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The Squeezed Middle is Breaking Leadership Pipelines and Boards Are Missing It
Most leadership discussions focus on two ends of the organization. Entry-level hiring pipelines and executive compensation get airtime. The layer in between usually does not, according to a recent article from The Barton Partnership’s Michael Doud. “That blind spot is now one of the biggest risks to leadership continuity,” he said. “Middle management is where succession
ZRG Retained by Virginia Union University to Lead Chief Investment Officer Search
ZRG Partners has been retained by Virginia Union University to lead in its search for a chief investment officer. Dakota Doman, managing director in ZRG’s education practice, and principal Jerel Booker are leading the assignment. The chief investment officer will play a pivotal role in advancing this vision. This senior executive will develop and implement comprehensive
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.
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
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?
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
The Chief Commercial Officer: Driving Private Equity Value Creation
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on organic growth, commercial leadership is taking on a more central role in value creation. The chief commercial officer (CCO) has become one of the most important post-acquisition hires for private equity sponsors, according to a recent report from Spencer Stuart’s Dave Vidor. As extended hold periods and
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for U.S. Mobile Health Exams
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Eric Hepburn as CEO at U.S. Mobile Health Exams (USMHE) in Jacksonville, FL. He brings more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, business operations, strategic growth, and organizational transformation. Mr. Hepburn’s appointment brings USMHE an experienced executive with a track record of strengthening business operations, developing scalable
Cooper Coleman Leading CFO Search for Jacksonville Zoological Society
Cooper Coleman LLC has been retained by Jacksonville Zoological Society, Inc. to conduct a national search for its next CFO. “Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has an ambitious vision for its future, and its next CFO will help shape how those plans move forward,” said Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “We’re looking for someone
The Christopher Group Tapped by MITRE for Head of Total Rewards Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by MITRE to lead in its search for a head of total rewards. The search is being led by managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director Kat Kilkenney. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a total rewards leader who wants to make
Chief People Officer 2030: Developing a Toolkit for the Future of Leadership
HR leaders are deep into the evolution of their roles, shifting from back-office operational experts to strategic business partners. Every day, they navigate transformation on multiple levels—within their roles, their function, their organizations, and the broader business environment. The Covid-19 pandemic kick-started the pace of change, but volatility since, including geopolitical and economic volatility, new
Colby College Taps Opus Partners to Recruit CIO
Executive recruiting firm Opus Partners has been retained by Colby College to lead its search for a new chief information officer. Katie Dean, an Opus principal, is leading the assignment. Colby’s CIO will provide strategic leadership on all aspects of information technology planning, including program and policy development, managing key projects, and coordinating the delivery
Manhattan Resources Places Corporate Controller at Carlson Products
Houston-based executive search firm Manhattan Resources has placed Kirsten Vassalli as corporate controller at Carlson Products. Ms. Vassalli previously served as controller of Fabpro Orientated Polymers. Prior to that she served in a variety of roles at retail company Sheplers, Inc. and agricultural solutions provder AGCO Corporation. “Carlson Products is a unique company with a great story
Toft Group Opens In San Francisco
Toft Group, an executive search firm focusing exclusively on the life sciences and healthcare sectors, has opened a new office in the San Francisco Bay Area to support continued growth and customer demand. The new office is strategically situated in South San Francisco, among neighboring biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, and digital health companies. According to
Scrambling for Cybersecurity Leaders is Big Business for Recruiters
In the mid-1990s, when Joyce Brocaglia took on her first assignment to help build an information security operation for Citibank, it was a very different world. No one knew how much the Internet would grow and ultimately transform society. Technology was more primitive. Data was less accessible. And the massive connectivity we now taken for
Employee Engagement at Critically Low Levels
A critical need exists to improve employee engagement, according to a new survey released by the Hay Group division of Korn Ferry. The survey, which includes data from more than 7,500 business and HR leaders in 107 countries, found that across all leadership levels an average of only 36 percent of employees are “highly engaged.” The report
Association Strategies Recruits Association President
Executive search firm Association Strategies has placed Matthew E. Croson as president of The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA). He is replacing Joe T. Franklin Jr., who is retiring in June after leading the organization for 25 years. Mr. Croson has more than two decades of leadership and communications experience in manufacturing trade associations and
Acertitude Lands General Counsel for Chassix
Executive search firm Acertitude has placed Iwona Niec Villaire as vice president and general counsel for Chassix, Inc. The search was led by Kevin O’Neill, founder and managing partner, and supported by partner Geoffrey Votta. In her new role, Ms. Villaire will lead all legal affairs for the company and serve as member of the senior
eg.1 Opens First U.S. Office
London-headquartered executive recruiting firm eg.1 has opened is first office in the U.S., establishing a new location in New York City. The firm will be led by Victoria Gumbley, who will assume the title of vice president of North America. She will relocate from London to New York. The new office will bolster eg.1’s presence in North
Amrop Expands With Five New Partners
Amrop, a partnership of recruiting firms operating from 80 offices in 57 countries throughout Asia, EMEA, and the Americas, has expanded its staff with the additions of five new partners to its global team of executive search consultants. The search consultant additions give Amrop broadening coverage in four countries: Denmark, Ecuador, Italy and Romania: Sandra de
Companies Lacking In Career Development & Succession Planning Efforts
Managers are ill-equipped to have career conversations with their direct reports, with nearly a third (31 percent) saying their organization doesn’t provide people management training for managers, this according to research released by global talent management provider Penna. When asked how satisfied they are with the level of career development they are receiving, employees gave only five
Russell Reynolds In Hunt for New Leader at Chautauqua Institution
Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by The Chautauqua Institution to find its next president. Current president Tom Becker has announced he is retiring this fall after nearly 32 years of service. The non-profit adult education center and summer resort hopes to have a successor in place by then. The search will be led by Russell Reynolds
J. Gregory Coleman Group Fills HR Post for NLMK Group
Executive search firm The J. Gregory Coleman Group LLC has recruited Tom Taborek to lead HR for NLMK Group in the U.S. The search was conducted by Greg Coleman, managing principal, along with principal MaryAnne Denniston. This is a new position reporting to NLMK US president Bob Miller. Mr. Taborek is charged with building, implementing, branding and
TRANSEARCH Launches New European Office
TRANSEARCH International has launched a new office in Strasbourg, France with the addition of consultants from Neuman & Partners France. Marie-Helene Sohler and Gonzalo de Pedro join TRANSEARCH as managing directors, along with their support team of executive search professionals. Ms. Sohler has been an executive search professional for the past 20 years and has a strong focus on
Shifting Demographics Creating New Opportunities for Senior Level Talent
In the not-too-distant past, the majority of CEO and board director roles were almost exclusively filled by white males. But changing social demographics have compelled companies to make drastic modifications to their leadership ranks, and to look more broadly at these seats of power. Today’s chief executives and directors are a growing mix of genders,
Job Motivators Are Changing; What Matters In Your Job Search?
Candidate motivations for changing jobs vary by geography and generation, according to a global study from ManpowerGroup Solutions, part of ManpowerGroup. The new white paper, “Below the Surface: Emerging Global Motivators and Job Search Preferences” reveals that “type of work” is now equal to “compensation” as a motivator for career decisions among candidates globally. So, while money
Collegiate Sports Associates Lands Head Coach for University of Pittsburgh
Executive search firm Collegiate Sports Associates has recruited Kevin Stallings as head coach of the University of Pittsburgh men’s basketball program. He replaces Jamie Dixon, who left the Pitt Panthers to become head coach of his alma mater Texas Christian University, despite being under contract with Pitt until 2023. Mr. Stallings has compiled a 455-283 record
Egon Zehnder Names Dallas Office Leader
Egon Zehnder has named Arun Dhingra as head of the firm’s Dallas office. He assumes the role from Christopher Pfeiffer, who led the office over the past five years. “As head of the firm’s U.S. financial officers practice, Arun has helped dozens of public and private clients find the leaders they need to manage growth in
Radius Partners Recruits CEO for Scully Signal Company
Andover, MA-headquartered executive recruiting firm Radius Partners has placed Eric Kirleis as chief executive officer of Scully Signal Company. Co-founder Jim Poe led the search. “I am pleased to transition the full operational responsibilities to Eric and our new management team,” said Robert G. Scully, who has served as president and CEO since 1964. He
ZRG Partners Continues Expansion
ZRG Partners has added Paul Stefunek to its roster as a managing director. He will support the firm’s technology practice and serve as a member of the firm’s industrial and private equity team. Mr. Stefunek brings over 20 years of senior level search experience to this new role. Previously, he was a partner with DHR International and before that was chairman and managing partner of paul-lawrenceassociates. Earlier he was one
Motivating Leaders: Why Unlocking Their Potential Is Critical
According to a major new global study of senior executives by Egon Zehnder, mounting evidence shows optimal performance comes from the alignment of an executive’s personal values with an organization’s culture and the role’s responsibilities, yet few executives or organizations have made the adjustments necessary to take advantage of this synergy. The report, entitled “Leadership Identity
Habitat for Humanity Taps Miller Black for Chief People Officer
Executive search firm Miller Black Associates has recruited Andrea Carter as chief people officer of Habitat for Humanity International in Atlanta. Managing director Joanna Miller (pictured) led the search. Ms. Carter most recently served as global vice president of human resources at Ralph Lauren, based in Greensboro, NC. She previously held senior HR positions with
Odgers Berndtson Launches In Houston
Odgers Berndtson has opened a Houston office with the addition of three new partners who will service the leadership needs of clients in the energy and industrial space. Jim Thompson, Gary Payne, and Mary Campagnano, all formerly managing partners at Allen Austin, have joined the firm in its new location. Mr. Thompson will serve U.S. industrial
Eastern Michigan University Turns to Witt/Kieffer for Chief Diversity Officer
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has been retained by Eastern Michigan University (EMU) to lead its search for a chief diversity officer. Oliver Tomlin, a senior partner in Witt/Kieffer’s education and healthcare practices, is leading the search along with senior associate Jennifer Bauer. The chief diversity officer will serve as advisor to the president, administration, faculty, staff and students
Argyll Scott Adds Sales & Marketing Search Specialist
Executive search firm Argyll Scott has added sales and marketing specialist recruiter Bradley Feller as a director in its U.K. office. He will launch the new specialty practice for the firm. With over 20 years of recruiting experience, Mr. Feller worked for international recruiter Hudson for a decade before joining Hamilton Bradshaw. Most recently, he
Americans Uncertain About the Future of Work
Seventy four percent of employees are open to a new job – despite the fact that many of them are satisfied in their current one, according to the latest 2016 Jobvite Job Seeker Nation Study released by Jobvite. Thirty-nine percent of respondents report that it is more difficult to find a new job this year than in 2015, while 19
University of Minnesota Puts Out Search for Athletic Director
Sports and entertainment-focused executive recruiter Turnkey Search has been selected by the University of Minnesota to lead its search for a new athletics director. Beth Goetz has served as interim AD since Norwood Teague resigned in August after allegedly sexually harassing colleagues. “We are lucky to have a woman who’s been a good interim AD,” said Eric Kaler,
accelHRate Lands CHRO for Service King
HR executive search and management consulting firm accelHRate has placed Sean Huurman as chief human resources officer (CHRO) of Service King. Kimberly Shanahan, president and chief executive officer of accelHRate, led the search. As CHRO, Mr. Huurman will oversee all administrative operations and lead the department’s efforts across Service King’s national footprint. He joins Service
TalentRISE Expands Search Staff
Chicago-based executive search firm TalentRISE has added Deborah Snow Walsh as a managing director. Ms. Walsh has spent more than 25 years in numerous revenue generating consulting roles within insurance, banking and financial services, holding positions of increasing responsibility in client management, business development, talent strategy and talent management. Most recently, she was as a managing director at
Plymouth Search Partners Expands Business Offerings
Plymouth Search Partners – Signium has named Uli Mueller in its Fort Collins, CO and New York City offices. The firm also announced that it has expanded its services to include leadership development, organizational effectiveness and executive coaching. Mr. Mueller brings more than 20 years of progressive HR leadership experience in growth oriented multinational corporations. He joins Plymouth
Pay for Performance: Not Everyone Agrees On CEO Value
Public company directors give CEOs considerable credit for corporate success, believing that 40 percent of a company’s overall results, on average, are directly attributed to the CEO’s efforts, according new research released by Heidrick & Struggles and the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. Seventy-one percent of directors polled believe that CEOs are
Adecco to Acquire Penna Consulting for $149 Million
HR solutions company Adecco has acquired U.K.-based Penna Consulting Plc for $149 million as it seeks to strengthen its services outside the U.S. market. The company agreed to pay a 62 percent premium for Penna, according to industry sources. The deal is expected to close sometime later this quarter. Adecco CEO Alain Dehaze said both







