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Kirk Palmer Associates Assists Holt Renfrew with CEO Search
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Franco Savastano as president and CEO of Canadian luxury retailer Holt Renfrew. The search was led by Kyle Rudy. He succeeds Sebastian Picardo, who stepped down effective September 30, 2025, after five years at the helm. The appointment is expected to usher in a new
Kincannon & Reed Places CEO at Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy
Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has placed Eric Fobes as the new CEO of Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy (SIRE). Jon Leafstedt and Patrick Fitzgerald, principals with Kincannon & Reed, conducted a nationwide search for SIRE. Current CEO Mike Jerke will retire at the end of 2025 after seven
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.
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
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?
Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
AGB Search Recruits 11th President for Lewis University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. The Lewis University board of trustees recently announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. “After
Kincannon & Reed Assists CCI Prime with CFO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Jamie Broad as CFO of CCI Prime, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Jamie’s ability to connect financial insights to operational realities makes her an exceptional
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Sarah Lawrence College to lead in its search for an associate vice president of enrollment. This executive will serve as a key member of the senior enrollment leadership team and a collaborative partner across the institution. This role is designed to strengthen coordination, elevate shared strategy, and support
Egon Zehnder Forms Alliance with IMD
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and IMD, a leading business school in global executive education, have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate board directors’ personal growth and elevate board performance. The partnership combines IMD’s academic rigor and deep connections to global boards with Egon Zehnder’s expertise in leadership and board effectiveness. Together, they will co-create tailored
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits Provost for the University of Cincinnati
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the recruitment of Rudolph Buchheit as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. His selection follows a national search led by a dedicated search committee that was informed by
HARTZ Search Assists Geisinger with Recruitment of CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Bill Bellando as executive vice president and chief information officer of Geisinger. He joins Geisinger after serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Georgia-based Wellstar Health System from 2022 to 2026. In this role, Mr. Bellando oversaw information technology and digital initiatives across the health system.
Beecher Reagan Names Managing Director
Houston, TX-headquartered executive search firm Beecher Reagan has appointed David Rio as managing director. He will deepen the firm’s work with consulting and technology-enabled services clients across publicly traded, private partnerships, and sponsor-backed companies. “David is a great addition, who will do nothing but strengthen our capabilities and the client experience we deliver,” said Clark Beecher, co-founder and
When to Use an Executive Search Firm
Executive hiring is one of the few business decisions where the consequences compound for years. The right leader can accelerate growth, strengthen culture, improve execution, and create enterprise value far beyond their compensation package. The wrong leader can stall momentum, disrupt teams, and force organizations to spend valuable time and resources correcting course. As companies
Klein Hersh Recruits CEO for Corrixr Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Hilary M. Malone as the new CEO of Corrixr Therapeutics in Newark, DE. She succeeds Eric B. Kmiec, founder of Corrixr, who will continue to serve in his capacity as chief scientific officer and will remain actively engaged in the
RH Perry & Associates Assists Holyoke Community College with Provost Search
RH Perry & Associates recently helped to place Jessica Nicklin as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Holyoke Community College (HCC). Senior consultants Jessie Thompson and Levy Brown led the assignment. “Dr. Nicklin is a respected leader in higher education and an organizational psychologist, recognized for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and dedication to student, faculty, and institutional
TSI Group Fills Senior Position for Dixon Hard Chrome
Mississauga, ON-headquartered executive search firm TSI Group Inc. recently assisted in the recruitment of Corey A. Williams as general manager of aerospace and aircraft plating specialist Dixon Hard Chrome in Sun Valley, CA. TSI Group partnered with Dixon Hard Chrome to identify a highly accomplished general manager capable of leading the organization’s operations and supporting its continued
Spencer Stuart Acquires Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates
Spencer Stuart has acquired Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates, a Zurich-based, founder-led leadership advisory firm, through which Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates will be integrated into Spencer Stuart. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. “Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates is a highly respected market leader with deep relationships with many of the most iconic and important businesses and organizations in Switzerland
Kingsley Gate Unveils a New Approach to AI-Powered Executive Search
Under pressure to deliver faster results, deeper market intelligence, and stronger candidate outcomes, executive search firms and talent leaders are reevaluating the tools and processes that have long defined the profession. Advances in artificial intelligence are accelerating that shift, creating new possibilities for how searches are scoped, executed, and managed from start to finish. Yet
Growth Happens When Human Capital is the Priority
Every growth story eventually reaches an inflection point where the business becomes more complex than the systems that built it. Revenue can grow quickly, markets can expand, and opportunities can multiply—but sustainable performance depends on an organization’s ability to evolve its leadership, decision-making, and talent infrastructure at the same pace. The companies that navigate these
Shelli Herman and Associates Tapped by Mystic Aquarium to Lead CEO Search
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates was recently selected by Mystic Aquarium to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. The organization seeks an experienced, mission-driven CEO to lead the organization into its next chapter, defined by expanded conservation impact, philanthropic growth, and deeper community relevance. Reporting to the board of trustees, this
Furst Group Recruits President and CEO of Blessing Health System
Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, recently helped to recruit Mike Trachta as the president and CEO of Blessing Health System. “The board sought a leader who could shape long-term strategy, strengthen key partnerships, and preserve Blessing Health’s independence while advancing operational excellence and financial stewardship,” Furst Group said in a LinkedIn
Stevenson Search Partners and HAVEN Unite to Launch New Human Capital Platform: Tidemark Talent Solutions
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, and HAVEN, a leadership development advisory firm, have created a strategic partnership under Tidemark Talent Solutions, a newly formed holding company focused on building an integrated human capital platform. Tidemark will seek to acquire and scale high-performing specialist
CHRO Succession Grows More Deliberate as Organizations Prioritize Experience and Transformation
The role of the chief human resources officer continues to evolve as organizations navigate workforce transformation, leadership succession, technological disruption, and shifting employee expectations. Once viewed primarily as a steward of talent and culture, today’s CHRO is increasingly expected to serve as a strategic business partner, helping shape enterprise priorities while ensuring organizations have the
DHR Global Tapped by Texas Southern to Lead Men’s Basketball Head Coach Search
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has been retained by Texas Southern to lead in its search for a new men’s head basketball coach. DHR emerged from what the university described as a competitive review process. The firm will help the school build and vet a broad pool of candidates capable of sustaining a program that ranks among the conference’s
Cook Silverman Search Retained by the California Academy of Sciences
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by the California Academy of Sciences to lead in its search for a director of leadership philanthropy. is a pivotal leadership role within the Advancement Department at the California Academy of Sciences. Reporting directly to the chief advancement officer and working closely with the executive director and board of
The Moran Company Names CEO
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has announced that Mike English joins Bill Moran as a partner of the firm and has been named the company’s CEO. Mr. Moran will continue his role as president of the company he established more than 30 years ago. Since then, The
Redefining Talent Management: The Chief Talent Officer’s Role in a New Era
The world of work has shifted permanently. Recruiters say that today’s talent leaders face an environment marked by macroeconomic upheavals, demographic changes, and rapid technological advances—creating a landscape that is not just different but highly complex. Thriving in this new era calls for a holistic, forward-looking approach to talent management, according to a new report
TRANSEARCH Expands In the Middle East
TRANSEARCH International has added Vanessa Fisk and Jack Khabbaz to its Middle East team as search consultants. Ms. Fisk, who joins TRANSEARCH in Dubai, has extensive experience across the financial services sector, holding a variety of C-suite positions in a number of global institutions in both advanced financial centers as well as emerging and underdeveloped markets. She is also an
Employers Remain Confident on Hiring Plans for 2016
U.S. employers remain confident in their hiring plans as they embark on a new year, with 36 percent of employers planning to add full-time, permanent employees in 2016, according to CareerBuilder’s annual job forecast. Nearly half of employers (47 percent) plan to hire temporary or contract workers. Workers can also expect to see higher starting salaries,
Curry College Taps Isaacson, Miller for CHRO Search
Curry College has retained Isaacson, Miller to lead its search for a new chief human resources officer (CHRO). Vice president Alan Wichlei is leading the search with managing associate Liz Vago. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the college’s senior leadership team, the CHRO will implement an innovative and comprehensive HR program and systems.
Egon Zehnder Appoints Boston Office Leader
Egon Zehnder has named Lisa Blais as leader of the firm’s Boston office. She is assuming the role from Jamie Satterthwaite, who has led the office for the past five years and oversaw significant growth for Zehnder in the New England market. Ms. Blais has served as head of the firm’s North American industrial practice, where
Lochlin Partners Recruits CEO for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Boutique executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Paul Wiedefeld as general manager and chief executive officer of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Managing director Patrick Friel led the search. Mr. Wiedefeld brings to the WMATA 30 years of public and private sector transportation management experience, formerly serving as CEO of the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where
Kincannon & Reed Appoints Managing Director
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has added Alan Temple as a managing director where he will serve clients in the produce and food sectors. Mr. Temple’s background includes a two decade long career with B&W Quality Growers, Inc., a producer and distributor of branded and wholesale leafy greens with international distribution. As president and CEO of
2015 Was Second-Best Year for Hiring Since 1999
The labor market continued to grow at a healthy pace in December as employers added 292,000 jobs and the U.S. unemployment rate remained at five percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Currently there are 7.9 million people unemployed in the U.S. For the year, total job growth totaled 2.7 million, the second-best year
SR Group Acquires Maximum Management Corp.
London-based specialist recruiter The SR Group has acquired Maximum Management Corporation (MMC), a boutique HR recruitment firm based in New York. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition gives SR Group its first office in the U.S. and complements global offices in the U.K., Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia. As well as expanding the
Polachi Taps CFO for NewStore
Executive recruiter Polachi Inc. has placed Joel Abdinoor as chief financial officer of NewStore, Inc. He will oversee finance and operations while working across the organization to optimize the business for growth. Charley Polachi, managing partner, led the assignment. Mr. Abdinoor is an experienced leader in building, restructuring, transforming and increasing the profitability of companies in a diverse
ZRG Partners Expands Industrial Search Practice
ZRG Partners has added Leslie Sharp as a managing director and member of the firm’s industrial recruiting practice. She brings expertise in the utilities and energy sectors. Ms. Sharp brings more than 15 years of executive search experience to ZRG. For the past six years, she has been supporting clients in the sector as practice leader,
Russell Reynolds Associates Adds to Energy / Natural Resources Practice
Russell Reynolds Associates has expanded its Houston office with the appointments of Brian Bayne and Stuart Vardaman. They join the firm’s energy and natural resources search practice. In addition to serving in the energy and natural resources practice, Mr. Bayne will also serve as a member of the firm’s corporate officers practice. With more than 17 years of experience
Success In Recruiting Now Depends On Change and Innovation
A great shift is underway in the executive search field – and few industry professionals have witnessed more change than Steven B. Potter. As managing director of U.S. operations at Odgers Berndtson, the sixth largest international search firm, Steve has captained numerous C-suite and board director searches, with a special expertise in financial services. He
Caldwell Posts 13 Percent Revenue Rise
Caldwell Partners International posted first quarter revenues of $13.9 million (Canadian), up 12.7 percent from revenues of $12.4 million a year ago. Revenue in the U.S. for the quarter rose 22.5 percent, while Canadian revenues dipped 20.8 percent. “Despite absolute revenue growth, we are disappointed in our first quarter results,” said CEO John Wallace. “Our revenue was
CarterBaldwin Recruits VP HR for Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Jim Matte as vice president of human resources for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated. Managing partner David Clapp led the search. Based in Charlotte, Coca-Cola Consolidated is the nation’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler. Mr. Matte has 25-plus years of experience in human resources leadership and labor law. At Coca-Cola Consolidated he will have responsibility
AMN Healthcare Services Finalizes Acquisition of B.E. Smith
AMN Healthcare Services, a provider of healthcare workforce solutions and staffing services, has completed its acquisition of healthcare-focused executive search firm B.E. Smith for $160 million in cash. The transaction is immediately accretive to AMN’s earnings and is structured to allow AMN to realize tax benefits having an estimated net present value of approximately $25 million. The purchase price is being
Heidrick & Struggles Names LA Office Leader
Carlos Garcia has been named head of the Los Angeles office of Heidrick & Struggles. He will continue to be active in the firm’s supply chain & operations search practice and work with clients in its healthcare and life sciences practice sectors. Mr. Garcia recruits senior leaders in sourcing, procurement, manufacturing, engineering, quality, logistics, distribution, customer service, and integrated supply chain areas. He joined Heidrick
More Workers Looking to Switch Jobs In 2016
More than one in five employees (21 percent) say they will leave their current employers in 2016, a five percent increase since last year (16 percent), according to a survey by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder. Among younger workers, the numbers are starker. Three in 10 employees ages 18 to 34 (30 percent) expect to
Allen Austin Launches Clean Tech Practice As Sector Demand and Funding Soar
Global leadership advisory firm Allen Austin has launched a new power & clean technology practice. Managing partner Jim Thompson will lead the new practice and he will be joined by fellow managing partners Mary Campagnano and Gary Payne. Allen Austin’s new sector orientation will be focused on critical growth areas, including solar, wind, fuel cells, energy storage,
Diversified Search Taps President for Triple/S Dynamics
Diversified Search has recruited Chris Rippee as president of Triple/S Dynamics. The search was led by managing director Lauren E. Smith. Triple/S Dynamics, headquartered in Dallas, is a manufacturer of equipment for the process industries, including the Slipstick Horizontal Motion Conveyor and the Texas Shaker Vibrating Screen. It is part of the KMC Global group of companies. Mr. Rippee began his
Allegis Partners In Hunt for CHRO
Global executive search firm Allegis Partners has been retained by Aleris Corporation to find its new chief human resources officer (CHRO). The position is based in suburban Cleveland and will report to the president and chief executive officer of the company, Sean M. Stack. Mike Bergen, managing partner & global practice leader (human resources), and Matt Healey, managing
Korn Ferry Expands Aerospace & Defense Search Practice
Korn Ferry has added John F. Weigold as senior client partner in its aerospace & defense practice. He will be based in the firm’s Stamford office. Mr. Weigold currently serves as a reserve Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy. He focuses his efforts on the aerospace, defense, government and aviation sectors, and conducts specialized work in
Cleveland Browns Turn to Korn Ferry for Head Coach
The Cleveland Browns are the latest professional sports team using the services of an executive search firm, this time Korn Ferry, to find its next head coach. Jed Hughes, the firm’s vice chairman and global sports sector leader, is heading the assignment. The new hire will be the 16th full time head coach in the organization’s franchise history. Mike Pettine was
Russell Reynolds Taps CEO for Zensar Technologies
Russell Reynolds Associates has placed Sandeep Kishore as chief executive officer of India-headquartered Zensar Technologies, a provider of technology services to global clients in the manufacturing, retail and financial services verticals. It offers end-to-end capabilities in Oracle implementation and maintenance. Known as a results-driven, innovative leader, Mr. Kishore served as corporate vice president of life sciences healthcare and
Heidrick & Struggles Names Chicago Office Leader
Lyndon A. Taylor has been appointed head of the Chicago office of Heidrick & Struggles. He will continue to be active in the firm’s financial services and CEO / board practices. Mr. Taylor rejoined Heidrick & Struggles in 2014. He had spent the previous decade at Russell Reynolds Associates, where he focused on C-level executive search and assessment assignments at
Catalyst Advisors Elects Partner; West Coast Office Expands With New Hires
Executive search firm Catalyst Advisors has named Sara Hagar as a partner. In addition, the firm has added Amy Bottoms as director and Steve Aeby as senior associate in its Los Angeles office. Ms. Hagar joined Catalyst in 2008 as a director in charge of recruiting board directors, CEOs and other senior executives for a range of biopharma
Erevena Adds Former CTPartners Recruiter as Senior Partner
Former CTPartners recruiter Lilian Poilpot has joined London-based executive search firm Erevena as a senior partner to further strengthen its European, Middle Eastern & African divisions. He specializes in telecommunications, information technology, consulting and private-equity or venture-backed companies. Mr. Poilpot joins Erevena from CTPartners where he led the firm’s technology, media and telecom service sector practices across the Middle East and North
Employees Confident Heading Into 2016
Fifty-eight percent of global employees believe the economic situation in their country will improve in 2016, according to the latest findings of the Randstad Workmonitor survey. Employees in Australia are the most positive (90 percent) while those in Chile and Greece are the least hopeful (35 percent and 19 percent, respectively). Although expectations are high, only 51 percent
Spencer Stuart Heading President Search for Emory University
Spencer Stuart has been selected by Emory University to lead its search for a new president. Current Emory president James W. Wagner has announced that he will step down from the presidency post at the end of August. He has led the school for more than a decade. “Following consideration of several highly respected search firms, the committee has selected Spencer
Calibre One Adds New Partner
Executive search firm Calibre One has added Diane McIntyre as a partner in its New York and Connecticut offices. The search was managed by Rochelle Schumer of R&L Associates. Ms. McIntyre has over 20 years of experience; she was a managing director at Ramsey/Beirne Associates (Kindred) for nine years, one of the leading internet and technology recruiting firms. She
Four Corners Group Recruits Chief Nursing Officer for Bluewater Health
Executive search firm Four Corners Group has placed Shannon Landry as chief nursing officer of Bluewater Health. She takes over the top nursing post from Barb O’Neil in a search process that included 80 potential candidates. Ms. Landry most recently served as chief nursing officer at Stevenson Memorial Hospital. There she also held the roles of vice president of clinical and paramedical
Vered Consulting Launched by Former FiveTen Group CEO
Former FiveTen Group chief executive officer, John Rose, has launched U.K.-headquartered executive search firm Vered Consulting. Mr. Rose has spent the past 12 years in a variety of CEO positions, spanning a wide variety of business types from a private equity-backed group and U.K. AIM-listed company, through to the U.K. division of a NASDAQ-listed business. His
