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The AI-Ready Chief People Officer
As artificial intelligence accelerates across the enterprise, the people function is emerging as one of its most critical proving grounds. Nowhere is the balance between innovation and responsibility more visible than in the evolving role of the chief people officer. AI is reshaping how organizations operate, how leaders make decisions, and how people experience work.
Odgers Acquires Ridgeway Partners
Odgers has acquired Ridgeway Partners LLC, a New York City-based executive search firm focused on financial services and board advisory. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We’re thrilled to welcome Ridgeway Partners’ talented team to the firm,” said Kennon Kincaid, CEO, Odgers US. They’ve earned an outstanding reputation for expert advice and a passionate
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.
Parker Remick Appoints Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has expanded with the addition of Amy Lewis as partner. Kevin Williamson, founder of Parker Remick, believes technology leadership has become one of the defining competitive advantages for large enterprises. “Technology leadership has never carried greater responsibility than it does today,” he said. “Every board is evaluating how AI, product innovation, and engineering capability
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?
millionways and Waxell Form Alliance to Bring Behavioral Intelligence to AI Governance and Agent Observability
millionways, the behavioral intelligence layer for the human-agent workforce, recently formed a strategic partnership with Waxell, an AI governance and agent observability company. The alliance was formed to help enterprises govern, observe, and improve AI agents operating in high-stakes human environments. As enterprises move from copilots to autonomous and semi-autonomous agents, AI systems are being given
How to Build a Perpetual CEO Succession Pipeline
CEO succession planning is increasingly being treated as a continuous leadership priority rather than a process that begins only when a departure is announced. With chief executives serving for a relatively limited period compared with the lifespan of most organizations, boards are under growing pressure to build deeper pipelines, develop internal talent, and maintain visibility
Slone Partners Recruits CEO for Perspectum
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has placed Warren Cresswell as CEO at Perspectum, an Oxford, England-based precision health company that delivers non-invasive solutions to accelerate drug development and improve patient outcomes in liver and cardiometabolic disease. “Warren brings an exceptional combination of global leadership experience, commercial expertise, and deep knowledge across diagnostics and precision health,” said Leslie
Anthem Executive | Anthem Academics Assists Texas A&M International University with Director of Athletics Search
Anthem Executive | Anthem Academics has assisted Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) with the recruitment of director of athletics. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. “We are excited to welcome Tyler to Texas A&M International University and to join our Dustdevil family,” said University president Christopher Maynard. His commitment to the academic
The Invisible Month in Executive Recruitment: The Overlooked ROI of Shortlist Due Diligence
Executive search firms are under growing pressure to protect both client outcomes and their own reputations as leadership decisions become more visible and consequential. That has put greater focus on when risk is identified in the search process, not simply whether it is identified at all, and on how earlier diligence can help firms avoid
AI Moves Deeper Into Executive Search Workflows as Innova Heads to Chicago
Artificial intelligence is moving quickly from experimentation into the day-to-day work of executive search firms, but adoption remains uneven across the industry. As search leaders evaluate a growing number of tools, many are looking for practical examples of where AI can improve research, business development, search delivery, and operations without compromising judgment or quality. The
JDG Associates Retained by SPIE to Lead CEO Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been selected by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, to lead its search for a new CEO. The Bellingham, WA-based society, the premier global organization advancing light-based research and technologies, seeks a strategic, globally minded executive to succeed CEO Kent Rochford, who will depart in February
CIO Partners Seeking Chief Information Officer for Resideo
CIO Partners was recently tapped by Resideo to lead in its search for a new chief information officer. This executive is responsible for defining and executing the enterprise technology strategy that enables innovation across connected home products, digital services, and global distribution operations at Resideo Technologies. This leader ensures that enterprise technology platforms, cloud infrastructure, and
DSG Global Appoints Managing Directors
DSG Global has expanded with the additions of Kris McFeely, Chris Clarey, and Scott Murray as managing directors. Ms. McFeely, who joins the firm’s nonprofit and social impact practice, brings more than two decades of executive search experience to the team. She specializes in identifying and recruiting exceptional leaders for mission-driven organizations. Drawing on experience across
U.S. M&A Accelerates as Buyers Raise the Bar
EY-Parthenon’s September Merger Monthly points to continued momentum across the U.S. M&A market. Through August, deal value for transactions above $100 million reached approximately $2.2 trillion, up roughly 48 percent year-over-year, while volume increased 23 percent. Momentum remained strong from June through August, with deal value rising 23 percent and volume advancing 22 percent from
Why the Best Job Offer Is About More Than Salary
A higher salary can make a new job attractive, but compensation alone does not always tell candidates whether an offer is truly better. According to a recent report from NPAworldwide, recruiters can play an important role in helping candidates evaluate the complete package while also helping employers understand why a competitive base salary may not
Buffkin / Baker Recruits President for Valdosta State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Donald J. Green president of Valdosta State University (VSU). Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt led the assignment. “Don Green is a leader who knows how to deliver results, and he’s proven that time and again,” USG chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “At Gordon State, he focused on
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
Building Your IR Function: The Questions Every VC Should be Asking
As venture firms mature and fundraising becomes more institutionalized, building the right investor relations function is increasingly becoming a critical part of long-term growth. The best time to hire an investor relations leader is before you urgently need one, according to a recent report from SPMB’s Suzanne Heske and Emily Leder. “LP relationships take years to
U.S. Hiring Slows as Unemployment Rate Edges Up to 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 29,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate edged up to at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, also increased in September. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Black (7.0 percent) increased in September.
Cook Silverman Search Recruits Chief Development Officer for Common Sense Media
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has assisted in the recruitment of Alicia Chang as chief development officer of Common Sense Media to lead in its search for a chief development officer. Ms. Chang joins Common Sense Media after spending a decade with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where she most recently served as deputy chief development officer
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
Key Talent Management Trends to Watch in 2025
Talent management is rapidly transforming as AI advancements, hybrid work models, and shifting leadership expectations reshape the employee experience. To capture these changes, Odgers Berndtson surveyed HR leaders and identified five key trends for 2025 that present both opportunities and challenges for the way organizations manage and engage their top talent. 1. Talent Attraction: Building
Toft Group Launches Digital Health Practice; Partners with IESF
Toft Group, an executive search firm focusing exclusively on the life sciences and healthcare sectors, has launched a dedicated executive recruiting practice for digital health & healthcare IT. The firm specializes in searches for organizations in biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostics. Due to rapid industry growth and increasing client demand, the firm said it
Mediatum Names Industrial Practice Leader
Executive recruiter Mediatum International has added Johannes Suciu to its new office in Frankfurt, Germany as senior client partner. He becomes head of the firm’s chemical & industrial practice group and will assist clients in senior level recruitment. Mr. Suciu joins Marijana Pavlovic, who joined the firm in November, to make up the office’s industrial executive
Workers Set Sights On New Jobs In 2016
Twenty-one percent of workers plan to look for new jobs in 2016, according to a new study released by Penna. The report found the majority of them have been considering a change for as a long as 11 months. “We all know that the end of the year sees a spike in the number of individuals
Allen Austin Launches Global Technology Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Allen Austin has launched a new global technology practice. It will be led by Rod Keller and co-led by Clement J. Wigger from the firm’s Austin office and will focus on helping organizations identify, attract, develop, and retain tech talent. The practice will be focused on critical growth areas in the sector including hardware systems
Museum Search & Reference Lands Museum Director
Executive search firm Museum Search & Reference has placed Min Jung Kim as director at the New Britain Museum of American Art. She will be the sixth director of the 112 year old museum and succeeds Douglas Hyland who served the organization for the past 15 years. Ms. Kim brings more than 20 years of experience in
AGB Search In Hunt for North Dakota University President
Executive search firm AGB Search has been selected by the University of North Dakota (UND) to lead the search for its 12th president. Dr. Robert Kelley, who has served as president since 2008, resigned the post. James H. McCormick, AGB Search senior consultant, is leading the assignment. According to the position specification, the university president will work
Dice Posts 9.8 Percent Revenue Decline
Dice Holdings, Inc. / (NYSE:DHX) posted 2015 revenues of $259.7 million, a decrease of 9.8 percent from $262.6 million the previous year. “2015 was a year in which we set the stage for the company’s next iteration. We brought new products to market, organized ourselves to gain efficiencies, and today, offer new services and have deeper relationships with our
Nordic Countries Outpace Global Regions for Female Directors
In the Nordic countries, the percentage of female directors on boards is 32.5 percent, outpacing most other European countries, according to Spencer Stuart’s recently released Nordic Board Index. First published 29 years ago in the U.S., the firm now monitors board composition via indices in 18 countries. The Nordic Board Index analyzes 125 of the largest
DHR Lands CEO for Turtle Wax
DHR International has recruited Gary Walrath as chief executive officer of Chicago-based Turtle Wax. Managing partner Carlos F. Cata led the search along with partner Christine DeYoung. Mr. Walrath brings over 25 years of finance, operations and general management experience across the technology space within public and private companies. Most recently, as CEO of STATS for 12 years,
Fahrenheit Group Acquires Boutique to Expand Services
The Fahrenheit Group, a Richmond-based business advisory and professional services firm, has acquired Bencks & Co., a boutique recruiting firm headquartered in Richmond, VA. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Fahrenheit, founded in 2010, provides advisory, accounting & finance, and human resource services from offices in Richmond, VA, Metro Washington, DC, Raleigh, NC
Phillips Oppenheim Leading President Search for Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Phillips Oppenheim, an executive search firm dedicated to the non-profit sector, has been retained by the Saratoga Performing Arts Center to lead its search for a president and executive director. Marcia White, who rescued the Arts Center from the worst budget crisis in the organization’s history, plans to retire at the end of 2016 after serving for a dozen
Cejka Expands Physician Search Division
Cejka Search, a physician, advanced practice and healthcare focused executive search firm, has expanded its management team with the addition of four industry executives who will serve as regional vice presidents for its physician search division. The expansion is in response to growing demand from a broad-based coalition of clients, including academic medicine concerns, hospitals and
Heidrick Posts 7.5 Percent Global Revenue Gain for 2015
Chicago-based Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted 2015 global revenues of $531.1 million, a 7.5 percent increase from revenues of $494.3 million in 2014. Revenue grew in the Americas by 15.2 percent (approximately 16.6 percent on a constant currency basis) and in Asia Pacific of 4.5 percent (approximately 12.7 percent on a constant currency basis), but saw
Harvard Group In Hunt for United Way Chief Culture Officer
Executive search firm Harvard Group International (HGI) has been selected by global non-profit United Way Worldwide to attract a chief culture officer to their organization. Chad Biagini, a co-leader of Harvard Group’s non-profit practice, is heading the search. “We are happy that United Way Worldwide has placed its trust in Harvard Group’s ability to handle this critical search project,”
ZRG Partners Expands Into Brazil With Former Fesa CEO
ZRG Partners has established a footprint in Brazil with the addition of Denys Monteiro as chief executive officer. While ZRG has completed searches in the region, this becomes the firm’s first on-the-ground venture in the Brazilian market. Mr. Monteiro was most recently CEO of Fesa, Brazil’s largest independent executive search firm where he has worked for 18
Hanold Associates Heading CHRO Search for REI
Once again, executive search firm Hanold Associates has been retained to search for an organization’s chief human resources officer (CHRO), this time by Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI). Founder and ex-Russell Reynolds Associates recruiter Jason Hanold will lead the search. Reporting to the company’s chief executive officer, Jerry Stritzke, the incoming CHRO will be a member of REI’s executive
NPAworldwide Adds 10 Member Firms
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added 10 new member firms. Membership in the network allows independent recruiters to serve their clients and candidates by partnering with other member firms on a split-fee basis. Uruguay-headquartered Advice provides recruitment services in the areas of telecommunications, pharmaceutical, health, financial services, power, logistics and transport, information technology, forestry, food & agriculture, public sector,
Women Static In Workforce But Gain As Top Talent Advisors
Women are under-represented in the workforce globally, and if organizations maintain the current rate of progress, female representation will reach only 40 percent globally in the professional and managerial ranks by 2025, according to Mercer’s second annual ‘When Women Thrive’ global report. Among the key trends revealed in the report is that women’s representation within organizations declines
Odgers Berndtson Acquires HR Specialist Charleston Partners
Odgers Berndtson has acquired Charleston Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm that exclusively recruits HR professionals and advises on human capital management issues. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Francis Luisi, founding principal of Charleston Partners, will lead the Odgers Berndtson U.S. HR practice and will work from the firm’s New
Amherst College Turns to Isaacson, Miller for Chief Diversity Officer
Amherst College has selected Isaacson, Miller to lead its search for a chief diversity officer. Mariana Cruz resigned as interim chief diversity officer in early October. Bud Moseley, a vice president in Isaacson, Miller’s Boston office, is leading this search along with Donna Cramer, senior associate. The college seeks a visionary, strategic, diplomatic, collaborative, and inspiring leader, according to
Mövenpick Hotels Taps Egon Zehnder for Next CEO
Egon Zehnder has been retained by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts (MHR) to lead its search for a chief executive officer. Jean-Gabriel Pérès has announced his intention to retire after 17 years of leadership. He will continue to serve as CEO until his successor assumes his responsibilities. The incoming CEO will be expected to “drive value-accretive initiatives”
Quick Leonard Kieffer Names Life Sciences Practice Leader
Executive search firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has appointed Patricia Hall as a managing partner. She will be responsible for leading the expansion of the firm’s life sciences practice. Ms. Hall has over 20 years of experience focused on general management, commercial and operations leadership for the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and consumer health and wellness sectors. She
Not Actively Looking Receives Private Funding
Not Actively Looking, a U.K.-based global matchmaking platform for senior executives and executive search firms, has completed a private fund raising of more than £400,000, or the U.S. equivalent of nearly $600,000. The service allows executives to discreetly manage and update their CV for the benefit of executive search firms they hand pick. For search firms, the service
Heidrick & Struggles Names Global CEO & Board Practice Co-Managing Partners
Heidrick & Struggles has named Bonnie Gwin and Jeff Sanders as co-managing partners of the firm’s global CEO & board practice groups. Heidrick’s global CEO & board practice advises companies on succession planning, talent management, board effectiveness and culture shaping, and also places directors and CEOs at leading private and public companies. It offers an
Baker and Associates Recruits President for University of Mary Washington
Baker and Associates, LLC has recruited Troy D. Paino as the 10th president of the University of Mary Washington in Virginia. Rick Hurley, who has served as the University’s president since 2010, said he will retire in June. The search was led by senior vice president Martin Baker. Mr. Paino is currently president of Truman State University, a post he
Spencer Stuart Lands Director for the National Book Foundation
Spencer Stuart has placed Lisa Lucas as the new executive director of the National Book Foundation (NBF). She becomes the third executive director in the Foundation’s history. Harold Augenbraum, the current executive director, will step down from his post next month. Ms. Lucas comes to the NBF after serving as publisher of Guernica, a non-profit digital magazine focused
Boyden Adds Partner In Toronto
Executive search firm Boyden has added Brian G. Bachand as a partner in its Toronto office. He will work in the firm’s education, healthcare & life sciences, and not-for-profit recruiting practices. Boyden’s Toronto office serves a number of sectors, including financial services, healthcare, municipal, industrial, real estate and development, construction, consumer products and professional services.
Company Culture Seen As X-Factor In Organizational Success
Executives see the need to make culture a priority to drive alignment, collaboration, and performance, according to the recently released ‘Real World Leadership’ study by Korn Ferry Hay Group. The report, which polled more than 7,500 executives from 107 countries, found that “driving culture change” ranks among the top three global leadership development priorities. The report affirms
Starboard Tack Advisors Launches In New York
Ex-Egon Zehnder partner, Rob Sloan, has launched Starboard Tack Advisors, a strategic talent development and advisory services provider to boards, chief executives and executive teams in the financial services sector. The new firm will be based in New York. Mr. Sloan has served as a talent advisor to boards for projects including CEO succession, director search, executive
Witt/Kieffer Recruits CEO for Crotched Mountain Foundation
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has placed Michael W. Coughlin as president and chief executive officer of Crotched Mountain Foundation. Former president and CEO Don Shumway announced his retirement in September after 13 years of service. A search committee, chaired by Bruce King, chief executive officer of New London Hospital and a member of the Crotched Mountain board
NorthWind Partners Taps COO for eGlobalTech
NorthWind Partners, a boutique search firm focused on recruiting talent for the private equity sector, has recruited Sal Fazzolari as chief operating officer of eGlobalTech (eGT). In this capacity, he will oversee eGT’s strategic vision and growth plans. Managing partner Mark HuYoung, who leads the firm’s private equity practice, along with partners Patrick Gray, Hunter Murray, and
