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Executive Search Faces Shrinking Demand
As a search firm owner, you’ve likely had the call by now. “A larger firm reaches out with interest in acquiring your boutique,” said James Abruzzo, managing partner of JGA Partners. “You take the meeting, curious. They make an offer—lower than you expected, maybe far lower. You politely decline, but the seed is planted.” You wonder, did
Morgan Samuels Company Recruits CFO for PE-Backed Western States Water
Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company has Tanya Toot as the new CFO of Western States Water, a Strength Capital Partners portfolio company. Tom Dunn, Jarrod Gray, Justin Kai Ossola, Benjamin Wolf, Mallory Allen, and Raquel De La Vega led the assignment. “We’re grateful for the trust from the Strength Capital and Western States Water teams,
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.
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
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?
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
GHP Search Partners with Ascend Learning on Board Member Appointments
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently tapped by Ascend Learning to assist in growing both the Ascend Learning board of directors and the Ascend Charter Schools board of trustees. New members of the Ascend Learning board identified by GHP include Robert Childs, retired EVP, strategic initiatives at American Express and Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, a founding leader of Amazon’s Streaming TV advertising business. Richard Young Jr, director,
FMG Leading Adds Healthcare Strategy and Transformation Expert
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of healthcare strategy and transformation expert Doug Van Wie as managing director. The firm explained that the addition further aligns FMG Leading’s capabilities with the needs of investor-backed organizations looking to add value and mitigate risk as they deploy purpose-driven capital into the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Caldwell Launches Global Financial Institutions Group Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launch its global financial institutions group (FIG) practice, bringing together the firm’s financial services capabilities under a single, globally coordinated practice. “This is more than a change in name,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “It reflects the scale, connectivity, and depth of the practice we have built globally, as well as
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
Myers McRae Helps Pensacola State College Select Finalist for President Role
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted Pensacola State College (PSC) with the selection of J. Alex Kelly as the finalist to become it’s next president. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Kenny Daugherty of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. The search attracted 107 qualified applicants from across the country. The committee selected
Potrero Group Recruits CEO for Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has placed Karen Strolia as the next CEO of Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) in San Rafael, CA. She succeeds longtime CVNL CEO Linda Jacobs, who led the organization for 25 years. “The board is thrilled to welcome Karen as CVNL’s next chief executive officer,” said Luana Vaetoe,
Marovi Appoints Head of Engineering
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has expanded with the addition of Ebubechukwu “Don” Enwerem as head of engineering. “Over the past few years, Don has had several engineering terms with Amazon Robotics – work estimated to save millions in operational costs. In between stints, he was building with Marovi. When the opportunity came to continue with Amazon, Don chose
As Executive Search Accelerates, Judgment Becomes the Differentiator
Executive search firms are under pressure to demonstrate value earlier than ever. Clients increasingly expect firms to understand the market, identify credible candidates, and begin calibrating on potential profiles before a search has even formally launched. AI and new data tools are helping firms meet those demands. Tasks that once took days can now be
Fractional vs. Full-Time Executives: The Real Math for Mid-Sized Growing Companies
As mid-sized companies grow, one of the more consequential leadership decisions is determining when fractional executive support is sufficient and when the business requires a full-time leader. A recent ExactSearch.AI report examined the economics behind that decision, finding that the answer often depends less on compensation than on the level of ownership, accountability, and organizational
Lindauer Recruits Chief Development Officer for C-SPAN
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Adele Hixon-Day as the first chief development officer of C-SPAN. The search is being led by Lindauer vice president Maureen Huminik, senior vice president Bob Giannino, and senior consultant Taylor Beard. “Adele joins C-SPAN at a pivotal moment,” said C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist. “For decades, the cable and satellite, and recently
Pyramind Recruits President and CEO for The SkillSource Group
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Clifford Yee as president and CEO of The SkillSource Group, Inc. (SSG), fiscal sponsor of Virginia Career Works – Northern. He succeeds interim executive officer Seema Jain, following a leadership transition supported by SkillSource’s staff, board, and community partners. “Cliff has a strong
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Fortra Search
In an effort to strengthen its venture capital and private equity search capabilities, Buffkin / Baker has acquired Fortra Search, a boutique retained executive search firm focused exclusively on executive sales and revenue leadership. The firm has also named its founder Andy Grosso as partner. “We’re thrilled to welcome Andy to Buffkin / Baker,” said Jackson Ross, partner
The Role of the CFO in PE-Backed Businesses
The role of the CFO in private equity-backed businesses has shifted materially in recent years. Historically a function for financial stewardship, the CFO role is now defined by operational accountability, value creation and the ability to translate investment strategy into outcomes. A recent report from U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP). The study examined how
JDG Associates Seeking Executive Director for the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently selected by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) to lead its search for a new executive director. The position is remote and may be based anywhere in the United States, with proximity to the Washington, D.C. area considered a plus. NCART stands at a pivotal moment, with active,
Calibre One Assists Cibus with CEO Search
Calibre One has helped to recruit board member Craig Wichner as the new CEO for NASDAQ-traded Cibus, Inc. in San Diego, CA. Peter Beetham, who has served as the company’s interim CEO, will continue his role as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Concurrently, both Mr. Wichner and Dr. Beetham resigned from the Cibus board of directors as part
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for OneOC
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Bonni Pomush as the new president and CEO of OneOC. She will succeed Tim Strauch, who will remain president and CEO through December 31, 2026, before retiring from OneOC after 19 years of service and leadership. “Bonni’s record of organizational transformation, collaborative leadership, and community engagement makes her exceptionally
NPAworldwide Forms Alliance with Dimensional Search Associates
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has formed a strategic partnership with the Sanford Rose Associates family of companies, including Dimensional Search. “This partnership brings together two strong organizations with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to helping independent recruiting firms succeed,” NPAworldwide said. “For NPAworldwide, the agreement represents a meaningful extension of its mission to connect independent recruiting
Scaling Growth Through Transformative Talent
High-growth environments can compress time, magnify decisions, and expose leadership gaps in an instant. As companies move through periods of rapid expansion, the ability to build and evolve the right leadership team becomes increasingly critical to sustaining momentum and creating long-term value. Across private equity, venture capital, and technology-driven businesses, organizations are rethinking how they
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Allstate
Crist|Kolder Associates has recruited Christian Lown as executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Allstate Corporation. “Chris’s leadership and capital markets expertise will enable us to continue increasing Property-Liability market share and expand protection provided to customers,” said Tom Wilson, president and CEO of The Allstate Corporation. With more than 25 years of senior
Protis Global Appoints Co-Presidents
Consumer packaged goods-focused executive search and advisory firm Protis Global has named Skye Miller and Isabel Cosby as co-presidents in a planned generational leadership transition as the company positions itself for its next phase of growth. Bert Miller, who co-founded the firm in 1995, moves from chairman and CEO of Protis Global to chairman. He will continue as founder
AI and the Workforce: Navigating the Balance Between Productivity and Uncertainty
Imagine your job evolving overnight, powered by a machine that learns faster than you. Not only does it transform how you work, but it also enhances your performance and helps you reach your full potential. It’s no wonder there are mixed feelings when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), according to a new report from
Vardis Names Ex-Russell Reynolds Veteran As Executive Chairman
Executive search firm Vardis has elected Jeremy Rickman as its executive chairman. Mr. Rickman has worked in the executive search industry in Europe and the U.S. for the past 18 years following a successful career in finance. Joining Russell Reynolds Associates in 1998, he established and developed the firm’s European CFO practice before moving to the U.S.
Pedersen Names Financial Services Practice Group Africa Head
Executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has named Frank Behrendt as a principal and head of its financial services practice group in Africa. Mr. Behrendt is an emerging markets specialist and has originated and executed senior level searches for banks and financial institutions across Asia Pacific while based in Singapore, and Pan-Africa from London and Johannesburg. After spending
21st Century Recruiting: Globally Connected, Locally Committed
The search for top-flight talent is now a global industry where the largest search firms maintain dozens of offices across every continent. But advancements in technology have allowed even the smallest firms to compete far beyond the borders of their own countries. One recruitment organization is combining the range of the largest players with the
Global Boards Step Up Efforts to Broaden Roles for Women
Australian cabinet minister for women, Michaelia Cash, has called for a stunning new target of 50 percent for female representation across all of her country’s government boards. The current gender diversity target stands at 40 percent. Each board will now aim for a minimum of 40 percent female representation, with a 50 percent target set
Rutgers Taps Eastman & Beaudine to Hunt for Head Basketball Coach
Executive recruiter Eastman & Beaudine has been selected by Rutgers University to lead its search for a head basketball coach. Eddie Jordan has been dismissed after the team went 7-25 this season and won just one conference game. This past December, Eastman & Beaudine placed Chris Ash as head football coach at Rutgers. The firm replaced Kyle Flood, who was fired after the
Robinson Resource Group Heading CEO Search for Loaves & Fishes
Executive search firm Robinson Resource Group has been retained by Loaves & Fishes to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Past CEO Megan Selck has recently stepped down from her position. Board chair Mike Havala is serving as interim CEO. “The advancement of Loaves & Fishes requires the board’s due diligence in
Toft Group Continues Expansion With New Additions
Toft Group, an executive search firm focusing exclusively on the life sciences and healthcare sectors, has appointed David Felker as senior vice president of executive search and Gabriela Tobal (pictured) as VP of business development. Both will lead the expansion of Toft Group’s pharmaceutical practice, which according to the firm is seeing increased demand for specialized searches within
Demeter Global Search & Board Advisers Strengthens London Office
London-based executive recruiters Demeter Global Search & Board Advisers has strengthened its U.K. search team with the addition of Elaine MacDermot as a consultant. Ms. MacDermot has over five years of experience in the executive search industry focusing on both executive and non-executive hiring within the FTSE 350 and private sector. Previously, she was a director in the U.K.
Even In a Deep Downturn, Energy Sector Seeks Leadership
Houston-based energy company, Cheniere Energy, has retained Spencer Stuart to lead its search for a chief executive officer. In December, Cheniere’s board voted to remove former CEO Charif Souki. The shake-up comes after activist investor Carl Icahn took a big stake in the company and won two board seats. Cheniere’s board felt the company needed a more experienced leader as it
Egon Zehnder Names U.S. Leader; Leapfrogs Rival In Latest Ranking
Effective next month, Karl W. Alleman will serve as head of U.S. operations at Egon Zehnder as part of an extensive succession process underway at the firm. Greig T. Schneider, who has been in charge of American operations since 2011, has been elected to Zehnder’s board of directors. “Under Greig’s leadership, Egon Zehnder’s presence in the U.S.
Sports Association Taps Korn Ferry and Major, Lindsey & Africa to Recruit Top Leaders
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has selected executive search firms Korn Ferry and Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) to oversee the Confederation’s search for a general secretary and chief legal / compliance officer. Korn Ferry’s global sports practice will lead the search for a general secretary, while MLA will run the compliance officer
Russell Reynolds Associates Taps Boutique for Software Practice Head
Russell Reynolds Associates has added Jeff Yolen in Boston as leader of the firm’s software practice on the East Coast. Mr. Yolen’s work focuses on software, mobile and digital search assignments for companies based across the U.S. and abroad. He works with publicly traded companies, and with private equity, growth equity, and venture capital firms to recruit
Cornerstone Expands in Asia Pacific
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has established its first presence in Japan and 17th in Asia with the addition of Human Future, a boutique firm based in Yokohama. “This is an exciting step for us,” said Human Future managing partner William Liu. “Japan used to be a region by itself
Leadership Deficiency: Why Business Executives Are Falling Short
Leadership stands out as a business competency critical for success say executives from across business, according to the Society for Human Resource Management’s recent report: ‘Using Competencies to Achieve Business Success: The Executive Perspective.’ The study found that a significant number of executives reported that many employees and candidates lack leadership competency. More than one-third of
Vetted Solutions In Hunt for American Psychiatric Foundation Leader
Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has been retained by the American Psychiatric Association Foundation to lead its search for an executive director. The organization’s new leader will work with the board and staff to increase financial support from funders, with a particular emphasis on increasing the number of APA members who support the foundation. Position
Hanold Associates Lands CHRO for Ferrara Candy Co.
Hanold Associates has recruited Michael Goldwasser as chief human resources officer (CHRO) of Ferrara Candy Company. He will report to CEO Todd Siwak and provide leadership and strategic management while overseeing the company’s entire human resources function. Neela Seenandan, co-managing partner at Hanold, led the search. Mr. Goldwasser was previously CHRO at Orbitz Worldwide where he drove
Morgan Samuels Names Healthcare Practice Co-Leader
Morgan Samuels, an L.A.-based human capital consulting and executive search firm, has appointed Linda Rebrovick as a senior client partner and co-leader of its healthcare recruiting practice. She will also lead the firm in the Nashville market. In her new role, Ms. Rebrovick will be responsible for client relationships and executive and board director searches for both public and private companies. Her
Matteson Partners Expands Recruiting Staff
Atlanta-based executive search firm Matteson Partners has added Tom Shull as a new partner and practice area lead. His focus will include supply chain management, production / operations management and engineering positions within manufacturing and distribution organizations for domestic and international clients. Mr. Shull has over a decade of experience in corporate recruiting and over 25
Investors Continue Pouring Money Into HR Technologies
Namely, an all-in-one HR software platform, has raised an additional $30 million in funding led by existing investor Sequoia with support from Matrix Partners, True Ventures and Greenspring Associates. The funding follows Namely’s Series C round last June and brings the total funding raised to $107.8 million. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and rapidly changing regulations at local,
Ryan Search Partners With Center for Creative Leadership
Executive recruiter Ryan Search & Consulting has formed a partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) to provide clients with a deeper array of leadership development resources. A global provider of leadership development, Greensboro, NC-based CCL works with individuals, teams, organizations and companies to help them achieve their objectives through leadership development & organizational
Caldwell Partners Recruits CFO for Prime Risk Partners
Caldwell Partners has placed Robert Schneider as EVP and chief financial officer of Prime Risk Partners. Peter Reed, managing partner in Caldwell’s global insurance practice, led the assignment along with consultant Eric Roeloffs. Mr. Schneider has held senior financial executive roles, including CFO, at Ascension Insurance, USI Holdings, Anthem, and Acordia. He has managed the financial function
Alameda Health Taps Witt/Kieffer for Chief Medical Officer
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has been selected by Alameda Health System (AHS) in Oakland, CA, to lead its search for a new chief medical officer. William T. Peruzzi MD, stepped down from the position in August. The search is being led by consultant Steve Yamada and associate Sue LeGrand. AHS is seeking a collaborative, inclusive physician leader to
PRATT Names HR Leader As Director In Miami Office
Boutique executive search firm PRATT has appointed José G. Hernández as managing director in its new Miami office. In this role, he will leverage his experience and relationships in the region to fill executive search needs of businesses in the area. “Bringing our expertise in finding and developing high potential talent, combined with our know-how of the region, is
Q2 Hiring Plans Moderate Among U.S. Employers
Expect to see stable, but moderating hiring plans among U.S. employers for the second quarter of 2016, this according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, just released by ManpowerGroup. Taking into account seasonal variations, the net employment outlook is up, making anticipated hiring in the second quarter relatively stable compared to the first quarter and unchanged from last
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by RAPS to Find Executive Director
Russell Reynolds Associates has been selected by the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) to lead its search for a new executive director. Past director Sherry Keramidas recently retired. She will help facilitate the transition by working with the search committee to provide support on specific key initiatives. Stephanie Tomasso, head of Russell Reynolds’ trade & professional association practice group based in
DHR and Boyden Name Financial Services Recruiters
DHR International has named Jeanne Branthover to the firm’s financial services practice in New York as a partner. Ms. Branthover is a 25-year veteran in the financial services industry. She comes to DHR from Boyden, where she has been for the last 13 years. At Boyden she served as global financial services practice leader, where
Bespoke Partners Recruits CEO for Model N
Executive search firm Bespoke Partners has recruited Edward Sander as chief executive officer of Model N, Inc. Founder and current chairman and CEO, Zack Rinat, has assumed the newly-created role of executive chairman of the company. Kristie Nova, founding partner of Bespoke Partners, led the search. Mr. Sander brings a decade of experience running high growth,
Non-Profit Sector Opens Up New Career Path for High Performing Leaders
One of the fastest growing sectors within executive search today can be found in non-profit. Presently, close to 150 recruiting firms specialize in some form of talent acquisition in this sector, which includes foundations, cultural institutions, and academia, to name a few. One of the leaders in this burgeoning field, Koya Leadership Partners, has moved
Search Firm Launched to Serve Black Colleges
Four former black college presidents have launched TM2 Education Search, which provides executive recruiting and leadership development services targeting historically black colleges & universities and predominantly black institutions. The firm will focus on filling C-suite leadership positions, including presidents, chancellors and their cabinet-level direct reports, and board directorships. The firm is the brainchild of former black college
O’Rourke and Associates Recruits Credit Union Association CEO
San-Francisco-headquartered executive search firm O’Rourke and Associates has placed Brad Douglas as chief executive officer of the Heartland Credit Union Association (HCUA). HCUA is the result of the consolidation of the Kansas Credit Union Association and the Missouri Credit Union Association. Both Marla Marsh, CEO of Kansas and Don Cohenour, CEO of Missouri, are retiring
Howard Fischer Associates Places Chief Marketing Officer at Entercom
Executive search firm Howard Fischer Associates (HFA) has placed Ruth Gaviria as chief marketing officer of Entercom Communications. Ms. Gaviria was previously executive vice president of corporate marketing at Univision (UCI), where she structured an integrated marketing organization, directed the brand strategy and architecture for the company’s portfolio of brands, developed an audience strategy and
