 15 years with the firm, while Ms. Wilson returns to the organization, further strengthening its leadership team with nearly 17 years of experience with the firm. “Few things are more rewarding than recognizing exceptional leaders
The Evolution of Tech Leadership in Europe: 40 Years of Transformation
As technology continues to reshape every sector of the economy, executive search firms are seeing a fundamental shift in the profile of leaders organizations need to remain competitive. Companies are no longer seeking executives with deep technical expertise alone—they are prioritizing transformational leaders who can navigate disruption, lead enterprise-wide change, and align emerging technologies with
Changing the DNA of Growth-Stage Recruiting
As growth-stage companies accelerate expansion under private equity ownership or new investment, leadership teams are placing greater emphasis on the organizational structures that support long-term value creation. While executive search has traditionally focused on identifying transformative leaders, many organizations are also rethinking where the talent acquisition function belongs within the enterprise to ensure hiring strategy
The Key to Hiring in 2025
Identifying the right leaders for your organization is more challenging than ever. Traditional hiring methods often miss outstanding candidates who may not meet every resume requirement or fit the reviewer’s preconceived criteria. That’s where skill-based hiring comes in—shifting the focus to what candidates can do instead of just what’s on paper, according to a recent
Ashford Benjamin Launches in Hong Kong
Search industry veteran Ben Cooper has launched executive search firm Ashford Benjamin Ltd., which will initially focus on legal and compliance search mandates. Located in Hong Kong, the firm will serve law firms, financial institutions and multinational companies across a range of industries on middle to senior level search assignments. Ashford Benjamin is currently leading searches for a
NPAworldwide Adds 13 Member Firms
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added 13 new member firms across Asia Pacific and North America. Membership in the network allows independent recruiters to serve their clients and candidates by partnering with other member firms on a split-fee basis. Within Asia Pacific, new member firms include: 1st Executive Pty Ltd, based in Melbourne, provides recruitment services in the areas
Leadership Assessment Coming Soon to An iPhone Near You
There’s a new twist coming to talent assessment — a service pioneered and largely perfected by executive search firm Egon Zehnder decades ago in Europe. What’s on the way is likely to shake up the well-established ‘evaluations’ business popularized by Zehnder and its headhunting rivals and could set off a new wave of competition in the
Caldwell Partners Posts 20 Percent Revenue Rise
Caldwell Partners International posted second quarter revenues of $14.3 million (Canadian), up 20.3 percent from revenues of $11.9 million a year ago. Revenue in the U.S. for the quarter rose 38.8 percent, while Canadian revenues dropped 27.3 percent. The firm reported Q2 net earnings of $764,000 or $0.38 per share. This compares to net earnings of $282,000 or
Korn Ferry Recruits Brixmor Property Group CEO
Korn Ferry has placed James M. Taylor as president and chief executive officer of Brixmor Property Group. He succeeds Daniel B. Hurwitz, who has held the position on an interim basis. Past CEO Michael Carroll resigned from his position in February. Mr. Taylor joins Brixmor with more than 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. He currently serves as executive vice president, CFO
McCormick Group Lands Executive Director for DirectWomen
The McCormick Group has recruited Christina M. Knowles as executive director of DirectWomen. Ms. Knowles, a leading voice on issues affecting women, has a decade of experience in non-profit and government management. Prior to joining DirectWomen, she served as the inaugural executive director for the Boston Women’s Workforce Council. She has also held a variety of other leadership
Stanton Chase Names Global Supply Chain Sector Leader
Stanton Chase International has added Will Pleva as a partner and sector leader for its global supply chain and strategic sourcing practice. He joins the firm’s New York office. With 25 years of search experience he has conducted more than 500 supply chain and strategic sourcing engagements across a variety of sectors. Since 1983, Mr. Pleva has been
Save the Children Taps Russell Reynolds for Chief People Officer
Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by Save the Children International (SCI) to lead its search for a chief people officer (CPO). Concurrent with this assignment, Russell Reynolds is also leading the search for Save the Children UK’s chief executive officer. Justin Forsyth, chief executive since 2010, announced that he is leaving the charity. Save the Children is one
Ryan Search Strengthens Leadership Development Offering
Executive recruiter Ryan Search & Consulting has added Ken Smithmier as a senior consultant to focus on strengthening its leadership talent development offering. The expansion allows the firm to offer a broader range of services to its client base. With a 40-year career in healthcare, the last 30 spent in senior leadership positions, Mr. Smithmier has led every size and
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Science Officer for F-star
Global life sciences search specialist Coulter Partners has placed Dr. Neil Brewis as chief scientific officer and Michael Davies as vice president of protein science at F-star, a biopharmaceutical company developing novel bispecific antibodies with a focus on immuno-oncology. F-star asked Coulter Partners to conduct global searches to identify experts in the discovery and development of complex biologics.
Korn Ferry Names Canadian Consumer Practice Leader
Korn Ferry has appointed Michael Mundy as leader of its Canadian consumer and retail practice. Based out of the firm’s Toronto office, he will serve as a member of Korn Ferry’s global consumer practice. With extensive executive search experience in consumer, retail, media & entertainment, sports, travel, hospitality & leisure, Mr. Mundy previously spent seven years with Odgers
Eton Bridge Launches Board Practice
Executive search and interim management firm Eton Bridge Partners has launched a new board of directors practice. It will complement the firm’s existing interim and executive search verticals within finance, human resources and business transformation. The practice will be led by partners Louise Chaplin and Jean-Pierre Green and will support listed, privately owned and private equity-backed organizations in the U.K. and internationally. Ms. Chaplin has worked
Salaries to Remain On the Rise In 2016
While most 2016 pay raises will average around three percent, certain engineering, information technology, manufacturing & logistics, and office & administration jobs can expect compensation increases of six to nine percent, according to the just-released Randstad U.S. annual salary guide. Randstad’s guides unveil compensation ranges for top positions in numerous geographic regions around the country
DHR Places Chief Investment Officer At Alaska Fund
DHR International has placed Russell Read as chief investment officer of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation. He replaces Jay Willoughby at the Juneau, Alaska-based sovereign fund. The search was led by Carol Hartman, managing partner of the firm’s financial services practice in North America, and partner James Schroeder. Her practice focuses on capital markets, asset management, regional and private
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,
