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Unemployment Falls to 4.4 Percent as 50,000 New Job Added
Employment rose by 50,000 in December as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.4 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment continued to trend up in food services and drinking places, healthcare, and social assistance. Retail trade lost jobs. The number of unemployed people, at 7.5 million, changed little in December.
7 Questions to Ask When Choosing an International Recruiter
International recruiting quickly becomes a different game altogether—one where local networks, cultural fluency, and trusted on-the-ground connections often matter more than the tools or tactics employers rely on at home. However, many employers do not like working with recruitment companies, according to a report from NPAworldwide. “In markets that employers know well and have social
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.
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
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?
Pacific International Launches Leadership Coaching and Onboarding Service
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has launched its new leadership coaching & onboarding service. This will support senior leaders through the highest-stakes moments of their careers. “The first months in a new leadership role, a step-change in scope, the pressures of C-suite leadership – these are just a few examples where an experienced coach can turn potential into value faster
Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources
Boyden Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
Signium Expands in Belgium
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of Valérie Schmitt to its Belgium team as leadership consulting partner. “She will support executive leaders and teams at pivotal moments, helping them navigate change and succeed in complex environments,” Signium said. “Drawing on more than 25 years in senior corporate roles, Valérie brings first-hand experience of the challenges
How AI Is Reshaping Executive Assessment and Leadership Development
As organizations look for better ways to evaluate leadership potential, attention is shifting beyond experience and credentials toward how executives actually think, communicate, make decisions, and respond under pressure. AI is creating new ways to analyze those behaviors at scale, giving executive search firms and their clients additional evidence when assessing qualities such as judgment,
Caldwell Assists the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the Recruitment of President for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the recruitment of Cheryl Nelms as president of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Her appointment follows a competitive international executive recruitment process. The search was led by Drew Railton, Lucy Antrobus, and Vicky O’Connor. “With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada, Cheryl brings
TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has helped to recruit Trent Anderson as vice president of development of Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). This follows an extensive national search led by senior strategist, Brenna Thomas. “Throughout the search process, Trent distinguished himself with his strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and thoughtful leadership,” said Daniel Battsek, president of Film
True Launches Forensic Referencing Offering
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Forensic Referencing, a new executive intelligence capability designed to help investors, boards, and executive teams make more informed leadership decisions before high-stakes investments, new business relationships, and governance milestones. The firm named Christopher Jaros as partner to build and lead the offering. This expands True’s executive intelligence platform, complementing the firm’s executive
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Director
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Chrissie Shin as director. “Please join us in congratulating Chrissie Shin on her promotion to director,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Chrissie’s expertise, dedication, and leadership have made her an invaluable member of the Long Ridge team. This well-earned promotion reflects the impact she’s made across
Navigating the Search for Tomorrow’s HBCU Leaders
Leadership searches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are becoming increasingly complex as boards weigh institutional legacy against rapidly changing demands on presidents. Executive search firms are being asked to identify candidates who can balance mission, financial stewardship, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy while navigating a more uncertain higher education environment. For HBCUs,
Egon Zehnder Called in by CAAT Pension Plan for CEO Search
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by the board of trustees of CAAT Pension Plan to lead in its search for its next chief executive officer. This follows the departure of longtime CEO and plan manager Derek Dobson, who recently resigned. The search will focus on leaders who can combine strategic vision with operational discipline,
The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. To support the
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
RH Perry & Associates Retained by Skagit Valley College for President Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Skagit Valley College (SVC) to lead in its search for a new president. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Sue DeWine and and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The president will strengthen the College’s ‘One College’ approach by enhancing coordination across the Mount Vernon and Whidbey
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
HiBob Secures Funding to Drive AI-powered Enterprise
Tel Aviv-based HR tech platform HiBob has announced an investment led by Salesforce with additional participation from Farallon. This marks a key milestone in HiBob’s evolution from a modern HR platform into an organizational intelligence layer for modern businesses. The investment reflects a shared belief that trusted workforce data and organizational context will become critical infrastructure for the AI-powered enterprise.
The M&A Predictions That Shaped 2026
Ansarada’s 2026 Global M&A Predictions Report brought together 26 dealmakers from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand around four central expectations: M&A would remain resilient despite uncertainty, interest-rate relief could unlock activity, energy and technology would attract capital while consumer sectors lagged, and AI would become increasingly important to both asset
Korn Ferry Posts Q1 Fiscal-Year 2027 Revenues of $756.5 Million
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q1 fiscal-year 2027 revenues of $756.5 million, an increase of seven percent year-over-year with growth in all regions. This marks the firm’s sixth consecutive quarter of top line growth. The growth was led by double digit growth in search and workforce solutions of 10 percent and 11 percent, respectively.In addition, first
AGB Search Seeking University of Illinois System President
The University of Illinois Board of Trustees has tapped Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search to lead in its search for the University of Illinois System president. Roderick McDavis, Sally Mason and Garry W. Owens are leading the assignment. The president will lead the system into the next era of higher education with strategic vision, effective and authentic communication, and a
CarterBaldwin Assists AdelFi With Chief Innovation and Technology Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Cameron Forbes as chief innovation and technology officer of AdelFi, a division of Christian Community Credit Union. His appointment is a key piece of AdelFi’s strategy investing in enhanced cybersecurity and regulatory readiness, scaled digital channels for engagement and accessibility, and improved personalized, digitally enabled member experiences. Associate partner
7 Things CEOs Must Do to Boost Team Performance
A CEO’s role in driving team productivity has become increasingly complex, yet it remains more crucial than ever in today’s fast-paced business environment. It’s no longer sufficient to simply set objectives and expect teams to follow suit. The ability to inspire, motivate, and guide employees to operate at their highest potential requires more than just
TRANSEARCH Recruits CHRO for Golder Associates
TRANSEARCH International has placed Nick Bizic as global chief human resources officer (CHRO) of Golder Associates. The search was led by managing director Chris Swan and consultant Dirk Stauthamer as part of the firm’s global practice in construction, design and real estate. In his new role as CHRO, Mr. Bizic will be a business partner to
Tatum Names President
Tatum, an interim services and executive search firm, has appointed Macon Albertson as its new president. Mr. Albertson replaces Kathryn Bolt, who held the role on an interim basis but will continue to serve as group president of Tatum and Randstad Professionals. He previously served as senior vice president of Randstad Professionals, overseeing business development
AltoPartners Adds Member Firm In Hungary
AltoPartners, an international alliance of independent executive search firms and leadership consultants, has added Budapest-based executive search firm AP Accord Group ECE Hungary as its newest member firm. Accord Group Hungary offers executive search services and expertise across a number of industries, including information & communications; technology / telecommunications (including industrial automation); manufacturing (automotive, electronics); media; as well
Empowering Women In the Workplace Starts Here
Sheer confidence among nearly 80 percent of female financial advisors is one of the biggest factors impacting leadership, success and fulfillment in their careers, according to a recent study conducted by Edward Jones. Half of those surveyed say confidence is the single most important tool in career advancement. “Confidence in one’s ability to succeed plays a critical role when
Red Lion Hotels Retains AETHOS Consulting for CFO Search
Executive search firm AETHOS Consulting Group has been retained by Red Lion Hotels Corporation to lead its search for a chief financial officer. James Bell, its former CFO, decided to leave Red Lion to pursue another professional venture. The board has appointed David Wright, the company’s vice president of accounting, tax & external reporting, as interim CFO
Brill Neumann Recruits Athletic Director for USC
Executive search firm Brill Neumann Associates has placed pro football hall of fame wide receiver and USC alumnus Lynn Swann as athletic director of the University of Southern California (USC). Pat Haden retired from his position as AD, effective in June, ending his guidance of the Trojans through a tumultuous period in the school’s history. Mr. Swann played at USC in the early 1970s
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
