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Pacific International Partners with LSG Sky Chefs Americas
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International has inked an exclusive 12-month retained search partner agreement with LSG Sky Chefs Americas (Sky Chefs), the market leader in airline catering and hospitality services across North and Latin America. Under the agreement, Pacific International will leverage its expertise to identify and attract senior talent that aligns with Sky Chefs’ culture
The Barton Partnership Appoints Vice President, North America
The Barton Partnership, a U.K.-based executive search firm, has named Melissa Chester as vice president, North America. The firm said she will partner with leaders across the firm to accelerate growth in independent consulting while complementing The Barton Partnership’s established executive search capabilities in strategy & transformation. “Melissa’s extensive experience supporting private equity firms and their
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Christian & Timbers Reports a 2.1 Percent Increase in C-Suite Compensation Among PE- Backed Tech Companies
Christian & Timbers has released its report titled Analysis of C-Suite Compensation Trends at Private-Equity Backed Tech Companies, part of its executive pay in focus series. This analysis is based on proprietary compensation data from 2024, encompassing over 100 PE-backed companies and more than 400 executives. The data includes information on base salaries, bonuses, and
Prince Houston Recruits Chief Investment Officer for Commonfund
New York-based executive search firm The Prince Houston Group has placed Mark Anson as chief investment officer of Commonfund, a leading manager for endowments and foundations. In his new role, Mr. Anson will serve on Commonfund’s operating committee and will chair the investment policy and asset allocation committees. He will report to Catherine M. Keating, Commonfund president and chief
L.T. Famulary Executive Search Consultants Opens Doors
Lucille T. Famulary has launched L.T. Famulary Executive Search Consultants, specializing in executive recruiting for healthcare, financial services and law enforcement professionals. The Long Branch, NJ-based search firm was established to match healthcare and financial services companies with professionals in those respective fields. Additionally, the firm assists individuals in law enforcement transition into private-sector careers. “Whether
Major, Lindsey & Africa Expands New York Office
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has added Stacey Breen and Peter Van Son as directors in its partner practice group in the firm’s New York office. Ms. Breen is a litigator with over 15 years of experience. She was previously a partner at law firm Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz in New York where she focused on
AETHOS Consulting and Greger / Peterson Associates Merge
Executive search firms AETHOS Consulting Group and Greger / Peterson Associates have combined forces to serve the hospitality industry. Greger / Peterson will begin operating immediately under the AETHOS Consulting Group name. “Greger / Peterson has a sterling reputation in the hospitality industry, as well as in leisure, entertainment and media,” said AETHOS managing director and CEO Keith Kefgen.
Companies Failing to Develop High-Potential Talent
Organizations are at risk of losing key talent by failing to recognize their potential or doing little, if anything, to develop it, according to a recent survey released by Penna Plc, providers of executive search and interim management services across the public and private sectors. The report, which surveyed 1,000 employees and 1,000 managers, found that a mere
Elliott Group Lands CEO for Jamba
Hospitality search sector specialist The Elliott Group has placed David A. Pace as president and chief executive officer of Jamba, Inc. James D. White is retiring as the company’s CEO after seven years at the helm. The board was seeking a CEO who had a strong track record of success, financially and operationally, as a leader in a
Reinsvold & Associates Launches to Serve Industrial & Energy Sectors
Executive search consultant Chris Reinsvold has launched Reinsvold & Associates, LLC, an executive search and strategic consulting firm dedicated to serving the industrial and energy sectors. The firm, based in Houston, plans to name recruiting consultants in coming months. Mr. Reinsvold has more than 25 years of management experience primarily in roles dealing with strategy, leadership, business transformation, engineering
Human Capital Group Recruits CHRO for West Virginia University
Brentwood, TN-based The Human Capital Group, Inc. has placed Cris DeBord as vice president of talent and culture (CHRO) at West Virginia University. Steve Hayes, founder and senior partner at the Human Capital Group, led the search. Founded in 1867, WVU is a public university with a total enrollment of more than 29,000 students. Previously, Mr. DeBord was
Optimum Talent and Conroy Ross Form Alliance
Executive search firm Conroy Ross Partners has formed an alliance with Optimum Talent, a privately owned integrated talent management firm. Through the partnership, the companies have acquired the Vancouver office of career transition services provider Toombs Inc. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The venture between the two firms is seen as a strategic move that solidifies an existing partnership
The Challenges of Recruiting Big Talent to Small Companies
Enlisting talent for small and emerging companies is a balancing act. Delay can be costly on many levels. But jumping too soon has its hazards as well. Companies must be able to gauge when and where their hiring needs will arise, then act. At smaller companies, hiring decisions are oftentimes amplified and carry big consequences,
Hanold Associates Recruits CHRO for Riddell
Executive search firm Hanold Associates has placed Sharon Quiles as chief human resources officer (CHRO) of Riddell. Partner Kile Hanold led the search. Ms. Quiles was previously an HR leader at Underwriters Laboratories (UL) where she built out the entire HR infrastructure following a consolidation of three global business units that had 1,400 total employees. Prior to that she served
Heidrick & Struggles Recruits CEO for Citrix
Heidrick & Struggles has recruited Kirill Tatarinov as president and chief executive officer of Citrix. He replaces Mark Templeton who stepped down as president and CEO after serving in that position since 1998. With 30 years of industry experience, Mr. Tatarinov has a long track record overseeing product strategy and commercial operations in software and services.
Plymouth Search Partners Names New York Managing Director
Plymouth Search Partners – Signium has named Mark S. Fogel as managing director in its New York City office. He will add a suite of human resources consulting, coaching and assessment services to his search practice which is focused on manufacturing, financial services, retail, and education sectors. Mr. Fogel formerly served as chief human resources officer (CHRO) for
Taylor Strategy Partners Appoints Managing Director
Executive search firm Taylor Strategy Partners (TSP) has expanded its staff with the addition of Ken Amicon as managing director in its executive and professional search practice. Mr. Amicon brings over 20 years of executive and professional search experience to TSP in the payer, provider, health and property & casualty insurance sectors. He has conducted a
Succession Planning an ‘Urgent’ Concern of Top HR Leaders
Seventy-four percent of HR leaders have identified leadership succession and speed of development as the primary internal challenges they face, according to a just-released survey by talent solutions provider Lumesse and research company Loudhouse. The identification of tomorrow’s leaders is crucial to mitigate against the loss of critical talent in the future, something that 73 percent of
DHR International Recruits CEO for Tata Motors
DHR International has recruited Guenter Butschek as managing director and chief executive officer of Tata Motors. Frank Smeekes led the assignment along with Amélie Bonneville, director talent acquisition (Europe), and Lorenz Pestinger, vice president of talent acquisition (Asia-Pacific). The search involved 300 candidates, representing 17 nationalities. Mr. Butschek will lead all operations of Tata Motors in India
Vetted Solutions Taps CEO for SOCAP International
Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has placed Brian Costanzo as president and chief executive officer of SOCAP International. He replaces Matthew D’uva, who spent nearly a decade with the organization and announced his decision to move on in June. The search was led by Vetted Solutions president James Zaniello and search partner Richard Green. Together, Messrs.
Russell Reynolds Expands Pharmaceutical and Non-Profit Practices
Russell Reynolds Associates has strengthened its global pharmaceutical, biotechnology and non-profit practices with the addition of Waseem Noor as a consultant. He will assess and recruit senior executive leaders and board members for client organizations in his industries of focus. Based in the firm’s New York office, he specializes in the assessment and recruiting of senior
AC Lordi Forms Stand-Alone Recruiting Practice
AC Lordi, a provider of accounting and risk management consulting and executive search, has split-off of its recruiting practice into a new stand-alone company, Xplora Search Group. AC Lordi Search leaders Jeff Olshin and Kevin Vesci will take the management reins as co-owners of Xplora, exchanging their interests in AC Lordi for 100 percent ownership of the
New Money Pouring Into Talent Management Metrics
Randstad Holding, a firm specializing in solutions in the field of flexible work and human resources services, is leading a seed financing in Focus Orange Technology through its Randstad Innovation Fund (RIF). Randstad’s service offerings range from regular temporary staffing and permanent placements to in-house, professionals, search & selection, and HR Solutions. The investment is centered around
Pillar Search to Hunt for WildAid U.S. Operations Director
Boston-based Pillar Search has been retained by WildAid to lead its search for a new managing director, U.S. operations. Pillar Search founder, Cindy Joyce, is leading the assignment. Reporting to the chief executive officer and the managing director programs in his absence, the managing director for U.S. operations will primarily be a manager, overseeing all U.S. staff. The
Third Street Partners Names Principal
Boutique executive search firm Third Street Partners has added Amanda Grant as a principal. She comes to Third Street Partners with considerable leadership experience, having served as the managing director and head of institutional client service at Columbia Management, a global asset manager where she helped facilitate the firm’s sale from Bank of America to Ameriprise Financial. During her
Furst Group Recruits COO for Regional Health
Executive search firm Furst Group has placed Paulette Davidson as chief operating officer of Regional Health. In this position, she will focus on clinical operations and strengthening corporate culture to benefit patient care and services. She will also oversee several key leaders within Regional Health. Ms. Davidson, a certified medical practice executive (CMPE), comes to Regional
Newport Group Opens Office in Texas
Executive search and consulting firm The Newport Group has opened a new office in Wichita Falls, Texas. The location will serve to augment the recruiting and consulting efforts of the firm’s Texas operations, while providing additional resources to its offices across the country. Recently promoted vice president Brad Ellis will be charged with managing the day-to-day operations at
Korn Ferry Taps New Head Coach for Cleveland Browns
Korn Ferry has recruited Hue Jackson as the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns. He becomes the team’s 16th head coach and replaces Mike Pettine who was fired following a 3-13 season. Jed Hughes, the firm’s vice chairman and global sports sector leader, led the assignment. Mr. Jackson is a 29-year coaching veteran with 15 years of NFL experience. He comes
Life Sciences Sector Seeks Change Management Leaders
Global leadership advisory firm Allen Austin has launched a new search practice in the burgeoning field of life sciences and healthcare. Brian A. Johnston and Steve Leatherman have been named co-sector practice leaders. “Our life sciences & healthcare practice addresses the demand for a new generation of talent to transform life science and healthcare’s ever-changing landscape. I am
MRINetwork Names President
MRINetwork, the executive search subsidiary of CDI Corp., has appointed Jill Albrinck as its new president. “Jill will drive a new phase of strategic growth for MRINetwork,” said Scott J. Freidheim, president and CEO of CDI Corp. “Jill’s leadership experience and track record of successfully growing businesses makes her the right person to leverage MRINetwork’s 50 years of innovation in talent solutions.”
D. Hilton Associates Recruits Marketing Head for East Idaho Credit Union
The Woodlands, TX-based executive search firm D. Hilton Associates has placed Tracy McCord as vice president of marketing at East Idaho Credit Union. Ms. McCord comes to East Idaho C.U. from Mid Missouri Credit Union, where she most recently was SVP of marketing. Over 16 years, she served in multiple roles at Mid Missouri, including VP of marketing and marketing
HVS Executive Search Expands In Europe
Karl Schorman has joined HVS Executive Search as a director in Europe. He will be based in the firm’s London office. Mr. Schorman has over 25 years of experience in executive search in the travel, hospitality and leisure industries, across all management disciplines for hotel companies, restaurant chains, food service providers, hospitality & event caterers, and other
CHROs Undervalued by CEOs Despite Growing Influence
While boards consistently rank human capital as a top priority, two thirds of HR professionals believe the chief HR leader is undervalued by the CEO, this according to a just-released Harvey Nash ‘Human Resources Survey. The report tallies the views of 1,253 HR leaders from over 30 countries. Almost half believe the HR leader is considered less important
Egon Zehnder Recruits TGI Fridays CEO As Demand Soars for Sector ‘Visionaries’
Egon Zehnder has placed Robert Palleschi as president and chief executive officer of TGI Fridays. He replaces Nick Shepherd who stepped down from the company in October. Mr. Palleschi has spent the past 12 years at global hospitality company, Hilton Worldwide. He currently serves as global head of full service brands, where he oversees all franchise
